THE BOOKSTORE FUJAIRAH

The Bookstore Fujairah trades on concept as much as cuisine. Entry is through a faux-library facade - a hidden-door gimmick that carries through to a softly lit, vintage-inflected dining room with prohibition-era flourishes and a bar that takes itself seriously. The result is one of the more atmospheric rooms in the city, and one of very few in Fujairah built for a proper evening out rather than a quick family dinner. The kitchen, led by chef Nithin, runs an international menu anchored by grilled meats and comfort plates. The tomahawk steak is the house favourite and the order regulars return for; slow-cooked beef brisket, classic fish and chips, grilled baby chicken, stir fries and seafood fried rice round out a broad selection. Portions are plated with care and the bar turns out well-balanced classic and signature cocktails, with Supun a reliable hand behind the counter. Service is where the evening is either made or stumbled. A core team including Kamal, Eunice, Fatima and Reddy anchors the floor with genuine warmth and careful pacing; on quieter nights a skeleton bar team can slow drink service, so booking for peak hours is a better bet. For anyone looking for Fujairah's most distinctive dinner setting, a date night, or a steak dinner with a properly made Old Fashioned in hand, this is the default choice.