Cosy isn’t the first word that springs to mind for a steakhouse located in the flash Fairmont Bab Al Bahr hotel, but make it past the queues of luxe cars, down the stairs to the tranquil low-lit eatery with comfy chairs, and you will be feeling at home – and ready for a meaty experience. (That is why you’re here.)
At Marco Pierre White Steakhouse & Grill, guests are comfortably spread throughout the room in booths and armchairs. With the fire crackling, you feel like you’re in an elevated pub. Don’t feel you need to dress for dinner. On our visit, families in jeans sat next to late business diners in suits and low-key dates.
There’s no need to pretend you know your ribeye from your sirloin either, because the knowledgeable staff are happy to share their recommendations – without forcing anything on you. If you’re a meat connoisseur, enjoy the chat and know you’ll get that medium-rare striploin.
Speaking of meat, the unlimited steak and sides is likely what most people step out for, if they’re not choosy about cuts. The offer is an ideal way to sample different ones without commitment, and the server on our visit said you could always try a smaller piece of any of the four options after a belly-bursting first steak.
Food is generously seasoned, so consider that if choosing a saltier starter, such as smoked salmon. A salad or toffee pudding (more on that later) provide balance.
Sharing platters and starters, especially the piping-hot sourdough bread that arrives to the table for anything else, are enough to keep people busy. Of course, this is carnivore central as evidenced by the meat hanging prominently in the display cabinet, butcher-style. Steaks and grills are what the people come for.
If you are a vegetarian and find yourself here (sorry), there are a handful of options, as well as fish (fish and chips) and other mains including lamb and duck.
Some purists would argue a good slab of meat doesn’t need sauce. Marco’s has three (béarnaise, mushroom and peppercorn) and staff are eager to let you try them all to choose a favourite…or two…or three. There isn’t a weak one in the lot.
On the sides front, triple-cooked chips, mushrooms and French green beans all go down easily and pair well with the cuts, plus they can be repeated as part of the unlimited menu.
After something sweet? The comfort food vibes continue with classic British desserts like sticky toffee pudding, Eton mess and a treacle tart.
With the low light, comfy chairs and fire, Marco Pierre White Steakhouse & Grill is the perfect place to relax. And after all of the meat, a nap is likely in the cards.
