There is a new kid on the block and we know you will want to make long-lasting friends with this one.
REVIEW: Team Yalla believes the sign of a successful restaurant follows the rule of three – outstanding dishes, tangible mood or ambience and stunning location. The recently opened Mazaj Bab Al Bahr at Fairmont Bab Al Bahr effortlessly ticks all three boxes.
There is a good reason why the restaurant is called Mazaj, which translates to ‘mood’ in English, with Bab Al Bahr translating to ‘gate of or to the sea’. And indeed the restaurant interior surrenders to a rather immense terrace that sits on the very edge of the shores of Khor al Maqta, thus cementing the mood. The terrace was buzzing, granted it was Suhoor, but – as mentioned – with the restaurant having such credentials, we are quite certain that this will always be the case. After all, dining alfresco with superb views of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque across the watermust be on most people’s wish list!
The mood is definitely Levantine – the low-slung seating and discrete corners give a nod to the traditional restaurants of yesteryear located in the grand courtyards hidden behind the ornamental doors of the Damascene houses that line the alleyways of Damascus or most Levantine cities.
Indoors, the restaurant is light and airy. A plethora of lush plants lining the shelves add a fresh touch; but what will catch your eye is the abundance of original vintage radios and typewriters displayed around the restaurant, creating a rather cool interior.
In parallel with the theme, the menu is a Levantine-Med mix. The salad selection is varied and yes, all the favourites are there – fattoush, tabbouleh – but there are so many more to choose from. We decide on a Tawouk Caesar, Beetroot and Goats Cheese Salad, and Kale and Quinoa. All were fresh and full of flavour but be warned, the portions are huge and in keeping with Levantine traditions are meant for sharing. We also ordered Warek Anab – stuffed vines leave – which were superb and melted in the mouth.
With the grill fired up, it made sense to sample Kastelata – grilled marinated lamb cutlets – and a fabulous Mixed Grill platter filled with Shish Tawouk, Adana Kebab, Lahem Meshi served with a baked potato. Room for dessert? Absolutely and you should certainly tuck in too.
Um Ali is on the menu, as is Turkish-style Kunafa but we go for the saffron Dulce De Tres Leche, a saffron flavoured milky cake, which was dreamy to say the least. Turkish coffee is in the offering but since it was late we opted for a Ginger Lemon Tea, a perfect ending to a perfect alfresco evening that we highly recommend.
For more details and bookings call 056 502 4999 or email dining.bab@fairmont.com
