Carine, nestled in the rolling green hills of Emirates Golf Club, is a high-class eatery to its core. What sets it apart is its relaxed and fuss-free manner. One early evening as the sun starts to cool, I arrive at Carine and already feel slightly late to the party – whatever time of day it is, the venue is full. Not loud, showy, just full of warmth and life.
Inside, understated white walls are contrasted by wooden and dark elements found in the modern tables and chairs, and large windows allow restaurant diners the same view of the lawns. It is a space ideal for any form of entertaining – family, friends, meetings, dates.
At my outside table, I drink in the golf course – still bright green in the evening light – and enticing French Mediterranean menu. Freshly baked bread is offered by a welcoming rubber-gloved waiter almost immediately, and I greedily start dipping chunks of focaccia into the delicious olive oil created by Chef Izu Ani. I order homemade lemonade (complete with sustainable straw crafted from avocado seeds), and a selection of starters: burrata with mixed peppers, lentil salad, harissa prawns and tuna tartare. The burrata is one of the most flavoursome I’ve ever had the pleasure of eating (and I have consumed many), the grilled tiger prawns with apple-harissa relish are perfectly cooked and the lentil salad is fresh and moreish.
Then, as if on cue, Chef Izu arrives, greeting regulars with an authentic energy that would sell out if it were bottled. He is, quite rightly, the star of the show – and yet he named his eatery Carine in honour of his wife. The couple, married for 18 years, met in northern France. Ani, a private chef at that time, used to visit Carine’s boulangerie. I’m told by Izu the bakery and Carine’s warm, inviting nature inspire the ambiance and interiors of the restaurant.
Next, hot plates of Truffle Rigatoni and Lamb Cutlets arrive. All are faultless. There is no need for dessert, but the Passionfruit Cheesecake with its rich biscuit base and tart topping is a must-have, as well as the creamy Pistachio Ice Cream with raspberry coulis and freshly baked apple Tarte Tatin. Every minute spent in this urban escape is a joy. An elegant restaurant paired with a casual dining philosophy is nothing short of brilliant. It is an evening exceptionally well spent.
Find Carine at Emirates Golf Club, Emirates Hills 2, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
For reservations CALL NOW or BOOK HERE
Burrata
Beetroot Salad
Beef Tartare
