An old-stager nestling on the edge of Hamdan Street, Bel Mondo is struggling for customers at the moment thanks to the city carving up the streets like a turkey dinner; but it deserves better. Maybe it’s because the interior resembles a Mediterranean bar (though no alcohol is served of course), but it has a distinctly likeable, laidback air to it. Latin rhythms dance out of the speakers and the two TVs appear constantly tuned to UAE football, making it the sort of place gentlemen sporting newspapers feel at home. It has the air of a polished Saturday afternoon escape and proves an adequate retreat for anyone seeking some comfy solitude.
The food is pretty respectable too. Given the opportunity, it tends to arrive battered and fried. Indeed, comfort food is top of the agenda, with even the salads piled so high as to confound anyone seeking a low calorie alternative. The difference is it’s good comfort food. The pizzas are thin, crispy and moreish; starters like the tempura prawns are plentiful and succulent. Even the sandwiches are gigantic, with the philly steak one of the standout lunchtime offerings. It all arrives in no time at all, with the service quick and friendly.
Indeed, there is little which does not satisfy at Bel Mondo. The milkshakes aren’t up to much, but it’s a minor quibble. And while your waistline might heave a cry of mercy were you to make it your ‘everyday’ lunchtime or breakfast resort, for a satisfying midday treat you could do a lot worse.
