Club Vista Mare is a new strip of restaurants on the trunk of The Palm. Here are our reviews and news on the seven new spots at which to dine by the sea…
Gursha
In brief: An Ethiopian restaurant that’s big on bread and adventurous on flavours.
Ethiopian food – with its strong flavours and distinctive taste – can be an intimidating meal for first-timers, but this beautiful restaurant at the end of Club Vista Mare has a friendly atmosphere that will send any cynic reaching for the next piece of chewy injera. As a cuisine, it’s something that so many have yet to try, and its creative diversity of flavours, textures and various stewed bits all come together in seriously tasty mouthfuls. For first timers, your best bet is to go in with a few friends and order one of the big sampler plates.
Rating
Food: A+
Atmosphere: Casual
Ibn Al Bahr
In brief: A fish shop owned by fishermen.
If you ever wonder about how fresh your food is, head to Ibn Al Bahr where your mind will rest easy. A venue proudly owned by fishermen, here you can literally see the freshest catch of the day at the front of the restaurant on display. Huge sharing plates of grilled fish are served to your table to enjoy family-style or you can choose a dish just for yourself. Think simple hot bait bites of crispy sardines, locally plucked clams with black pepper and whole chargrilled fish with a special Ibn Al Bahr seasoning.
Rating
Food: A+
Atmosphere: Casual
Simply Italian
In brief: This one does what it says on the tin: it’s the place to go for a classic Italian meal.
Serving a selection of the most popular dishes from different regions in Italy, Simply Italian has the feel of a small family-owned restaurant that you’d perhaps stumble upon on the Amalfi coast. The inside has lots of monochrome with checkered floors, while the alfresco seating has red and white striped lounge chairs and colourful cushions. Sample a slice of Sardinia with gnocchetti sardi al brasato di agnello, handmade gnocchi with braised lamb shoulder (Dhs79). It’s simple and comforting.
Rating
Food: A+
Atmosphere: family