Legends restaurant remains a Dubai classic

Legends
There’s a new trend in town – have you noticed? There’s something in the air, like the moment in Mary Poppins when the wind changes, preceding a brusque-of-vowel woman’s flight over the rooftop to jump your kids into a street painting. Lately, it’s all about high-end dining in a casual setting. And when we say ‘casual setting’, we’re not talking wear-your-tracksuit-and-pop-in-a-scrunchie casual, noooo – we’re not going out for a meal than comes in a bucket, here – but more along the lines of enjoying a relaxed meal in a pretty plush, yet chilled setting, and getting a li’l bit dressed up too.

And who better to showcase this hot new restaurant trend, than an establishment that can genuinely lay claim to the title ‘Dubai institution’ – the recently refurbished Legends. The dining room is atmospherically lit with well-spaced tables, and it has those big, comfy padded chairs that you always see in Hollywood movies; you know the ones in the scene where the mouthy young upstart banker heads to the suave and savvy, older, cynical money shark’s posh Upper East Side men’s club for a lesson in how he’s nothing but a cocky punk who should respect his elders. Or is that the plot for Wall Street 2? No matter, you know the chairs.

For further evidence of the whole casual/high-end trend, simply look to the menu. It’s easy to navigate (casual), but packed with carefully selected dishes (high-end). The wait staff are chatty (casual), yet also knowledgeable about the food (high-end). You’ll find plenty of comfort options, such as Classic chowder and the Legends burger (casual), alongside more experimental options in the Beef cheek pie (high end).

For starters, there are two ways to go – classic appetisers, including Foie gras and Caesar salad – or the more fun sharing option (which is the one we went for) from ‘The Trio’ section, where, for Dh65, you can choose three of the 15 mini dishes on offer.

Between two of us, we tucked into Tempura shrimp, Mini crab cake, Mini falafal, Smoked salmon wraps, Deep fried wonton and Vanilla shish taouk skewer. Mix’n’match… another trend? What is this, Dubai Fashion Week?

The mains are a reminder that Legends is, first and foremost, a steak restaurant, with Angus, Organic grass-fed, Wagyu and Tomahawk options all on offer. Elsewhere, find an Australian rack of lamb, Duck breast with vanilla lime mash and a Seared surf and turf. Repping the mer and vegetarian element, choose between Pan-fried fillet of sea bass, Roasted artichoke, and Goat cheese ravioli with tomato fondue and pickled onions. Accompaniments are varied, but the chunky Steak cut fries and the Homemade onion rings were standouts in a list that also includes Gratin Dauphinoise and Asparagus Hollandaise.

For dessert, we admit that we couldn’t get beyond a shared Toffee banana tart; but the inclusion of the intriguing Pear and Guanaja chocolate spring roll and the classic Crêpes Suzette, once again proves our theory about the mix of comfort and couture cuisines – casual and high-end. It’s the new black. You heard it here first.
Location Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club
Tel 04 295 6000

Tasty trio: Creekside dining

Al Dawaar
While you won't be able to hear the distinct and buzzing sounds of the Creek from this 25th floor restaurant, you will get just about the best view of the waterway possible in Dubai. Why? Well this buffet eatery is revolving - and after one dinner or lunch there you'll have experienced the whole of Dubai - including the characteristic Creek. Don't leave without trying the US Prime rib. Delish.
Location Hyatt Regency Dubai and Galleria, Deira
Timing Daily 12.30pm-3.30pm, 6.30pm-midnight
Tel 04 317 2222

Bateaux Dubai
This dining option is more than just Creekside, it cruises down the waterway. A gorgeous, contemporary-feel boat with floor-to-ceiling windows and swanky European feel, this is a perfect excursion to wow guests with. You'll even get to see Dubai royalty's private residences en route. There are two options, an all-inclusive dinner cruise (from Dh330) or a rather fancy afternoon tea (from Dh75). Don't mind if we do.
Location Docks in Bur Dubai, opposite British Embassy
Timing Afternoon tea cruise from 3.30pm-4.15pm, dinner cruise from 8.30pm-11pm
Tel 04 399 4994

Vivaldi

Sit and listen to the water lapping against this Italian restaurant's terrace while you spy the Burj Khalifa's glittery spire across on the other side of town: magical. The food here is worth travelling for, and we're particularly taken with any menu that features handmade tortellini.
Location Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers, Deira
Timing Daily 12pm-3.30pm, 7pm-11.30pm
Tel 04 207 1717