A Mediterranean newcomer joins Dubai’s dining scene

SPONSORED: Esperia Bistro & Rooftop Lounge resides at Days Hotel by Wyndham Dubai Deira.

By now, images of the stunning new Infinity Bridge have started trickling into your social media feeds, piquing curiosity in the Deira Enrichment Project that will see the storied neighbourhood of Deira injected with new life. As for what’s already up and running in the One Deira vicinity? Wyndham Hotels & Resorts very first Days Hotel in the UAE.

For the uninitiated, the Wyndham hotel group has mastered the balance between quality and affordability, and two onsite restaurants at the recently opened outpost are proof. Il Pomodoro serves Italian fare, while Esperia Bistro & Rooftop Lounge is rooted in the rustic flavours of the Mediterranean – think: Greek, Spanish and Levantine favourites. Here, a colour palette of blue and white sets the tone as does the scattering of foliage across the sizeable outdoor terrace. But it’s little accents, like rope light fixtures and striped soft furnishings, that make for coastal vibes. And with the cool breeze that’s currently gracing the city, you can close your eyes and (almost) convince yourself that you’ve settled in for a meal somewhere in Santorini.

On the menu is a selection of appetisers, both hot and cold, but the signature Esperia Bites is a no-brainer at the starting point. Pairing an array of popular dips like tapenade and sun-dried tomato paste with Greek feta cheese and just about anything that warrants falling off the low-carb wagon – breadsticks, garlic bread, crispy pita and olive-rosemary focaccia included. Greek Salad, another classic, is also on offer and generously sized. On the warmer end of the spectrum, it’s the Baked Mighty Mini Meatballs in a sweet-spicy sauce that comes highly recommended.

Over in the mains, the Baked Sea Bream is served alongside the usual suspects – dill, lemon, cherry tomatoes – as well as a few unusual ones like raisins and broccolini. Prefer a heartier option? Go for the Chicken Souvlaki, which is perfectly accompanied by crispy fries and cold, creamy tzatziki sauce. Dining in a group? Mix Grill Platters are available from AED 110. While this combination of lamb kofta, chicken kebab and beef kebab caters to the meat enthusiasts out there, the addition of grilled vegetables only adds to its appeal. Elsewhere, lovebirds will appreciate Esperia’s special Valentine’s Day offer that includes a three-course set menu and a glass of bubbly for only AED 99 per couple on Monday 14 February.

Esperia’s mocktail menu goes beyond saccharine sodas and juices, keeping in trend with the rise of dry mixology. The likes of Virgin Mojito, Virgin Mary and Virgin Pina Colada translate to guilt-free sipping suited to Dry January, but for those on the lookout for the real deal: Ladies Night serves ‘5 sips and 5 bites’ for only AED 50 on Wednesdays, so head here on hump day to explore the up-and-coming district before the masses arrive. Incidentally, the hotel is built directly upon the underground Gold Souk metro station, making accessibility a breeze – because location, location, location.

GO: Visit dayshoteldubaideira.com or call 04 525 5100 for reservations or more information.