Maison Mathis, multiple dinings, approximately 100 to 150 dirhams per person.
It’s funny how coming back to a restaurant gives you a broader perspective. I have been here multiple times either to eat or to come here for drinks with friends. I am now firmly believe that the latter is the best, most enjoyable and most consistent experience. Consequently I updated my review and my rating of this restaurant.
There is a strong chance that you come here because you are a resident of Arabian Ranches and, if you are a resident of Arabian Ranches, chances are you come here quite a bit. I can see why.
Ultimately, I arrived at the conclusion that Maison is busy simply because of its location and its license. I find it very difficult to believe that people come here for the food.
The food here is fighting for average. Overall, I have never had a meal here that has made me want to come back and eat that thing again, which is telling. Some dishes are stronger than others but overall I am left with the distinct impression that I could’ve done better at home myself.
Here is some feedback about individual dishes:
HIGHLIGHTS: Albondigas: meatballs cooked in a tomato sauce and topped with a light breadcrumbs for texture. This dish can be quite heavy as some restaurants just serve an Italian style pasta meatball. These were light, the tomato sauce was also light and fresh, the breadcrumb topping did what it needed to do in terms of giving a slight crunch text him. There are five slightly smaller than golf ball size meatballs arrive making it a good light bite portion or a tapas to share with someone else.
Lemon tart. A decent portion with a sharp jolt of tangy lemon summer cushions by a marshmallow like meringue. I recommend they remove the red fruit which adds nothing to the dish as a few of them are ripe. Instead they could lean into the biscuits or meringue textures of flavours in the dish to help compete with the punchy lemon curd.
LOWLIGHTS: Lobster taco. This is a loose interpretation of a taco with a mandolin thin, Melba toast like shell with lightly poached lobster meat, avocado and a light salsa together with frise leaves. It was pleasant; but structurally I do not think the taco at works better as a gem lettuce shell or simple return to a slice of Melba toast and ditch the Melba taco love child hybrid.
Sunday roast pork. Having pork is a novelty still. However, this was both tough and fatty which is unexpected given that this is described as a slow cooked pork dish. Slow cooked means the fat should be rendered and basting the meat causing it to become soft and pull away under the slightest pressure of a fork. The meat here is still remarkably resilient and tough. The fact is still so visibly intact that it resembles sinew. We can get into debates about whether or not there should be crackling given this is a Sunday roast but the meat itself was just not enjoyable. The Yorkshire pudding is a dense where they should be crispy and pillowy. I would not order this again. This dish shockingly lands at approximately 125 dirhams. My recommendation is they urgently remove this item and replace it with a steak which is what fine dining restaurants charge at approximately this price. For context, this is 25% more expensive than a jug of their sangria.
Kids, depending on your point of view.
The service here is visibly overwhelmed. They need to bring on more staff especially during the weekends when it is crammed with people in a generous dining area where servers will have a hard time being able to attend to each person quickly and efficiently.
Maison Mathis could enjoy a time when it was the only oasis in a desert of restaurantless land for miles but oh how times have changed. New villa developments with licensed restaurants, new hotels with licensed restaurants and shopping malls challenging their customers with options should force the management to think hard and dig deep because they things they do well are available elsewhere and not so far enough that people won’t...
Read moreEuropean Delights and More!
Located in the beautiful setting amongst big trees and over looking the golf course is this gem of a restaurant which offers a delightful combination of European-style cuisine, an on-site bakery, and a warm and inviting atmosphere that truly sets it apart. From the moment I stepped through the doors, I knew I was in for a treat.
The menu at this establishment is a gastronomic journey through the flavors of Europe, with a wide array of dishes that will satisfy any palate. From classic French delicacies to hearty Italian pastas and everything in between, there is something to suit every taste. Each dish is expertly prepared with attention to detail and quality ingredients, resulting in flavors that are simply exquisite.
One aspect that truly stands out about this restaurant is their on-site bakery. The aroma of freshly baked breads and pastries fills the air, enticing customers with its mouthwatering allure. I couldn't resist trying their selection of artisanal bread, which was crusty on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and perfectly accompanied my meal. The pastries were equally delectable, with delicate layers and rich flavors that made for a heavenly dessert.
Aside from the exceptional cuisine, the restaurant's inviting ambiance is another reason why I highly recommend it. The interior design is a perfect blend of rustic and modern elements, creating a cozy and comfortable atmosphere. Soft lighting, tasteful decor, and comfortable seating all contribute to a relaxed dining experience. Furthermore, the small play area they offer is a thoughtful addition, making it an ideal spot for families with children. It allows parents to enjoy their meal while keeping an eye on their little ones, ensuring everyone has a great time.
The staff at this restaurant deserves special mention as well. Their warm and attentive service enhanced my overall dining experience. From the moment I arrived, I was greeted with a genuine smile and promptly seated. The waitstaff was knowledgeable about the menu and provided helpful recommendations, making me feel well taken care of throughout the evening.
In conclusion, this European-style restaurant with its on-site bakery and inviting atmosphere is a true culinary haven. Whether you're craving a taste of Europe or simply seeking a cozy and family-friendly dining spot, this place has it all. From the exceptional food to the charming ambiance and attentive service, every aspect of my experience was top-notch. I can't wait to return and explore more of their delightful offerings. Highly...
Read moreI’m a regular customer in Maison Mathis, but lately the service has gone way below average! Last Tuesday on the 11th of February I visited Maison Mathis and I did not appreciate the attitude of one of the waiters, he was very racist, he was smiling to all the westerners but when comes to our table he acts angry and not in the mood. I didn’t say anything and let it go, but when it was time to order I’ve asked for my usual order which is cappuccino and fries, he asked me what kind of fries and gave me 3 other names so I said the one that looks like McDonald’s fries, he said ok and left the table, when they got the fries it was thick cut fries so I said I’ve asked for thin fries like McDonald’s fries, he came back to the table and said no you didn’t and rolled his eyes and took the fries after I insisted that I didn’t order it. I asked to see the manager after this incident and told her everything that happened, she was kind enough to take care of the bill and promised me that will never happen again therefore I said I’ll give the staff a chance and visit again so I visited the restaurant today and the treatment was exactly the same but this time shockingly it was from another waiter!! He was smiling to westerners and very racist towards us as locals! Unfortunately the message didn’t get delivered last time
On another note, my sister and her husband visited the restaurant a month ago around the sunset time, they sat outdoors and half of the tables were empty, when it started getting dark the waitress was putting candles on the tables, my brother in law asked for two candles because it was a bit too dark, she said no, we usually put only 1 candle on each table!
Now let’s make a little comparison between Maison Mathis staff and The Hamptons cafe staff which are less than 1.5km away from each other! In Hamptons cafe the owner is a UAE national therefore they are living by the culture of hospitality and welcoming. Maison Mathis has a Kids free meal on Tuesday but they are racist, what’s the use of having a free meal with a terrible service? The locals choice will always be Hamptons. I drove all the way from Emirates Hills not to get this kind...
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