Review: We check out recently-opened The Loft at Dubai Opera

We experience it the best possible way - through Friday brunch

Just last week, we reviewed a brunch that offered live stations along with sharing platters - the best of both worlds. As I scanned the menu of The Loft's brunch, and saw this was the case yet again, I couldn't help but wonder if this is the new normal in Dubai's bustling culinary scene. Are buffets 'out'? Replaced by quality food in smaller portions (aka less wastage)? If so, it's a trend we'd definitely like to welcome.

The Loft has plenty of other things going for it too. The modern European restaurant, located in Dubai Opera, offers Burj Khalifa views (if you're lucky enough to nab a table on the outdoor terrace). The area as a whole is 'conceived around the poetry of an oyster shell', with elements paying tribute to the 'colour tones of the sea, oyster and sea cliff'. It's a light, breezy space, with chic curved booths and marble table tops, that oozes a quiet sophistication. We would expect nothing less from a location within Dubai Opera.

Speaking of oysters, The Loft knows its seafood. Live stations include a caviar and oyster selection, a seafood bar, and a BBQ section where you can pick up grilled prawns with garlic butter or steak (or both!). Or just enjoy the sharing platter which, despite having reasonable portions, brought out such a variety, that we were stuffed before we got to dessert. A pity because the assortment of fruit, ice creams and sorbets (tucked into fruit), deserved to be a meal on its own.

TASTE
Their truffle pizza was amongst the best I've ever had. Other notable dishes are the guacamole, served with thin colourful chips, fresh crispy seabass and, of course, the BBQ section. Learn from our mistake and leave room for dessert. There's definitely something for everyone.

AMBIENCE
There's the main dining area and the terrace section, both offering a different but equally interesting vibe (although only the latter gets the Burj views).With lively music, natural light, shades of cream and grey, and curved counters, the word 'swanky' comes to mind.

SERVICE
Absolutely great. Right from the hostess showing us to our table to the fact that our plates were cleared every single time we got up to check out the live stations, the service is definitely up to the mark. Despite it being busy, we were attentively tended to.

PRESENTATION
Ranged between simple and fuss-free (like the truffle pizza and the braised lamb shoulder) to stylish (like our guacamole which was studded with colourful, paper-thin chips or the fois gras with mango and chilli compote). A pretty good balance.

VALUE FOR MONEY
At Dh395 per pax (for their soft drinks package), this is not a brunch that comes cheap - nor should it be. A trip to the opera is special after all, and best left for occasions. The same applies for The Loft. For the location, service and food offered, it's worth the dirhams.
janice@khaleejtimes.com

• Food and Dining