And……. it’s winter. Sundowners season, all over again. And where is the best spot on the Palm for that? If you ask me, I will likely tell you – Palm West Beach 😉
Earlier this week, we went over to February 30 at 4pm in the afternoon for an early date to review the newly opened Beirut-born bar and restaurant. How was it? The place, the food, the price? Read on.
Where exactly is February 30?
Well I am sure you have been to Palm West Beach by now. February 30 is located right by the water fountains, in between Koko Bay and Aprons and Hammers. The great thing with the basement parking is they have now put up signs so you know exactly where to park.
How is the place like?
Let’s just let the photos show you how it’s like 🙂
The focal point is the circular bar right on the sand. There are high wooden tables and bar stools dotted around, with red and white parasols adding a splash of colour to the otherwise very neutral tones that its neighbouring beach bars have chosen to go with. The same colour theme is carried into its main restaurant, with a playful addition of sea creatures peeking out from the ceiling cavities. Its chic, and cute at the same time. Quite fitting, with a name like ‘February 30’, don’t you think?
Let’s talk about the food.
The restaurant serves what they call a mix between Mediterrenean and Japanese – curated by Chef Reif Othman, whom I am not so familiar with but a lot of the ‘big’ foodies out there rave about. You get sushi around 70-100 AED, that’s from a Vegetarian option to your fried Chilean Sea Bass option.
There is of course Raw bar bites like Tataki and Carpaccios, Salads (3 Vegan options FYI) – prices range between 60 – 130 AED.
For those going there for a proper feast, there are Seafood options around 160 AED average, and Meat options with Chicken at 135 AED to a Wagyu Fillet at 365 AED.
Don’t worry – you can always go for Pasta or Burgers which are around the 100 AED mark – a Palm standard, unless you choose the Truffle Cream Spaghetti with Hadid Caviar (why not, right?) – and that will set you off at 165 AED.
Have a browse through February 30’s menu here.
And what did we think of it?
Based on the few things we chose that afternoon – add on to the fact that we are of east-asian backgrounds and love our sushi and asian food – I would give the team a thumbs up.
The wagyu tataki served with crispy shallots was definitely a good choice to start with, though I do admit felt a bit high on the pricing side at 132 AED. I would suggest for the team to make sure the tables are level before serving it so it doesn’t look like it does in the photo below, haha.
We demolished the sushi – the spicy salmon (85 AED), as well as the soft shell crab (85 AED) were both absolutely delicious – and similar in pricing with other venues in the same area. Ah, and please order the Crispy Beef with mashed potato (92 AED) if you go. Almost wish I could have some right now.
On drinks – you can get a a Stella draught for 55 AED. Cocktails start at 65 AED. I expected a bit more in terms of presentation of the cocktails for that price-point. The problem with beach bars I do feel is that they have to use plastic cups, which makes it feel a bit “cheap” – so when you are paying 65 AED you kind of expect a bit more. There’s not much they can do about it though – I assume it’s the same across all venues along the Palm West Beach.
Update – Dec 2021
Returned for drinks with friends mid December on a Saturday afternoon and the place was absolutely packed. We ordered the right drinks this time. Have a look at this – aren’t they beautiful? Comes with a price tag to match though. Be careful of the Surrealist – it is a very strong drink…….not for the light-weight 😉
Things that could be better
Service was a bit of a hit and miss that afternoon. It wasn’t all that busy but the team definitely needs to step up a notch. Took awhile before anyone came to serve us after we sat down, drinks were slow. Early days I guess, hopefully it will get better after a few weeks.
Overall Thoughts
Come to February 30 for a date, or get-together with friends. Pick a spot on the sand – sit at the bar at sunset and watch the sun go down as you sip to cocktails. Bring the little ones if you want to – they can play on the sand as well and run around while you have some sushi, and a bit of sashimi. Though I would say the venue is more so for the adults-only crew… 😉
Disclaimer :
- We were guests of February 30 to review the menu.
- If you are in any of the photos and would like me to remove it, please let me know.
- This review was written in November 2021. Please check the venue website for updated prices and details.
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