Your new favourite menu in Dubai is here with Zoco reopening at the iconic V Hotel
Mexican restaurants are a dime a dozen in Dubai, but Zoco stands a class apart by perfectly straddling the line between party and lounge.
Adding to the allure of the iconic V Hotel Dubai on Sheikh Zayed Road, Zoco is a self-proclaimed (and rightfully so!) culinary adventure through the Americas. Led by Chef Gustavo Barnachea, it’s quintessential Latin culture on a plate.
We made our way to the newly reopened restaurant on what the weekend defines as early evening, so the place was buzzing but still a ways away from dancing. Our hosts smiled, joked and generally eased us into the menu, a mix of familiar Latin American classics and words that were a mouthful.
You might also like: REVIEW: Ronin’s rebellious fusion of Japanese flavours and art is unmissable
What grace is to mealtimes, a good guacamole is to Mexico. Zoco offers you both the classic version and a Spicy tuna, which ended up on our tables within the avocado skin in a traditional molcajete filled with chillies. While we were warned those are strictly ornamental, we couldn’t help burning our palates, and then immediately soothing it with the textural marvel of crushed avocado, spicy tuna chipotle, and pomegranate aboard the plantain and tortilla chips.
If you love a good mixed drink, we cannot recommend the menu here enough. The Mezcalita is a classic for good reason, but the Vuelta A La Vida was just the complementary kick of habanero your palate needs for the meal.
The entire menu will have you salivating and overestimating your appetite, but you cannot go wrong with the Soft Shell Crab Acevichado roll, and the crispiest most flavourful Tostones I’ve ever had.
After much debate, the Chicken Adobo tacos were chosen from Zoco’s rich arsenal, and it’s amazing how the soft shell remained sturdy in the face of succulent Achiote chicken, guacamole, pico de gallo, coriander and tatemada sauce.
Whatever you do, do not step out of Zoco without sampling the 48 Hours Sous Vide Short Ribs. Each bite a revelation, the meat is fall off the bone tender, the best we’ve had in a long time, and the dark panca chilli chocolate sauce plus miso pumpkin purée is a match made in culinary heaven.
End with a plate of churros and some more Mezcalitas, and it will be a weekend well spent.
For bookings, call 050 428 6479
Follow Yalla for more Dubai food and drinks
