This is a story of redemption.<\/p>\n

Let’s face it; if you’re a long time reader, you’ll understand I don’t love every place I go.\u00a0 And, for the most part, by and large, my notes are either ignored by venues or effusively defended.\u00a0 As those who know me, know my motto: ‘you do you.’\u00a0 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.\u00a0 Anyway, after I posted about my visit to Il Ristorante\u00a0Niko Romito<\/a> (spoiler alert, <\/em>it<\/em> was<\/em>n’t <\/em>good),\u00a0<\/em>a member of the Bulgari F&B team reached out to me.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 I thought the communication was professional and well above average for Dubai.<\/p>\n

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.\u00a0 They offered the Yacht Club<\/a><\/strong>, which I was delighted to accept.\u00a0 Having already been on a walkthrough of the property, the Yacht Club is a stunning location on an already superlative site.\u00a0 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).\u00a0 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.\u00a0 Wow factor?\u00a0 Yes.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

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.\u00a0 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<\/a>) order our usual — Burrata<\/em> (AED85) and Yellowfin tuna tartare<\/em> (AED95), but also take the suggestion from the manager, for the plate of Fritto Misto di Mare (mixed fried seafood with vegetables<\/em>, AED115).\u00a0 Overall, the burrata (served with crushed tomato) and tartare deliver in terms of presentation and taste.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 The highlight, however, is the seafood, which is mixed in a wonderfully light batter and served with lovely lemon mayo.\u00a0 Prices feel entirely in line here against the market, and the dishes we enjoyed are all plates we would order again.\u00a0 Our starters are big enough to split between two people.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

We move to our pasta course and opt for Lemon Linguine (AED170)<\/em> and Maltagliati (AED160)<\/em>.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 The Maltagliati has red mullet integrated into it, but doesn’t offer the moreish quality of the linguine.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 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?<\/p>\n

Our main is the Catch of the day<\/em> baked in salt (market price — sorry, I failed you).\u00a0 As compared to The Fish House, I much prefer the version here.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 Sides dishes are also done with care, made rustically and I find myself enjoying broccolini<\/i> and potatoes<\/i> (AED40 per side).\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n

Dessert was 50\/50 for us, with the winner being a Pineapple Carpaccio\u00a0<\/em>and the one we did not quite prefer as a honeyed cake (a bit too sweet and dense for our tastes).<\/p>\n

Overall, service is a highlight here — personable and engaged from the moment you enter, not at all pretentious.\u00a0 Servers and really, anyone you interact with, are friendly and approachable.\u00a0 Other restaurants would do well to model their training on this approach.<\/p>\n

If you’re looking for an equal competitor in the market, the easiest venue I have is to The Fish House<\/a>.\u00a0 With the visits almost two weeks apart, there was a lot to like about both restaurants, but for location, the Yacht Club wins.<\/p>\n

Would I go back?\u00a0 Absolutely!\u00a0 In fact, the Friday brunch, which includes pool access, is one I’m trying to get friends together for.<\/p>\n

Who is the Yacht Club best for? Those looking for something a bit different.\u00a0 In a busy city, this is such a lovely, private destination.\u00a0 Take anyone here who you feel like impressing (or anyone who likes fancy boats).<\/p>\n

\u00a0A to Za’atar was a guest of the Yacht Club. Opinions are my own, just ask my husband.<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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.\u00a0 And, for the most part, by and large, my notes are either ignored by venues or effusively defended.\u00a0 As those who know me, know my motto: ‘you do you.’\u00a0 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.\u00a0 Anyway, after I posted about my visit to Il Ristorante\u00a0Niko Romito (spoiler alert, it wasn’t good),\u00a0a member of the Bulgari F&B team reached out to me.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 I thought…<\/p>\n

Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":7408,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[12],"tags":[1428,1429,1430,1426,1427],"yoast_head":"\n