New dining options open in Dubai on a frequent basis. Whether they are completely fresh outlets or established premises changing themes, however they come about, each claim to offer a different experience to others out there.
Olival Eatery and Bar at the Habtoor Grand Resort in Dubai Marina, is one of these new places and offers more than most, not just on its menu. This new Mediterranean restaurant, set in the grounds of the hotel is great to visit for any occasion.
A large indoor space, with floor to ceiling glass windows that open up fully to let the outdoors come in, also expands onto a pleasant outside dining area for al fresco dining, Olival is a great setting for a relaxed lunch, as well as a great alternative for a chilled get together with friends, an evening out with family or just date night with that special someone. Its peaceful and tranquil setting is part of its charm.
The menu includes a host of seafood based starters, salads and soups and mains offering enough choice between seafood and meat to satisfy everyone. The house Greek salad with cooked capsicum and ample feta cheese is a refreshing and tasty dish and a gentle reminder of previous trips to the Greek islands. The grilled octopus with olive tapenade also brought back memories of dining at a beach side taverna.
For seafood, you can’t really go wrong with the mixed grilled seafood, a very generous serving that could really be shared and including a mixture of calamari, prawns, octopus and scallops. The theme of generous portions continues with the veal chop Milanese, one of the most traditional dishes from Milan served with rocket and shavings of parmesan. A dish so tasty even though it is enough to satisfy the hungriest of diners, it still leaves you wanting more.
A choice of just 6 desserts from the menu does not mean it is easy to choose. Top two to try to end the meal well have to be the duo lemon pie and the crème brulee. The food is simple, rustic and generous and Olival’s charming setting can make any reason to visit special, and if nothing else, you get briefly transported to the Mediterranean as you sit next to it’s centrepiece decoration a traditional, aged olive tree.Expect to pay around Dhs 200 per person not including drinks.
Call 04-4084257.