Kargeen-Restaurant Review

Everybody knows you're supposed to go to Kargeen if you're in Oman. Well, I've been here for almost 10 months and I only just went day before yesterday. I see why everyone raves about it though!

Their outside seating area is a pleasant mix between an Arabia courtyard and contemporary chic. The lighting is just right. The service, overall, was excellent. We did have a minor tiff with the waiter for refusing to give us change for our bill, but you can only expect so much.

But the food was just fantastic. We started off with the A'ash soup. I think I might have to infiltrate the kitchen and steal the recipe. Thick and hearty, but smooth on the tongue and a perfect mix of savory and tangy. Get it. Next I ordered the Boram lamb pot. The presentation was excellent. It was served in a deep pot (almost like that's what they cooked it in) that just kept going and going. And I kept eating. Couldn't stop. The lamb was so tender, just melting in my mouth.

We didn't stay to get shisha, but apparently they are one of the best shisha joints in town, and I believe it.

So I'm just going to repeat what the guide books say: Go to Kargeen if you're in Oman!

It's located in the MQ complex that also has an Al-Fair, Darcy's Kitchen, and about 4 liquor stores. I hear, however, that they have lost their lease to a new mall and will be moving locations.

Biella--Restaurant Review

Biella is an Italian chain. There are two in Muscat I believe, both in City Center. I've only been to the one in Seeb's City Center. The first time I went several months ago, the food was good, but the service was atrocious. My husband's pizza came after everyone else was done eating. The second time was just a week ago and their timing was much better second time around!

Both times I ordered the same thing...the Caprese Salad. It's presented beautifully and is choc full of slices of fresh mozzarella and sun-dried tomatoes. Great!
The pizza was tasty and is big enough to feed you if you are hungry, but the pasta comes in very small servings. You might get 5 bites!

The food that stole the show, however, is their super rich chocolate cake. Get the desert menu if you go! It was utterly decadence. Maybe it was extra good because I haven't had anything sugary to eat for a while, but I'm pretty sure regardless, it was to die for. Rich layers of cake in between even richer layers of fudge. Ah. Get it.

All in all, Biella's not great (except the cake), but it's certainly decent Italian fare for Muscat. About 7 R.O. per person, for a fruity drink and main course.