A rare find in a city of classic steakhouses.
In recent months, I've been entirely distracted by beef. Not of the brisket and burger variety, mind you, but the ongoing feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar. But as two of the biggest rappers on the planet duked it out over bars and jabs, an altogether different beef was sizzling in City Walk with the arrival of a new steakhouse: RARE.
RARE is the love child of a trendy New York bar and an art deco Parisian brasserie that blends cosmopolitan flair and Parisian charm. Decorated in a ruby and rouge colour palette, this sophisticated steakhouse is not trying to transport diners to Europe or the US. It is a true Dubai entity, anchored and inspired by the city we call home.
Spanning 130 seats, the interior exudes a sophisticated yet inviting aura where plush booths create a sense of intimacy while a striking bar beckons diners for a pre- or post-dinner drink. Whether you choose the outdoor terrace adorned with greenery or the cosy indoor seating, every intimate corner of RARE promises a stylish setting for dinner. The restaurant boasts a vivacious vibe, and a playfulness to proceedings with pursed lips printed on plates and a front-of-house team who are charismatic and competent.
In a city where, despite the core cuisine, it's become all too common to find a selection of Dubai dishes (think: burrata, dynamite shrimp and truffle pizza), RARE is a carnivorous paradise that uses only the finest cuts of meat.
RARE's menu has been designed by chef Jesse Blake and is divided into nibbles, oysters and caviar, appetisers, steaks, mains and desserts, offering elevated takes on steakhouse classics. Highlights include Fried Olives with crumbled feta (AED 21), Seared Tuna Crudo with anchovy soy and a beautiful brown butter béarnaise (AED 96), and for something a little more obscure, Ox Tongue Salad (AED 62) with charred onion and lamb lettuce.
We obsess over the bulbous Burrata (AED 81), which is voluptuous and creamy and served with tomato and fig relish, tarragon, and grilled bread. It's a dish that easily balances acidity and sweetness and offers a nice textural interplay between the crisp bread and the soft cheese. The Bone Marrow on Toast (AED 48) with pickled onion and mushroom brings a hit of umami and the richness associated with the moreish marrow into bite-sized pieces.
RARE's Chicken Thigh Skewers (AED 86) are juicy and tender, enhancing the flavour of the chicken with a smoked salsa roja and a hint of lemon, while the Heirloom Tomato & Peach Salad (AED 39) brings a sense of freshness anchored by an intense and tangy goat cheese crumb.
As the name suggests, at the heart of RARE lies its devotion to steak with a selection of the finest classic cuts (available in small and large portions), each meticulously prepared on charcoal. Indulge in the succulent oyster blade paired with pebre and Amarillo chilli (AED 165), or go grand with the 1.4kg Tomahawk (AED 810) or 600g Chateaubriand (AED 750). We thoroughly enjoyed the 200g 9+ Wagyu Striploin (AED 245) served a beautiful medium rare alongside a fiery wasabi cream and tempura crispies for texture. Despite the additions, the meat requires no embellishment and is a flavour-packed cut prepared to perfection.
Elsewhere, the Braised Ox Cheek (AED 195) surrenders at the mere touch of the fork, falling off the bone before swimming in a smoked butternut purée with onions. Mains are paired with sides of crispy Brussels sprouts, mac and cheese or panko onion rings.
RARE's delightful desserts include an Insta-worthy Raspberry Soufflé (AED 65), the Soft Chocolate (AED 67) with malt parfait, cherry, oat crunch, and torched meringue, and the whimsical Whipped Burnt Cheesecake (AED 58) with maple-grilled peaches and a salted almond crumb. This licensed venue also boasts an impressive beverage program. With a clever cocktail selection and a curated wine list featuring international and regional selections.
Sophisticated steakhouses are all the rage in Dubai, from Beefbar and CARO to Leña and the soon-to-open Three Cuts. Now, City Walk, a shopping precinct previously known for its cafe culture, is seeing a culinary resurgence thanks to its newly opened licensed district and the arrival of RARE.
This superb spot is a rare find in a city of classic steakhouses, offering a modern and refined approach to its meat emporium – and a delicious distraction from any beef that may be going on in yours, Drake's or Kendrick Lamar's life.
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