So good, we returned the next day!
There’s a certain kind of magic in a restaurant that knows exactly what it does and does it flawlessly. No sprawling menu. No unnecessary frills. Just one dish, perfected. That’s exactly what Rowley’s Steak & Frites brings to Dubai’s DIFC – a London institution with a 50-year legacy – now serving up the simple, unpretentious joy of steak and fries in a setting that is both refined and warmly inviting.
Located in Central Park Towers, Rowley’s has landed in a dining scene packed with extravagant concepts and menus that can feel more like encyclopedias. But this spot stands apart by offering just one thing: incredible steak, endless frites, and a no-fuss experience that keeps the focus on what really matters – the food.
A Touch of London History in the Heart of DIFC
Rowley’s story dates back 50 years London’s Jermyn Street – it’s fine dining institution, built in the same building where the Wall’s meat business first began in the late 18th century, setting the foundation for what Rowley’s is today – a restaurant that understands the art of selecting and preparing the perfect steak.
Now, owner Tom Muir brings this London classic to Dubai, with a refreshing, straightforward approach: a single menu item, cooked to perfection, at a price point that’s shockingly reasonable for DIFC – AED 138 for the classic cut and AED 168 for the signature Australian ribeye.
An Elegant Yet Uncomplicated Experience
From the moment you step in, Rowley’s elegance is effortless. Floor-to-ceiling windows bathe the space in natural light, softened by flowing curtains. The rich wooden tones and polished yet unpretentious decor set the stage for what’s to come – a meal that lets the quality of the ingredients do the talking.
One of the most charming details? The paper table topper menu, where diners simply tick a box for their choice of steak – classic or signature – and their preferred temperature. That’s it. No overcomplicated ordering, no decision fatigue. Just good food served right.
The Steak: The Star of the Show
Let’s get straight to it: the signature Australian ribeye is gloriously rich, perfectly charred, and bursting with deep, beefy flavor. The kitchen team, under Tom Muir’s meticulous guidance, has nailed the balance of meat rub and cooking technique, resulting in a steak that needs no embellishments – just the classic pairing of golden, crisp frites, which, in a move that should be celebrated everywhere, are on constant refill.
The Salad: A Surprising Standout
For those who like a little freshness alongside their steak, the house salad is a surprising standout. Simple, crisp lettuce, delicate slices of radish, and a light, tangy dressing set the stage, while a crunchy nut topping brings texture and depth. It’s the kind of salad that doesn’t feel like an afterthought – it’s a perfect balancing act of fresh, creamy, crisp, and tangy.
A Sweet Ending Done Right
Desserts at Rowley’s follow the same philosophy as the rest of the menu: simple, well-executed, and just enough to satisfy without overdoing it. The burnt cheesecake has that luscious, creamy centre that everyone aims for, but few get right. The lemon cheesecake is light and refreshing, cutting through the richness of the meal, while the salted caramel & chocolate kunafa cake brings a Middle Eastern-inspired crunch to a deeply satisfying chocolate finish.
Each portion is just right – not too big, not too small, the perfect final note to an evening of unpretentious, high-quality dining.
Service: Attentive, Warm, and Full of Character
While Rowley’s is laser-focused on its food, the service is equally worth mentioning. Muir is hands-on and passionate, ensuring every table gets the same high level of attention. The staff are warm, friendly, and full of energy, attentive without hovering – they’re there when you need them, whether topping up drinks, refilling those endlessly flowing frites, or guiding you through the mocktail and dessert options. A special mention must go to Annet, who welcomed us back on our second visit like we were long-lost family.
Muir himself is deeply invested in the details, sharing insights on the meticulous process of selecting the right beef and refining their technique to serve steak that’s consistently flawless.
A Refreshing Take on Dubai Dining
In a city where restaurants often push the boundaries of extravagance, Rowley’s is a refreshing return to simplicity. A single dish, perfected. No overinflated prices, no unnecessary frills – just steak, frites, and a dining experience that feels as easy as it is exceptional.
And there’s more to come. Rowley’s will soon unveil a new bar serving cocktails on tap, along with a rooftop garden that promises spectacular views over Downtown Dubai and the Burj Khalifa.
If you love steak, crisp frites, and effortless dining done right, Rowley’s Steak & Frites should be at the top of your list.
Final Verdict
Would we return? Absolutely. In fact, we did – returning the next day to enjoy more of that perfectly charred steak and oh-so-moreish salad!
Rowley’s doesn’t try to be everything to everyone. It knows exactly what it is and delivers it with confidence, precision, and a touch of London history. And that, in Dubai’s ever-expanding dining scene, is a welcome thing indeed.
For more info visit the website.
