Ponderosa Steak House

Affordable steakhouse in Deira 2 Reviews

An unlicensed steakhouse along the lines of other chains such as Sizzler, both in terms of appearance and its mission to provide reasonable food at reasonable prices.

Many nearby office workers drop in simply to graze on the lunchtime buffet, which is freshly maintained and includes some rather morish goodies (we loved the fried zucchini, for example).

The variety is not amazing and there are some items best avoiding - don’t go near the squeezy-cheesey goo taco stuffing. At Dhs29 including a dessert, however, it’s a fair feed at the very least. There is also an à la carte menu, including steaks (beef and chicken) and seafood.

At Dhs44 for a very acceptably succulent 6oz beefsteak, prices are by no means outrageous, but nor is Ponderosa truly the ‘great American family restaurant’ it claims to be (an American would scoff at a 6oz steak, for starters).

Then again, with the buffet option a meal becomes as big as you want it to be, and chances are you’ll be able to enjoy your meal with plenty of peace and privacy - Ponderosa is more often than not less than packed out.

What’s more, for casual Deira diners, it sure beats yet another meal in City Centre.

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