RSC Favourites: Best Dishes

These are the best dishes to sink your teeth into this month.

September 2024

Cheese & Onion Crisp at Row on 45 in Dubai

Row on 45, the newly crowned two-Michelin-starred restaurant from British Chef Jason Atherton, recently launched a new menu crafted for just 22 discerning guests per seating. The 17-course haute cuisine menu features Noirmoutier potato with caviar, 10-day-aged Barbary duck and a fantastic Cheese & Onion Crisp that will evoke nostalgia for British diners. The dainty and delicate sandwich boasts the flavours of a cheese toastie, presented in an elevated form, resulting in one of the best new dishes in Dubai this month

Chicken Katsu Sando at Cafe James in Abu Dhabi

If there’s one dish you should try on your next trip to Abu Dhabi, it’s Cafe James Chicken Katsu Sando. This FACT-nominated restaurant, packed on a Sunday morning, features an array of dishes, and the Chicken Katsu Sando promises a memorable meal. Toasted and crunchy pieces of bread with a tender chicken filling and red onions make this dish simple, yet one that’s sure to tempt your taste buds.

Leña Caesar Salad at Leña Dubai

When you think of a Caesar Salad, it sounds like a takeaway dish for lunchtime. At Leña Dubai, which specialises in steak, no less, it’s one of the main attractions. So much so, that when I dined at the restaurant, I took my chef friend, who said: “You have to order this – it’s the best Caesar Salad in Dubai.” The salad is prepared tableside, perfect for your Insta shots. The result is a creamy, crispy concoction that raises the standard for the humble salad.

Saroma Wagyu Beef at Sagetsu by Tetsuya Wakuda in Dubai

Located on the 24th floor of The Link, Sagetsu by Tetsuya Wakuda marks the acclaimed chef’s dining debut in Dubai. The restaurant’s name is inspired by astronomy, as sagetsu refers to the sand and the moon in Japanese. This refined dining destination features a dynamic menu that emphasises seasonal ingredients, complemented by a selection of signature sakes. The highlight is the Saroma Wagyu Beef, layered over sushi rice like a soft blanket before being lightly torched.

Spaghetti Limone at Jon & Vinny’s in Riyadh

On a recent trip to Riyadh, all my colleagues and I wanted to do was revisit Jon & Vinny’s, where the generous servings of pasta once again enamoured us. The spicy fusilli with basil or the rigatoni with six-hour beef bolognese are worthy choices but don’t sleep on the stunning spaghetti limone with parmigiano reggiano and breadcrumbs. It’s as perfect a plate of twirled pasta as you’re likely to find and is easily one of Jon & Vinny’s best dishes.

Tuna Pizza at Akira Back Riyadh

After seeing success in Dubai, London, Paris, Seoul, Singapore, and Toronto, celebrity chef Akira Back has brought his self-named concept to Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter. I had the pleasure of dining with Chef Akira ahead of the opening, and no matter how many times I try the Tuna Pizza, it remains a firm FACT favourite. The dish presents a crisp base covered in thin slices of tuna that camouflage the umami aioli and white truffle oil hidden secretively beneath.

August 2024

Fatet Lahme at Bait Maryam in Dubai

Bait Maryam is a Dubai gem, and it’s no surprise it’s earned a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand for its Levantine cuisine. One dish that truly wowed me was the Fatet Lahme with Rice. Though it’s designed to be shared, I could easily devour it solo. The lamb, tender and juicy, melts in your mouth, sitting atop a bed of rice that’s cooked in stock and seasoned with just the right blend of herbs and spices.

Leela’s Lobster Neeruli in Jamavar Dubai

MICHELIN-starred Jamavar has made its way from London to Dubai, serving dishes from the royal kitchens in a chic setting. Although several Dubai exclusives have been added to the menu (paneer kulcha with Beluga caviar, anyone?), I’d recommend Leela’s Lobster Neeruli. This silky-smooth subtle dish is concocted with southern spiced coconut milk, pearl onions, and kal dosa, coating the delicate lobster pieces without overpowering.

Malai Lobster at Trèsind Dubai

Growing up with Indian and Pakistani food (and no, they’re not the same), I never imagined that a combination of malai (cream) and lobster would work together. But that’s exactly why Trèsind stands tall as one of the UAE’s finest Indian restaurants — and it’s got a MICHELIN star to back it up. The Malai Lobster is a revelation with tender lobster pieces drenched in a creamy, perfectly spiced curry that somehow manages to be both rich and light.

Seabream Carpaccio at GAIA in Dubai

Created by two of the most prominent hospitality entrepreneurs in the GCC, Evgeny Kuzin and Chef Izu Ani, GAIA is recognised and respected for its blend of beauty and simplicity. The Seabream Carpaccio has long been a FACT-favourite dish in which the delicate fish has been dissected so that the flesh resembles scales.

Warm Chocolate Mousse at La Maison Ani in Dubai

The chic homegrown La Maison Ani serves relaxed French-Mediterranean cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner in an effortlessly elegant setting. The brainchild of Chef Izu Ani, menu highlights include the escargot, burrata and grilled langoustine. However, the warm chocolate mousse (you can thank me later) has the editor-in-chief returning time and again. Whether dining in Dubai or London, this sweet treat is served with a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream, is superb for sharing and will delight chocoholics with its gooey centre and soft exterior.

Conclusion

This month’s selection of dishes showcases the best of the best, from innovative twists on classic dishes to expertly prepared seafood and meat options. Whether you’re a foodie or just looking for inspiration for your next meal out, these recommendations are sure to satisfy your cravings.

FAQs

Q: Which restaurant has the best Lobster Neeruli dish?
A: Jamavar Dubai has the best Lobster Neeruli dish.

Q: Which dish is the most unique?
A: The Seabream Carpaccio at GAIA in Dubai is the most unique dish.

Q: Which restaurant has the best Malai Lobster dish?
A: Trèsind Dubai has the best Malai Lobster dish.

Q: Which dish is the most delicious?
A: The Tuna Pizza at Akira Back Riyadh is the most delicious dish.

Q: Which restaurant has the best overall dining experience?
A: Row on 45 has the best overall dining experience.