The Yacht Club @ Bulgari Resort.

This is a story of redemption.

Let’s face it; if you’re a long time reader, you’ll understand I don’t love every place I go.  And, for the most part, by and large, my notes are either ignored by venues or effusively defended.  As those who know me, know my motto: ‘you do you.’  As the intent of this blog has always been to honestly review restaurants, sometimes it’s difficult to publish my thoughts, but I feel like my audience has a right to know — the good, the bad, and the memorable.  Anyway, after I posted about my visit to Il Ristorante Niko Romito (spoiler alert, it wasn’t good), a member of the Bulgari F&B team reached out to me.  They invited me to meet with Chef Niko while he was in country (I declined), but also extended an invitation to try one of the remaining restaurants at my leisure.  I thought the communication was professional and well above average for Dubai.

Thus, after a late cancellation for another venue on Wednesday (not a good look, nameless PR — you’re on my list), I sent a message to the Bulgari team and requested a lunch on Thursday, and they were happy to make arrangements on my behalf.  They offered the Yacht Club, which I was delighted to accept.  Having already been on a walkthrough of the property, the Yacht Club is a stunning location on an already superlative site.  With floor to ceiling windows and a floor crafted to look like the decking of a yacht, the restaurant is also the right size to not feel overlarge (my problem with many a location in this city).  As the weather is still lovely, we are seated outside, overlooking the marina, with views of the Bulgari residences as well as the Burj Khalifa.  Wow factor?  Yes.

The menu is as you might expect — Italian cuisine with a focus on seafood and really, I’m not sure what any other sort of food would work here.  After settling in and accepting a signature cocktail (a bit too bitter for my palate, but a beautiful drink nonetheless), to start, my guest and sometime co-host David (of Out & About UAE) order our usual — Burrata (AED85) and Yellowfin tuna tartare (AED95), but also take the suggestion from the manager, for the plate of Fritto Misto di Mare (mixed fried seafood with vegetables, AED115).  Overall, the burrata (served with crushed tomato) and tartare deliver in terms of presentation and taste.  Nothing is being reinvented here, but on the beautiful plates (I seriously contemplate taking home the small dish our lemon slices arrive in) set against the backdrop of the marina, well, our starters are elevated.  The highlight, however, is the seafood, which is mixed in a wonderfully light batter and served with lovely lemon mayo.  Prices feel entirely in line here against the market, and the dishes we enjoyed are all plates we would order again.  Our starters are big enough to split between two people.

We move to our pasta course and opt for Lemon Linguine (AED170) and Maltagliati (AED160).  While perhaps not the most visually perfect dish, it’s the linguine which is my favorite — the lemon is not overpowering, just enough to keep the taste fresh and provide depth of flavor not always found in pasta.  The Maltagliati has red mullet integrated into it, but doesn’t offer the moreish quality of the linguine.  If I had to choose one, it would definitely be the linguine — but I’d be willing to try some of the other options as well.  The prices feel a touch high (especially against others in the market), but I guess if you’re already at Bulgari, you’re probably not overly worried at the cost of pasta, yes?

Our main is the Catch of the day baked in salt (market price — sorry, I failed you).  As compared to The Fish House, I much prefer the version here.  The white fish at the Yacht Club is flavorful, and when drenched in a sublime lemon butter sauce, well, there’s really no room for improvement.  Sides dishes are also done with care, made rustically and I find myself enjoying broccolini and potatoes (AED40 per side).  In all honesty, we probably could’ve stopped without a fish course, but if I had to choose between fish and pasta, I think the fish would be the winner.

Dessert was 50/50 for us, with the winner being a Pineapple Carpaccio and the one we did not quite prefer as a honeyed cake (a bit too sweet and dense for our tastes).

Overall, service is a highlight here — personable and engaged from the moment you enter, not at all pretentious.  Servers and really, anyone you interact with, are friendly and approachable.  Other restaurants would do well to model their training on this approach.

If you’re looking for an equal competitor in the market, the easiest venue I have is to The Fish House.  With the visits almost two weeks apart, there was a lot to like about both restaurants, but for location, the Yacht Club wins.

Would I go back?  Absolutely!  In fact, the Friday brunch, which includes pool access, is one I’m trying to get friends together for.

Who is the Yacht Club best for? Those looking for something a bit different.  In a busy city, this is such a lovely, private destination.  Take anyone here who you feel like impressing (or anyone who likes fancy boats).

 A to Za’atar was a guest of the Yacht Club. Opinions are my own, just ask my husband.