By Shahana Noor
The Quick Overview
3 Fils Dubai merges humble yet charming harbor ambiance with exquisite Japanese cuisine. Nestled in the midst of the Jumeirah Fishing Harbour, 3 Fils Dubai is an essential destination for gastronomes, casual customers, and even families seeking luxurious dining experiences.
- Price Range: Medium (Good price for food of this standard, as Michelin star)
- Must-Order Dish: Wagyu Sando or African Powerhouse (Dessert)
- Suited For: Weekend casual lunch or spontaneous date
- Location: Shop 02, Jumeirah Fishing Harbour 1, Al Urouba St, Jumeirah 2, Dubai, UAE
The Concept & First Impressions
The Arrival
The road to 3 Fils takes you away from the impressive chrome buildings and valet parking lines of Downtown Dubai. Rather, you make your way through the quieter, salty atmosphere of Jumeirah 2, heading straight into the Jumeirah Fishing Harbour. The entrance gives the impression of a private little-known treasure. As you head inside the restaurant, the scent of the Arabian Gulf blends with that of burning coal. The establishment is directly located by the shore, where old-school wooden boats sway in their slipways. There’s an instant impression of tranquility and authenticity that is quite uncommon in this town. You’ll certainly not encounter any garish neon lights or golden door handles here. What strikes you first is the industrial ambiance of the place. Glass sliding doors let you see its cozy interiors and an open kitchen at work.
The Reputation
This place is one fine example of an indigenous success story within Dubai. It was not imported from afar places such as London or New York, but it was cultivated by local founders as well as by Chef Akmal Anuar. Over its five-year lifespan since inception back in 2016, this restaurant has attracted countless supporters through word of mouth and constant delivery of outstanding service. What is more, in 2022, this establishment stunned the culinary world by landing on the top of the very first list compiled for Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants ranking. The feat proved that despite being a tiny independent establishment, this place could triumph over global multinational chains. Today, the place is proud to hold the Bib Gourmand designation from Michelin that recognizes establishments with superb cooking offered at reasonable prices.
The Hook
Its main hook lies in the Complex Simplicity and lack of pretense in its essence. Where other restaurants make you think you need a tuxedo and a billion dollars to eat, 3 Fils makes you wear shorts and a t-shirt to indulge yourself with premium-quality Wagyu and Otoro. There are no tables reserved here as the restaurant is known for not accepting reservations. This ensures equal opportunity for anyone who visits there. Be you a billionaire or a poor student, you join the queue for the available stool in the same place. The restaurant concentrates on providing only “umami” food. Each piece of food comes with the most luxurious ingredients prepared in a very precise way. This combination of high-level food preparation and extremely casual atmosphere is the main selling point of 3 Fils.
The Setting: Interior Design & View
Decor
The interior design of 3 Fils is not as lavish as the golden leaf decorations that you will see in other restaurants in the area. Rather, this restaurant embraces minimalism and a rustic look with some modern elements. There is much use of practical materials such as concrete, dark wood, and matte metals in the interior decor. The kitchen is the core of the room since the patrons can observe the chefs working with precise movements. The ample use of glass makes it possible for sunlight to illuminate the room throughout the day. However, as the sun starts to set, the lighting becomes softer and warmer, creating a warm and intimate atmosphere. Such focused dim lighting makes the diners concentrate on the taste of the food, thus making this restaurant more similar to a high-end laboratory that focuses on creating delicious flavors than a conventional restaurant.
The “Dubai Factor”
As for the most popular places in the city, most are centered around the glamorous skyscrapers in Downtown or Marina District, but 3 Fils gives a different type of luxury experience with its “Dubai Factor.” Instead of admiring the Burj Khalifa at a distance, here, you will enjoy the magnificent views of the Arabian Gulf, right from the Jumeirah Fishing Harbour. You will be seeing the fishermen who are returning home after bringing back their catch for the day. Being close to the water makes you feel more grounded and connected to the history and heritage of the place. Watching the sun go down over the water is a breathtaking sight. It is the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city and adds to the freshness of the food you eat.
Seating
There are two completely different dining atmospheres that are offered by this restaurant based on which part of the establishment you decide to dine in. The interior section of this restaurant is compact and lively, making it an ideal location for people who are interested in watching the chefs cook the food right before their eyes. People are able to eat at the counter and watch the “umami warriors” at work or opt for the smaller tables that provide a private conversation space for diners. On the other hand, the exterior wooden terrace overlooking the water is the real gem during Dubai’s cooler winter seasons. This terrace is situated just above the waters, which allows the natural winds from the sea to keep the area cool. When eating out on this terrace, the entire experience becomes more Mediterranean, where the sounds of the crashing waves replace the background music.
The Culinary Journey: A Deep Dive
The Philosophy
The principle underlying the cooking at 3 Fils is referred to as “complex simplicity.” Chefs such as Akmal Anuar avoid using molecular foams or table side theatrics like other famous chefs. Instead, the chef and his team concentrate on obtaining top-quality ingredients, as well as handling them in a precise manner inspired by Japanese cuisine. As far as their cooking principle goes, it is based on the idea that good cuisine is meant for everyone, and that good food is meant to warm up people’s souls. For that reason, there are no starters and main courses in the menu offered at 3 Fils. Instead, customers get dishes as soon as they are cooked, following the tapas style of sharing. Each dish prepared in 3 Fils aims to reach the optimal umami balance, which is considered to be the fifth taste of the palate.
Starters: A Playful Dance of Texture and Temperatures
For starters, there is no better dish than the Salmon Carpaccio to demonstrate harmony through balance. Thinly sliced pieces of salmon are placed in a bowl filled with ponzu sauce, a mixture of citrus juice and soy sauce. The dish is garnished with small beads of ikura, providing the palate with salty sensations while contrasting with the smoothness of the raw fish meat. The starter comes chilled, stimulating the appetite for the dishes yet to come. On the other hand, the Crispy Eel provides a crispy yet warm bite of food. The piece of eel is deep-fried to perfection, being crispy outside while being soft, juicy, and rich inside. Sweet soy sauce and lime zest are often used as garnishing for the dish. Switching from the chilled and acidical Salmon Carpaccio to the warm and savory Crispy Eel is sure to create an interesting culinary experience.
The Signature Main Course
The Wagyu Sando is no doubt the most iconic dish at 3 Fils, and it lives up to all the hype surrounding it. The moment it lands on your table, you’ll be instantly overwhelmed by the smell of toasted milk bread and the scent of crispy fat. The Wagyu Sando looks almost too simple in its execution; thick slabs of beef stacked neatly between two slices of buttery, crustless brioche. Each slice of meat has been grilled to perfection to a medium rare state, with a vivid pink center encased in an invitingly blackened crust. In your first bite, the crispness of the bread contrasts beautifully against the melting mouthfeel of the meat. The fattiness of the beef coats your mouth, with the tinge of a secret sauce adding a tangy flavor profile to the dish. It’s an indulgent and decadent meal that’s like receiving a warm embrace from your food.
The Tip: In order to fully understand the excellence of this establishment, you need to seek out the Wagyu Grade A5, found on the special’s menu. The Wagyu Grade A5 signifies the best grade that Japanese beef can get, signifying the high degree of marbling as well as the low melting temperature of its fat. On top of that, you should also try the Uni (sea urchin), flown all the way from Hokkaido, Japan.
The Sweet Ending
The dessert course, known as the African Powerhouse, is an exemplary technical creation which does not simply satisfy one’s sweet tooth but much more. Dark chocolate produced in Ghana, famous for its complex, rich flavors and aromas, forms the basis of this dessert. A thick layer of dark chocolate ganache, complemented by a small portion of vanilla ice cream from Madagascar, makes the dessert particularly tempting. However, it is the “soil” on the plate, along with pieces of dark chocolate, that adds complexity to the dessert through the diversity of architectural solutions used here. Not being merely a dessert, it is a bitter, creamy, and salty experience with a combination of various cacao flavors. Moreover, each bite differs in the proportions of frozen ice cream and warm chocolate on it. Such composition ensures the freshness of taste sensations even during such a luxurious meal.
The Beverage Program
As 3 Fils is set in a public harbor, there is no serving of alcoholic beverages, although the bar serves some of the most impressive “mocktail” concoctions. The restaurant’s cocktail menu is geared toward exquisite “mocktails” and various infusions that are a perfect match for their umami-packed cuisine. One example of such a cocktail is the sparkling yuzu lemonade, which complements the flavor profile of the Wagyu with citrus zest. There is a wide selection of fine teas, as well as a signature “Karak” style beverage that celebrates local culture. The bartenders take just as much care in crafting their cocktails as the cooks do while preparing the meals. In other words, all ingredients are fresh and high quality, and the cocktails feature homemade syrups. Guests at the restaurant rarely feel the absence of wine or mixed drinks due to the sophistication of the beverages.
Service & Hospitality
The Experience: A Perfect Balance of Professionalism
The level of service provided by 3 Fils is spot-on in combining the efficiency of working under pressure with the “casual-chic” approach. While other Dubai restaurants may opt for a “white glove” service attitude, this place goes for the more energetic and approachable service style. The first thing one can experience after entering the establishment is an extremely warm welcome delivered by the “umami warriors.” There are no starched shirts or uniforms worn by the employees here; however, the details of the service are impeccable. The staff works with impressive energy in the busy dining area and on the outdoor terrace. The staff keeps the relaxed atmosphere which enables customers to enjoy their meals for a long time. Nevertheless, the team never stops being professional in terms of maintaining the tables and cleaning up after clients.
Knowledge: Informed and Well-Paced
It is evident from the level of the knowledge possessed by the staff about the complicated Japanese menu. The origin of the seafood or the reason for the Wagyu being marbled can be easily explained by the staff. In case you find yourself unable to make an order due to uncertainty, then the waiters will recommend food items based on your own preferences. Clearly, they possess the concept of the restaurant, which is “complex simplicity.” They will not only be able to explain this, but also elaborate on how the flavor combinations would complement each other between various food items. Also, the timing of the food items is done in perfect synchronization. In spite of the dinner rush hours, they manage to serve their customers’ orders in such an organized fashion. Neither do they rush you to eat up your dish nor keep you waiting in anticipation.
Know Before You Go
Dress Code
The appropriate attire for 3 Fils includes being dressed “Smart Casual” or “Chic,” reflecting the harbor setting perfectly. You will feel quite okay dressing in a summer dress or chinos, accompanied by a pair of expensive jeans and a fine shirt. Although the restaurant has a casual ambience, make sure to leave behind swimwear, sportswear, or even cheap flip flops. The guests prefer an “effortless chic” type of attire, perfect for the indoor, industrial environment as well as the outdoor environment. Given that you may have to wait outside for the table, it makes sense to wear comfortable yet chic shoes.
Best Time to Visit: The timing: Getting the perfect hour and the evening attraction
In order to experience the magic of the Jumeirah Fishing Harbour to the fullest, arrive at least 30 to 45 minutes before sunset. This time will enable you to place your name on the waitlist and get a place in the outdoor perimeter. Seeing the sky change the color to pink and orange above the traditional dhow boats is a key ingredient in the experience. Weekdays are usually so mild and it is a perfect occasion to have a late lunch or early dinner on a Monday or a Tuesday so that you can have a quiet meal. Visiting on weekends, you will have to wait a lot, but the busy port will be a good people-watching place.
Reservations: The Reservations: Why Making Plans Ahead of Time is the Best Thing You Can Do
It is important to keep in mind that 3 Fils is notorious with a no-reservations policy. They serve on a first come first served basis to all the guests, irrespective of the day. This will provide a democratic ambiance to the dining experience, though you will have to plan a little. During peak dinner times, the wait times may be more than an hour on weekends. They do not have a traditional “Ladies Night” and reservations or any specific offers like many other places in the city. Rather, the emphasis is all about the high quality, a la carte experience to all. When you come to the restaurant and it is full, you may leave your number and enjoy a nice walk around the peaceful fishing harbor until your table is ready
Final Thoughts & Rating
The Final Score 9.5/10
Following the review of all the aspects of dining at the restaurant, it is safe to say that 3 Fils Dubai scores an incredible 9.5 points out of 10. Such a grade is rare, but it is fully deserved since 3 Fils Dubai knows how to excel in the most difficult part of being a great restaurant – consistency. In a city, where many places cease to be great once their “hype” period ends, 3 Fils Dubai managed to keep its soul intact. Food is the main character of the show. Though the absence of the reservation system may seem like a downside to the people who prefer to plan ahead of time, this is always an experience worth waiting for. The quality of the cooking is unparalleled, as the kitchen serves meals as good as three times more expensive restaurants in the city, which is why 3 Fils is one of the very few places where the hype is fully deserved.
Who Is It For?
This restaurant is the final destination of the “Authentic Foodie” who believes in content and not form. This is your haven, when you are one of those who would take world class Otoro on a wooden stool rather than a mediocre steak in a gold-plated ballroom. It is ideal for people who see beauty in the details-the char on the beef, the temperature of the rice and the saltiness of the sea wind. It also serves as a perfect destination to tourists who would like to experience the Real Dubai. Outside the shopping malls and desert safaris is the homegrown, creative scene that is rich in life, and 3 Fils is its food hub. It is an excellent choice to have a casual, quality date night where the emphasis is on the discussion and the tastes. Moreover, it is an excellent option in the case of small groups of friends who like to share plates and taste something new. In case you like a casual-chic atmosphere in which you can feel upscale, but without a tie, you will fall in love with this harbor gem. It is the location where individuals would prefer their meal to share a story of quality, craft and community.
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3 Fils is no ordinary restaurant; it is a revolution that turned Dubai’s perception of dining around. The brand showed everyone that it doesn’t matter whether you can spend hundreds of thousands on marketing or have famous names in your team to be the absolute best in the region. Their approach to “making complex simple” resulted in creating an eternal space that is equally authentic and international. This place truly has a magic that stays with you even during the tenth visit. No matter if you are a local or a traveler, your culinary exploration of Dubai will be incomplete without visiting 3 Fils at Jumeirah Fishing Harbour. Have you tried dining at 3 Fils Dubai yet? We want to know all about your visit! Was it the Wagyu Sando that stole your heart or maybe some of the seafood surprises they offer? Tell us in the comments section below your favorite dish at 3 Fils!