3 FILS

Could this unassuming fishing village spot be the best restaurant to open so far this year?

Dubai dining generally falls into two camps: high-end dinners at steep prices or cheap, casual spots for budget meals out. But high-end food at casual eatery prices? Very few and far between.

3 Fils, a small owner-operated spot in Jumeirah’s fishing harbour, seats only 30 but has been generating quite a buzz since opening at the start of the year. The name, a play on the restaurant’s three owners and their desire to give their “two-cents’ worth” on what’s been missing from the local dining scene, only adds to the intrigue.

One of those owners, chef Akmal Anuar, a Singaporean native, was head chef at the country’s much-lauded Iggy’s for ten years, before he upped sticks and came to Dubai to open Zengo. Here, he gets the chance to fly free.

Separated into sections, including sushi, sliders and hand food, as well as hot plates and desserts, it’s essentially Asian-infused tapas – order lots of small plates and be prepared to get stuck in.

We adored the thinly sliced beef carpaccio with rocoto (Dhs38), topped with an intensely-flavourful beef chorizo oil that was also utilised to great effect in a fun plate named ‘Indomie, yes, Indomie’ (Dhs30), a play on the Singaporean obsession with instant noodles. The twisty noodles might look familiar, but paired with that oil, slivers of spicy sausage, asparagus and snow peas, they’re elevated to a whole new level.

Duck and corn waffles (Dhs34) prompted something of an abandonment of manners – hey, the menu says ‘use them hands’ – while the charcoal fry was deliciously moreish, though we won’t spoil the surprise. We also loved the meltingly tender spiced BBQ lamb ribs (Dhs48).

When we visited last, Anuar was excitedly showing off his special of the day, a delicious tuna tartare topped with a truffle he’d just bought. His delight was palpable, as was those of his diners. Queues or not, we’ll be back.

Jumeirah Fishing Harbour 1, Al Urouba Street, Jumeirah 1, Dubai, Mon to Wed 1pm to 5pm, 7pm to 11pm, Thur to Sat noon to midnight. Tel: (056) 2730030. Taxi: Jumeirah Fishing Harbour. 3fils.com