What’s it like?

Relax in a haven of Mediterranean charm at the recently opened El Chiringuito Dubai beachside venue, which incorporates a beach and pool club, restaurant, bar and a fully supervised ‘Little Chiringuito’ area dedicated to children. It’s family friendly, however, we’re informed that Fridays transform the venue into more of a party hangout, with DJs and live performances. We visited on a Saturday and the vibe was very laid-back and chilled. With mellow old school beats playing in the background, the venue is cool and offers skyline views of The Palm Jumeirah and Dubai. The décor is chic and very pretty, with lots of greenery and tropical white flowers that adorn a light wood frame above the seating area.

What are the food highlights?

Saturday brunch is served from 12 – 4pm each week and you can opt to sit at the decked restaurant terrace where you’ll be shaded from the sun, or out in the lounge area. In true Spanish style, the experience starts with a jug of sangria. The brunch menu allows you and your dining party to enjoy an array of starters to share, while there is a selection of dishes for you to choose a main from each. For dessert, it goes back to sharing style. Highlights include starters of tuna tartare served atop a creamy coriander-infused avocado paste, and the octopus a la gallega, which is generously sliced pieces of octopus laid on a bed of paprika sprinkled potatoes and finished with olive oil and rock salt. As for mains, the seafood paella is a must (what’s a Spanish meal without it?), and the cotoletta alla Milanese that came succulent and lightly crusted. What I liked most about the food selection here is the attention to cooking light. When sat by the pool in beachwear with the sun beaming down, El Chiringuito ensure dishes are kept refreshing, digestible and enjoyable.

How was the service?

Staff here are friendly and exude calm – it’s rather hard not to be chilled out in such relaxing surroundings.

The bottom line:

El Chiringuito is a great place to enjoy a relaxing Saturday afternoon with family or friends. After brunch, head down to the beach or chill by the pool on a Bali bed listening to a DJ while the sunsets. For kids, there’s arts and crafts available all day to keep them occupied.

Details: Brunch is priced at AED 395 for food, soft drinks and beverages, AED 495 including food, hops and grape, AED 595 including food and premium bar, or AED 695 including food, premium bar and bubbles. Call 05- 44496464 | 04-2779180 or e-mail reservations@elchiringuito-dubai.com.