Review: Dusty’s at DIFC has more than edgy interiors

Dusty’s, the restaurant at DIFC’s Al Fattan Currency House, has such a cool vibe that it will propel all those corporate types in the bustling financial district to loosen their ties, peel off their blazers and talk about everything under the sun. My partner and I didn’t belong to the number-crunching world, but we could imagine why the hip lounge and restaurant was popular with them. In fact, the retro mural by Dubai-based Palestinian artist Jeffar Khaldi featuring icons such as Madonna, James Dean and John F. Kennedy made for an effective, quixotic icebreaker. But there’s more to this place than just its edgy interiors. The food is worth every dirham that you spend.

We chose to sit in their newly opened terrace area to drink in the view of the well-lit Dubai metropolis studded with sky scrapers and began our meal with crunchy appetisers.

The lobster taco — filled with a generous amount of the crustacean, ripe mango, red onion, avocado and coriander — was rich and filling. It was creamy, but not overly greasy.

Another must-try is their Burrata with roasted peppers, chopped basil and a drizzle of olive oil. The white ball — with soft cheese with a creamy, soft stringy bits of yoghurt — represents all things good in this world. It was so delicious that the rock shrimp tempura with wasabi mayonnaise and chilli dip paled in comparison.

For the mains, my partner, who loves poultry, tried Dusty’s Red Chicken and I chose their other signature dish — black cod with mango salsa. The sweet and tangy marinade with the tender flaky fish hit the perfect notes. The mango salsa married harmoniously with the cod, the chicken, cooked to perfection, may remind you of the Indian staple — chicken tikka — but would have benefited enormously with a bit of heat.

Also, be sure to save room for dessert. We opted for the trio of brulee in coffee, mango and coconut flavours and chocolate fondant (a mound of chocolate and caramel sauce with a scoop of vanilla ice cream). The crem brulee’s torched exterior revealed a luxurious inside. My favourite was the coffee flavour and it was heartening to know that this was a dessert which was perfect for sharing. The chocolate fondant did everything that it said on the tin and made for a perfect end to a fine evening.

Our ratings: 4/5; price for two: Dh250

We recommend: Lobster taco, black cod with mango salsa and trio of Brulee

Timings: 7.30am to 11pm; Call 04 3545435 or write to info@dustysdubai.com

Where: Dusty’s, Al Fattan Currency House, DIFC, Dubai