The Insider Reviews: Ula – a Beachside Retreat with Exquisite Mediterranean Delights

Want Bali vibes without having to get on a plane? Visit this bohemian delight conveniently located at Duke’s on the Palm.

If you aren’t lucky enough to be escaping the UAE this summer, ULA can give you that holiday fix without leaving the UAE. Stepping into Ula, I was instantly transported to a tropical paradise. The ambiance exuded Bali beach vibes with its tasteful blend of neutral tones, pampas, woods, lanterns, and flickering candles. The soft golden sands and the glittering waters of the Arabian Gulf provided a breathtaking backdrop, adding to the restaurant’s allure.

The Ula Experience menu, priced at AED 250 per person, presented a Mediterranean-inspired culinary journey that left me completely satiated. The three-course offering inclusive of two drinks showcased the chef’s favourites, carefully curated to tantalise the taste buds.

The starters were incredible. The calamari was a standout dish, perfectly cooked to achieve a delightful tenderness. Paired with the tantalising tzatziki, which arrived with freshly baked bread, it was a symphony of flavours that set the tone for the rest of the meal.

Moving on to the mains, the Whole Wheat Fusilli is a dish I will come back to Ula for. The combination of tomato, burrata, and basil created a harmonious medley that left me craving more. However, it was the souvlaki that stole the show. The juicy, flavorful Greek-spiced chicken, accompanied by soft pita, tomatoes, onions, and a generous serving of tzatziki, was a culinary masterpiece.

Complementing the exquisite cuisine, Ula offers a selection of two hand-crafted cocktails per person as part of the experience menu. Among my favourites was the Ula La, featuring Tanqueray gin, ULA passion fruit syrup, and ULA basil syrup. Its refreshing blend of flavours perfectly captured the essence of a tropical getaway. Another standout was the Heatwave, a potent concoction comprising Stolichnaya vodka, ULA watermelon syrup, watermelon liqueur, ULA mint syrup, and Absinthe. This cocktail packed a punch and added an electrifying element to the dining experience.For more information or reservations visit www.uladubai.com/ or check their Instagram @uladxb