What’s it like: If you’re looking for a no dress code, unpretentious dining affair paired with delectable cocktails, a cool playlist and a buzzing social ambiance, Cocktail Kitchen is the place to be. It boasts an urban yet chic atmosphere that instantly puts you at ease and in the mood for a good time – no matter your age. With such impressive bar space and an enticing drinks menu, I feared that the food at ‘Cocktail’ Kitchen would take a backseat – but it most definitely didn’t. Brilliantly complementing the experience, the Mediterranean-inspired food menu is designed perfectly for sharing. Whether you’re looking for a full meal or simply some grazing plates for picking at over drinks, the kitchen offers both. With so many tempting, season-friendly dishes to choose from, my family and I shared a few. To start, must-try options for me include the gorgeous beef carpaccio (pictured), served with a mouthwatering vermouth emulsion and balsamic dressing (I could have eaten two plates to myself!), and the butternut textures, an interesting dish with a fantastic cinnamon hint. For mains, the Josper steak was wonderfully tender, while the duck with pumpkin and orange purée, radicchio and spiced jus was simply mourish and satisfying. For those with a sweet tooth, don’t miss the chocolate millefuille – it melts in the mouth and leaves you in chocolatey heaven. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit. There’s no glitz and glam, just an easy-going crowd grazing on quality food and cocktails, having a great time – it’s the type of place that could quite easily become your new local and is the ideal spot to pop by even for a refreshing spritz. My next visit will be to check out their ‘Vinyl Brunch’, which takes place every Friday!

If you want to go:Around Dhs200 per person for three-courses, excluding beverages. Call +971-56-8280727.