By Waqar Abdullah
The Quick Overview
In the world of ‘The Elite Food Restaurants’, ‘The NoHo Bar & Grill (Terrace) ‘is one of the world’s most amazing experiences in terms of dining, luxury, ambiance, and food.
NoHo Bar & Grill (Terrace) blends New York urban flair with the breathtaking Arabian Gulf scenery. Located in the heart of Mina Al Arab, this is a must-visit for steak aficionados, cocktail aficionados, and socializers.
- Price Point: Medium-High
- Must-Order Dish: Dry-Aged Tomahawk Steak or the “North of Houston” Signature Cocktail.
- Best For: Saturday Brunch, Romantic Sunset Dinners, or Lively Social Gatherings.
- Address: InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Mina Al Arab Resort & Spa, Mina Al Arab, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE.
The Concept & First Impressions
Immerse Yourself in the Elevated Elegance and Sophisticated Energy
The Arrival: Stepping into a World of High-Octane Luxury
Walking towards NoHo Bar & Grill (Terrace), one is immediately reminded of a sudden change from the peacefulness that is normally associated with Ras Al Khaimah’s coastline. As one approaches the entrance of the establishment, the architecture immediately gives one the sense that they are entering a sophisticated urban oasis with industrial chic. The establishment’s décor is reminiscent of the trendy lofts found in the lower part of Manhattan. Immediately, one is immersed in the sense of “cool,” which is not often found in a dining establishment. Furthermore, the sudden change from the bright, airy atmosphere of the hotel lobby to the dimly lit, soulful atmosphere of the establishment creates a sense of discovery, as though one has found a hidden gem that is more interested in showcasing their unique personality rather than their traditional notions of luxury. As a result, the air is thick with the smell of charcoal grills and the hum of a well-placed soundtrack that encourages one to remove their tie or their cell phone and immerse oneself in the high-energy atmosphere.
The Reputation: A Homegrown Success Story That Conquered the World
While many of the dining options in the Northern Emirates offer a more traditional Middle Eastern theme, NoHo is a more polished international export. NoHo takes its inspiration from the “North of Houston” (NoHo) district of New York City, a neighborhood known for its artistic revolution and luxury loft living. As a signature dining experience for the InterContinental Mina Al Arab, NoHo brings a level of sophistication to the resort. As a flagship for a hospitality giant, the level of service and cuisine is always of the highest world-class standard. However, it avoids the feeling of being a hotel restaurant, as many of its competitors suffer from, by maintaining a level of independence and artisanal flair. NoHo has quickly become a favorite for locals looking for the sophistication of Dubai’s DIFC without ever having to leave the tranquility of Ras Al Khaimah. This blend of “Big Apple” style and “Island Life” relaxation is what sets NoHo apart.
The Hook: The Dual-Terrace Perspective of a Shimmering Metropolis
The “Hook” that defines NoHo as a unique bar in an area saturated with thousands of similar venues is that it seamlessly blends the essence of a NYC speakeasy bar with that of a Mediterranean outdoor terrace. On one side, you have the gritty, high-octane bar scene that NYC is famous for, where barrel-aged cocktails and craft beers are the main attraction. On the other, you have the massive outdoor terrace that boasts breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf and the lush mangroves that surround the resort. This allows patrons to indulge in the smoky flavors of an American grill while feeling the sea breeze and watching the sunset in the desert. Very few venues can pull off the feat of seamlessly blending the gritty, industrial feel of an NYC bar with the serene, beautiful atmosphere of a beachfront lounge. This is what makes NoHo a place that thrives for a raucous Saturday brunch as well as a quiet, romantic evening under the stars.
The Setting: Interior Design & View
The Decor: A Masterclass In Modern Glamour and Metallic Accents
The interior design of NoHo Bar & Grill (Terrace) is a masterful interpretation of the raw, artistic essence of a New York City loft. Upon entering, you’ll immediately notice the sophisticated fusion of industrial elements that evoke a sense of rugged elegance. While exposed brickwork and dark wooden paneling create a solid, masculine foundation, the design also incorporates opulent elements such as leather couches and metal accents. Lighting is an integral part of creating the ambiance for an evening out. During the day, the large windows provide an abundance of natural light, creating a bright, energetic feel reminiscent of a French-inspired bistro. As the sun sets, the venue transforms into a “speakeasy” ambiance with warm, amber-toned Edison bulbs. These soft lights provide subtle shadows that dance across the bar, creating a sense of elegance as the light reflects off the crystal glasses and high-end spirit bottles. While the atmosphere is certainly upscale, it is by no means stuffy.
The “RAK Dubai Factor: A 360-Degree Visual Feast of the City
While Dubai boasts its Burj Khalifa, Ras Al Khaimah boasts a more serene and expansive connection with nature. NoHo Bar & Grill (Terrace) capitalizes on this by providing an unobstructed view of the Arabian Gulf. Since the restaurant is located within the confines of the InterContinental Mina Al Arab, it boasts a spectacular view of a turquoise sea and a carpet of green mangroves. This gives a sense of escapism that other restaurants within the confines of a bustling metropolitan area cannot match. You can witness the transformation of the sky from brilliant orange to deep purple as the sun sinks into the horizon. This serves as the ultimate backdrop for a long night of dining or a round of sundowners. Many patrons appreciate the unobstructed view because there are no skyscrapers to distract from the experience. It’s the perfect spot for those seeking to escape the frenetic pace of the metropolitan area for the soothing sounds of the sea.
The Seating: Seamlessly Blending Indoor Comfort with Al Fresco Luxury
The seating options come in two different varieties, and this is important for the ever-changing seasons of the UAE. Inside, there is a lounge area with comfortable, deep armchairs and high-top bar seating, perfect for engaging in long conversations. This indoor section provides a cool retreat during the hotter summer months, kept at a perfect crisp temperature. However, come the “winter” season, the outdoor section of the terrace becomes the place to be, and the most sought-after section of the resort. This outdoor section of the resort is designed for social dining, offering a range of standard dining tables as well as lounge sofas. There is a seamless transition between the two areas, so you could start your meal with a drink at the bar and then move to the outdoor section for your meal. Parasols offer shade during the daytime, and fire pits are often lit to keep the cool evening breezes at bay. Regardless of whether you’re a fan of the dark, moody areas or the light, bright outdoor section, your comfort is always a priority.
The Culinary Journey: A Deep Dive
Embark on a Refined Gastronomic Odyssey Above the Clouds
The Philosophy: French Precision Meets Asian Finesse
The culinary heart of NoHo Bar & Grill (Terrace) beats to the rhythm of a high-end New York gastropub. The culinary style and approach of the chef are based on the concept of “Elevated American Comfort.” The chef’s style combines traditional grill food with modern global influences. The chef does not try to over-complicate food by using molecular gastronomy, instead focusing on the quality of the food and mastering the art of grilling over an open flame. There is an emphasis on wood charring and slow grilling to bring out the sweetness in the food. As the menu is inspired by the diverse Burroughs of NYC, expect to see a mix of Jewish Deli, Italian American, and Asian Fusion food. The culinary team prides itself on sourcing the best of local UAE seafood, ensuring that the freshness of local seafood balances the richness of imported Atlantic seafood. The chef’s style and approach to food are sure to bring an element of comfort food that is both accessible and impressive.
The Starters: A Playful Dance of Texture and Temperatures
To get you started, the Yellowfin Tuna Tartare is a tutorial in the power of fresh flavors. Served chilled, it is a dish of carefully cut pieces of fish marinated in a light vinaigrette of soy and ginger, topped with a creamy avocado. There is a nice contrast in textures from the smooth fish to the salty, crunchy sesame seeds and radish curls. It is a wake-up call for the taste buds before moving on to more serious fare. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the Buffalo Chicken Sliders is a warm, sumptuous feast for the taste buds. These small burgers consist of chicken pieces that have been fried to a golden brown and smothered in a spicy glaze that sticks to every bite. A soft, buttery brioche bun helps to soak up the juices, and a cooling blue cheese crumble helps to neutralize the acidity of the glaze. A contrast in temperature from the chilled fish dish to the warm, spicy sliders makes for an exciting start to the meal. There is nothing dull about the appetizer course.
The Signature Main Course: The Legendary Miso-Marinated Black Cod
The real gem of the NoHo experience, though, is the 30-Day Dry Aged Tomahawk Steak, a dish fit for the theater and the taste buds. When the waiter serves this to your table, the effect is instantaneous. The enormous bone-in ribeye steak is presented on a rustic wooden board, charred to a perfect mahogany finish. The savory aroma of the meat, with a hint of rosemary smoke, will instantaneously cause your mouth to salivate. When you finally bite into this beauty, the outside bark gives way to a tender, deep red center that practically melts on your tongue. The dry-aging process allows the beef’s own sugars to concentrate, giving this dish a deep, nutty flavor profile that lingers long after the swallow. You will detect a hint of oak from the grill, which adds to the richness of the dish without overpowering it. This is a sensory experience that embodies the essence of a world-class grill house.
The Elite Tip:
To make it the ultimate experience, ask your server for the Himalayan Pink Salt Flight. When paired with the Grade 9+ Wagyu fat-infused butter, the richness of this dish is decadently indulgent. The chef selects the beef from sustainable farms in Margaret River, Australia, to bring the highest level of marbling.
The Sweet Ending: A Masterclass In Sculptural Patisserie
Dessert at NoHo goes well beyond simple sugar content and instead focuses on technical balance and aesthetic appeal. The Deconstructed New York Cheesecake is a standout dessert that seeks to go beyond the conventional heavy slice of cheesecake. It consists of a light and airy cream cheese mousse that sits atop a crunchy salted graham cracker soil. Instead of the conventional fruit pour-over, it has sharp raspberry gel spheres and a zesty lemon sorbet. The acidity of the fruit helps cut through the richness of the cheese, giving it a surprising light feel. Additionally, the addition of white chocolate shards gives this dessert an architectural quality to it. It’s clear that this dessert seeks to prove that the conventional NYC staple can be reimagined to become a work of modern art. It’s a dessert that leaves you feeling satisfied and rejuvenated, rather than weighed down by excessive sweetness.
The Beverage Program: Sophisticated Mixology Beyond The Flavors
The drink program at NoHo is just as carefully thought out as the food menu, especially their “Zero-Proof” mixology. These are no ordinary sweet mocktails, but rather complex adult drinks prepared using advanced techniques. Their signature drink, the “NoHo Garden,” features distilled non-alcoholic botanicals, cucumber muddle, and elderflower tonic. This drink provides a clean and dry finish, much like the complexity of a traditional gin and tonic, but without the alcohol. Another signature drink of theirs is the Smoked Pineapple Shrub, prepared using house-made fruit vinegars to give the drink a sharp and fermented taste. This drink is topped with a hint of agave and a salt-chili rim to balance the smokiness and sweetness. By using bitters, shrubs, and fresh herbs, the bar ensures that non-drinkers have a seat at the table of craft mixology.
Service & Hospitality
The Experience: A perfect Balance of Casual-Chic and Professionalism
The level of service at NoHo Bar & Grill (Terrace) is perfectly balanced between “white glove” and “casual chic.” While in the UAE, the level of high-stakes service can be over formal, the team here takes the more genuine and relaxed approach. This is perfectly in keeping with the New York Loft style, where the staff are more like hosts than stuffy waiters. Note how the staff are impeccably turned out but still seem relaxed and easy to talk to. They are present without being overbearing, and your evening will progress seamlessly. Whether you are dressed to the nines or have just been to the beach, you will still be treated to the same level of warmth and hospitality. The lack of pretension makes the luxury feel accessible and sincere. As such, the atmosphere is both high end and cozy, so that every patron feels like a “regular” from their very first visit.
Knowledge: Expert Guidance and Impeccable Culinary Pacing
The staff shows an impressive depth of knowledge when it comes to the complex menu and the intricate beverage program. When you ask questions about the dry-aged steaks, the servers are knowledgeable enough to discuss the intricacies of the process and what temperature the steak should be cooked to. They don’t simply tell you what’s in the dish; they tell you the story behind the dish. Additionally, the pace of the meal is expertly managed to ensure that you’re never left waiting or forgotten. Your appetizers are served when your appetite is peaked, and your main courses are served after a respectful delay. This allows for meaningful conversation and the ability to appreciate the flavors of each dish. Even on a busy Saturday brunch or on a night when a theme has been set, the pace remains a steady and rhythmic one. Since the staff’s attention to your table’s progress is so finely calibrated, the transition from savory to sweet is like a choreographed dance. This synchronization between the front house and the back house is what makes this dining experience truly exceptional.
Know Before You Go
Dress Code
The ambiance at NoHo Bar & Grill (Terrace) has a Smart Casual/Chic Vibe, reminiscent of a New York social club. Although the restaurant is part of a beach resort, patrons should not wear swimwear, bathrobes, or rubber flip-flops to dine. Men should wear tailored trousers or high-end denim with a button-down or trendy polo. Elegant sundresses or a “nice top and jeans” are fitting for ladies. Dressed up a little, patrons will appreciate the ambiance, particularly as the night evolves into a high-energy lounge. Since this lounge has a sophisticated reputation, patrons should respect the dress code to fit in with the fashionable local crowd.
Best Time to Visit
To fully appreciate the magic of the terrace, it is recommended that you plan your visit at least 30 minutes before the sun goes down. This way, you will be able to claim one of the coveted sofas on the perimeter of the terrace, which gives you a full view of the sun setting into the Arabian Gulf. Seeing the colors change from gold to deep purple with the lighting of the outdoor fire pits is one of the best dining experiences that RAK has to offer. If you prefer a more fast-paced dining experience, then the Saturday New York Brunch is the ultimate time to visit the restaurant.
Reservations
It is highly recommended to reserve a table well in advance, especially during weekends when the resort is fully packed. If you want to dine at the terrace, which is the most sought-after section, you must specifically mention your preference for outdoor seating at the time of reservation to avoid last-minute disappointments. Reservations must also be made for themed nights, such as the Ladies’ Night held every Thursday or the very popular “Tomahawk Tuesdays.” With NoHo having turned into a hotspot for both hotel guests and Ras Al Khaimah locals, walk-ins might have to wait for a very long time during peak hours. It would be best to use the resort’s online reservation system or contact the concierge a couple of days in advance.
Final Thoughts & Rating
The Final Score
NoHo Bar & Grill (Terrace) boasts a well-deserved rating of 9.2/10. The establishment manages to carve a niche for itself within a region that, for the most part, seems to be dominated by the usual clichés of luxury. The restaurant itself is a gem because it manages to marry the gritty, artistic edge of New York with the pristine beauty of Ras Al Khaimah. While the food, naturally, is world-class, it’s the atmosphere that’s a perfect blend of industrial chic and oceanic beauty that really makes an impression. Dry-aging and a drinks menu that’s both sophisticated and well-thought-out are a testament to a restaurant that’s earned its place as one of the high-end establishments within the region. To find a place that’s both extremely high-end and soulful is a rare thing indeed. If you’re looking for a restaurant that offers something more than just a meal, then this is a place that offers it all.
Who is it for?
This is an ideal venue for the modern-day epicurean who understands that beauty is not only a part of a culinary experience but also an integral component of it. This is an ideal venue for the social diner who wants a high-energy venue without compromising on quality. If you are a fan of “Big Apple” culture, craft mixology, or want to enjoy a world-class sunset from a plush lounge area, then you will fit right in. It is also an ideal venue for couples looking to enjoy a romantic evening in a “cool” steakhouse setting, as well as for groups of friends looking to take their weekend brunch game to the next level. Simply put, if you are a fan of a venue that has a story to tell in terms of its design and its cuisine, then NoHo is a venue built for you.
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Have you already dined at NoHo Bar & Grill (Terrace)? Regardless of whether you were at the restaurant for the Saturday Brunch or a quiet dinner while enjoying the sunset, I would love to hear about your experience! Please leave a comment below with your favorite dish or your go-to cocktail from their menu!
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