The Orangery was very easy to find, it’s located at the foot of Fujairah Tower. Its on Google maps and there is plenty of car parking. We found a space very easily.
We ate in the afternoon and although we telephoned to make a reservation there was plenty of room and I’m sure we could have just turned up and got a table. I have heard it is quite popular in the evenings. I immediately got a sense of the level of service when we approached the restaurant entrance, and the door was opened by a smiling member of the waiting team. I was very pleased when they acknowledged our reservation and even knew our names!
The décor of The Orangery I would describe as shabby chic and there are a variety of seating options. There are private dining areas and tables of all sizes. Every table is different, and we chose to sit next to one of the large windows looking out across Hamad bin Abdulla Road.
We ordered a bottle of sparking water and were given a large iPad that contained the menu. The British inspired menu offers a wide variety of delicious and mouthwatering starters, main courses and deserts. The menu was easy to navigate and there were really nice pictures of all the options, maybe my only criticism is that we had to ask what each one was and what the dish contained.
This wasn’t necessarily a problem but did mean we had it took some time to decide. The waitress was very knowledgeable and was very happy to explain. For starters we both went for salads, my wife ordered the Beetroot Salad and for me the Chicken Salad. For our main courses we opted for the Braised Lamb Shank which came on a bed of creamy mashed potato and the Beef and Carrot Pie served with a rich gravy.
To drink we had the Rose Lychee and Pomegranate Crush cocktails. Both were absolutely delicious and looked spectacular. The Rose Lychee actually had a rose petal inside the ice ball that sat on the top of the drink! Everything we ate was perfectly created and really tasty. The timing of the service was spot and the waiting staff absolutely fi rst class.
They got the balance exactly right on making sure we were happy but not overburdening us with the more is better type of service. The atmosphere in the restaurant was lovely, everything was just right. Comfy chairs, perfect lighting, great choices of background music and air conditioning that cools but doesn’t freeze! I don’t believe you will leave The Orangery feeling hungry, dish sizes are very generous.
Honestly, we were both full after our main courses but as we were enjoying ourselves so much, we decided to fi nish with desert. Once again there were plenty to choose from and we enjoyed a Banoffee Pie and Chocolate Trifle.
I consider myself a connoisseur of coffee and even the espresso I had after the meal was perfect. Would I recommend the Orangery? This is one of the simplest questions I have ever been asked. We had a wonderful meal there and I would (in a heartbeat) recommend the Orangery.
By Dave Charlton
Menu: theorangery.ae
(Dine-in· Takeaway· Delivery) Tel: +971 9 2222787
