Palm Grill

Pricey steakhouse Dubai Creek Discuss this article

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From Time Out Dubai Eating Out 2008

Thirty pounds. Forty two euros. Sixty dollars. The currency doesn’t matter – it’s the equivalent of about 220 Creek crossings, or an armful of Karama’s finest genuine fake Rolex watches. On the other hand, it might buy you a buckle, two buttons and a zip on a Fendi handbag at Harvey Nicks, or 45 minutes’ kip in the Burj Al Arab’s broom cupboard.

Of course, these are all ballpark figures, but in terms of value, it’s roughly the same as the 200g Australian Angus filet mignon at Palm Grill. The Dhs220 hunk of meat at the Radisson SAS Deira Creek Hotel is certainly an extravagance, but is it really worth it?

The restaurant doesn’t seem to be attracting the crowds it once did, but settle down to some complimentary miniature naan breads and a portion of smooth goose liver pâté. A delicately drizzled shrimp cocktail dish, featuring sweet cherry tomatoes and a couple of hefty prawns, is also a wise move. But things tend to go downhill, however, after the starters.

The 300g US ribeye, for example, is a slab of thick, juicy meat that is blood red inside, but is tough enough to patch up a leak in a nuclear submarine. Slightly better is the tender and beautifully deep-crimson filet mignon, which appears to cleave itself at a mere glint of a knife.

Yet even this majestic slab of steak is marred by the occasional – and not insubstantial – string of fat. After spending Dhs420 on meat, you’d expect more. Thankfully the side dishes are very good – the grilled asparagus is crunchy, buttery and robustly flavoursome, while the wilted spinach is sprightlier than its name suggests.

And the desserts duly follow suit – although you may find yourselves waiting a while for them. Order a rich, fresh and perfectly pert cheesecake with an assortment of blushing berries, or indulge in a sticky yet flaky apple tart.

The problem here is that since a steakhouse lives and dies by its meat, you’ll leave feeling shortchanged.

• Previous reviews
  • 30 March,2009- reviewed by Time Out Dubai staff
  • 17 October,2007- reviewed by TimeOut Dubai Staff
  • 12 March,2007- reviewed by Time Out Dubai Staff
  • 15 November,2006- reviewed by Time Out Dubai Staff
  • 30 April,2006- reviewed by Time Out Dubai
  • 01 May,2004- reviewed by Rob Orchard

Time Out reviews restaurants anonymously and pays for meals. Of course, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or independence of user reviews.