Bringing 'social' back to town

It was the second excellently designed restaurant we were visiting in two weeks. Most fine dining spots around town boast good design, but excellence is harder to come by. It were pictures of new social player in town, BB, that drew us to the DIFC restaurant. Pleased to report: it was a good call; we weren't disappointed. Pictures speak a thousand words, but we're going to add a few more here.
There are three ways to access BB - because the restaurant spans three levels: restaurant, kitchen and lounge - not counting a lovely garden outside. A spiral staircase (55 steps if anyone's looking for some free cardio!) that runs from top to bottom. The rooms are fairly compact, but when you consider the place was a former art gallery that's been converted (most impressively, if I may add) into a restaurant, that explains a lot.  
The idea behind BB, we're told, is to revive the social aspect of dining that's been getting lost in a sea of thoughtlessness. All portions are for one, but the seating suitable for groups of friends to hang out. The menu is all about inclusion: no vegan or teetotaller will feel out of place here! Standout items include the Cauliflower Popcorn, Super Green Hummus and the Fry Pan Brownie. But do not miss their Sparkling Elderflower Champagne - which is actually elderflower soda, just served with the finesse of champagne!
TASTE (4/5)
There's not a starter we didn't like, and we tried quite a few. The Super Green Hummus was addictive; the Chicken Bang Bang and This is Jack baos gone too soon, and the salads made us want to recreate them at home. The mains couldn't outshine the starters, but were done well. Desserts took the cake!
AMBIENCE (5/5)
Honestly, there were points in the evening, when Christmas favourites were playing over the speakers, and the city lights twinkled outside our large window view, that we felt like we were playing a part in one of those classy restaurant scenes you see in movies. What a vibe!
SERVICE (4.5/5)
We loved how chilled out the servers were; none of that obsequious hovering that passes off as good service in some parts of town. The staff was friendly, knowledgeable, dressed really smartly, happy to chat and happy to serve. Good stuff!
PRESENTATION (4.5/5)
Very well done, right down to the baos, which were served on little wooden stands, as opposed to plates. The Waffle Apple Pie looked like the star of the show: shaped like a cone stuffed with  black sesame ice cream and apple wonton, it came with a syringe of salted caramel!
VALUE FOR MONEY (3.5/5)
The vibe is excellent, the food really good, and we're sure there are pricier restaurants at DIFC. But for serving portions suitable for 'one', we felt the prices may be a tad higher. The experience is still not one we'd miss on that account though - and neither should you!
BB, Gate Village, 08, DIFC
For reservations: 04-4074444
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

• Food and Dining