Duo Gastrobar Dubai Hills Review

We’ve been working our way through all the great licensed restaurants in Dubai Hills, and Duo Gastrobar was next on the hit list. With renowned chefs Renat Malikov and Dmitry Blinov from St. Petersburg and a Michelin Bib Gourmand award, we were excited to see what all the fuss was about!

 

Duo Gastrobar First Impressions

We recently visited Duo Gastrobar with friends, who couldn’t believe we hadn’t been sooner! The menu focuses on high-quality seasonal ingredients, blending European flavours with a touch of Asian flair—all at affordable prices.

The minimalist, cozy interior is lovely, but what really stands out for me is the open kitchen, where Chef Dmitry Blinov himself works alongside his team. It’s rare to see the actual chef-owner in the kitchen, and to me, it reflects the care and dedication that goes into every dish.

Now, onto the food…

Duo Gastrobar Starters

I usually don’t get too excited about salads (do any of us, really?), but the Green Salad with Sesame Dressing was so moreish! My friend kindly let me try some, and I kept finding myself stealing more and more of her salad—I hope she didn’t notice, haha! The mix of fresh, crunchy greens and creamy avocado was just perfect. And that sesame dressing? So good! It was light and refreshing—just what we needed before the heavier dishes.

My husband ordered the Lamb Soup with Wontons, and of course, he let me have a taste—sharing is caring! This dish was like a warm hug in a bowl. The slow-cooked broth was packed with tomatoes and fresh broccolini, and the lamb wontons were definitely a highlight. I highly recommend this dish!

Lastly, we ordered the Salmon with Truffle Sauce, which is thinly sliced raw salmon drizzled with a delicious dressing made from soy sauce and truffle oil. It is accompanied by fresh horseradish and chives, adding a nice kick that balances the richness of the truffle. Overall, it is a lovely combination of creamy and fresh flavours.

 

Duo Gastrobar Main Dishes

For our mains, we decided on Oxtail Pie with Taleggio Cheese, Duck Ravioli with Parmesan Mousse, Orzo with Beef Cheeks, and Duck Breast with Bacon Balsamic.

I have to say, the waiter was incredibly knowledgeable and took his time answering all our questions about the dishes, making us confident in ordering the right things.

Now, here’s what we thought of each dish:

I was excited to try the Oxtail Pie with Taleggio Cheese, which my husband ordered. The flaky puff pastry was filled with savory oxtails and creamy Taleggio cheese, paired with a side of yogurt mousse. Each bite was pure bliss! I promise I only had one bite—haha!

I also got a chance to taste my friend’s Duck Ravioli with Parmesan Mousse. These little pockets of joy were swimming in a creamy tomato sauce and topped with the most delicious Parmesan mousse. I couldn’t get enough of it!

My friend’s husband ordered the Orzo with Beef Cheeks, and while I didn’t get a taste, he cleaned the plate. So, I’d say it was a hit!

I ordered the Duck Breast with Bacon Balsamic, served with sweet potato cream, spinach, and crispy beef bacon. The duck was crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and paired beautifully with the sweet potato. Although I enjoyed it, the Duck Ravioli and Oxtail Pie were the clear winners of the evening—although, clearly, there were no losers.

 

Cocktails

Instead of dessert, we ordered some cocktails to finish off our meal, and we were really impressed with them. The prices were very reasonable for both the food and drinks—a nice surprise for a high-quality dining experience.

Duo Gastrobar is clearly a favourite among regular diners, and it’s easy to see why. With its creative menu, inviting design, and reasonable prices, it’s a place I’ll definitely return to again and again. My only regret is not having visited sooner!

 

Just a Quick Note

I paid for my meal and have no ties to the restaurant. These are my honest thoughts based on one visit. If you would like to book a table, check out the Duo Gastrobar website!

 

You may also be interested in reading my other Dubai Hills restaurant reviews –

Best Fish and Chips in Dubai – Saylor’s Dubai Hills Review

Pitfire Pizza Dubai Hills Ladies’ Night Review

Indian Restaurant Dubai Hills – Reverly Review