Sucre Dubai Near+Far rating: 9/10
Why book Sucre Dubai
On a Saturday afternoon, post-brunch, you can hear the vibrant sounds of Sucre pulsating through DIFC’s Gate Village. The Latin American restaurant is a favourite, thanks to its high-octane bar and DJs playing Salsa and Latin-American-style music – a soundtrack that truly encapsulates the soul of this space. Opened in early 2022, Sucre Dubai sees the much-loved concept from Argentina bring a huge dose of colour and passion to the glossy Gate Village, with heavy Latin American but also European influences and a menu filled with open-fire cooking and seasonal ingredients – plus plenty of Pisco Sours. Interiors are sublime – sumptuous reds, Aztec touches, dazzling chandeliers made of wine decanters and a newly glossed bar area for grabbing a cocktail (as we said, make it a Pisco Sour). What’s more, the vibe is impeccable – bustling, loud enough to create an insatiable vibe, but still be able to converse. Head to the now separate lounge and bar at the front for a more vibrant, after-work social crowd.
The Interiors: 10/10
Sucre’s interiors are some of the most impressive in Dubai – and you’ll want to reach for your phone to capture each detail and moment. Guests enter the restaurants by ascending steps into a golden-hinged corridor where patterned carpets adorn the ceiling. From here, it’s into the red and dark wood-filled dining room, complete with quirky decanter chandeliers – offering the perfect mellow mood lighting – greenery, red chairs and booths. Guests can command attention at the many tables in the centre of the room or hide away in a cosy booth in the back. A bar stands at the back of the space with a dazzling red-hued wall and illuminated back bar – the perfect spot for a cosy aperitif or nightcap.
The Vibe: 8/10
Sucre has a brilliant vibe – one that grows steadily throughout the evening. Book a table after 8:30 pm – when the crows begin to flow in – or come earlier and grab a high table on the terrace or the front lounge. In the evening, a thick haze of energy and atmosphere fills the room from well-heeled diners and groups of laughing friends, who come for the high energy, fantastic food and killer cocktails. What’s wonderful about Sucre’s main dining room is it has a chic, nightlife-centric buzz, with vibrant music playing, creating a high-octane vibe. However, guests can still easily converse without straining or raising their voices (often the case with trendy DIFC restaurants).
The Food: 8/10
Sucre Dubai’s cuisine is a tale of immigration, of a cross-continent journey of Latin America and Europe. Food is unique in its space, serving everything from zingy ceviche and Argentine steak (cooked in the open coal fire in the open kitchen) to Italian burrata, pasta and risotto. Meat and seafood feature heavily, but Sucre Dubai welcomes all diners and has a fantastic plant-based and vegetarian menu. Also, diners can enjoy a business lunch, brunch and Sunday lunch – with a starter, main, side and dessert for AED150.
Diners will delight in starting their meal at the bar with a signature – and perfectly balanced – Piusco Sout, alongside Stuffed Olives (AED55) and Gillardeau Oysters (AED50), before taking their table and enjoying sharing starters like sizzling Garlic Prawns (AED165), Anchovies Gran Reserva with cultured bitter and chimichurri (AED160) and fresh salads, amongst many others. For mains, order one of Sucre’s signature cuts of meat (there are three breeds of beef to choose from) paired with a selection of moreish and creative sides for the ultimate Latin American experience. We pair a flavourful juicy ribeye (AED555) with crispy roasted broccolini, Boulangère Potatoes with fragrant herbs and olive oil and authentic Corn Humita – a dish dating back to pre-Hispanic times. Sucre’s stand-out dessert is famed across the city, and a visit would not be complete without ordering the dulce de leche fondant (AED70) – a melt-in-the-mouth masterpiece with crunchy fried pecans and rich vanilla ice cream.
The Service: 9/10
High energy, smiling, knowledgeable, fast, efficient, and personality-filled – this is DIFC service at its best.
The Verdict
Sucre Dubai is a stand-out option in Dubai’s crowded restaurant scene. Not only does it have showstopping interiors, but its food is packed with flavour, its menu is varied, creative and unique, and its service is some of the best. Whether you want a vibrant brunch, weekend or weekday lunch, or impressive supper – or even just a place with a guaranteed great vibe and excellent cocktails – head to Sucre Dubai.
Gate Village 5, DIFC, Dubai; sucredubai.com; @sucredubai
