OSH, La Mer, Dubai

BACKGROUND Set in Dubai’s pedestrianised beachside dining destination, La Mer, Osh offers a modern take on traditional Uzbekh and central Asian cuisine. Located close to Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), it’s a convenient dining spot for many of the city’s professionals. OSH Dubai is the second venue from The Bolt Group Company following the success of its flagship restaurant in Beauchamp Place, London.

W H AT ’ S IT LIKE? The upstairs terrace of the two-storey restaurant lounge, with its mix of dining tables and sofa areas, is a great place to relax after work during cooler climes and promises Burj Khalifa and city skyline views. It is one of a handful of licensed venues in the area, and a hotspot for the trendy Russian-speaking crowd, busy every night of the week. The décor is elegant yet traditional, colourful but understated and very much rooted in its geographic origins.

THE FOOD Given Uzbekistan’s proximity to multiple continents, the menu is suitably diverse. From classic regional comfort food such as steamed khinkali (dumplings) and Uzbek Osh (slow-cooked lamb with chickpeas, vegetables and Uzbek spices) to sushi platters and Arabic-inspired dishes such as humous and chicken shashlik, it’s a pan-regional smorgasbord of tastes. Even the fresh vegetables and herbs are brought from Uzbekistan so everything is fresh and flavoursome. I wanted to stick to the traditional Uzbekh dishes, which did not disappoint, for that taste of warm, homey cuisine. The restaurant has just launched its business lunch too, starting from AED 75 per person for three courses, with the choice of four starters, three mains and two desserts, all the way to its more lavish four-course offering at AED 125 per person, which adds on three choices of soup. This is now available 1-4pm, Sunday to Thursday. Prices are reasonable and portion sizes are generous, so it’s great value.

THE SERVICE Staff are attentive and well trained and even when it’s busy, seem to have all corners covered.

THE WORKSPACE Being such an expansive space, both inside and out, this could easily double as a beachside office or meeting spot with a twist.

VERDICT In a city with as many food offerings as Dubai, OSH has found a niche. I can think of only one or two places to find this kind of food, but nothing as nice as this in terms of the setting, the vibe, being licensed and the expansive menus for both food and beverages. Melanie Swan

Prices are reasonable and portion sizes are generous