Da Gama’s re-launched menu reflects the lounge bar’s newfound stylish atmosphere and broad appeal, says Kathryn Young.

Decisions, decisions, decisions…

Da Gama’s new menu is not for the indecisive. So broad and eclectic is the variety on offer that any ditherers among us will be in danger of drowning during deliberation.

Choosing to order from either the menu proper or from the tapas selection is much like finding oneself between a rock and a hard place.

Tuna carpaccio, grilled live blue lobster, succulent spiced chicken espetada and pepper-encrusted fillet mignon pull you towards the traditional bill of fare, while gourmet wagyu mini burgers, oyster trio and Vietnamese rollettes put up a similarly strong fight in tempting you to the sharing plates.

Thankfully Da Gama has in its armoury all the necessary weapons to facilitate your decision. The laidback lounge room atmosphere encourages you to take your time over your selection; the helpful staff will offer advice if asked, but are just as happy to leave you alone with your thoughts if required; and the extensive range of cocktails on offer will help lubricate even the most lumbering of brains.

Mull over the menu with a millionaire’s mojito and order a bowl of edamame to discourage your stomach from rumbling as you read.

The succulent beans are delicately flavoured with clay-dried rock salt or cracked black pepper and chilli – although beware if you opt for the latter as they pack quite a punch.

Relaxing over a drink and a shared snack in the sophisticated setting inadvertently had the effect of making our decision for us as to our meal proper. The twinkling fairy lights in the surrounding trees, the laughter and contented chatter of diners in neighbouring restaurants, and the gentle breeze reminded us of being on holiday in a Mediterranean town. Reminiscences of trips to Barcelona and Portugal sent the mind – and the appetite – heading the Iberian way.

By now in full holiday mode we were reluctant to break the spell by arguing over the specifics of the menu so asked our waiter to bring us a selection of the chef’s best tapas. While initially this request was lost in translation, once the language barrier had been broached, we were glad we had persisted down this particular path.

Huge, plump juicy Japanese-inspired tempura prawns with wasabi dip were eyed up as soon as they were brought out and were devoured at a pace that bordered on the impolite. Wagyu beef burgers with vintage cheddar and tomato relish provided living proof that good things do come in small packages and herb-crusted lamb chops with Dijon mustard sauce had us licking both our lips and our fingers.

All were destroyed with huge enthusiasm and considerable speed. It was as we surveyed the empty plates that we realised that while we might have had a Mediterranean mindset, we had Dubai-size appetites. We needed more.

Cue smoked paprika-battered calamari with lime mayo dip, skewered chicken cubes, infused with saffron and yoghurt, and roasted red pepper hummus served with chilli-dusted tortilla shards. And, by special request, another order of herb-crusted lamb chops (if you try them you will understand).

We had slowed down slightly by round two, but this merely meant we had more time to appreciate the flavours and textures of the individual dishes. It also had the effect of ensuring we conserved some energy for dessert.

Sadly two of the four options were not available, which meant that for one course, at least, we had to get out of the sharing mentality, as we all opted for the chocolate passion mousse. A good choice in retrospect as I would have been reluctant to give away any of my chocolate pot – it was simply heavenly.

Da Gama’s menu is extensive and its appeal is broad – it really has got something for everyone.