‪puro Café & Terrace‬

IG: eatgosee
Puro is curiously located on the outskirts of Al Marjan Island, moments away from Al Hamra with its Hilton and Waldorf Hotels. It’s inconspicuous, positioned inside what resembles an office or government building. You would need to know it is there (third floor via elevator).

There are two dining areas including a deli-like section revealed when you arrive in the elevator offering items also to take away (perhaps for the neighbouring office workers?). The crown jewel is the floor-to-ceiling window facing outside uninterrupted across the ocean and beaches of Ras Al Khaimah. And now you realise why you came here. This is a beautiful view in a simply decorated room with neutral colours restrained to frame the azure coast line. If this terrace is open during the cooler months, this is an enviable location for a Mediterranean restaurant channeling the scenery and vista that tourists flock to see.

The menu is Mediterranean leaning menu replete with nods towards those classic favourite like mushroom risottos, lasagna, chicken Milanese, Greek salad and Caesar salads. Certain dishes are a strain on the Mediterranean concept such as chicken tikka or paneer wraps and smoked salmon. Nonetheless, the theme is clear and delivered.

I ordered the Suppli and Nicoise Salad: classic dishes from different regions in the Med.

The Suppli course is generously portions especially as an appetiser; three Suppli about the size of a medium Maris Piper potato arrive each topped with a different sauce: tomato, grated cheese (unclear which) and a pesto smear. This could be a main course if served with a small salad which, for 35 dhs, is a steal. The Suppli is crunchy but a little stodgy which is to be expected. Each is also stuffed with cheese (unclear which kind). It is a heavy dish and one that could easily be shared as a starter.

The Nicoise Salad is made with canned tuna, fresh leaves, potato, mild but tangy capers, hard boiled quail eggs (nice touch), white onion, green beans and french dressing. This is also a decent salad size, nicely dressed and well presented. For 45 dhs, this is also very reasonable. The tuna is steaky and the whole dish works well together to balance the acidic elements with a creamy french dressing that pulls things together. It is not an ostentatious or luxurious Niçoise salad but at this price point it is a good bowl and would be interesting to see if it is available for takeaway if you live/work in the local area as a healthy light bite.

The service was attentive but I was also the only person here so what would you expect!

Would I come back? This is interesting. The price point is competitive, the view is nostalgic of Italy (save for the car park below) and the food is good while not pushing any culinary frontiers not surrendering to the trappings saturated in the hotels nearby. If I was in RAK I would come back to try some of their other main courses and come for dinner. Zomato suggests it has a full bar: white wine, Mediterranean food and a view? I’ll be back. But it’s important to note that this not a fancy place: it’s a good lunch spot.

#mediterranean #salad #health #pasta #views #licensed

Wonderful location in Marian Island
Very friendly and professional staff
Music playing at the right volume
Lovely breakfast and coffee

Will certainly be coming back 🤗

Went there without any plans since I was just passing by at 10 pm
Loved the place and will go back again
Lovely sitting area and beautiful views
And service was very good as well
Recommended