This Argentinian restaurant has an 18-metre ceviche bar

Our fair city has had its fair share of exciting restaurant announcements this year — The Ivy, Hakkasan, Royal China — but, personally, the prospect of an 18-metre ceviche bar means that the upcoming Argentine restaurant Gaucho, the location of the said bar, heads straight to the top of the class. (Ceviche is a South American dish of raw seafood marinated in citrus juice, onion and chilli, which essentially cooks it — it's tangy, spicy and cooling all at the same time. Oh, and delicious.)

Located opposite the entrance to Zuma in DIFC, the restaurant is the second to open in the Middle East after an outpost in Beirut and an addition to the 14 already in the UK. It is expected to open after Ramadan with a menu of imported Argentine steaks — think bife de chorizo (sirloin) or picana (topside of rump) — besides classic empanadas (little savoury pies) and that ceviche. It's been three years in the planning, said Ryan Hattingh, the group's International Operations Director, and the interior is at least one reason why: think Cavalli-meets-Rawhide — a steakhouse it ain't. "It's an Argentine restaurant," Hattingh said. "You wouldn't call Zuma a fish-and-chip shop, would you?" Other highlights to be awaited with bated breath are a 120-seater bar, 150-seater main dining room, an outdoor terrace seating 100 and a private dining room, while the kitchen is equipped with a wood-burning oven.

— By Natalie Long Editor, tabloid! on Saturday