Magnolia

Vegetarian hideaway in scenic in Al Qasr 5 Reviews

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From Time Out Dubai Eating Out 2009

Vegetarians can be hard done by at most restaurants, but not at Magnolia. Here, the menu is dedicated to vegetarians, and there’s not a carrot stick in sight.

Overlooking the canals at Madinat Jumeirah with outdoor terrace seating, Magnolia has done such a fine job compiling their creative and tasty menu, it could even tempt those with a flesh-eating disposition.

The menu abounds with thoughtful creations like roasted artichokes on mash with mushroom shavings and semi-dried tomatoes, creamy spinach risotto, and date and rye bread served with a flavoursome pumpkin dip.

It all tastes delicious, and it’s healthy to boot. In fact, Magnolia has taken great pains to ensure diners consume their meals without pesky things like pesticides and preservatives getting in the way, and the list of water is as long as the organic wine list.

But don’t worry – vegetarians don’t cut all the fun out of their diets; meaning you can undo all your hard work with a decadent chocolate parfait or crème caramel.

By Time Out Dubai staff
Time Out Dubai, 19 March 2009

• Previous reviews
  • 26 March,2008- reviewed by Jeremy Lawrence
  • 28 January,2008- reviewed by James Brennan
  • 23 May,2007- 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.

Posted by: Patricio on 23 Sep ' 09 at 07:24

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

Magnolia is, without question, one of the top 5 most overrated restaurants in Dubai. The food, when I went, was bland and the servings small. Considering the size of the bill, I would have expected to leave sated, but instead left hungry. All I could think during the meal was how the dishes needed some flavour, and I was tempted to ask them to put some bacon into it. This is a pity, because vegetarian cuisine can be some of the most flavourful around. Done well it is peerless.
Again, perhaps I was unlucky on the night. Nonetheless, Magnolia should focus more on food and less on new age gimmickry.

Posted by: Simon on 05 Jul ' 09 at 16:36

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FoodAmbienceValue

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

We had a fantastic time at Magnolia. We went there primarily because I wanted to show my friend Al Qasar and ride through the lagoons on one of the boats. We also had an entertinment voucher for 2 for 1 meal (which is the only restraunt in al qasar that features in the book). As a die hard meat eater (and I mean this in the strongest sense as I hardly ever eat vegies) I was a little worried about what to expect in terms of the meal but was happy to let that one go in return for a cheap meal, ambience and a boat ride.

I have to say the the meal was very good. I would still prefer a steak being who I am but was very surprised with some of the intense flavours that came out of the dishes. What was also really good was the wine list. We were able to pick up a nice bottle of aussie chardonay for 160dhs meaning our total bill was only 210dhs (with the entertainer book voucher). The quality of service was amazing also, There were numerous times when my friend and i would head to the smoking section and before we knew it, our wine and food samplers were brought along to us without us even asking. I have not experienced service like this in dubai before anywhere!!

The ambience from our table outside overlooking al qasar is fantastic and would be the best that i have seen from the al qasar resteraunts that i have been to. Of course we were also given a complementory cruise down the lagoons down to the bars at madinat. Tip, if you finish your meal before 9.50pm then when your travelling down the lagoon you will witness the burj al arab lightshow from some excellent view spots while on the water.

Would definitley recommend this place to everyone!!!

Posted by: Gaby on 16 Jun ' 09 at 13:50

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• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

A beautiful location, especially when you sit outside as you overlook the canal from the Mandinat Jumeirah.

This is a haven for Vegetarians and Organic fans. Some very special dishes are on the menu, and it is fun to select from the creative descriptions and combinations. This goes for the mocktails as well

Had a lovely evening and would drop by once a while.

Posted by: KatieP on 21 May ' 09 at 06:34

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FoodAmbienceValue

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

We had a delightful dinner for two here recently for my husband's birthday. Everything was wonderful. We arrived at the Madinat and caught an abra down. We had a lovely table out on the deck over looking the water which was relaxing and romantic. The service was great, the staff were very attentive but not overbearing. And the food was sensational. We are both vegetarians so it was suited to us but for non vegetarians the menu was still very tempting. We had about three serves of bread which was complimentary. The wine list was extensive and quite reasonable. And because it was my husband's birthday they brought out a cake at the end which was complimentary as well and everyone sang happy birthday.
All in all, a fabulous experience and we will definitely be back.

Posted by: expat09 on 16 Mar ' 09 at 11:13

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• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Madame Kurz does magic with the food. Everything was tasty and well presented. Take the sampler so that you can see as many dishes as possible and encourage your dining companion to do the same. Romantic and cozy on the terrace. The only disappointment was the price for some organic Champagne and wine... I will drink the lovely herb infused water next time. Bravo Chef Kurz! Recomended even for non vegetariens, the food is that good.

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