Review: The Lighthouse is a champion of easy, spontaneous dining

Spontaneous dates await…

The Lighthouse exudes the kind of warmth one would hope to find when discovering a new spot. At first glance, it’s simple, welcoming and in weather like this, incredibly inviting to passers-by who might be scouting for a spontaneous haunt. I say that because nothing about The Lighthouse is too much – too intense, too experimental, too fancy or too expensive. Nor is it too pale. It’s just right for a weeknight when you don’t want to be rudely surprised.

Upon first glance, the facade of the D3 outpost, where we went, comes across as a Dubai-style, Instagram-worthy cafe, where you’re sure to find a slew of locals on any given day. The interiors are washed in low lighting and aesthetic neutrals – beige and white, and muted greys and blues in the chairs. Punctuating greenery only adds to the element of ‘minimalism’. There is a chill in the air, but we choose to sit outside, because when else will we be able to do that.

What’s On the menu?

For starters, we order the fried calamari, the grilled prawns and the halloumi fries. The halloumi fries (Dhs42) are a stand-out – deep fried but not unpleasantly greasy. The halloumi stays fresh and the tomato jam to go with adds just the right amount of sweet and tart flavours. The calamari (Dhs60) is a safe option – crispy and with a hint of spice and lime. You can’t go wrong with that. The prawns (Dhs92), are the least remarkable – marinated in garlic and rosemary, they don’t really taste like anything.

For the mains, we order the minute steak sandwich and the truffle rigatoni. The steak sandwich (Dhs64) lives up to it’s name – we demolish it in probably under a minute. The meat is tender, and paired with bright ingredients like tzatziki and tomatoes, the fat is cut perfectly. The truffle rigatoni (Dhs185) is a lot of truffle, so for those who shy away from how strong that is, maybe pass up on this. It’s still delicious, with a rich, mushroom sauce, sweet shallots and truffle shavings.

For dessert, our wonderful server makes some suggestions – lemongrass creme brulee and passion fruit and yuzu cheesecake. The creme brulee (Dhs42) is unlike anything we’ve ever had, with the light hint of lemongrass very much evident, but not overpowering. The cheesecake (Dhs45), like the calamari and much of the other fair, is a safe option – always good to have.

What’s On Verdict: Looking for comfort? Head to The Lighthouse.

The Lighthouse, across various locations, @thelighthouse_ae

Images: Socials/Supplied