Where I Ate in Dubai: Soho Bar and Grill

I have been on a quest to find another restaurant which serves good steak/ribs here in Dubai. After so many failed attempts with some steakhouses such as Tony Roma’s which has the fattiest ribs I’ve ever eaten and Chilli’s which probably should give their customers a chainsaw instead of steak knives to cut their overcooked charcoal ribs, I found Soho Bar and Grill from the list of the restaurants where I get staff discount. To be honest, I wouldn’t have ventured on to try it out if not for the 25% discount I will get plainly because it’s in Century Village which is in the other side of town. The boyfriend called the drive “migration” since it’s really that far away from where I live.

We were greeted by an enthusiastic server while the boyfriend and I were still contemplating if we should go inside the restaurant or not since it was literally empty, not a good sign. I have not had anything to eat that day as it was so busy at work so I literally dragged my feet into the empty restaurant and hoped that the emptiness doesn’t mean that they serve really lousy food.

Waiter: Ready to order?
Me: Yes, I’ll have the short ribs please.
Waiter: Half or full?
Me: Full please.
Waiter: * took both my and the boyfriend’s menu * so you’ll have a sharing portion of the ribs, how about drinks?
Me: Uhmmmm no, that’s just for me.
Waiter: * looks at me in astonishment *
Boyfriend: I’ll have the t-bone steak
Waiter: * still looking at me with wide eyes *

When the orders came, I realized why the waiter was looking at me that way, it was a huge portion.

It doesn’t look like it on the photo but trust me, it was HUGE. I wasn’t able to finish all of it (such a shame!) even if that was my first meal of the day. Was it worth it though? Oh absolutely! As soon as my knife touched the very tender meat and I’ve exerted almost no effort to cut it, I was sure I was in for a good meal. It was juicy, tender, with the right amount of fat in it to make it more heavenly. The barbecue sauce they used had the right amount of sweetness which is how I like it. The boyfriend’s t-bone steak was also grilled to perfection, he finished it off in no time and helped me finish the ribs as well. :p

Was it worth the drive? Yes, the food is so great it’s probably the only reason the boyfriend will drive that far. The outdoor area of the restaurant already made us make a mental note to go back there when the weather is a bit more friendlier. The service is also great, with the right amount of friendliness without being so intrusive of your personal space.

(I just realized after posting that photo that they gave us only 15% discount instead of 25%. )