A new beach-side restaurant and lounge has landed in Dubai and it’s boasting all the Mediterranean feels.
Hola, Villamoré!
Featuring the azure blues and crisp whites of Santorini with the atmospheric vibes of Mykonos. An enviable combination.
I took the family here this week for a chic and relaxed lunch. Even my little brothers and sisters (who are normally quite the fuss-pot eaters!) were silenced by the delicious, fresh seafood and creamy French cheeses.
I’m always a sharing-starter kinda gal (although I quickly learned this week that when kids are at the table, it’s be quick or be hungry!), so we ordered a myriad of the colourful starters off the menu. It’s great to see more and more Dubai restaurants introducing healthier dishes and taking note that quality ingredients can speak for themselves. Whilst I may have a weak spot for the breadcrumbed and deep-fried cheeses and fish of the Med, it was pleasantly surprising to taste the freshness as it was meant to be savoured.
The warm roasted carrot and squash salad is bursting with natural sweetness and the gazpacho tuna tartare transports you straight to the French Riviera.
My highlights though … (and the reason I’ll be back at Villamoré for every clear-blue sky weekend that follows in the coming months) is their simply stunning taramasalata served with grilled sourdough bread, along with the humble burrata on a bed of impeccably fresh salad of tangy mint leaves and crunchy sugar snaps.
Just sensational, an absolute must try. I hate to say it but the taramasalata at Villamoré even tops the one at my favorite casual Greek restaurant of 4 years (Mythos) and that’s saying something!
Give me those two dishes any day with a glass of chilled rosé and I’m good to go!
We also couldn’t resist trying the freshly shucked oysters with a classic and perfectly balanced shallot vinaigrette.
And apparently, neither could my 6-year old sister!
A little extravagant, perhaps, but as a foodie myself I would always encourage children to taste as many foods as they can. Even if it is aed 20 per piece! We called it quits when she asked for a second helping …
For mains, a touch of nautical and a 3-person serving of the irresistible whole seabass served with a punchy salsa verde.
Octopus for my father, and a more indulgent tomato and burrata rigatoni for that essential Italian hit.
No room for desserts on this (rare) occasion, but such a beautiful new spot on the Palm to enjoy a relaxing lunch!
You can find Villamoré at the Emerald Palace Kempsinski hotel on the Palm Jumeirah.
Have a look at their website here for more details.
Did you enjoy this post? Have you been to Villamoré yourself?
Leave me a message below with any questions or comments you have. Would love to hear from you!
Carly x
