TIMEOUTABUDHABI.COM | SUMMER 2023 | VOL 22 | ISSUE 03 | DHS12 | PRICE INCLUDES VAT | AN ITP MEDIA GROUP PUBLICATION We ate it. We paid for it. And now we can share the best restaurants in Abu Dhabi 2023 TRIED AND TASTED.TO DUBAI ADS copy.indd 104/05/2023 17:15timeoutabudhabi.com Summer 2023 3 Abu Dhabi Discover the best of the city this month FEATURES AND REGULARS 6 City life 8 Things to do 34 Ice cream spots 42 Pool day passes 48 The National Aquarium quick guide 52 Food 58 Nightlife 64 Sport & Wellbeing 66 Hype dish Erth Restaurant PAGE 24 50 things to do The heat might be keeping you indoors, but that doesn’t have to keep you from having a good time this summer Cover imag e: Café James PAGE 62 Mad for MAS All the exhibitions, workshops and more going on at popular arts and culture hub Manarat Al Saadiyat PAGE 12 Simply the best Whether you’re in the mood for Asian plates, looking for your next breakfast spot, or on the hunt for a date night venue, our guide to the very best restaurants in Abu Dhabi in 2023 has you covered.4 Summer 2023 timeoutabudhabi.com JOIN THE CONVERSATION The city’s food scene is constantly evolving, and for the average eater-outer, it can be difÀcult to keep up with what’s hot and what’s not, which new openings are worth going to and which oldie-but- goldie joints have found new life. Which is where we come in – we spend 365 days a year making our way through the city’s eateries, all so we can share our Àndings with you and the rest of the capital’s foodies. In this issue, you’ll Ànd the best restaurants in Abu Dhabi – no matter your budget or preferred cuisine. From high-end sushi to hole- in-the-wall Mexican food, we’ve tried it all, and got the mile-long expense bills (and *ahem* expanded waistlines) to prove it. There’s a whole summer ahead of you to make your way through them, and by the end of it, you’ll be experts of your own. Hello, Abu Dhabi Dianne Apen-Sadler Group Editor facebook.com/ timeoutabudhabi timeoutabudhabi @timeoutabudhabiyoutube.com/ timeoutgcc Published by ITP MEDIA GROUP FZ-LLC © 2023 Time Out Group Ltd, London, UK. Time Out Abu Dhabi PO Box 500024, Dubai, UAE Tel +971 4 444 3000 www.itp.com Offi ces in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, London & Mumbai ITP Media Group CEO Ali Akawi Managing Director Martin Chambers Editorial Director Holly Sands Time Out Abu Dhabi Editorial Group Editor, Time Out Abu Dhabi & Time Out Doha Dianne Apen-Sadler Tel: +971 4 444 3460 email: dianne.apensadler@itp.com Deputy Editor Estee Kerschoff Tel: +971 4 444 3448 email: estee.kershoff@itp.com Group Arabic Editor Aline Alkhoury Tel: +971 4 444 3695 email: aline.alkhoury@itp.com Group Video Editor Bharat Tahiliani Tel: +971 4 444 3559 email: bharat.tahiliani@itp.com Digital Content Lead Jeffrey Casiño Tel: +971 4 444 3591 email: jeffrey.casino@itp.com Content Executive Rodelito Mamuad Tel: +971 4 444 3657 email: rodelito.mamuad@itp.com Contributor Hiral Kapadia Events & Marketing Events & Marketing Manager Eleanor Ashton eleanor.ashton@itp.com Events & Marketing Executive Kate Galaktionova kate.galaktionova@itp.com Art Head of Design Rita Ghantous Senior Image Editor Emmalyn Robles Image Editor Jemima Joy Group Video Editor Bharat Tahiliani Video Editor Hana Morsy Videographer Ajith Narendra Production Production Manager Denny Kollannoor Production Coordinator Balasubramanian P Tel: +971 4 444 3871 email: balasubramanian.p@itp.com Distribution & Circulation Distribution Coordinator Avinash Pereira Tel: +971 4 444 3669 email: avinash.pereira@itp.com Circulation Executive Rajesh Pillai Tel: +971 4 444 3236 email: rajesh.pillai@itp.com Advertising Group Commercial Director Sally Whittam Tel: +971 4 444 3348 mobile: +971 56 104 0567 email: sally.whittam@itp.com Commercial Manager Stuart Singleton Tel: +971 4 444 3000 Mobile: +971 52 352 3645 email: stuart.singleton@itp.com ITP Group CEO Ali Akawi CFO Toby Jay Spencer-Davies The publishers regret that they cannot accept liability for error or omissions contained in this publication, however caused. The opinions and views contained in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. Readers are advised to seek specialist advice before acting on information contained in this publication, which is provided for general use and may not be appropriate for the readers particular circumstances. The ownership of trademarks is acknowledged. No part of this publication or any part of the contents thereof may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form without the permission of the publishers in writing. An exemption is hereby granted for extracts used for the purpose of fair review. Published under the authority of and in collaboration with Time Out Group Limited London UK. Printed for sale in AGCC and Egypt only. The name and logo of Time Out are used under licence of Time Out Group Limited London UK. Time Out Abu Dhabi regular news-stand retail price is £3.50/Dhs12.00.IN PARTNERSHIP WITH Read it. Eat it. Live it. New at Souk Al Bahar REIF’s Beef Kushiyaki TIME OUT DUBAI Untitled-5 106/06/2021 12:36:416 Summer 2023 timeoutabudhabi.com ETIHAD AIRWAYS WILL upgrade economy seats and business class studios on its Boeing 787 Dreamliner planes later this year. The airline’s new-look jets will include multiple charging points, Bluetooth connectivity and live TV options, including news and sport channels, in both economy and business class. In economy, the newest jets will have 271 seats with extra space and legroom created by the smart design and slimmer proÀle armrest. Entertainment options come in the shape of 13.3-inch 4K touch-screen monitors – complete with a USB charging port and Bluetooth pairing options – as well as on- board Wi-Fi, data packages and dining ware provided by Armani. Etihad to upgrade Boeing 787 seats As for business class, the cabin will feature new seats with the added privacy of a suite door. The height of the suite has also been increased for added comfort. Every single one of the 32 business class seats has direct aisle access within the cabin, designed in a 1-2-1 conÀguration for comfort, convenience and privacy. The seats recline to a fully lie-Áat-bed 78 inches in length with a 17.3-inch 4K TV, Bluetooth headphone pairing connectivity, multiple charging ports, wireless charging functionality, and ample storage space. Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, said of the news, “Etihad’s new 787 Dreamliner cabin interior showcases further enhancements to our award-winning and industry renowned cabins. Our new business class takes the guest experience to new heights with the second evolution of the business studio, which was launched on the Airbus A350- 1000 last year.” All Etihad Guest members will also enjoy free access to messenger apps including WhatsApp. The loyalty scheme is totally free to join. O etihad.com. “Expect extra space and legroom” City Lifetimeoutabudhabi.com Summer 2023 7 VEGETARIAN AND VEGAN options have moved forward leaps and bounds, and you won’t Ànd many menus that don’t feature at least one plant-based meat item these days. While you might think cutting meat out would make your grocery shop cheaper, those who crave alternatives will know that they’re often just as pricey, or even pricier, than the real thing. But now the launch of Abu Dhabi’s Àrst-ever plant-based meat factory has given us hope that more affordable alternatives are on the way – and very soon. Homegrown start-up Switch Foods has just opened its 20,000 sq ft factory in Khalifa Industrial Zone that is now producing 100 percent GMO-free, soy-free, allergen-free, gluten-free, vegan, and halal-certiÀed kebabs, kofta, sujuk, minced meat and burger patties. It won’t be price-free (sadly), but it will be cheaper as there won’t be the added costs of importing these products from aboard. Wondering just what these items will be made out of? Well, the key ingredient is pea protein. Just don’t ask us how they make it taste meat-y. O switchfoods.com. THERE’S NO DENYING that Abu Dhabi is buzzing with new developments. From shopping destinations, museums, and cultural sites to new resort and hotel openings, there’s a lot to look forward to in the city. To add to the excitement (and our growing list of things to do and places to visit), Earth Hotels has revealed a line-up of fabulous new hospitality projects. This includes two UAE-based developments: a beach hotel on Marjan Island in Ras Al- Khaimah, and the one we’re all excited about, Earth Mangroves in Abu Dhabi. The Abu Dhabi-based project is set to consist of 41 freestanding bungalows set within one of the city’s lush natural mangrove forests (just don’t ask us which, because that’s yet to be revealed). Set to be the perfect escape for nature lovers, the pods will feature earthy, modern interiors and expansive views over the mangroves and lagoons. Take it all in, drench up the sun, or get busy with one of the many activities on offer, from kayaking (straight from your deck onto the water, no less), paddle boarding, yoga, and meditation, how much or little you do will be completely up to you. There will also be a “Sticky Lounge” where guests can socialise and enjoy delicious farm- to-table food and mixed drinks. The group said of their venture,“Located in some of the most unexpected destinations in the world, Earth Hotels is a place to wake up. A breathtaking view. An experimental sound. A surprising taste. A fresh perspective.” We can’t wait. O Opening 2025. earthhotels.com. New bungalow resort to open Plant-based meat factory opens8 Summer 2023 timeoutabudhabi.com Things to do Free fun From Thursday June 1 to Saturday September 30, kids under 12 will be able to stay, play, and dine for free on Yas Island thanks to Miral Destinations’ kids go free packages, which include access to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and Yas Waterworld. O Prices vary. Thu Jun 1-Sat Sep 30. Yas Island, yasisland.com.timeoutabudhabi.com Summer 2023 9 Arts and crafts GET CRAFTY Unleash your creativity at Cultural Foundation The Cultural Foundation will be hosting a variety of creative workshops this summer, including candle making, fabric painting, calligraphy, and ceramics classes. It’s the perfect opportunity to let your creative juices Áow and pick up a new skill or two. Find the full schedule online at culturalfoundation.ae. O From Dhs50. Dates and times vary. Cultural Foundation, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street, Al Hisn, culturalfoundation.ae. NEW EXHIBITION Check out the Comic Craze Vol.3 From classic Japanese anime cartoons to modern-day superheroes, the Comic Craze Vol.3 exhibit will showcase the work of 49 UAE artists and take a deeper look at what it takes to create satirical, comic, and critical cartoons. O Free. Until Thu Aug 31 10am-6pm. First Floor, Cultural Foundation, Al Hisn, culturalfoundation.ae. SLAM DUNK Don’t miss the USA Basketball Showcase Abu Dhabi The USA Basketball Showcase Abu Dhabi will see the men’s national teams from the USA, Germany, and Greece take on each other in preparation for the 2023 FIBA Men’s World Cup in the city in August. Keep your eyes peeled for more details soon. O Details TBC. Fri Aug 18-Sun Aug 20, usab.com. Time to rock on! Following the sold-out Backstreet Boys concert in May, music fans in Abu Dhabi can look forward to yet another iconic performance – this time by rock legends Guns ‘N Roses. The band will be performing in our own Paradise City on Thursday June 1 at Etihad Arena. Part of the Middle East leg of their world tour, Axl Rose, Slash and co will be playing smash hits like Sweet Child O’Mine, Welcome to the Jungle and November Rain to thousands of fans. O From Dhs295. Thu June 1. Etihad Arena, Yas Island, livenation.me. Mega deal Got a spare Dhs50 in your wallet? Put it to use at AT25, where you can get 10 drinks for Dhs50 every Saturday between 4pm and 8pm. Yes, you read that correctly – you can get ten house beverages, including short drinks, grape and selected hops for Dhs5 a pop. O FromEvery Sat 4pm-8pm. Marriott Downtown Abu Dhabi (02 304 7777).Next >