Sante Ria is a new kid on the block, but the potential is immense and this secret jewel is preparing to rock the Dubai restaurant/lounge scene!

Perched on the 29th floor of The First Collection hotel, in Jumeirah Village Circle, Sante Ria is a convergence of many factors, setting the scene for great success ahead.

Firstly, but not the main factor, is a terrace that is amazing!

You feel like a falcon, flying high above the new Dubai…

But also from indoors, high windows span both the restaurant dining hall as well as the upstairs bar – and the open views go on forever.

And as the sun sets, there is nothing better than meeting up with friends for a sundowner at Sante Ria!

Luckily, especially as the hot season is powerful in Dubai, the outer terrace gives way to spacious and separate interior bar and restaurant areas, also divided into smoking and non-smoking, which are fabulously decorated.

And the bar is exceptional – both in presence, as in quality of preparation!

The Pisco Sour, based on a unique and traditional South American liquor, (and called Leopardo Sour on the drinks menu) was excellent,

and the chilled draught beer was spot on – time your visit for the brunches and happy hour!

And yet the best feature of Sante Ria was most definitely its staff – friendly but also professional, from first welcome to table service, and particularly balanced in its excellence at the front of the house by the energetic Ms Ines, Restaurant Manager, and from the back of the house with talented Chef Bruno, ably handling the kitchen fires behind the scenes – expect fireworks from this experienced team, both of them native Latin Americans!

Indeed, Sante Ria straddles both bar and restaurant with ease, with several exciting brunches and special events – in fact, I would advise you to check the timings to make sure your expectations are met, in that during brunch the a la carte menu is momentarily replaced by the special menu.

We sampled the Pachanga Brunch, Saturdays from 9 PM on, with live DJ, aimed at the crowds enjoying the grooviest Latin eats and beats!

From nibbles and snacks accompanying a few drinks, to full main courses, Sante Ria impressed with delicious flavors!

A perfect ceviche is not easy to get just right – as it’s easy for inexperienced hands to fall onto the wrong side of citrusy – but at Sante Ria perfection is guaranteed because the culinary culture is native and the cooking is from the heart…

Various fish types are available, from sea bream to tuna to red snapper…

And several versions of authentic ceviche, including a vegetarian option, await your sampling.

Similarly, the tacos were delicious, also presented with several options – ours benefiting from a magical touch of fabulous tangy pineapple!

And the guacamole was out of this world!

The Pachanga Brunch is enough to fill all desires, although at first glance the menu appears quite limited – not so, trust in the advice of your expert waiter.

Besides, it is so yummy, you will probably want to return to try the full a la carte menu anyways!!!

The two mains we selected were fully satisfying, especially when taken with a few drinks.

and extremely delicious,

Look closer at this amazing Argentinian chorizo sandwich!

And then, of course, the brunch included desserts!

With a superlative chocolate sauce for the churros, as well as duche de leche dip, and a bowl of exotic fruit salad and ice-cream!

Overall, the Pachanga Brunch at Sante Ria amazed with its versatility and hot Latino vibes – second to none in Dubai – and the combination of lively atmosphere and professional service, with super-delicious specialities.

Sante Ria inspired with its current offerings, and I’m very curious for the plans ahead as well, looking forward to hear more news from this exciting venue at The First Collection, Jumeirah Village Circle, in Dubai.