Mo’s Diner, Review

With Ramadan and Eid over, we decided to venture out for some daytime dining. Even though it was the hottest part of the day during the hottest part of the year, we thought we would try out one of the many outlets at City Walk in Jumeirah. If you haven’t visited yet, phase one of City Walk opened last year bringing more choices to the open-air cafe culture of Jumeirah It experienced a very popular first season, attracting Dubai’s young, trend-setting crowd with its multitude of F&B options, open-air shisha and café’s. When it was cooler, the complex got so popular that the traffic was horrendous. At that time we avoided it. Now, in 40 degrees heat and a near empty parking lot, it was a good time to test the offering knowing we definitely didn’t need to have a reservation.

Not sure whether we wanted breakfast or lunch, hubby and I decided to try out Mo’s Diner, a casual American restaurant located in the courtyard area near the Hummingbird Bakery. Both of us commented on how surprisingly large the restaurant was. It’s decorated in a style that is a modern take on the American diner with booths, stools and chrome trim but at the same time featuring plenty of dark wood and paneling.

We were greeted at the door by the friendly and well-presented hostess who took us to our booth and was promptly joined by our waiter. Unfortunately, breakfast was not an all day option so we were shown the main section to select our lunch choice. Our drinks arrived nearly immediately and the waiter was very attentive, bringing lemon for my sparkling water without me having to request it.

One can probably describe Mo’s as a gastro diner with classic dishes given modern twists. Not inspired by having a salad for breakfast, I ordered the Blue Beast burger while hubby went for the Baloa Steak Sandwich. I was impressed that the waiter was happy for me to request the burger be low carb and served without the bun. Conveniently for me, but possibly off-putting to others, all the burgers are offered with either fries or coleslaw. I went for the slaw but I know plenty that would expect both.

Our lunches arrived around 20 minutes later, well presented and smelling great. I requested extra lettuce that came immediately and we tucked in. The burger was very good, the beef was juicy and crumbly, topped with the blue cheese, mushrooms and peppers. The blue cheese was very strong and a bit overpowering but I imagine in a bun the flavour would be less so. I enjoyed the slaw and the dish overall but felt at 85 AED it was a little over-priced.

Ross’ steak and caramelized onion sandwich was a big hit. The filling sandwiched between garlic baguette and served with jus and fries. He thoroughly enjoyed dipping is bread in the jus and was a very full and satisfied punter to the extent he was much happier than I with the 85 AED price of his dish.

Overall, the service was impeccable, the ingredients fresh and of good quality. The restaurant was extremely clean and efficient but then we were not there during a busy time. Despite that, for a total bill of 225 AED, I found the overall experience average. I doubt I would come here again, simply due to the plethora of restaurants available in the city at that price point and more new outlets opening every day, especially in the Jumeirah 1/Downtown area.

With at least three to four other outlets at City Walk offering burgers and sandwiches, I don’t think the experience at Mo’s warranted the bill. It is still possibly worth considering for breakfast or al fresco drinks in the winter but only if other places are full.

Mo’s Diner is at City Walk on Safa Road in Jumeirah 1.