The Jebel Ali Club was well known amongst long time residents, originally opening its doors in the 70’s the much loved complex closed a few years back to be replaced by the bigger and more modern Jebel Ali Recreational Club. The new destination opened towards the end of 2017 and within a year from the opening, Connector went to take a look at how it has settled in and if it still attracts the crowds in what can be a bit of a hidden location.
Located just off Sheikh Zayed Road by Ibn Battuta Mall, the new complex features a number of different dining concepts as well as Reel Cinema, all located around an open square allowing for a very relaxed outdoor dining area. For our evening we chose Andalucia Tapas and Grill, a relaxed and casual Spanish restaurant.
The menu offers a great selection of over 20 hot and cold tapas dishes as well as a selection of canapes, making it easy to find a variety of dishes to please everyone sharing. It goes without saying ceviche was one of the choices, accompanied with croquetas de pollo, meatballs and a staple on any tapas menu, patatas bravas. The cerviche was refreshingly tasty with just the right amount of citrus, and the meatballs and chicken croquettes did not disappoint. The patatas bravas where the least assuming of the tapas dishes, but were also the stand out. The tomato sauce was nicely spiced and the cubes of potato were brilliantly crispy on the outside and very fluffy and light on the inside.
Aside from tapas, there is also a comprehensive main course menu and you can’t go to a Spanish restaurant and not try the paella. The well presented dish of Paella de Marisco (seafood paella), cooked to order and prepared in around 30 minutes, was full of mussels, clams and chunky pieces of squid, topped with some juicy large prawns, and well worth ordering.
With live music on a stage above the bar and a spacious outdoor seating area, Andalucia is ideal whether you are looking for a casual venue for a weekday evening or a relaxed weekend night out with a group of friends, and the price of the food certainly won’t beak the bank. Expect to pay around Dhs 150 per person for a selection of 5 dishes not including drinks. For reservations call 04-5260422.