Sarband

And after a small mixed herb salad full of the fresh, full-bodied flavours of mint, parsley, spring onion, zaatar, radish and feta, come the spectacular mains 1 Reviews

From Time Out Dubai Eating Out 2007

There are many reasons why this restaurant has received Time Out recognition in the past and the setting, though lovely, is not the main one. The contemporary Mediterranean feel inside, along with the outdoor terrace and its recent extension, is more than pleasant, but what keeps people so interested in Sarband is the excellent food. The kashk-o-bademjan, a grilled aubergine dip made with whey and caramelised onions, is smooth and full of kick, while an order of green olives marinated in crushed walnuts and pomegranate is a perfect way to begin a wonderful meal.

Sarband’s fresh breadbasket goes nicely with mast khiar – yoghurt and cucumber with the subtle touch of crushed dried rose petals. And after a small mixed herb salad full of the fresh, full-bodied flavours of mint, parsley, spring onion, zaatar, radish and feta, come the spectacular mains. The ghormeh sabzi can be appropriately labelled the ultimate in comfort food. It’s a thick lamb stew of mixed herbs, kidney beans and lime served with buttery saffron rice. For seafood, try the mixed kebab combo with prawn and hammour marinated in saffron.

The colourful dish is a generously hearty meal and there’s the sweet, smoky taste of juicy, charcoal-cooked tomato on the side. End on a sweet note with a sticky saffron ice cream topped with pistachios, and your own personal mini tea tray with a tiny bowl of sugar, fresh mint, and a strawberry jam-filled coconut cookie on the side. Excellent.

• Previous reviews
  • 30 March,2009- reviewed by Time Out Dubai staff
  • 26 March,2008- reviewed by Jeremy Lawrence
  • 27 April,2006- reviewed by Time Out Dubai
  • 20 February,2006- reviewed by Matthew Lee

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