Vista

With its divine grub, tasteful decor and stunning Burj Al Arab terrace views, Vista may well be the surprise triumph of the year 26 Reviews

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With its divine grub, tasteful decor and Burj Al Arab terrace views, Vista ticks a number of important boxes. The fact that this is in the Holiday Inn Express, a chain hardly renowned for fine dining, had put Time Out off.

But how wrong we were: the meal was one of the better food experiences we’ve had in Dubai, which was even more surprising given the ominously mixed menu.Starters-wise, the chicken tikka is ridiculously tender and juicy.

For mains, you can’t go wrong with the fish and chips; the hammour delicately encased in light, fluffy, ever-so-slightly piquant batter, mushy peas so fresh and minty even veg haters will be unable to resist, and chips almost rudely fat.

The crab linguine is also a hit, with zesty lime and chilli sauce offsetting the slightly al dente pasta and soft, flaky white meat to perfection. Classic puds like apple crumble are on hand to send you into a blissful food coma.

All this coupled with the friendly, attentive service and softly lit, calming interior make Vista one of the best grazing spots in Dubai.

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

• Previous reviews
  • 26 January,2009- reviewed by Daisy Carrington
  • 06 April,2008- reviewed by Time Out Dubai Staff
  • 26 March,2008- reviewed by Jeremy Lawrence

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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: Charles on 12 Nov ' 09 at 13:52

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

I Had not been to Vista for a while for all sorts of reasons untill Time Out reminded me of it via a promotion they are running.
Again, Vista received top marks for an out-standing meal and friendly casual service.
P.S the new menu has some excellent additions

Posted by: Rich on 11 Aug ' 09 at 14:04

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

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

I agree that the setting was nice, an out of the way place in a hotel you would not expect to see such a restaurant in.

The service was good - they weren't over the top, checking with us from time to time, but not standing over us. The place looks nice - decor is a bit splashy but not over the top. And the views were fabulous, even on a steamy August evening.

The food - ehh. I had the fish and chips that TO raved about. It was ok. A tiny portion of peas and a few chips with a HUGE piece of fish. The flavor was just not outstanding in any of it. I don't even remember my starter.

And the phrase "battling for our attention" did not come to mind when viewing the very limited selection of food. It is a hotel restaurant, but I could count the number of mains on two hands.

Overall disappointing food, but, food isn't everything I look for and it was suitable enough. I definite place for kids. The menu was suitable for younger tastebuds even without a specific kids menu.

Will have to go back for the cocktail special before it runs out...

Posted by: Amira on 24 Jun ' 09 at 19:18

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

yes i will go Aegean and Aegean it,s very nice restaurant and bar it is romantic place and the food and drinks was very nice.
i will teal for me friends to go to vista the price is OK and the staff is friendly and the food was fantastic.

Posted by: Daniel on 24 May ' 09 at 11:10

• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

strange how over half of the hugely positive reviews were posted within 40 minutes on 22nd may. me smells a rat here....

Posted by: Saeed on 22 Apr ' 09 at 04:01

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FoodAmbienceValue

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

I chose the restaurant because all the reviews I saw on this site were good and there are seven stars against all items for this restaurant. I tried it last night and found the food was mediocre. The butter chicken had 4 small cubes of chicken in it and the lamb shank was ok but certainly not 7 stars. I think all the reviews on this site must have been written by friends and family of people who work there, who incidentally are nice. Service is good and the décor is nice.

Posted by: Rhys on 19 Apr ' 09 at 11:48

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

I recently went to Vista to join a friend for a drink and absolutely loved it. We arrived in time for sundowners and sat on the sheesha terrace which had fabulous views and there was a gentle breeze from the ocean too.

The cocktails were imaginative and great value for money. The staff were very friendly and helpful, unlike plenty of bars in Dubai these days.

I will be going back for the Monday happy hour and a taste of the masala which is apparently delicious!

Posted by: Amira on 25 Mar ' 09 at 21:50

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FoodAmbienceValue

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

very nice

Posted by: Yvette on 24 Mar ' 09 at 19:40

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

My boyfriend recently took me to VISTA. I loved it!
They've got amazing views over Dubai, including the Palm and the Burj Al Arab. The terrace was full, but we still were able to have a nice dinner for two. The staff are very friendly and attentive and the the food was amazing! We had a steak, the green thai chicken curry and we shared the chocolate fondant. Absolutely fab!
I'm definately coming back to try some of the other things on the menu, such as the pan-fried stuffed chicken breast. Sounds yummy!

Posted by: Amelia Jane on 24 Mar ' 09 at 15:53

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

Vista's Chicken dinner idea is AWESOME! Not only for family but for friends too - and what a great way to be able to treat colleagues! Love it Love it Love it!!!!!!! Vista also has the freshest, cleanest and most delicious Sheisha in the whole of Dubai! The staff there are excellent too!

Posted by: Rana on 22 Mar ' 09 at 18:14

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FoodAmbienceValue

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

I booked this restaurant to throw a corporate party for my business friends. We had a fantastic time.The service was friendly yet attentive. The menu had something to suit everybodyand even though the food was simple it was tasty. We sat outside on thebalcony which overlooks the palm and its an excellent place.
I now visit regularly.

Posted by: Nancy on 22 Mar ' 09 at 13:50

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• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Posted by: Margaret Adricula on 22 Mar ' 09 at 13:09

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FoodAmbienceValue

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

Posted by: Steph Spears on 22 Mar ' 09 at 12:57

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

Beautifully very tastefully decorated. Staff were very friendly and showed great knowledge of the food. Food is very well presented and portions are perfect... nothing that out-faces you.

Posted by: Reza on 22 Mar ' 09 at 12:53

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

Posted by: Mohamed Tarek on 22 Mar ' 09 at 12:52

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FoodAmbienceValue

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

Posted by: Blessy Solomon on 22 Mar ' 09 at 12:51

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FoodAmbienceValue

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

Posted by: Rodel on 22 Mar ' 09 at 12:50

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FoodAmbienceValue

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

Posted by: Jacob Iype on 22 Mar ' 09 at 12:47

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FoodAmbienceValue

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

Posted by: Smita Bhalla on 22 Mar ' 09 at 12:45

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FoodAmbienceValue

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

Posted by: Jamal on 22 Mar ' 09 at 12:42

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

Posted by: Liliana on 22 Mar ' 09 at 12:40

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

I loved the restaurant atmosphere, service and food. The decoration is elegant and relaxing. i love to go there for dinner or to have some drinks with friends.

Posted by: Matilda on 19 Mar ' 09 at 13:07

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FoodAmbienceValue

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

My family and I visit Vista regularly and have become one of our favouraite eating places. The quality of food, views and value for money makes this place an excellent choice for families seeking a good resturant without breaking the bank

Posted by: Louise on 18 Mar ' 09 at 21:50

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

This place is great!! I love it!!

Posted by: Jason on 18 Mar ' 09 at 21:45

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FoodAmbienceValue

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

I love this place!!The views, the cool terraces, great decor and brilliant service and food make this one of my favourite places in Dubai.

Posted by: david boughey on 17 Mar ' 09 at 07:28

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• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

After going to Vista many times,it remains the favourite for both myself and the friends and work associates I have introduced to this haven. Obviously the location, the food and its' presentation and indeed the atmosphere count for so much but, for me, the management and all the staff create the complete experience.
They go about their work with "unruffled eloquence" and always have time to treat guests individually.
Business brunches, birthday barbecues, luscious liason - Vista allows all.

Posted by: Charles, Dubai on 28 Jan ' 09 at 06:15

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

I was one of the few that did discover Vista months ago and have in time become my favouraite Dubai Restaurant.
Its stunning views, wonderful food, friendly staff and value for money have combined to make Vista the place for me.

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