Amazonico, DIFC, Dubai

Amazonico, DIFC

BACKGROUND Despite being one of the newer kids on the block, Amazonico, located in a three-storey venue in the heart of Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), only opened in late 2019, but is already considered on par with the likes of dining giants such as Zuma and LPM. It serves Latin American cuisine, with venues already open in European hotspots Madrid and London.

WHAT’S IT LIKE? With distinctive green interiors and a bevy of foliage from floor to ceiling that make you feel as if you’re in the heart of the Amazon rainforest, this restaurant, bar and lounge, which has outdoor and indoor seating, as well as a beautiful rooftop, is certainly defying the pandemic. I dined there on a Saturday evening and it was very busy; as soon as a table was vacant, there were new guests to take the spot. Even as I was leaving at 10.30pm, more diners were arriving. Openplan kitchens and natural materials mean the space, designed by artist Lázaro RosaViolan, is vibrant and though vast, still cosy. With plant-covered ceilings and walls and luxurious seating, it feels more like a swanky tropical hideaway than an urban eatery. THE FOOD The restaurant’s Amazoninspired menu has been led by chef and concept creator Sandro Silva and his wife, chef Marta Seco. For those familiar with the likes of Coya, the menu has that trademark fusion cuisine vibe, with everything from melt-in-the-mouth Brazilian-style rump steak (Picanha) to Peruvian sushi (pictured). Innovative touches to Latin American favourites such as deep-fried plantain chips to dip in the guacamole, instead of nachos, show that every attention is paid to details. The Mexican seabass ceviche – ‘Aguachile’ –was divine and bursting with flavour, as were the warm Brazilian cheese buns served as appetisers. For mains, alongside the Brazilian beef, the wild grouper - ‘Mero’ – was a light, healthy dish for something less heavy. Caramelised pineapple – ‘Pina Rostizada’ – served with coconut ice cream, was delicious, though the baklava, which we were told was an Amazonico take on the Turkish traditional sweet, was sadly a little bit of a flop, more like a bowl of muesli with some ice cream on top.

THE SERVICE The service was great but because it’s so busy, sta don’t work hard to keep you, knowing there won’t be a shortage of customers if you don’t come back. There were a little ‘snooty’.

THE WORK SPACE Amazonico is certainly a great venue for a business lunch with a twist, providing respite from the corporate world. The three- or four-course weekday ‘Business Lunch’ menus are priced at AED 125 and AED 148 respectively and include a selection of ‘Raws & Salads’, ‘Bites & Wok’ and larger plates, as well as an indulgent ‘Hot Chocolate Fondant’.

VERDICT Something refreshingly di erent and quirky, with an exciting menu that fuses multiple flavours and regional cuisines, catering to everyone from the adventurous (think frogs legs) to the more conservative (ribs and steaks), or even vegetarian. Melanie Swan

Amazonico is certainly a great venue for a business lunch with a twist

HOURS Open daily from 12 noon to 1am

LOCATION DIFC Pavilion

CONTACT Tel: +971 (0) 45713999; email: reservations@amazonico.ae