There’s no shortage of good, family-friendly breakfast spots in La Mer (we’re looking at you Kaftan, Parker’s et al), but strolling down the South side you’ll see a very popular Turkish-Lebanese spot – ZouZou.
The restaurant is busy, very busy, and the outdoor area seems to be a favourite among big families enjoying the last of the cooler weather on a day out at the beach.
You can sit indoors or outdoors, and wherever you choose you’ll get a good view. The interiors are eclectic and it’s as if the restaurant has had a bit of an identity crisis – but in the best of ways. There’s an aqua blue wooden mesh backdrop, with clashing vibrant floral seats.
The ZouZou Arabic breakfast tray is an easy choice, with more than 14 small dishes including honey with cream (a sweet and delicious highlight as if made by unicorns), labneh, jam with butter and pastrami. We dig in – no cutlery needed – scooping it up with crispy, authentic and freshly-made Turkish bread.
The sujuk (spicy sausage) is one of the best things that’s happened to us in some time. The foul and falafel are proof that the chef is just as good with the Lebanese cooking as with the Turkish.
After clearing our tiny, yet very filling, plates we order a side of nakanek when we can’t find the sujuk as a standalone on the menu – we wish we had.
Ending the meal with a good cup of Turkish coffee, we now see why ZouZou is so popular.
Sometimes sluggish service aside, the food is an absolute winner, the vibe is laid-back and beachy and there’s a kids’ menu that the little ones love, too.
We’re coming back for lunch next time we’re in La Mer – that doner is calling our names.
Open Sat-Wed 9.30am-midnight, Fri-Sat 9.30am-1pm. Unlicensed. La Mer, Jumeirah 1 (04 3430093).
WHAT IS IT...
A cool Middle Eastern spot at La Mer
WHY GO...
For the excellent breakfasts and beach vibes
