West 14th steakhouse located on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah has long been a popular haunt with residents in the surrounding towers like Oceana and the Golden Mile. It’s not just proximity that keeps patrons coming back, I discovered this month, it’s prime cut steaks that are cooked to perfection.
With New York’s West 14th Meatpacking District as its theme, perhaps my dining companion and I shouldn’t have been surprised that our appetizers were generously US-sized too.
My calamari had a light and crispy batter and stood out from the crowd with its sweet-sticky chilli dressing and sprinkling of roasted cashew nuts. My friend opted for tuna with tonnato dressing. Served on a slate square, the slices of fish were expertly seared and seasoned, melting in the mouth. The tonnato sauce was a great compliment to the dish. The chef balanced its flavours well, the saltiness of the anchovies, capers and smoked tuna flakes offset by mellow artichokes and sweet tomatoes. I was sold, and already planning my return for lunch in the not too distant future.
Up next, the star attraction – our main course of steak. True to its origins West 14th is much loved for its extensive list of New York prime beef, namely 180-day Black Angus and an eye-popping Tomahawk on the bone weighing in at 500g. To see if the restaurant’s variety of beef from other parts of the world were just as good, I plumped for a 180g day grain fed Australian Wagyu tenderloin and my friend, a 250g John Stone fillet from Ireland.
The choice of toppings, rubs and coatings for our cuts was prodigious. After much deliberation, I settled for a garlic and thyme crust, my companion a layer of blue cheese and caramelized onion.
As we eagerly awaited our main course, we were shown a selection of knives and I’m sure it’s the first time I’ve seen one with an onyx and gold leaf handle. Nice touch and a definite hit with the ladies.
My Wagyu arrived at the table, proud and plump on the plate and smelling divine. Despite having deliberately opted for a low to medium marble score of 5-6, the meat was incredibly tender with a buttery foie gras aftertaste.
My companion agreed his steak was equally delicious and, like mine, cooked precisely as requested. Grass fed and dry aged, the meat was succulent yet robust, and complimented well by the classic cheese-and-onion topping.
Our steaks were served with a wild mushroom sauce and a creamy béarnaise. Our heads were also turned by the vast selection of mustards West 14th offered. Pots of artisanal, rare and flavoured ones from every corner of the world were wheeled in front of our table like a mouth-watering desert trolley. Our eyes wide, we couldn’t resist a classic, nutty-sweet French mustard which proved a worthy accompaniment to the rich meat.
For the side dishes, we went all out and indulged in dangerously moorish onion rings, creamed spinach and the far-and-away winner, truffle fries.
Though we barely had room, we simply had to try one of West 14th’s devilish deserts. My friend’s Knickerbockers Glory was something to behold, with piled high layers of caramelita ice cream, whipped cream and homemade fudge. This was sundae heaven in a huge glass. I ordered the lemongrass crème brulee and wasn’t disappointed either. Zingy, light and beautifully presented with a side of mango sorbet, it was a palette cleanser and a sweet treat rolled into one.
In summary, I’d say West 14th is well worth a visit, not least for the stunning beach front setting and views of Dubai Marina. Dining in the restaurant is a bold affair from the red leather throne-like seats to the exposed brick walls and sassy jazz. The food packs an equally impressive punch and it is without doubt a nirvana for steak lovers.
West 14TH promotions:
Friday Long Lunch - After Ramadan, pop down to the restaurant during the weekend and enjoy a package which includes a selection of surf, turf and deserts. The deal is priced from Dh299 per person with unlimited soft drinks and available every Friday from 12:30-4pm.
3-on-1 Lunch – For just Dh120 choose three dishes from a daily menu and complimentary tea and coffee. Dishes may include beef tartar, spiced crab cakes and truffle risotto.
West 14th is located at Oceana Beach Club on The Palm Jumeirah. It's open from midday to midnight, seven days a week offering lunch through to 3pm, and dinner from 6pm. Online reservations are available at www.west14th.ae or call +971-4-447-7601
