I didn’t even know that Gazebo is a real English word, a random google search landed me to the meaning of the word Gazebo; interestingly, Gazebo means a small structure or a temporary building, usually in a garden, that can be used for relaxing or entertaining guests!

Now, coming to the restaurant Gazebo, it is definitely a place where foodies can feel both relaxed and entertained in the company of good food, albeit in a permanent building called Deira City Centre, in this case! 😉 Gazebo has a couple of outlets in other parts of UAE as well.

Think of Gazebo and a platter full of North Indian/ Mughlai delicacies come to mind! I first visited Gazebo with a friend and have since then, visited umpteen number of times, with the husband.

So, on a fine Friday, the husband and I decided to have our lunch at Gazebo. We first decided to order for some starters. The vegetarian in me was craving for some paneer, so I decided to order for some Shahi Paneer Tikka and the husband ordered Reshmi Chicken Kebab. The paneer tikka, to be honest, didn’t really match my expectations and I found it way too bland. I am not sure if a paneer tikka is a bland dish, in general, but I think I’ve had better paneer tikkas elsewhere.

Coming to the Reshmi Chicken Kebab, it was as reshmi (silk-like) and mulayam (soft) as ever, my husband absolutely loved it and kept raving about it even after we were done eating. For the main course, we decided to share a Veg Biryani (to all the meat-lovers in the house, this could be your moment of epiphany, VEG BIRYANI EXISTS, FOR REAL!).

I remember the first time I had had biryani at Gazebo, I was simply blown away by the texture, the presentation, the taste, the smell, it was by far the yummiest biryani I’d ever had! The second time when I had gone to have biryani, I didn’t quite enjoy it as much as the first time. Now, I understand the law of diminishing marginal utility, but I genuinely felt that the taste wasn’t the same, second time around. I’ve had the biryani here quite a number of times since then and the taste has been inconsistent. So, there are days when the biryani is awesome, there are days when its not-so-awesome, however, there has never been a day when it’s downright bad. So, I’d still recommend the veg biryani here. My husband has had the Mutton Biryani here but has found it way too bland, with just pieces of boiled mutton.

All in all, Gazebo is a good place (with great ambience) to dine in, with friends and family!

Food: 3.5/Good!

Ambience: 4/5, Good

Service: 3.5/5 Decent