Review: Mint & Coco, Oman’s Lifestyle Boutique Restaurant

A year has passed since Mint & Coco opened for business, yet it still occupies the very top of my list when it comes to dining. Yes, It’s safe to say we’ve hit the jackpot with this culinary heaven, serving quality food, sophisticated-yet-whimsical plating, and a chill ambience that reminds us of why we fell in love with it in the first place.

Nestled in Salam Square, this homegrown gem was founded by Loaya Al Mammari, a lovely and passionate restauranteur who travelled the culinary world to search for a new dining concept. She came back inspired by the lifestyle boutique restaurants that fill the streets of Europe and de- cided to bring that wonderful energy to Oman. Today her brand sits among the best, with a pres- tigious Oman Restaurant Awards under her belt.

What’s the secret to her success? Well, I have no idea but I can tell you this: Her restaurant of- fers me more than a typical lunching session, it serves an experience that’s quite refreshing.

This year, the restaurant has introduced a seasonal menu that includes appetizing starters, healthy bowls of garden-fresh salads, palatable mains and designer treats that use locally sourced ingredients such as edible flowers.

I usually skip the starters and dive right into the main, which is a salmon marinated in sweet miso sauce, served with sautéed vegetables on a bed of warm Japanese rice, or their glorious juicy steak sandwich (which is dubbed as the best in town). Chicken pumpkin salad and the ve- gan-friendly ‘dragon bowl’ are also popular.

On the sweeter side of things, I used to enjoy their cocoa-filled pancakes (which I’m still bitter that they’re discontinued), but Loaya kept us all dribbling with artsy creations that taste good and make for a perfect unfiltered Instagram moment. Fragrant rose or saffron milk cakes adorned with edible flowers and pipettes, as well as the banana loaf served with homemade blueberry jam and cinnamon butter are highly recommended.

Mint & Coco is without a doubt a name that will be on everyone’s lips for years to come, as long as they keep their quality and friendly service in check. I cannot wait to come back during the mango season where mango-infused treats await.

Contact Mint & Coco

Salam Complex, Dohat Al Adab St, Al Khuwair, Bousher