A trip to one of our favourite Greek-themed DIFC spots, created by the ultra talented Natasha
Avli by tashas, DIFC – under the Tasha Group, pays homage to the owner Natasha Sideris’ Greek and South African heritage and is internationally reputed for her passion and philosophy for authenticity and highest standards. Not only her apparent conviction for attention to details, it is unequivocally, her genuinely generous nature that draws in people that want to mirror her passion and work for her. From the exquisite dishes, elegant ambiance and impeccable service, Avli takes one on an unforgettable culinary journey making any occasion memorable.
The restaurant’s various spaces, whilst being separate, blend smoothly and combine in an inconspicuous way with one another and is perceptibly harmonious, sophisticated yet with a sense of soul. The beautiful amphitheatrical interior of vaulted arched ceilings throughout with floor to ceiling windows at the back end of the restaurant feels airy and cavernous, scintillated by a gleaming bar in the center. It certainly brings out the F.O.M.O in anyone as this place is constantly buzzing.
The curated menu captures new flavours with creative presentations, features mezze plates, salads, seafood, slow-cooked meats, and vegan delicacies. And their extensive wine and cocktail menu is to be seriously reckoned with. We entrusted our succinctly, knowledgeable server with full reign to our gastronomic journey ahead.
We started with the most sublime appetizer, Dakos – a mixture of carob rusk with tomato-balsamic dressing, dehydrated olives and tomatoes, heirloom tomatoes on a bed of beautifully whipped feta cheese and garnished with fresh basil. It was poignantly tangy and extraordinary. This dish alone will entrance one to come back for more. The Grilled Octopus Salad – perfectly grilled with cerignola olives, pickled white onions, baby potatoes and celery along with pickled mustard, fresh herbs, miso yogurt and grapes was delectable. The lovely Lamb Keftedes – beef and lamb mince with herbed yogurt and burnt tomato butter melted in our mouths.
Our tantalizing main dish was a platter of Jumbo Tiger Prawns, which was juicy, delicate and exceptional, seasoned with lemon, oregano, paprika, olive oil and rock salt. We were thankful there wasn’t more as we had to make room for decadent desserts to come. The vanilla Panna Cotta with cherry vissino, white chocolate crumble and cherry syrup was soft and silky smooth. Our favourite would be the Baked Cheesecake topped with ripe figs and sprigs of thyme. It is what a proper cheesecake should always be, dense and creamy that sends one off to the point of no return…for anything less.
It was certainly a memorable evening that pleasantly made its mark from the stunning, ambient interior, positive and lovely staff to the undeniably symphony of tastes.
For more information please visit www.avlibytashas.com/ or @avlibytashas on Instagram.
