For our dinner at Six Senses Zighy Bay (read more about my full experience here), we were invited to Sense on the Edge, the property’s showstopper and fine dining venue on top of the hill overlooking the resort. The restaurant can only be visited via 4×4, so we arrived at the main lobby around 6:45 and were transported up the hill to make our reservation at 7:00 PM. The scene that greeted us was simply incredible, and the weather could not have been more perfect. The restaurant includes both indoor seating, a separate smoking area, and three terraces, such that there is plenty of privacy for all diners. We were first seated on the bottom level, next to the railing (where the below photo was taken), then moved to sit with the rest of our group after they arrived.
With the help of small lights to properly read the menu, there was plenty to choose from — including a nine, seven, and five-course degustation. Each selection comes with a slightly different focus — be it land or sea, and a few dishes which cross over to both. Vegetarians will feel very welcome here, as there are menus with them in mind as well. For us, Hubs and I chose the seven-course Voyage and Journey meals, respectively. We also opted for the wine pairing, which was very well matched (although I thought the pours could’ve been just a bit more). Portion sizes of each plate are well within reason, so guests who’ve never experienced a degustation shouldn’t be too worried at the quantity. Of the courses, my favorites included the delicate Quail and sumptuous Lobster, both perfectly prepared. The price point, in my opinion, is a good match for the level of service and the remoteness of the restaurant. Our meal ran OMR85 with wine.
But even on top of a mountain, there can be improvements, can’t there?
- My suggestions are limited but focus mainly on timing. I’m not sure if there was a cue from our host or…what, but we waited nearly an hour for our first course (there were two in our party who joined late). I…have mixed feelings about this. More that, we sat for an hour without an offer of different drinks other than water. Yes, we ordered the wine pairing, but it was a strange moment in hosting not to have anything else. I’m not saying this as someone who needs alcohol, more that a cocktail or…anything would’ve gone a long way. Communication errors can happen at any venue, and here, I think waiting for our extra couple made for a much longer evening than anyone anticipated (over 5 hours, if you want to know — and I put a hard stop on things at midnight, much to the delight of the rest of the table). As diners, I feel that we were giving out constant signals to move the meal along, but with a table of eight, it would be difficult to balance different menus and speeds of eating.
- Because of the length of dinner, we missed out on the unique lantern ceremony that concludes the meal. Honestly, given the pace of the meal, I just didn’t have it in me to wait another hour.
- Furthermore, by dining in such a large group, I felt that we missed out on the more intimate, formal experience that others dining at the restaurant would have had. I say this because the service staff were having to explain, and then explain again what we were eating (as there were at least three different menus at the table). As the night wore on, we forgot what course we were on and by waiting for everyone at the table to receive their food, didn’t always understand what we were eating, which happened quite a bit because of…
- Additionally, and only of minor concern, would be the level of lighting throughout the space. Because the plates were done in a such a delicate, beautiful manner, while I wouldn’t want anyone to miss the beauty of the full moon, I do think that the chef and his team worked too hard to have their food not seen. Members of our party were continually pulling out phones to highlight the food and actually see what they were eating.
- And finally, similarly to my earlier suggestion at the property, I would love to have had more music/louder music/more ambiance. A live string player would’ve been a fantastic addition. Given the location, I don’t think vocals are entirely necessary, but I know there are regional instruments that would be a lovely accompaniment to the experience.
Would I go back to Sense on the Edge? Even with everything above (which I believe was mostly a result of our larger party), I would absolutely return — it’s a truly unique destination, and I’ve never experienced anything like it in the GCC.
Who is Sense on the Edge best for? Anyone at the property — if visiting Six Senses Zighy Bay, make plans so that you don’t miss out. The restaurant is open at select timings throughout the year.
Have you ever dined on top of a mountain before?
A to Za’atar was a guest of Sense on the Edge, and the Six Senses Zighy Bay. Opinions are my own, just ask my husband.
