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A serene space within the now buzzing block of restaurants that make up Dubai Hills Business Park, DUO Gastrobar is worth a trip. Dmitry Blinov and Renat Malikov are the duo (pun not intended) behind this concept that aims to tantalise your tastebuds. As you settle into the space with neutral palettes and sleek designs, the open kitchen where the team moves silently to the beat of their head chef is a sight to behold. The yellowtail ceviche with horseradish and black truffle is a signature dish and it’s easy to see why – a refreshing burst of flavours erupts in your mouth with every bite. The tuna ceviche with cucumber and cilantro is another signature, and we’re told the recipe has stayed true to its 2014 iteration. The young cabbage with black truffle is a revelation; perhaps considered a stodgy or boring vegetable, the cabbage is elevated beautifully and is tender and moreish. We loved the tender and high-quality beef cheeks for a main with a creamy potato gratin complementing it. Leave place for dessert: the passion fruit with gorgonzola was a pleasant surprise (as long as you like blue cheese!).
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The team behind vibrant eateries such as Asia Asia, Lock, Stock & Barrel and more – Solutions Leisure – has opened Italian concept Papas at the InterContinental Dubai Marina (in the space formerly occupied by Marina Social). Diners will immediately feel like they have been transported to Italy with the stunning interior design, inspired by a classic trattoria with a Fiat waiting at the entrance to whisk you off on your Italian adventure. The outdoor seating is the perfect spot to overlook the glittering Dubai Marina with arches, stunning fountains and bright colours adding to the ambiance. On the Taste of Italy menu, the inclusion of hazelnuts in the bluefin tartare is a welcome textural surprise for the palate, while the burrata delivers on the expected classic flavours. The tartufo & funghi pizza uses the smoked scarmoza to full effect paired with meaty mushrooms – you can catch a hunger-inducing whiff of the mushroom, cheese and truffle from tables away. And when it comes to dessert, while the pistachio tiramisu is a clever take on a classic, the Sicilian cannoli should be on your list of must-try dishes.
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Korean food is finding even firmer footing in the minds of the UAE’s foodie crowd, and it’s in this welcoming environment that GIMI opened its doors within Al Wasl Vita Mall to showcase Korean and Southeast Asian flavours. With dark and woody interiors and sleek flooring, it’s a cool space where you will even spot Funko figurines of the K-pop band BTS welcoming you into the venue. The menu is an amalgamation of K-pop and hawker culture plus a dash of tradition. It’s an easy sharing-style concept where the kimchi pancake is a winner, paired with jangajji (Korean pickled vegetables sauce) and ssamjang (a thick chilli paste). The Korean fried chicken is tender and mildly spicy, with the menu declaring it ‘swicy’, one of the more recent trends in the world of food. The Korean-style short ribs was a stand-out dish with thinly sliced morsels of meat tearing apart easily and melting in your mouth. The umami was strong with this one.
The kimchi pancake at GIMI is moreish
The interiors of GIMI are inspired by Asian culture
