Café Bateel’s Winter Menu: Seasonal Comfort with Mediterranean Flair

Cosy flavours, quality ingredients, and thoughtful dishes perfect for cooler months

Café Bateel’s new winter menu is proof that seasonal offerings are not just a gimmick – they make sense. Even in Dubai, where “winter” often feels like summer with better PR, there’s something undeniably cosy about a refreshed menu that offers warmth, comfort, and just a hint of indulgence.

Walking into Café Bateel’s Nakheel Mall branch, the space feels airy and inviting, perfect for a catch-up with friends, a family meal, or even a quiet solo dinner. The Mediterranean-inspired winter dishes struck the right balance between wholesome goodness and elevated simplicity.

Appetisers: A Promising Start

We began with Burrata Peach Salad, a classic combination that’s light and refreshing. The creaminess of the burrata paired beautifully with the sweet juiciness of the peach. It’s an easy win, setting the tone for the meal ahead.

We also enjoyed Italian Bean Zuppa This, however, was the star of the first act. Hearty, earthy, and full of flavour, the zuppa wrapped us in the kind of warmth you usually associate with a blanket and a good book. One spoonful in, and it was clear: we’ll be back for this soup.

Pairing these with the home-baked breadbasket, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar was a thoughtful touch – simple pleasures done right.

The Mains: Hearty Meets Wholesome

Moving onto the main courses, Café Bateel delivered.

We were surprised by the Greek Grilled Chicken. It was juicy, tender, and perfectly cooked with a beautifully crisped skin – this dish was the winner of the evening. It sat on a satisfying bed of buckwheat, kale, pistachio, eggplant, roasted peppers, and Kalamata olives – a flavour-packed combo that made every bite interesting. It’s hearty but not heavy, exactly what you want from a winter menu.

We also tried the Smoked Salmon on Rye, which was simple, clean, and surprisingly satisfying. It didn’t try to be anything it wasn’t – a straightforward, beautifully executed dish that hit all the right notes.

Both mains felt familiar and comforting without falling into the trap of being forgettable. Generous portions meant we weren’t left picking at crumbs, but instead happily full without overdoing it.

Desserts: The Sweet Spot

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, this is where Café Bateel will truly steal your heart. Their use of dates in desserts isn’t just a gimmick—it’s an art form. The Sticky Date Pudding was a warm, soft, sticky delight that hit the table to the sound of our “oohs” and “aahs.” Rich without being cloying, it’s a dessert that makes you slow down and savour.

Meanwhile, the Greek Yoghurt & Date Gelato was a revelation. Creamy with a slightly tart edge, the gelato was perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the date syrup drizzle. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you close your eyes for just a moment and smile.

For drinks, the Sparkling Date Juice brought a festive, fizzy element to the table, while the Date Latte and Date Seed Coffee delivered a bold, earthy finish to the evening. Café Bateel leans into their signature ingredient – dates – in a way that feels intentional and creative, not forced.

Service: Hospitality Done Right

Café Bateel’s service was seamless. Our waiter, Alvin, deserves a special shoutout—friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely excited about the menu, he took us through each dish with thoughtful recommendations. It’s rare to find staff so invested in your experience, and Alvin nailed it.

Adding to this, Ms. Chona, the manageress, welcomed us warmly at both the start and end of the evening, ensuring everything ran smoothly. It’s these small gestures that make you feel genuinely valued as a guest.

Why Seasonal Menus Matter

Seasonal menus are a reminder that dining is more than just eating – it’s about experiences tied to a time, a feeling, and a mood. In Dubai, where freshness can sometimes feel like an afterthought, Café Bateel’s winter menu shows why these seasonal changes matter. The dishes reflect comfort, quality ingredients, and a sense of timing that resonates perfectly with the cooler months.

The Verdict

Café Bateel’s winter menu is an exercise in simplicity done right and available across all branches. Warm, wholesome, and undeniably satisfying, it delivers everything you want in a casual but quality dining experience. It’s comfort food with a Mediterranean flair and just the right amount of indulgence.

So, go ahead—grab a seat, order the soup, and finish with dessert. Because, trust me, this is a seasonal menu worth making time for.

For more information, please visit the website.