This smart and classy restaurant and lounge located in Dubai International Financial Center features a comfortable and elegant ambiance. Decorated with natural wood and textured stone, Caramel’s interior and exterior terrace exude bold contemporary lines recalling the sleek and dynamic atmosphere of a restaurant located in the mid-west, the brand’s birth place. Caramel’s twin venue is located in Las Vegas’ renowned Bellagio- perhaps cause to expect something ostentatious. Guests will nevertheless be pleasantly surprised by the casual yet sophisticated atmosphere, friendly staff and sensational American signature dishes.
Now one of the most popular night time venues in the DIFC, I had often visited Caramel for after work drinks but had yet to experience a full course meal. The menu is a surprising two pages long and includes American signature dishes from the Caramel Bellagio such as Lobster & Grilled Mango Tacos, Ponzu Yellow Fin Tuna, Mac & Cheese Sticks with Truffles, and Petite Kobe Sliders. To start with, my guests and I opted for the TNT Shrimp which was lightly battered with tossed with spicy Japanese mayo; the Spicy Tuna Rolls of tempura crusted seared yellow fin tuna and the Miso Glazed Black Cod starter made with baby gem, pickled daikon and carrot and crisp kaitafi filo. An immediate hit, the black cod is fragrant, sweet and has a delectable velvety texture which appears to melt in your mouth- definitely one of the best in the city.
The “Grand Plates” as they are referred to on the menu are certainly American in spirit but in no way grand in size. They can easily be accompanied with a few starters without loosing appetite. We chose the Petite Kobe Sliders, a wonderful and tasty reduction of the typical hamburger. The plate comes with three sliders coupled with aged cheddar and balsamic red onion. Next the Seared Chilean Seabass served with rock shrimp risotto, lobster broth, and tomato basil tapenade concluded to be the perfect light dish for a summer evening. For the side dishes we selected a zesty Chinese Chicken Salad made with clementines, cashew nuts, crispy leaves, and honey mustard dressing, irresistibly healthy our second side dish of crunchy thin-cut Pommes Frites made with parmesan cheese and garlic were more than addictive yet worth every bite.
Caramel’s heartwarming desserts brought me back to my American heritage. They are something my grandmother would serve after a home-cooked meal. Difficult to choose from, we finally agreed upon the Spiced Apple Cobbler and the Key Lime Pie. The apple cobbler was soft and chewy with the perfect amount of cinnamon while the Key Lime Pie was tart, sweet and creamy.
A restaurant and lounge which will not disappoint, Caramel strikes a perfect balance between your after work bar and classy restaurant. It’s a spot for all occasions and all tastes.
Caramel Restaurant and Lounge, Open Daily from 11am- 3pm
DIFC, Building 3
04 425 6677
www.carameldubai.com
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