TimeOut Winner Best American & Caribbean 2026. Girl and the Goose at Anantara Downtown Hotel, Business Bay is one of the standout central american restaurants in Dubai right now. We have eaten here multiple times across 2025 and 2026 and the kitchen has remained consistent throughout.
Chef Gabriela Chamorro's Central American kitchen at Anantara Downtown. Beef cheek tacos, short rib clay pot. Won Best American & Caribbean 2026.
Here is the full case for what to order, what it costs, and how to book.
The Setting: Girl and the Goose
The Girl and the Goose dining room runs the central american idiom faithfully — the kind of fit-out that signals genre commitment rather than trend-chasing. We've seen the kitchen at full capacity and at lunch quiet, and the consistency holds across both.
Service is professional and pacing is correct for the cuisine. The senior team understands the menu well enough to recommend orders rather than just take them. Smart casual dress code applies.
The Food
The Girl and the Goose menu is the result of a kitchen that knows what it does and doesn't dilute. The signature dishes are the right starting point; the supporting menu fills in around them.
The Must-Orders
Beef Cheek Tacos (3)
Slow-cooked beef cheek, queso fresco, pickled onion, charred salsa, hand-pressed corn tortillas. The dish that won the award.
Short Rib Clay Pot
Eight-hour braised short rib in clay pot, roasted vegetables, achiote sauce. Designed for two.
Ceviche Negra (Charcoal Ceviche)
Sea bass cured in charcoal-blackened tigers milk, sweet potato, choclo. Visual and flavour signature.
The Menu — What to Order, What to Skip
| Dish | Category | Price (AED) | Order? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beef Cheek Tacos (3) | Signature | 125 | SIGNATURE |
| Short Rib Clay Pot | Must | 245 | MUST |
| Ceviche Negra (Charcoal Ceviche) | Must | 165 | MUST |
| Plantain Tostones | Side | 55 | Order |
| Mezcal Old-Fashioned | Drinks | 95 | On theme |
| Tres Leches Cake | Dessert | 65 | Order |
The Verdict
Girl and the Goose is a kitchen that delivers what it promises — central american cooking executed with discipline, sourcing that holds up, service that knows the menu. TimeOut Dubai recognised it: TimeOut Winner Best American & Caribbean 2026. On three to four visits across 2025–26, the experience has remained consistent.
Our Scorecard
Why It's Worth It
- TimeOut Winner Best American & Caribbean 2026 in Dubai
- Signature beef cheek tacos (3) is the canonical version
- Service knowledgeable and well-paced
- Sourcing and execution consistent across visits
- Books within 1–2 weeks for most nights
- Cocktail/wine program supports the central american cuisine
Things to Know
- Books out further for Friday/Saturday peak
- Pricing reflects fine-dining tier
- Vegetarian menu more limited than meat program
- Acoustics get loud at full capacity
- Parking can be tight at peak weekends
- Side dishes weaker than headline mains
If you have a dinner in Business Bay and want central american done at fine-dining level, Girl and the Goose is the pick. The beef cheek tacos (3) alone justifies the trip.
Compare against: other central american restaurants in Dubai · our take on TimeOut Dubai 2026 · Best Restaurants Dubai 2026.
How to Book / Get There
Girl and the Goose uses SevenRooms or property concierge.
Friday/Saturday: 2–3 weeks ahead.
Weekday dinner: 5–10 days.
Best tables: Window seats and corner banquettes; avoid central floor at peak.
Dress code: Smart casual.
Reserve a Table →
Your Questions Answered
How much does dinner at Girl and the Goose cost?
Budget AED 350–600pp. Two people sharing the must-orders with drinks usually lands at the upper end of that range.
What should I order at Girl and the Goose?
The Beef Cheek Tacos (3) (AED 125), Short Rib Clay Pot (AED 245), and Ceviche Negra (Charcoal Ceviche) (AED 165). Three dishes between two people is the canonical order.
How far ahead should I book Girl and the Goose?
Friday/Saturday dinner: 2–3 weeks. Weekday: 5–10 days. Cancellations open 48 hours before sold-out targets.
What's the dress code at Girl and the Goose?
Smart casual. No shorts, beachwear, or sportswear at dinner.
Is Girl and the Goose good for groups?
Manageable for groups of 4–6. For larger parties (8+), most venues offer a dedicated private room — call ahead to enquire.
How does Girl and the Goose compare to other Dubai central american restaurants?
Girl and the Goose sits in the upper tier of central american dining in Dubai. It won TimeOut Winner Best American & Caribbean 2026 which is the editorial benchmark.
More Reviews & Guides
Internal links: Business Bay area guide · Central American cuisine · Best restaurants Dubai · TimeOut Dubai 2026