We initially had difficulty finding the restaurant, walking around the cavernous confines of the hotel a couple of times before we were directed to the correct elevator down to the basement, through a maze of a corridor and finally outside. The Mediterranean beachfront restaurant is located adjacent to the swimming pool offering uninterrupted views of Ain Dubai and the sea. Seating is offered in either of the two large terrace areas or inside. As it was a particularly warm evening with high humidity we chose inside.
As you stride in, you notice the fresh seafood displayed on ice, there’s everything from lobsters, scallops, sea bream, red snapper and mussels to sea bass and clams. It all certainly looks fresh and leaves a lasting impression. The kitchen is open with a viewing area, and well equipped with a charcoal grill, wood fired Italian pizza oven and rotisserie.
The restaurant is decorated in washed whites and light blue interiors with a relaxed feel that reflects the Mediterranean traditions from the French Riviera and the Italian coastline, to southern Spain and Greece.
We are seated and ready to order minutes later having already decided on main course when we walked in, I did say lasting impression didn’t I! The menu isn’t overly fussy with all the classics you’d expect combined with rotisserie dishes and the restaurants signature sharing platters.
Our starters consisted of Prawn Pil Pil, cooked in white grapes and olive oil with garlic, chili flakes, cherry tomatoes and lemon; Alaskan Crab, avocado mousse topped with crab meat and citrus fruits (blood orange, orange and lemon); and a Burrata Caprese Salad, burrata cheese with slices of tomato and nectarine garnished with crispy basil leaves. The prawns were crisp and succulent; crab meat, sweet, delicate and soft with the added touch of the light creamy mousse and fresh zing of the fruits combining well; the burrata nice and creamy working wonderfully well with the sweet and tart taste of nectarine and tomato. Everything was so fresh, light and flavourful, you couldn’t fault anything including the portion size which is generous.
Next up were the mains, whole Grilled Sea Bream served with a unique salsa verde and a medium temperature cooked Tenderloin. Our waiter filleted the fish, which was charred and crispy on the outside, at the table. The first mouthful was meaty and tender with a fresh taste, not overly cooked. The salsa verde was delicious, I enquired on the ingredients and was informed it was chefs secret recipe. I could taste the parsley, anchovies, lemon and garlic but can’t quite put my finger on the remaining items. The tenderloin had a nice charred surface and executed perfectly as it melted in your mouth.
The food quality, service and surroundings are excellent. Portion sizes are generous, and the price point is spot on. There’s too many overpriced restaurants in JBR already but Riviera Beach Grill certainly offers high quality food at an affordable price and a place I wouldn’t hesitate to return to.
Let us know what you think?
For reservation call 052-7779473.