While there may be no shortage of Mexican restaurants around town, Señor Pico’s uniqueness lies in its authentic vibes, wholesome dishes and an awesome Palm West Beach spot.
Dubai’s first restaurant to dish out Mexican-Early Californian cuisine, the venue boasts colourful interiors and a menu featuring reimagined classics and new favourites – all with a vibrant and spicy streak. Aromatic spices, key ingredients and flavours, “chiles” and avocados are sourced from Jalisco and Michoacan in Mexico.
Going for the Taquitos de Papa as a starter, the fried, rolled corn tortilla filled with seasoned potato, coriander, Cotija cheese and chipotle aioli certainly didn’t disappoint.
Señor’s Tacos form a trio with either corn tortillas or tortilla árabes (flour).
All tacos are topped with signature toppings and a signature choice. We go for the Barbacoa Beef, which is tender and plain delicious. Served with pickled cabbage, coriander and a jalapeño kick, the meat is marinated in 15 spices for 48 hours, then cooked in its own juices to a perfect tenderness.
Finally, dessert is served: Dulce de leche churros; chubbier than the ones we’re used to, the dough is soft and piping hot, perfectly absorbing the caramel dip.
Other dishes include a succulent lamb shoulder layered with onions and Pico Chicken, which is marinated with adobo, cumin, coriander lime juice, and a few of Señor Pico’s secret ingredients. Plus, of course, the cheese-crusted quesadilla, which has a special cheese blend of Oaxaca, Monterey Jack, white cheddar and the restaurant’s signature Cotija crust served with roasted poblano chile salsa on corn tortilla.
New to Dubai, the legendary restaurant concept first opened in San Francisco in 1964. Created by the world-famous Victor ‘Trader Vic’ Bergeron, Señor Pico was inspired by Bergeron’s travels to Mexico, where he explored the culture and experienced its fresh and vivid dishes. Those flavours, coupled with the historic influence of Californian cuisine, evoked a passion for multi-culturism which is still celebrated today.
The signature centrepiece of the restaurant is a vibrant open kitchen, with the welcoming aroma of freshly cooked tortillas and a live Pastor rotisserie, giving guests a front-row seat to all the action. The restaurant promises a treat for all the senses, where diners not only taste delicious food, but also feast their eyes on the Instagrammable interiors as they revel in the cool breeze.
