Although I’ve heard from numerous friends that Drift Beach<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0is a dynamic location for a sophisticated beach day, I hadn’t had the fortune of visiting the venue until recently.\u00a0 Hubs and I don’t have regular access to a pool, which doesn’t usually bother me — mostly because not doing anything for hours is literally torture, and there are only a few days in a year I want to spend time by the pool.\u00a0 Furthermore, we’ve stayed previously at the One\u00a0& Only Royal Mirage (spoiler alert: it did not live up to expectations<\/a>), but Drift was not in operation at that time.<\/p>\n

On arrival, I’m quickly shown to a waiting golf cart, and really, ‘being whisked around by golf carts’ lifestyle that I am always aspiring\u00a0towards.\u00a0 The entrance to Drift is tucked at the very bottom of the property, in the shadow of the ongoing work on the Palm.\u00a0 Oh well, not everything is perfect.\u00a0 The resort is lush, and on arrival, the hostess is friendly (and not pretentious like other places might be).<\/p>\n

The beach club is broken up to into multiple sections, with the expansive beach chic restaurant immediately at the front right.\u00a0 Tables, overhead fans, a bar, and appropriate beachside themes dominate.<\/p>\n

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We had a lovely Provance style preview menu, mixing in some of the classics from the previous menu and other additions.\u00a0 The group was a fantastic one – and I have to tip my\u00a0hat to the PR team for arranging such a dynamic collection, as balancing a group for an event is such a delicate thing.\u00a0 I always appreciate when invites are designed for those who clearly care about cuisine and locations.<\/p>\n

Our appetizers (listed under the ‘To Start’ portion of the menu) offered a range of easy crowd-pleasing\u00a0bites to share – including flatbread pizza, burrata, octopus, gnocchi, and one of the signature Drift dishes,\u00a0Le Tarte Tatin de\u00a0Tomate, <\/em>AED90.\u00a0 I (of course) loved the Pizzeta<\/em>\u00a0Truffe Noire<\/em>, AED100, because bread.\u00a0 Additionally, there is never a version of La<\/em>\u00a0Burrata<\/em> (this one served with artichoke, AED95) I will not love — especially with a tasty mix on a classic.\u00a0 The tatin and octopus didn’t hit quite the same notes for me — the tomato a bit too acidic and overwhelming the pastry, and the octopus, well, I’ve been spoiled recently and have had better versions at other restaurants (Andes<\/a>, for one).\u00a0 My favorite dish of the day was a starter (which has since been moved to the ‘To Continue’ category) the Gnocchi with braised beef, AED155<\/em> is simply delicious.<\/p>\n

Our mains were unfortunately\u00a0not quite to the levels of the starters.\u00a0 We received Linguine with Asparagus<\/em>, AED155,\u00a0and even with the smoked egg on top, I wasn’t crazy impressed.\u00a0 Really,\u00a0the pasta should’ve been luxurious, sumptuous, but was completely lacking yummy yolk.\u00a0 For the proteins, Roasted Cod<\/em>, AED195, was nicely cooked, but very bland, and the price point seems a bit high.\u00a0 Similarly, I’m still puzzling what the Le Tian de L\u00e9gumes,<\/em> AED135, were doing on the table.\u00a0 The dish read liked stuffed peppers — nothing wrong with stuffed peppers, but they are a weeknight keto staple, and not particularly luxurious or beachy (or tasty).\u00a0 It was only the Black Shellfish Risotto, with King Scallops<\/em>, AED215 that I would consider ordering again (and I wasn’t even that excited about it, to be honest).\u00a0 Fortunately, the team seemed receptive to our comments.\u00a0 If the three were scrapped or enhanced, and the Gnocchi<\/em> was added as a main, I think the menu would be in much better shape.<\/p>\n

The meal was back on a high note with the desserts, with a range of sweet treats ‘To Finish’ to close things out.\u00a0 Honestly, I’d be happy ordering them all again.\u00a0 The Tarte Au Citron<\/em>, AED45, and Cheesecake<\/em>, AED45 were both highlights.\u00a0 This is a case of definitely needing to save room for sweets at the end (because, hey – they aren’t always worth it).<\/p>\n

Overall, I would be content to return and order a bunch of starters, a few desserts, a bottle of rose, and be perfectly happy for an afternoon visit.\u00a0 While I think the mains could be improved, the overall setting at Drift is such a lovely one, that a few minor quibbles with the menu wouldn’t stop me from spending a day at this beautiful property.<\/p>\n

Would I go back to Drift?\u00a0 Yes, for those two days a year I want a beach day.\u00a0 While RIVA on the Palm<\/a> is nice enough, Drift is much more my speed.<\/p>\n

Who is Drift best for?\u00a0 Those looking for a more sophisticated beach experience, and some nice dishes for lunch or late afternoon snack.<\/p>\n

A to Za’atar was a guest of Drift.\u00a0 Opinions are my own, just ask my husband.<\/em><\/p>\n

What’s your favorite beach club in Dubai?\u00a0 Any favorite seaside dining?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

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