Teatro

Great value at Towers Rotana 44 Reviews

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From Time Out Dubai Eating Out 2008

Among the plethora of big-name chefs heading up big-name restaurants, it’s refreshing to see Teatro still offering the same excellent food, low-lit atmosphere – and crucially – the same excellent value for money. Head for one of their four set menus and you’ll find an array of options from as low as Dhs175 for a four-course meal.

If you’re sticking with the à la carte menu, then the choice is even more impressive – the restaurant’s motto is ‘Where Eastern cooking meets Western cuisine’, and it truly lives up to that mantra. Offering dishes from Thailand, China, Italy and India – as well as an extensive sushi menu – there is something for every palate.

Unfortunately, it’s far from a secret, meaning it’s often booked up days in advance, which sadly does also mean that you’re sometimes hastily shepherded through your dinner. So if you want a relaxed and lazy meal, then make a point to say so.

The Asian sampler is a good jumping off point – the duck pancakes are rammed with succulent slivers of duck and demand dunking in the lip-lickingly good hoi sin sauce, while the succulent samosas come with a cooling mint sauce, and the fried prawns are as big as baby’s arms and brilliantly moist.

The pollo mattone main course is a disappointingly dry dish, with the tame hunk of chicken carried by a bed of shrivelled gnocchi. The Malai curry fares much better. Beautifully tender and in a sauce so rich and gloopy it might have been an extra from Charlie And The Curry Factory, it should be unceremoniously wiped up by the pillow-soft Kashmiri naan.

Desserts are dominated by fruit and chocolate dishes – the passion fruit tart is sublime, while the sizzling chocolate brownie sounds intriguing, but can be a step too far for some bellies. The rapid service aside, Teatro offers one of the best value for money menus in town.

By Jeremy Lawrence

• Previous reviews
  • 22 March,2012- reviewed by Time Out Dubai staff
  • 24 March,2011- reviewed by Time Out Dubai staff
  • 24 March,2010- reviewed by Time Out Dubai staff
  • 19 January,2010- reviewed by Daisy Carrington
  • 19 March,2009- reviewed by Time Out Dubai staff
  • 12 March,2007- reviewed by Time Out Dubai Staff
  • 28 June,2006- reviewed by Time Out Dubai
  • 29 April,2006- reviewed by Time Out Dubai
  • 26 September,2005- reviewed by Matthew Lee
  • 01 April,2004- reviewed by Rob Orchard
  • 01 July,2002- reviewed by Carolyn Robb
  • 01 November,2001- reviewed by Time Out Dubai Staff

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

User reviews:

Posted by: MayAndrew on 25 Aug ' 11 at 20:52

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Excellent food!!
Nice for a casual romantic outing
Missing a smoking section in the dining area (smoking only at the bar)

Posted by: rachel smith on 13 Aug ' 11 at 21:20

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Omg!!! i love Teatro...

Posted by: nick on 04 Jun ' 11 at 10:45

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

I totally agree that the food is expensive and portions are certainly getting smaller.....sushi size and portion are ridiculously reduced to less than a bite size..... quit the greed and bring back the restaurant to the previous glory before loosing your valued customers... lady manager, I agree with the comments you have favorite customers you great and others Ignore..focus on service and equality.
PS: I have been a loyal guest for years.

Posted by: Miguel from Spain on 02 Jun ' 11 at 09:32

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

Great staff, nice Ambiance, worst food and poor selection of wines.

Posted by: Al on 31 May ' 11 at 05:18

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

Nice decor, menu is the same as many years back, the worst house wine, the manager is mean and screams at her employees, treat them like slaves, they work long hours for a little salary. We asked to be seated at a certain table as we came in early in the evening , we were told by the staff that we cant be seated at these tables, because the "Madam" in reference to the lady manager reserve these tables for her favorite guests, I did not think that there are favorites guests at restaurants, at the end of the day, we all pay the bill.

Posted by: Tom on 28 May ' 11 at 07:20

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

Used to be a firm favorite and not visited for a lnng time until twice recently. Food is still good but service was average and the restaurant is now over packed with tables, so much so that you have large trays of food literally being delivered to tables over your head (unless of course you are seated on an inner table).

I think the hotel needs to be less greedy and reduce the number of tables, up the service level and reduce the prices to bring Teatro back to its former glory and excellent value.

Posted by: laila on 29 Mar ' 11 at 10:27

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

fantastic culinary journey and superb cocktails-best bar staff in dubai by far

Posted by: maayu on 28 Mar ' 11 at 13:25

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

has the best early dinner experince with a few friends, Fantastic food service and ambience, Complete overall package

Posted by: laila on 27 Mar ' 11 at 22:21

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

fantastic culinary journey and superb cocktail - best bar staff in dubai by far

Posted by: ally on 27 Mar ' 11 at 16:22

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

OMG BEST FOOD IN DUBAI! I want to go back again and again and again!

Was there on the 24th and WOW it was unforgettable.
We even got a table visit from the Head Chef!
Had to die for prawns and sushi starter and a melt in yr
mouth seabass. You can tell they only use top quality ingredients
and the dishes are presented with love.

LOVE IT! LOVE IT!

Posted by: Ahmed on 19 Mar ' 11 at 17:50

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

My fav restaurant in Dubai

Posted by: Ben E on 23 Feb ' 11 at 12:51

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Very stylish restaurant, great setting and if you get a table next to the window you have the great city feeling whilst looking at the Dubai skyline. Service is faultless, very efficient and friendly. They have a good selection of Thai / Asian and also Italian fare. Do not be put off by this, as there are two kitchens dedicated to which ever you prefer. We had Duck spring rolls followed by Green curry cooked to your spice preference. To top this all off they even offer an early bird to save some on your food bill. Good place to take the partner and to entertain guests, and it won't break the bank.

Posted by: Jim B. on 22 Feb ' 11 at 05:10

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

Puzzzled why this is rated as a Romantic restaurant. Its not a bad decor/ambience but there is nothing romantic about it - no view, no intimate seating etc.

Nothing wrong with this reasuaurant as such. Just very very plain. Food and service is acceptable but certainly nothing more. Basically just a place for a quick bite on a weekday to fill the stomach. Not a place to take a partner or go to linger over a nice dinner.

Dinner for 2 without alcohol came to 450, which is not an unreasonable amount but certainly its easy to find better value for money in Dubai - or pay slighty more for a better dinner/restaurant.

Posted by: Charlotte on 11 Jan ' 11 at 08:51

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Still by far mine (and my Dad's) favourite restaurant in Dubai. Pat and the team do an amazing job and I have never had a bad meal there in 5 years of frequenting the place! The Thai green chicken curry, wasabi prawns and the Thai fish cakes are to die for (whoever said the food was greasy is wrong!).

Posted by: George R. on 24 May ' 10 at 16:03

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• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

THE BEST RESTAURANT IN DUBAI.BEST FOOD,BEST AMBIENCE AND BEST SERVICE.IT'S A VERY BUSY RESTAURANT AND YET YOU CAN STILL GET THE SATISFACTION.

Posted by: Max on 30 Apr ' 10 at 17:07

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FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Just Great! My favorite place in Dubai...the best, no doubt...and I can tell you that I have been everywhere in Dubai!

Posted by: Ellanie Advento on 17 Mar ' 10 at 05:53

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FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

One of the best restaurant in Dubai.

Posted by: Jean-Pierre on 14 Mar ' 10 at 06:02

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

The food is excellent. I also really love the ambience of this place. It's a great place for a romantic dinner!!

Posted by: Jennitte Caperlac on 11 Mar ' 10 at 10:38

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Posted by: Jong Sim on 11 Mar ' 10 at 10:37

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Posted by: Biju Prakash on 11 Mar ' 10 at 10:37

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

One of the best restaurants that I have been to. Entertained a few corporate clients and ended up going back again very soon for a Lovely evening with partner. Amazing Ambience together with the most delicious food makes it a perfect place for a great evening.

Posted by: Jenny Caperlac on 11 Mar ' 10 at 10:35

OverallServiceAmbience

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Great place.

Posted by: Nader Ismair on 11 Mar ' 10 at 10:26

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Posted by: Lesley on 11 Mar ' 10 at 05:52

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FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Great experience all round.

Posted by: Deepika Biju on 09 Mar ' 10 at 12:07

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FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Undoubtedly my favourite restaurant and its surprising I never seem to be get tired of going there even after all these years....Great food, Great service together with the great ambience make it a perfect place for a dinner with friends or a quiet Romatic dinner with partner. The wasabi Tempura prawns are an all time favourite and be sure not to miss the sizzling brownie.

Posted by: Jill Downie on 09 Mar ' 10 at 11:09

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FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Great food, perfect setting and a convenient location in the heart of Dubai. The Tempura Prawns are to die for, Butter Chicken super succulent and the cocktails go down a treat!

Posted by: Rastislav Torok on 09 Mar ' 10 at 09:31

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Posted by: Brona on 09 Mar ' 10 at 08:10

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Posted by: Amr Adel on 09 Mar ' 10 at 05:25

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

The best ambience and food variety we have in any restaurant so far in the UAE. Since they open we always go at least one time a month for a romantic dinner. I like the mix of having a separate bar in the restaurant for an aperitif before dinner and a cigarette with a drink after dinner.

Posted by: sachi on 09 Mar ' 10 at 03:53

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

The best Atmpsphere and very lively.The food is superb complimented with excellent selections of Wines.Great Food and service show that why even after 8 years the place is busy every night. Long live Teatro

Posted by: Myrna Mouzannar on 08 Mar ' 10 at 12:24

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Amazing Restaurant, Great Atmosphere and outstanding Staff !! Teatro is my favourite restaurant.

Posted by: Christine on 08 Mar ' 10 at 12:14

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

The restaurant serves great food. Everybody can find something they like in Teatro.

The ambience is great with the different styles of decoration.

Posted by: Regina on 08 Mar ' 10 at 11:55

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Posted by: Leo on 08 Mar ' 10 at 11:54

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Posted by: Adele Schultz on 02 Feb ' 10 at 11:00

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Teatro remains one of my favourite restaurants in Dubai, even after almost 8 years I still keep going back. The same Restaurant Manager with the same energy and the same sizzling chocolate brownie with thick-warm chocolate leaking from the inside is probably the reason why! I did notice the interior design spruce-up. Very chic and stylish.

Posted by: DF on 15 Nov ' 09 at 09:01

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

Great atmosphere and service but the food had no wow factor which was a shame.

The crab cakes were bland and deep fried and were average at best. The lobster spaghetti was very short on lobster and had far too much chili in the sauce.

Posted by: Saadia on 17 May ' 09 at 10:44

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FoodAmbienceValue

• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

One of the slickest operations in Dubai- there is a reason why this stalwart has stood the test of time and keeps it afficianados coming back regularly. The menu is designer to suit any taste and palate; perfect if you have a disparate group who cannot make their mind between sushi, italian, indian, continental or oriental. All dishes are prepared competantly; the Indian food is particularly good though. Make sure you save room for the indulgent sizzling chocolate brownie. A great place for business dinners and for large groups of friends- this is a favourite haunt of mine (and anyone i introduce to it)- thankfully i don't think i will ever exhaust the menu options here!

Posted by: Jon on 01 Apr ' 09 at 18:14

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

Sorry to disagree but I'm a real food fan and have eaten at a lot of great restaurants, but the food here isn't good enough. Not terrible, but also not deserving of all the stars.
Maybe it was our choices - the desert platter in particular was poor and lazily constructed - for example, would you really expect artificial spray cream on a desert in a good restaurant?
The Asian starter platter was also poorly cooked, with several items unpalatably soggy and dripping in oil, with a rather out-of-the-packet feel to them.
I was disappointed given the reviews I've read. I agree on great ambience, great decor and good service but the food doesn't cut it.

Posted by: Rita on 18 Mar ' 09 at 12:00

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• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

My mistake... I ment business dinners.

Posted by: Rita on 18 Mar ' 09 at 11:52

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FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Business lunch
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

The food is great and I usually come to Teatro for my business lunches with my clients. The ambience is very nice and the service is excellent.

Posted by: Mirna on 18 Mar ' 09 at 11:43

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

The best ambience ever. The food is excellent and a lot of varieties.
the great quality of the service shows that a professional team is very well managing the restaurant.
Best of Luck...

Posted by: Carole Van Biesen on 18 Mar ' 09 at 11:23

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Great restaurant .. Love it !!

Posted by: Myrna Mouzannar on 18 Mar ' 09 at 11:17

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Posted by: Kolin Jamil on 01 Feb ' 09 at 12:10

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Very busy very noisy atmosphere. Good for group dinner.