Dubai Restaurant Reviews: Arabian Ranches Golf Club

In a nutshell: great club community feel, excellent food but staff not all up to par
4/5

The Arabian Ranches Golf Club comprises not only an 18-hole golf course with golf academy, pro shop and restaurant/bar but also a hotel (just 11 rooms) although there's no pool or spa so it really is just aimed at those wanting to play some serious golf. The clubhouse is designed to look 'Spanish colonial' from the outside but the inside has very high ceilings, marble everywhere and is just a little too '5 star' looking to match my idea of a golf clubhouse. The restaurant itself has maintained that 'club' feeling though with dark woods throughout, carpeted floors, a bar stretching almost the whole length of the room and an outside terrace area. On the night we visited it was packed with golfers, families and other diners - it was a weekend so I don't know if it's so buzzing during the week.

We learned that every night has a different theme and Saturday night is Roast Night. The men all decided to go for the buffet which at Dhs 65 per person for 3 courses is excellent value. There were three salads - two were full of raw onions (shudder!) and the other was just lettuce leaves - plus a carvery of roast beef with yorkshire pudding, potatoes and veg with a choice of fruit salad or a shot glass of lemon mousse for dessert. So not very inspiring but still good value.

I opted for the coconut-crusted kingfish for my meal and was told by the waiter that it came with nothing, prompting me to order a side of steamed vegetables. When it finally arrived (I had to chase it up when the rest of my table were getting close to starting their dessert!) I was surprised to see that the fish was actually served on a bed of bok choy and spinach. So no points for the waiter's knowledge of the menu. Despite the confusion, the fish was fabulous. I have now learned what to use instead of breadcrumbs (which I now can't have) - dessicated coconut. Devine. The spinach and bok choy complimented it wonderfully but there wasn't a huge amount given so I was glad to have the extra steamed vegetables.

I kept the receipt because I jotted my notes on it and have just realised we were charged for 4 buffets plus my fish!! So the 4 of us were charged for 5 meals. That will teach me to check the bill properly next time. Another example of the less than stunning service though! Kingfish is quite a filling fish so I couldn't have managed a starter or dessert with it which meant that my one course at Dhs 72 was not too much more expensive than the others' 3 course buffet. Overall good value, a friendly atmosphere and great food - just need to train those staff.