Ergo Bar & Restaurant: Bartender-led drinks and eats in Downtown

HUNTR MEMBERS PERK

HUNTR Members get access to an exclusive flat 20% discount off the total bill at Ergo. To redeem this perk, simply show proof of your membership via ‘My Account’ in the main menu bar above.

The brainchild of Jimmy Barrat, who used to head up the bars for ZUMA, Ergo is a sexy little homegrown restaurant and bar at the EDITION hotel in Downtown Dubai. A bartender-led concept, Ergo is modern and masculine – think cracked concrete walls, dark leather sofas, a black marble bartop, stainless steel touch points and a Palladiana stone floor.

There are ample seating arrangements for all group sizes, whether you are staying all night and having dinner, want to sit outside on the cosy terrace, or just pop in for a quick drink at the bar.

To get to the bar, the star of the show, you must first walk through the restaurant, which serves a concisely curated menu for dinner. Inspired by Mediterranean cuisine, it’s divided between Raw & Cold Bites, Soulful Hot Bites, Salads, On The Grill & Josper Oven-Baked, Pasta, Ergo Sides and Desserts.

Drinks-wise, you’ll find cocktails on tap, an extensive wine list, beers, spirits and the usual favourites alongside alcohol-free options.

Sound-wise, music is of high importance here, and the beats are curated by Jimmy’s father Gérald, who was a prominent French DJ in the 80s. Look out for the fun UFO-inspired DJ booth, where you might catch Gérald – a.k.a. meSSierG.

The HUNTR visited for a casual weeknight dinner. We started with the Beef Tartare Petits Toast (115AED) – raw beef layered on a slice of small crunchy bread. The must-try Smoked Oysters, Spicy Salsa, Cucumber Vinaigrette (135AED). The simple, yet delicious Crispy Calamari, Seven Spices Mayo (67AED), the tangy Thin Tart of Heirloom Tomatoes & Goat Cheese (60AED), and one of our favourites – the Crispy Red & White Quinoa Balls (45AED).

These were perfectly matched with cocktails, and we tried and loved the Daiquiri (69AED), and the alcohol-free Ergo Lemonade (55AED) with passionfruit, lemon, mint and soda.

Then, for the main event, we shared a couple of salads, mains, and sides. The Pomelo/Rocket Leaves, Hazelnuts, Raspberry Vinaigrette (45AED) – a sweet, tangy and earthy salad. The Stracciatella & Confit Coloured Tomatoes, Kalamata Olives (95AED), the mouthwatering and faultless Mediterranean Octopus & Braised Chicory (95AED), and another favourite – the Trofie, Marinated Baby Artichokes, Confit Tomatoes (85AED), a vegetarian-friendly pasta dish with meaty texture and rich flavours. The only dish that didn’t quite hit the mark for us was the Polenta Fries (40AED), which were a little bland and mushy.

To finish, we shared the wonderfully creamy and sweet Tonka Crème Brulee (45AED) – don’t miss it.