From Time Out Dubai Eating Out 2011

When the bar is empty and quiet, as it was on our most recent visit, it can feel a tad unwelcoming and you’re not inclined to linger. This is a venue best visited when a jazz band is playing. Otherwise, while staff are friendly and eager, it’s not a place where you might feel even vaguely relaxed. The menu, split into a list of snacks and another of mains, is heavy on the deep-fried. After opting for a mezze platter (the safe bet) which was saved by the tabbouleh, and a portion of cheese nachos, which was just microwaved cheese on crisps – we had low expectations for our mains. Moments after our starters had arrived, the steak sandwich and battered chicken strips also showed up, in all their greasy glory. While the chicken strips were surprisingly juicy, the limp, stringy steak and stale focaccia ruined the sandwich. Portion sizes were large, thanks to sides of curly fries or potato wedges, but there’s not much reason to visit unless you’re ravenous during an exhibition next door, where there are few alternatives.