Located in Dubai’s financial hub, DIFC, Caramel Restaurant and Lounge is the Las Vegas-based celebrity favorite dining destination. Known for its trendy décor and consistently good food, Caramel never fails to impress. The modern style is echoed in both the design and layout of the space. The mix of wood and marble give it an intimate yet airy and spacious feel. The comfortable suede chairs inside and simple wood furniture outside is all extremely contemporary.
The patio area with cabana style low couch seating and oversized umbrellas overhead are perfect for large groups to mingle and relax. Always buzzing with activity-lunch time is popular amongst everyone working in the area and at night filled with groups enjoying the thumping music and the casual ambience.
The menu is a mix of Asian and International cuisine- with a few house favorites for anyone who is a regular. The long list of Petite Plates with mouth-watering descriptions, are hard to resist. The popular Miso Glazed Cod is flavorful with perfectly moist pieces of fish laid out on a crispy bed of lettuce. The classic Mac and Cheese has been modernized with truffles. The Chicken Lollipop is reinvented with a sharp Blue Cheese dipping sauce. The TNT shrimp is crispy, batter fried with a tangy sauce. The Beverly Hills Cobb Salad remains classic and simple but with a slight kick to the dressing. The Beet Root Salad is rich in both color and taste with the strong cheese mixed with sweet honey and tart Balsamic.
With a variety of fish, meat and poultry for the main course, you will be spoilt for choice. The herbed Braised Lamb Shank is cooked to perfection with meat falling off the bone and melting in the mouth. The signature dish of Petite Kobe Sliders despite the name comes in a hearty trio of brioche-style buns, strong aged Cheese and tender meat. The meaty Sea Bass laid out on creamy risotto is an absolute delight. The Steak and Frites is definitely a star with the juicy steak accompanied with two different types of sauces and a freshly made generous serving of frites.
After a satisfying and filling main course there is never really space for dessert but the Dark Chocolate Fondant with Cappuccino ice cream is a must try, with the piping hot sponge and thick melted chocolate that oozes out. For something lighter, opt for the Passion Fruit Delight-a wonderful array of textures and flavors that gives a perfect end to a delightful meal.
Barely two years old, Caramel has built itself a reputation of being the laid back, uber-trendy hotspot in town. Just like its twin at the Bellagio in Vegas, celebrities, fashionistas and foodies are all die-hard fans of Caramel Dubai.
Caramel Restaurant and Lounge is located at the Dubai International Financial Center in Dubai.
Tel: +974-4256677
– Saira Malik
Images courtesy of Caramel
