FACT Review: Can Tagomago light up The Palm’s lighthouse?

Say hola to the new restaurant at Azure Residences.

Dubai has restaurants in iconic locations, from the Burj Khalifa to Queen Elizabeth 2 boat. There are few restaurants in Dubai, however, that can claim to be in a lighthouse. Tagomago has opened in the lighthouse at Azure Residences on Palm Jumeirah, and is guiding visitors to a new dining destination.

If Tagomago looks familiar to old-timers in Dubai, that’s because it used to be home to Il Faro. The much-loved Italian restaurant was famous for its pizza and prosecco nights, and left the dining scene in the summer of 2021. 

Tagomago is hoping to reach that same level of adoration. The Spanish concept brings the bohemian energy of the Balearics to Dubai. In true showbiz style, it is also the name of a private island near Ibiza, which can be rented for $148,000 a week.  

Tagomago brings that laidback, sand-between-your-toes luxury by the bucket load. As you walk towards the restaurant, you pass the sunbeds and sofas, which sit between fairy lights and palm trees. Inside, there are different shades of orange, patterned banquettes, and bamboo, as well as parasol-styled lamps. Plus, the shelves are stacked with plants, sculptures and books ranging from Goya to Ibizia. 

The concept draws its inspiration from traditional western Mediterranean flavours, and it is great for sharing. The menu includes appetisers, hot and cold starters, salads, mains from the grill, sharing plates and paella. Plus, a dedicated kids’ menu. 

We start off in style with the Fine de Claire oysters. The Patatas Bravas is a crispy comfort food served with a moreish spicy sauce. The Marinated Spanish Anchovies, which have been marinating for 24 hours, are the perfect combination of silky and salty.

The croquettes manage to be delicate and delicious. The Mushroom and Truffle Croquettes do not suffer from Dubai’s truffle overload. Whilst the Spicy Beef Chorizo Croquettes boast a spicy, smoky taste. 

The Whole Canadian Lobster is presented on a small stage, and cut up by the waiter. The dish has a soft, spongy finish and is served with the juiciest tomatoes. Plus, the dish makes us feel boujie enough for the restaurant’s namesake.

The desserts range from Catalan Burnt Cream to Goat Basque Cheesecake and Honey. The Churros with chocolate and caramel sauce is a fried, fluffy delight, which we would definitely order again.

The service is attentive throughout the night, especially as the weather gets windy. The staff check if we need a scarf and move us from outdoors to indoors. It’s only during the main course that they forget our drinks, and we have to remind them.  

The alcoholic drinks range from cocktails to sangrias, and the non-alcoholic choices include mocktails and smoothies. The Faro Tonic combines gin, elderflower and tonic, and the Carajillo Martini mixes brandy with spices, coffee and mint. Our favourite mocktail is the Refresco de Santiago, a sweet combination of agave, orgeat, citrus and soda.

In Dubai, there are so many restaurants specifically creating Insta-ready drinks, dishes and décor. At Tagomago, we didn’t see any angel wings or dry ice, which we thoroughly appreciated. The food is well-presented, however, it lacks the photo-ready flair – and that’s no bad thing, as it tastes terrific. Instead, it’s the views spanning the Arabian Gulf and Burj Al Arab, which will be going on the gram.

Meet you at the lighthouse. 

GO: Follow @tagomagodubai on Instagram for more information.