BOCA — Restaurant in Dubai

A case of second chances. Have you ever walked away from a situation with a restless unease that it just didn’t feel right? Torn that there was more for the taking but perhaps the timing and circumstances were not right? Sort of like taking the wrong size to the changing room; you thought this should work but here you are struggling to drag up these skinny jeans and, please, who were you kidding? Enough about me. This was not my first foray with BOCA, a restaurant that’s “casual” but in that kind of “DIFC casual” which is really more effort and attention to detail than it cares to admit. A few weeks ago I came here as part of a corporate dining group and the experience was: very mixed, however, glimmers of excellence peaked through and my curious nature was baited (plus BOCA comes highly recommended from some foodies who I highly respect). An a la carte exploratory committee of two were formed and ventured out last night. The menu is a sojourn through the Mediterranean’s greatest hits including tartare, oysters, tart tatin and gazpacho. Kudos to the “research dept” revealing regional gems and niche references like socca, a chickpea southern France street food pancake. That said the menu also features some items where I’m not clear which part of the Mediterranean they are meant come from: lobster rolls, tuna burgers and ceviche - these are nods to more “of the moment” menu items executed in BOCA’s style.

HIGHLIGHTS: EMIRATI SEA BASS TARTARE: the presentation is a simple but beautiful: low tartare with slices of avocado like petals laid over cubes of fresh sea bass brightened by the labneh. Subtle and thoroughly enjoyable. We preferred this JUST to the hammour ceviche. BOCA POTATO CHIPS: potato chips as a highlight - who knew. The dish is presented playfully like a collapsed jenga tower layering symmetrical batons of potato with smooth aioli and sweet bravas sauce dusted with smoked paprika. If you find yourself at Boca for one of their happy hours then you’d better order this as a side to soak up some of the booze and thank me later. 12 HOUR BRAISED LAMB WITH POLENTA, JERUSALEM ARTICHOKE & ROSEMARY: the dramatic presentation of a refined but rustic, hearty bowl tipping its coppola towards northern / central Italian cooking with rich polenta topped with crispy Jerusalem artichokes that provide much needed crunch and texture to an otherwise soft dish. And speaking of soft: THAT LAMB. Served bravely with only a spoon, the lamb “ballotine” breaks under the back of a spoon’s mild pressure. This is a thoroughly enjoyable dish. This is a must order dish BUT one to share. It’s a huge portion for one person so it should be a sharing dish for 2-3. It’s the best kind of Sunday lunch eating.

NOTABLE MENTIONS: Rose is the New Black: their interpretation of an Aperol spritz featuring a splash of blood orange sorbet which adds sharpness to this king’s goblet aperitif. Pulled Lamb Pizzetta: a long pizzetta on a board hiding the pulled lamb under fresh mild ricotta, sweet grilled courgettes and even more lashing of cheese. It’s a spring celebration. However, this feels more like a flatbread and I recommend the pizza dough to cooked further for a crunchy firm base that can withstand the weight of the toppings. The base bends too easily and a yeasty, crunchy pizza dough would fight back not just structurally but also bring its own flavour profile to the dish. Wine menu: one of the more generous wine by the glass menus I’ve seen in Dubai. I appreciate this as it allows for switching wine with courses and of course if you’re coming here for just drinks, why should you be restricted to 2-3 wines by the glass. I wish more places were this flexible.

Would I go back to Boca? Well I did so, and I am glad I did. My return visits would likely focus more on grazing through their tapas menu accompanied by cocktails...

BOCA is a Modern European restaurant in the heart of Dubai’s financial district. BOCA is strongly influenced by Spanish cuisine and is firmly committed to local sourcing. Led by trailblazing owner Omar Shihab, BOCA’s menu offers a remarkable number of delicious local ingredients given its desert milieu. BOCA is a torch bearer for the region, proving that the UAE is far from a barren land. For example, The Hajar mountains in northeastern Oman and the eastern United Arab Emirates are biologically rich habitats, while the Central region’s oases are home to modern hydroponic, organic, and traditional farms. There is also great fish from the Arabian Gulf and the Indian Ocean, and features prominently on BOCA’s menu. BOCA obtains its sustainable Hamour and Seabass from UAE’s ‘FishFarm’ 5 km off the coast of Dibba, Fujairah.

On BOCA’s menu, the kitchen uses only locally grown tomatoes from Pure Harvest Farms, a new aromatic native desert plant called Shih, local sea snails and even summer oysters from Dubai’s Dibba Bay. One may be surprised to find world class oysters from Dubai, but the Dibba bay variety strike the perfect balance of saltiness, acidity and sweetness. In addition to sourcing ingredients locally and supporting local farmers and fishermen, BOCA is a strong supporter of sustainable practices and even have an in-house waste officer.

After dinner, treat yourself to one of the great cocktails at BOCA Inspired by the team's favorite local and regional ingredients. BOCA on paper is a sure thing, with a majestically crafted fusion between Spanish cuisine and local products from a region that has been largely ignored. You can’t help but being inspired when speaking to Omar, who is on a tireless mission to champion the best of the UAE and authentic...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at BOCA, and I must say, it was a truly delightful culinary experience. From the moment I walked through the door, I was greeted with warm hospitality and an inviting ambiance that set the stage for a memorable evening.

The menu at BOCA is a testament to the creativity and skill of the culinary team. It offers a diverse range of dishes that cater to a variety of tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you're a meat lover, a vegetarian, or have specific dietary restrictions, BOCA has something to satisfy your cravings.

The service at BOCA deserves special mention. The staff was attentive, knowledgeable, and passionate about the food they served. They took the time to explain each dish and made recommendations based on my preferences, ensuring that I had a personalized dining experience.

The plates were beautifully arranged, showcasing the artistic flair of the kitchen team. It was evident that great care was taken in every aspect of the dining experience.

In conclusion, BOCA is a culinary gem that exceeded my expectations. The innovative menu, exceptional flavors, and impeccable service make it a must-visit for food enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a romantic dinner, a celebratory meal, or simply want to treat yourself to a gastronomic adventure, BOCA is the place to go. I can't wait to return and explore more of their...