More than just an average eatery, Poêle – French for frying pan – is a meeting place for the minds over really good food. Situated within KIPCO Tower, Poêle has seen many business meetings and after-work meet-ups. Catering to those in search of food served quickly, you can take your pick from the sandwiches, beautiful salad bar and freshly baked breads at the entrance before taking a seat. As for their main daily specials, everyday comes with a new set of surprises. Depending on what’s fresh and seasonal in the market, the daily grocery list inspires the menu to come. The concept, created and curated by husband and wife duo Bader Al Othman and Reem Al Abdulrazzaq, doesn’t follow a specific cuisine, and they prefer it that way. Offering catering – in-house and remote – Poêle can provide you a custom gastronomical experience wherever you are! And during Ramadan, they’re open for Ghabqas and Iftar gatherings if you book in advance.

While the name and portion ethos are French, Poêle is not a French restaurant cuisine-wise, as the concept boasts a non-cuisine of deliciously prepared light meals that would tantalize every appetite and palate brilliantly. “We can combine several cuisines in the making of one dish to create a stronger flavor profile,” Reem laughs – and we wholeheartedly agree. Every detail at Poêle has been looked over by Bader and Reem personally, and they’ve left no detail out. Crisp white marble tabletops and beautifully woven chairs make up the seating area, except for the communal table in the middle which is made of charmingly aged wood with matching benches around. Every table is topped with a simple milk-jar filled with dried lavender, while the main communal table is laden with several lavender jars and a stunning orchid in the middle offset by an industrial, wired chandelier hanging over it.

Copper reminiscent of the frying pans subtly adorns the space’s design elements. The ambiance exudes elegance and poise, but at its core is a simple eatery that invokes artistry. One wall houses stunning paintings done by a local artist (at the time of writing this, Ghadah Alkandari’s art is on display, so keep your eyes peeled) and are up for sale as a nod to the artistic flair of the space. But the true works of art, are their dishes. Cleverly plated and stylishly presented, their salads are light, healthy and absolutely delicious. Buttered bread in one hand and the refreshing Strawberry Delight cocktail in the other, we were ready to tackle the salads. We started our journey with a Freka Salad – made up of freekeh grains and topped with toasted almond slivers and pomegranate seeds, finished with a light but flavorful dressing. Next we had a beautiful Eggplant Salad that packed a punch with the herbed yoghurt dressing.

For our mains, we went for their salmon dish, and a beef dish. The salmon came with roasted capsicums and cherry tomato sauce on a bed of crunchy asparagus. Cooked to perfection and a spectacular shade of pink, the dish was a knockout. As for the beef, it came with a palatable, tangy herbed berry sauce with a side of roasted baby potatoes. Tender and moist, the thin beef strips were appetizingly marinated and bursting with flavor. Comfortably full at this point, we went for their desserts.

The Raspberry Rose Cheesecake and Choco Caramel Delight hit the spot in the most amazing way ever. The cheesecake was light and airy with a double baked cookie-coconut-caramel base, a raspberry and rose reduction mixed into the cheese mixture and then topped with white chocolate. Refreshing and light, this cheesecake is not to be missed. For all you salted caramel fans, the Choco Caramel delight is an adult gourmet take on a turtle bar – with a peanut crunch base, chocolate mousse and salted caramel mousse topped with milk chocolate.

Poêle is an experience that shouldn’t be missed! Join them on Tuesdays for a fun Sketch Diwaneya or go at any point to enjoy a healthy, delicious meal.

Poêle is located on the M2 level of KIPCO Tower in Sharq. Follow them on Instagram @PoeleCafe for more information. For reservations, orders, deliveries, catering and venue bookings call them on 6999 8291.