I would confidently give Espana the title of the coolest lounge in town. Due to its drop-dead-gorgeous interiors, it is definitely up there with one of the best all-round places to go and simply HAVE FUN!
From the moment you walk in, it's as though you left Dubai at the door, and entered a whole new realm. From decorative mirrors, to optical illusion screens, there is no inch left undesigned. The lounge is huge, divided into many sections, they've even got an all-girls bar where girls can finally go and have a nice girls out without being bothered by anyone! Genius idea! They've also got private seating areas to host dinner parties, and if that's not enough, they've even got an upside down room, which has the furniture stuck on the ceiling. The word 'cool' simply doesn't give this lounge justice! The interiors team behind Espana are beyond creative, and I am sure that they will be recognized for their creativity in award shows.
The food is also amazing. From Spanish tapas (rightfully titled "Beautiful Things" in the menu), to one of the best steaks I've had in a very long time; I was left smiling from ear to ear!
For the tapas I tried many, but the ones that stood out to me the most, and the ones I strongly suggest you give a try are the following:
- Empanadas De Ternera (Beef Puff Pastry)
You would be crazy to think that I would go to a Spanish restaurant and not order Empanadas! Empanadas are the epitome of Spanish tapas, well, at least to me they are! And at Espana, they did them justice! Picture this, a perfectly baked home-made pastry shell filled with mozzarella cheese, emmenthal cheese, garlic, coriander, white wine and beef bacon. Heaven. Am I right?
- Croquetas De Queso (Beetroot & Goat Cheese Croquettes)
They actually offered vegetarian (this one) and non-vegetarian croquettes (with turkey), but after trying both, I was pleasantly surprised that I actually preferred the vegetarian option! Not to discredit the Croquetas De Pavo (Turkey Croquettes), I just found that the De Queso one had more flavor, and being the Beetroot-obsessed person that I am, I am sure that that addition ingredient was what caused me to learn more towards the vegetarian option.
- Beef Bacon Potato Skins
These scrumptious potato skins are beyond delicious! Their a healthy version of the classic potato skins; but just as tasty, if not tastier! With beef strips, shredded mozzarella sitting on top of a perfectly baked potato; you will be asking for another partition; guaranteed!
The food kept getting better and better, by the time we reached the main courses, we could not imagine the food getting any better. But we were wrong. The main courses were even more delicious than the tapas! My friends and I each took a different main course and we pretty much mixed and matched, getting to try all of them! We ordered:
- Solomillo De Ternera
If you're a steak lover, than you HAVE TO try this melts-in-your-mouth tenderloin steak! It's absolutely delicious! Served alongside garlic spinach and peppercorn sauce, this was definitely my favorite from the bunch!
- Beef Short Ribs
Slowly cooked beef short ribs with chipotle, lime, bay leaves and ground cloves resting on a thyme and lime risotto. It sounds amazing because it is. These short ribs were so tender, we had no need to use any knives! We could easily cut ourselves a piece by using a spoon!
- Chuletitas De Cordero
If you're a fan of lamb cutlets, this meal is the one for you! Grilled lamb on a sofa of mashed vegetable puree. Made to perfection!
As I am sure you've already mentally noted by now, Espana's main courses are phenomenal! Many lounges and bars around Dubai only focus on their drinks, but Espana went way beyond that. And not leaving their drinks behind either! We had a number of mocktails and they were all so delicious! I especially loved their Watermelon Cooler! It's a mix of fresh watermelon & passionfruit, with a tint of lemon and sugar, I could not have asked for a more refreshing drink! And it complemented my dinner excellently!
Overall Espana is the place to be! With friends for a fun night out, or especially for celebrating a special occasion, I strongly suggest you consider Espana! Stunning interiors, great service, phenomenal food; there is no way you will not enjoy your evening at Espana!
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