Elia

Greek food at its best? We decided it was time to find out 7 Reviews

Meal Deal

Friday brunch

Dhs130 with two drinks. Family style brunch every other Friday. Call ahead Timings: Noon-3.30pm (Friday)

1

© ITP Images

 

• 
• Picture 1 of 2
• 

From Time Out Dubai Eating Out 2009

Walking into Elia, you won’t notice anything palpably Greek. But this is part of the charm. It’s understated, simple and intimate, with tables for two tucked away in corners and the rare delight of an outdoor terrace.

Each table has a bottle of pure virgin olive oil placed in prominent position – perfect for drizzling on the selection of freshly baked sundried tomato and carob breads. But leave room for starters like the beef meatballs or cabbage dolma and it will soon become clear why head chef Yannis Baxevanis is nicknamed ‘the aroma magician’ of Greek cuisine.

Plucked from his homeland to head up a kitchen of four Greek chefs, Yannis is fanatical about fresh produce and even more evangelical about herbs. This means all dishes at Elia are as aromatic as a sea breeze over Mykonos.

The textures aren’t forgotten either, with chefs expertly chargrilling the lamb souvlaki to delectable tenderness. The seafood yiouvetsi is also a must – a sensational medley of seafood presented rather like a Spanish paella, but cooked to perfection in an earthen dish.

And desserts? They’re so sublime, Time Out recommends ordering one each, or it’s quite possible a plate smashing melee will erupt over the last spoonful of chocolate fondant.

By Time Out Dubai staff
Time Out Dubai, 17 March 2009

• Previous reviews
  • 11 January,2009- reviewed by Daisy Carrington
  • 25 December,2007- reviewed by James Brennan

• Share | |
• E-mail:
• 
• Print:
• 

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

Posted by: Gaby on 16 Jun ' 09 at 13:40

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

We went to Elia with a group of people and just loved it. The decor and ambience is Mediterranean yet not too dominantly Greek. It feels warm and stylish at the same time. They do have an airconditioned terrasse - for the smokers.
The food selection is very good with something for every taste, and they have a nice wine selection as well (even though not too much from the Mediterranean unfortunately). The home made bread they serve is extremely yummi. The service was excellent, attentive yet not too dominant, and time was just flying as we enjoyed the evening so much. The price/value ratio is excellent despite the fact that the restaurant is in a beautiful and high class business hotel.
This is a place that can easily become one of my favourites, and I will go back again and again and will bring friends - no question about it.

Posted by: Emilie KASTANI on 10 May ' 09 at 11:55

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

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

This restaurant is perfect for romantic diners as well as for friends / family diners.
The food is at the same time traditional and modern, sophisticated and simple.
I'm half french - half greek leaving in the UAE; this place is like a piece of my homes as the chefs (greeks) have connections with french cuisine as well.

Posted by: Birgitta on 23 Apr ' 09 at 21:47

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

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

The only thing missing has been the Acropolis in the background.

Posted by: Dimitra Pappas on 19 Jan ' 09 at 13:22

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

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

Posted by: Georgios Moutzourogeorgos on 18 Jan ' 09 at 10:24

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

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

Posted by: Safeena Ismail on 13 Jan ' 09 at 10:10

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

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

it was a wonderful experience. i have been eating out in restaurants but htis was something different. i suggest all food lovers should visit this place at least once to feel the taste of greek food.

Posted by: Omar Saab on 22 Dec ' 08 at 12:47

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Simply yummy food in an excellent relaxed environment. Nice surrounding and good people taking care of your every need. Minimalistic decor, yet accentuated enough with warm colours that gives you that cosy feeling when dinning with friends, a date or family. The outside patio is a nice attraction, still reminding you that you're in Bur Dubai, but adds that little balance of the real city life which we miss in Dubai.

Add your review/feedback