They say we eat first with our eyes, so a dish that looks uncannily like a pile of hair should be a disaster. But we found just that on the menu at Qbara – and we’re already eager for a second helping.

Here’s our BITESIZE review of the new hotspot at Wafi. You can read our in-depth review in the March issue of What’s On.

Contact details: Wafi Fort Complex, next to Raffles Hotel, Dubai, Sat to Wed 6pm to 2am, Thur and Fri 6pm to 3am. Tel: (04) 7092500. Taxi: Raffles Hotel.

First impressions
From a hypnotic special effects wall to the spectacular chandelier dangling above the circular dining area, Qbara packs a serious visual punch.

Vibe
Stylish and dimly lit, Qbara is somewhere to see and be seen – we spotted Gordon Ramsay when we visited.

What to order
The soft-shell crab is a deep fried delight, while the Milk and Honey dessert – served with a crown of what appears to be blonde hair – looks freaky, but tastes fab. 

Look out for
The 3D wall definitely caught our attention.

Ideal for
A glamorous affair – the DJ booth and expansive bar area encourage diners to make a night of it.

Insider info
Qbara’s executive chef Colin Clague launched both Zuma and The Ivy in Dubai.

Final thoughts
It’s not exactly in a prime location, but we’re confident the stylish set will travel for Qbara’s inventive Middle Eastern dishes served in stunning surroundings.

FULL REVIEW
They say we eat first with our eyes, so a dish that looks uncannily like a pile of hair should be a disaster. But after finding just that on the menu at new restaurant Qbara, and – after trying it – you’ll be back for a second helping. The Milk And Honey dessert, a combination of Greek yoghurt, panna cotta and Yemeni honey, arrived topped with what appeared to be a cloud of blonde locks, but thankfully turned out to be Persian candyfloss. This sweet treat may have looked freaky, but it tasted delicious.

The dessert isn’t the only thing at Qbara to pack a visual punch.

A dazzling 3D screen makes it appear as though the walls of this contemporary Middle Eastern restaurant are rippling back and forth, while a spectacular chandelier of hundreds of shimmering spheres looks like champagne bubbles suspended in mid-air.

The new venue also has major people-watching potential – we spotted a certain Mr Gordon Ramsay mingling in the bar when we visited. All of this added up to a fair amount of gawping, but once the food started arriving, all eyes left Gordon.

A selection of small dishes appeared, all tussling for top spot. The creamy burrata made a strong first impression, as did the meaty seared scallops. Then the soft-shell crab arrived and surpassed them both. The main course of sea bass with a tahini and yoghurt dressing was another hit.

The date cake served with orange and tamarind sorbet was nutty and moreish – and less mind-boggling in appearance than the Milk And Honey creation. If you can wrap your head around digging your spoon into something that looks like it’s been swept up off a salon floor, chances are you’ll be glad you did.

Wafi Fort Complex, next to Raffles Hotel, Dubai, Sat to Wed 6pm to 2am, Thur and Fri 6pm to 3am. Tel: (04) 7092500. Taxi: Raffles Hotel. qbara.ae