The Lakeview is advertised as Dubai’s best kept secret and judging by the limited clientèle on our visit, few people are in on it. We were a little unsure whether we’d entered a smart hotel bar or a posh sports joint: the look is contemporary, with comfy seating and six or so plasma screens all showing football. If it weren’t for the new menu advertised upstairs we wouldn’t know we could eat here.

We chose to have our meal on the sprawling terrace overlooking the creek and golf course. My friend decided it’s his ideal setting for a romantic dinner: beautiful views over the water, nicely secluded and if you sit strategically, you can watch the footy over your girlfriend’s shoulder.

Ordering spiced calamari and a chicken and mushroom terrine, we settled into some orange juice in the sun. The calamari – subtly marinaded with chilli and Chinese five spice and deep fried – boded well for the rest of the meal. The terrine put a dampener on our expectations: a mammoth portion of insipid chicken slices alternated with layers of soggy mushrooms and a doleful herb and shallot mixture, all presented on stale brioche. Thankfully both our mains were excellent. Scallop and mussel farang – a flavoursome stew of vegetables, scallops and mussels – had a Chinese flavour rather than the Thai style that was indicated but was good all the same. The balsamic chicken with sun dried tomato and mint couscous was well prepared – beautiful succulent chicken, enhanced by a herb and pimento tapenade. My pudding of pear and almond tart was a definite hit, but to enjoy my friend’s acarigua – a chocolate and orange dessert – you’d have to be a major fan of Jaffa cakes.

All in all, despite our initial confusion and two disappointing dishes, it’s time the secret was out – Lakeview is certainly worth a visit.