Cactus Cantina

Tex-Mex staples in one of Dubai's longest-serving restaurants 2 Reviews

From Time Out Dubai Eating Out 2009

The fact that Cactus Cantina has been dishing up its Tex Mex fare since 1992 indicates that something must be going right.

For starters, its hotel location in a part of town not blessed with licensed restaurants has always helped. Then there are the popular Rydges Plaza outlets surrounding it. Unlike the city outside, the restaurant’s interior shows no sign of impending change.

It practically waves a defiant, taco-filled fist at Dubai’s march of progress. This is both CC’s strength and weakness. It’s fine if you’re just after the Tex Mex staples – the fajita, burrito and nacho dishes are all cooked to perfection. Less so if you’re after something inventive.

The chicken and avocado salad sounds promising, but comes in a gloopy dressing. But this isn’t why Cactus Cantina has been in business for so long. Should you want a moderately priced dinner in a friendly setting and fancy a drink, reserve a window table. Then marvel at Dubai’s ever-changing skyline.

• Previous reviews
  • 28 April,2008- reviewed by Becky Lucas
  • 01 August,2002- reviewed by Carolyn Robb
  • 01 December,2001- reviewed by Time Out Dubai Staff

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