When new Dubai restaurant, Meda, dared to mix the sizzling flavours of Spain, Italy, and Greece under one roof, it felt like someone had thrown down a culinary gauntlet.
But has this ambitious upstart bit off more than it can chew? Or is Meda a delight just waiting to be discovered?
Let’s dig in.
Meda Dubai: Where is it?
Nestled within the Taj in Downtown Dubai, Meda sits elegantly on the first floor. Accessible via stairs or lift, this eatery seems perfect in location. However, that’s somewhat dampened by the constant flow of lobby noises sneaking into the restaurant from the floor below. It can, at times, go from atmospheric to intrusive (depending on how talkative your fellow diners may be in contrast to the busy lobby below).
Meda Dubai: What’s the vibe?
Meda is an aesthetically pleasing mix of crisp whites, black and white photographs (of the typical Mediterranean sort – white-washed houses, a boat or two, some cobblestone streets, etc.) and a striking marble bar touched with mirrored highlights.
The decor certainly steals the show, but it’s a tad disappointing that the restaurant overlooks a dull road, that must be hidden behind thinly-veiled curtains.
Overlooking the slight lobby noise, the atmosphere in Meda swings towards the delightful.
The hum of cocktail shakers at the bar, paired with staff as warm as a Spanish summer’s day, creates an appealing ambiance. Their enthusiasm in explaining the extensive menu is indeed infectious.
Meda Dubai: How’s the food?
Each plate that emerges from Meda’s kitchen is an Instagrammer’s delight – too gorgeous to eat, too delicious not to. The Prawns and croquettes are crowd-pleasers.
However, some dishes feel like uninvited guests at the party – the beef sliders and pizzas feel a little out of place. The puzzle continues with the oddly portioned dishes, where appetizers tend to overshadow the mains in both size and flavour.
Meda Dubai: The verdict
Meda is a restaurant in a hurry. It has sprinted into the race, and while it trips over a few hurdles (the unfocused menu, for instance), it shows a lot of promise.
With sterling service and some delectable dishes on offer, all it needs is a little bit of focus and a dash of refinement.