< PreviousUNFORGETTABLE EATS 50 November 2023 timeoutabudhabi.com Abu Dhabi is home to some of the best restaurants in the world, and we’ve had plenty of memorable meals in the capital. But when it comes to a good meal out, true foodies know that it’s not just what you eat that makes for an unforgettable experience – where, and how you eat it, can be just as important. Enter: Abu Dhabi’s most unique dining experiences. Going way beyond where to get the freshest seafood in town, or the best cuts of steak, each and every place on this list marries both style and substance along with views, technology, music and settings that are a little (or a lot) out of the ordinary. So, if you’ve ever wondered how the Bedouins enjoy their meals out in the middle of the desert, or fancy dining way up above the city on a helipad or in a revolving restaurant, then this is one for you. Happy dining. DINE IN THE DARK AT FRESH BASIL A slightly daunting dining experience that aims to encourage participants to re-evaluate their approach to food, at Bab Al Qasr’s Fresh Basil you will eat in complete darkness, bringing the taste, smell and texture of the food into focus while removing sight. You’ll enjoy welcome drinks and canapés before being led into the pitch-black dining room by staff who are fully kitted out with high-tech night vision equipment allowing you to get to your table without incident. The three- course meal that follows caters to all preferences and intolerances – you just have to let them know in advance – with dishes carefully-curated by executive chef Yvan Marclay and head chef Gayan Rupasinghe. It’s a profoundly sensory food adventure that makes for a unique evening. O Dhs399. Mon-Sat 7.45pm-11pm. Bab Al Qasr Hotel & Residences, Corniche Road West (056 992 2078). DIVE INTO LIGHT BITES AND MIXED DRINKS UNDER LOUVRE ABU DHABI’S DOME AT ART LOUNGE Banish all thoughts of over-priced, bland meals served on cardboard: This is not your average museum café. At Art Lounge, you can dig into sushi, dim sum, tacos and other sharing bites paired with house beverages, all under the spectacular Louvre Abu Dhabi dome. Don’t miss the cheese and grape night on Thursdays. O Open Tue-Fri; Sun 5pm-midnight; Sat 1pm-midnight. Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, @artlounge.abudhabi (050 699 6375). “Eating in complete darkness brings the taste, smell and texture of food into focus” ENJOY FRENCH BUBBLY AND CAVIAR ON A HELIPAD Once a month, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi takes the city’s most unique dining experiences to new heights (literally), offering 20 lucky individuals the opportunity to enjoy a glorious combination of caviar, French bubbly and gourmet canapés on top of the highest operational helipad in the UAE, which just so happens to soar a whopping 255m into the sky. Taking place at sunset – making the far- reaching vistas all the more mesmerising – a team of butlers, chefs, waiters and mixologists are on hand to cater to your every whim, as you admire the city’s iconic landmarks such as Emirates Palace, Etihad Towers and Qasr Al Watan from above. O Dhs750 (per person). Once a month, next event is on Sat Nov 18 5.30pm-7pm. The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, Corniche Road West (02 694 4553). EXPERIENCE THE FUTURE OF FINE DINING AT LES DANGEREUX Have you always dreamed of dining in the home of a world-renowned chef? That’s exactly what an experience at Les Dangereux is supposed to feel like. Brainchild of celebrated Korean-American chef Soo Yong Kim, this fancy new restaurant on Mamsha Al Saadiyat is on a mission to redeÀne Àne dining by presenting an amalgamation of the renowned careers of Chef Kim himself, alongside co-chefs Llorenc Sagarra and Dani Lasa. So, rather than serving up traditional starter, main and dessert offerings, each dining experience is carefully tailored to the “desired duration of each guest’s visit, each with a captivating narrative that shares insight into the culinary creation,” according to the team. You’ll have to try it out for yourselves to see what that really means. O Open Tue-Sun 6pm-midnight. Mamsha Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island, @dangereux.ae (050 977 2774) . GET COMPETITIVE OVER GOOD FOOD AT THE DNA BOARD GAMES CAFÉ Fancy yourself a bit of a board game whizz? Well, DNA Board Games Café is the perfect place to prove it, being home to an impressive library of 250+ games including classics, party games, family-friendly options and so much more. Think roasted chicken with a side of chess, a Turkish breakfast over a round of Monopoly or baked camembert and berries while you get whooped at Cluedo, they host regular games nights too where you can really put your skills down to the test. Be sure to pop UNFORGETTABLE EATS timeoutaubudhabi.com November 2023 51 Shangri-La Qaryat Al BeriUNFORGETTABLE EATS 52 November 2023 timeoutabudhabi.com StratosUNFORGETTABLE EATS timeoutaubudhabi.com November 2023 53 down to the Cake Basement for a sweet treat before you leave. O From Dhs19 (per person per hour). Sun-Thu 9am- midnight; Fri-Sat 9am-2am. Montazah Tower, Khalidiya, dnaboardgamescafe.com (054 339 4595). HANG WITH THE COOL CROWD AT OFF RECORD If you’d rather admire art than create it yourself, then get yourself to Off Record in Al Qana. Part-café-part-digital-art-gallery, this trendy hangout is popular with creative types looking for a good cup of coffee with some excellent snacks, bringing a new level of creativity and craftsmanship to the region’s café scene. As to be expected by the name, there’s a regular live DJ too who is more than happy to take requests – it’s by far one of our favourite places to start (and end) our day in the capital. O Open Mon-Fri 7am-11pm; Sat-Sun 7am-midnight. Al Qana, Rabdan, @itsoffrecord (02 626 0860). HAVE A TRUE FARM-TO-TABLE EXPERIENCE AT MAZARAA CAFÉ Only eat organic? Then you’ll deÀnitely want to check out Mazaraa Café. Here, you’ll be able to wander around the farm meeting goats, horses and chickens, or see the colourful LIVE LIFE IN 2D AT FOREVER ROSE For a true fairytale café experience, look no further than Forever Rose. Featuring a 2D monochrome design and minimalist décor, you really have to experience this one-of-a- kind café to appreciate its beauty – the entire room, cups and plates are all illustrated in black and white sketch strokes, leaving only customers, food, drinks and roses in vivid colours. As to be expected, the food here is as picture perfect as its interiors, serving up an impressive mixture of everything from breakfast and light lunches to salads, soups and high tea. Be sure to add a coffee to your order, too – the brand’s signature rose latte art is absolutely delightful. O Open Sun-Thu 9am-10pm; Fri-Sat 9am-midnight. The Galleria Al Maryah Island, foreverrosecafe.com (02 564 1647). PAINT WHILE YOU WAIT AT ART MARKET One for budding artists, Art Market at Yas Bay is all about relaxing, socialising and creating lasting connections through art, music and good food. While there’s plenty going on pretty much any day of the week (and prices here are hard to beat), highlights include a ‘paint while you wait’ offer where, for Dhs50, you get a canvas and art materials to play around with during your meal. The painting supplies also come out for its breakfast brunch complete with unlimited food and drinks, coffee tasting and live DJ. There’s a tapas and techno night every second and fourth Saturday of the month, if that’s your kind of thing. O Open daily 7.30am-11.30pm. Yas Bay, Yas Island, artmarketco.ae (052 917 1523). START THE DAY OFF RIGHT WITH BREAKFAST ON AN ABRA AT SHANGRI-LA QARYAT AL BERI Riding an abra at the Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri is deÀnitely on most people’s bucket lists, but you don’t have to limit yourself to a quick 10-minute ride. You can actually book in for breakfast on board for up to four people, complete with pastries, cold cuts and more, all of which you’ll enjoy over the course of an hour as the boatmaster narrates the journey. O Dhs699 (up to four people). Available on request. Khor Al Maqta (02 509 8555). WATCH THE WORLD GO ROUND AT STRATOS REVOLVING LOUNGE & BAR What better way to savour a beautiful city than from a window seat at a revolving restaurant where the shifting views complement the gourmet courses. Boasting great vibes, deals and, of course, those views, Stratos is the city’s only revolving bar. A place where R&B, jazz and pop keep the mood high while the low lighting and big comfy seats make for a super luxe setting. You might want to dress up for dinner here, which is an absolute feast of fresh seafood, grills and, a Time Out favourite, a Butcher’s Block to share. O Open daily 5pm-1am. Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi, Al Danah, stratosabuhabi.com (02 695 0490). Forever Rose Art Market produce as it grows, before heading into the café for coffee and organic bites. There’s a gorgeous outdoor area, so why not be at one with nature as you dig in. You don’t have to travel far, either, as the farm is just a 40-minute drive from downtown Abu Dhabi. O Open daily 9am-10.30pm. Al Bahyah, @mazaraacafe (050 922 5050). JOURNEY BACK IN TIME WITH DINNER IN THE LIWA DESERT Dine like the Bedouins do with a one-of-a- kind outdoor experience out at Camp Najum with Qasr al Sarab Desert Resort. Your evening starts with a journey on camelback out into the Arabian desert where, under the shimmering night sky, you can indulge in a Middle Eastern barbeque feast by local chefs. Plush beds will be set up in the dunes for a true ‘sleeping under the stars’ experience, while you can also throw a whole bunch of other activities into the mix including stargazing, desert drives and walks, camel trekking, horse riding and fat biking. A minimum two days’ notice is needed, so be sure to book in advance. O Dhs10,500 (up to 8 people), Dhs1,400 (per additional person). Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, anantara.com (02 886 2088). 54 November 2023 timeoutabudhabi.com Food SLRP by 3Fils Bowl of yum Where to get the best ramen in Abu Dhabitimeoutabudhabi.com November 2023 55 1BA:TEJapanese-Korean restaurant Ba:TE opened at the Eastern Mangroves earlier this year, and with chef Eric Jung, the former head chef at COYA Dubai, behind it, we had high expectations. And boy, has Ba:TE lived up to them (which is why it was shortlisted at the Time Out Abu Dhabi Restaurant Awards earlier this year). The restaurant might be best known for its signature dish, the sotbab, a Korean clay pot dish, but the ramen is equally delicious. There’s only one option here: The kushiyaki miso ramen, an umami-packed traditional bowl of tastiness with chicken. It’s delicious, and the spectacular setting makes Ba:TE a perfect date night option for a pair of true ramen lovers. O Dhs57. Open Mon-Thu 5pm-midnight; Fri-Sat 1pm- 1am; Sun 1pm-midnight. Eastern Mangroves, bate.ae (02 632 5272). 2BAOFRIEND Yes, yes, we hear your cries of “But Baofriend is all about bao buns!”. And we agree that you should deÀnitely try the delicious Áuffy buns packed with drool- worthy Àllings like hoisin sticky chicken or smoked salmon bao. But that doesn’t mean you should sleep on the ramen here, which is truly fantastic. Choose between the miso ramen and the kimchi ramen, both of which are served with classic toppings like shiitake mushrooms, scallion and soft boiled egg, plus your choice of meats like chicken or beef. O From Dhs39. Open daily 8.30am-midnight. Corniche Residence Building, Al Danah, baofriend.com (02 622 5594). 3DAIKAN IZAKAYA Dubai-born brand Daikan opened its licensed izakaya at Yas Bay Waterfront back in late 2021, and it’s one of the best places to head if you’re looking for a bowl of ramen, a glass of grape, and a sea breeze. There are four options here – shoyu, shio, miso and chef’s special – all of which are available with either chicken or tofu chashu. Our pick? Spicy miso, with tantan chicken, ajitima egg, bok choy and miso butter corn, the spicier, the better. O From Dhs63. Open Sun-Thu noon-midnight; Fri-Sat noon-2am. Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, @daikanizakaya_ae (058 124 1529). 4KAIZUNamed for the city in the southwest of Japan, Kaizu prides itself on using high- quality, fresh ingredients to create an authentic experience. And it certainly delivers, more than earning itself a spot on our Best WHILE ABU DHABI never reaches temperatures that will have you shivering in your boots (if you even own any), the winter months do bring a chill in the air that has us craving something warm and delicious. Ramen ticks both those boxes, and luckily for us, there are some really fantastic ramen joints throughout the city. If you’re craving a bowl of yum, here’s where to go… Japanese Restaurant shortlist. On the ramen front, you can order shio chicken, shoyu beef or salmon tom yum, but the signature dish is tantan ramen, with minced chicken and broccoli. It’s a recipe for success. O From Dhs60. Open daily 1pm-11pm. Al Zahiyah, kaizu.ae (058 691 1981). 5SLRP BY 3FILS Another big name from Dubai, 3Àls opened its ramen bar at Yas Mall’s huna Food Hall back in September. Pull up a chair at the bar around the open kitchen and you’ll be able to watch the chefs at work crafting the perfect bowl. You can keep it simple with chicken chashu, or opt for a truly indulgent bowl by ordering the wagyu trufÁe – but expect to pay a premium for it (to the tune of Dhs188), and if you’re going all out, be sure to order the wagyu sandos, too. If you’re looking after the Àls so the dirhams will look after themselves, don’t worry, because there are more afforable options like the yuzu tori (Dhs74) with clam soup, or the vegan option (Dhs88) with kakiage tempura. Once your food arrives, you’ll be offered a paper bib – slurping is more than encouraged here. O From Dhs74. Open daily noon-10pm. huna Food Hall, Yas Mall, Yas Island, slrpramen.com (054 252 3905). 6TOKIThis spot at the Radisson Blu on the Corniche has long been a favourite among fans of Japanese cuisine. The extensive menu here covers everything from sushi and sashimi to curry and noodles – and, of course, ramen. Here, you’ll be able to choose between tantanmen, kimchi, shoyu and miso broths, all served with minced or sliced chicken. For us? We like to keep it classic with the oh-so-tasty shoyu. O From Dhs53. Open daily noon-3pm, 6.30pm-11pm. Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort, Abu Dhabi Corniche, @tokiuae (02 681 4151). 7UDNAnother shortlisted restaurant, you’ll Ànd UDN in an unassuming part of Al Rawdah between a number of car showrooms. It’ll be the one with plenty of cars outside, waiting for oodles of noodles for takeaway. Technically, this spot serves udon noodles rather than ramen, but there’s still soup, noodles, and slurping involved, so we suggest you push the boat out and give it a go. You can order a bowl with traditional toppings like tempura shrimp, wagyu or katsu chicken, or go veggie with mushrooms or aubergine. Either way, you’re in for a treat. O From Dhs43. Open daily noon-11pm. Al Rawdah, @udn.ae (02 441 3037). “You’ll be given a bib before digging in – because slurping is more than encouraged here”56 November 2023 timeoutabudhabi.com LOCATED ON A side road in the Al Najdah neighbourhood that’s Àlled with stores selling spare car parts, Bait El Khetyar isn’t exactly a destination. It’s an unassuming spot that serves fantastic Lebanese food, and well worth a battle for parking to dine at. Known among Abu Dhabi locals for serving some of the best shawarma in town. Intrigued? You should be. El Khetyar’s menu is huge, offering everything from breakfast to snacks, lunch, dinner, and desserts as well as grab-and-go bites. It’s open all day from 7am until midnight, and at any point you’ll Ànd it abuzz with diners. Whether that’s 9am, 4pm or even late at night (especially late at night). Expect to see a mix of mostly locals and some tourists coming in and out. There’s not much to say about the interiors, but you’ll be waxing lyrical about everything else. Kick off with akkawi cheese manaeesh sprinkled with black sesame. The dough is pillowy soft and topped with perfectly salty, melty, stretchy cheese. This Bait El Khetyar O Open daily 7am-midnight. Unlicensed. Al Najdah, @bait_elkhetyar (02 633 3200). “Shawarma is the pièce de résistance here” WHAT IS IT... Unassuming Levantine spot in Al Najdah WHY GO... For some of the best shawarma in the city should be enjoyed with a side of foul topped with olive oil and a squeeze of lime. Then, the pièce de résistance… shawarma. And the hearsay is right. This is a doozy. Lebanese pita bread Àlled with seasoned chicken that’s been marinating and cooking on the rotating spit, nestled up against fries, lettuce, pickles and, most importantly, pungent garlic sauce. Priced at Dhs8, this is an absolute steal. Also worth trying is the brazenly fried-in-butter halloumi cheese paired with the free bread on offer and it’s your own little version of an Arab grilled cheese. With its fantastic prices, friendly service and mouthwateringly good food, it’d be a wise decision to spend your time and (a little) money here.timeoutabudhabi.com November 2023 57 LOCATED ON THE top Áoor of one of Abu Dhabi’s oldest malls, Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre, Calicut Notebook is a hidden gem (it literally took us 20 minutes to Ànd) that promises an authentic and very casual South Indian culinary experience. Interiors are simple and unassuming, no colourful paintings nor traditional décor here. This is very much a place to go for a good-value meal, without caring about the environment. With a mix of diners, including tourists, some locals, but mostly (according to the restaurant manager) Keralites, the menu at Calicut Notebook is extensive and offers a range of dishes from Kerala’s rich culinary heritage, as well as some popular North Indian dishes like grilled paneer and butter chicken. But your best bet is to focus on the southern portion of the ACCLAIMED IN DUBAI, the family-run Sticky Rice is a shining example of a home-grown success story. Now, the brand has gone from a cosy venue in the neighbouring emirate’s JVC to the vast consumer space of Yas Mall The people in charge should be proud of the expansion, not many restaurants make it this far. The question for this kind of move will always be whether the original charm and quality loses something in the race to be bigger and appeal to more folks. But this isn’t a comparison with the Dubai branch of Sticky Rice, instead we care about whether you should spend your money and time in Yas Mall on visiting. Found on a corner spot with a wide-open entrance, you are still very much part hustle and bustle. The décor and Àxtures are fairly non-descript. Bare brown Áoor, tables and chairs don’t offer much in the way of excitement. menu. Starters range from dishes like crispy fried prawns and Àsh cutlets. The Malabar chicken curry is served with a perfectly Áaky paratha. The sauce, made with a coconut base, is infused with spices including cinnamon and cloves, studded with tender, bone-in chicken. It’s a comforting, spicy plate. There’s a variety of vegetarian dishes worth an order too, including the tangy, spicy sambar, the creamy and comforting avial, and the crispy banana chips. To round off the meal, ask for a traditional dessert called kinnathappam. An Indian sweet made out of rice and coconut milk. Squishy but not too sweet. With its delicious food, warm hospitality, and buzzing ambience, it is no wonder that Calicut Notebook has become a favourite among locals and expats looking for a budget meal. The colour comes from Sticky Rice’s yellow bird mascot ‘Kew’ which can be found around the place, mostly in the form of merchandise for sale. Sadly, the vibrancy of Kew doesn’t extend to the staff who seem disinterested and are unhelpful when asked about the menu. It also doesn’t reach the kitchen, which sends out ‘when ready’ rather than in any kind of coherent order and lacking in any of the punch, zing and Àeriness that good Thai food is known for. Spicy Penang is anything but, and the Ba Mee Keaw Kung (shrimp and chicken dumplings) lack depth. Sweet chicken wings are the pick of the meal, but are more Filipino-style than Thai. Regardless of Sticky Rice’s backstory, the Yas Mall branch has work to do in terms of service, Áavour and value if it wants to drag people away from the food courts. Calicut Notebook O Open daily 8am-midnight. Unlicensed. Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre, calicutnotebook.com (02 627 8644) Sticky Rice O Open daily noon-10pm. Unlicensed. Yas Mall, Yas Island (02 631 0077). WHAT IS IT... Hidden gem serving up south Indian dishes WHY GO... For the comforting spicy plates58 November 2023 timeoutabudhabi.com YOU’D BE HARD-PUSHED to name a more iconic hotel in the city than the W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island. First, there’s the stunning façade, visible from most vantage points on Yas and lit up in the evenings with its distinctive shell illuminating the night sky. Take a step inside the hotel and it’s cool and stylish with creative interiors. As you arrive at its relaunched B.I.G (Brunch in Garage), you’ll be greeted with a welcome drink and a very vibey room. It’s only 1pm and there’s something of a party atmosphere already. People are well-dressed and the DJ is pumping out a Àtting setlist. At Garage, there are Àve different cooking stations to visit, each specialising in its own cuisine – from steamed dumplings to meat, Mexican to seafood and of course, dessert. It all looks good, and everything is made fresh to order. There’s also a very impressive raw seafood station, where you can get your hands on freshly shucked oysters, sushi, nigiri and sashimi. With poached lobster and crab legs, too, tuck into something bougie at this brunch. Start with Asian bites, lke spring rolls, crispy gyoza and trufÁy udon noodles. Don’t miss the laksa station, where you can pick choose veggies, a protein and the type of noodles. It’s all great, the latter particularly so. Next, head over to the giant wooden dim sum platters and pick out your pillow-soft dumplings, before stopping by the Mexican food truck (yes, actually) for some tacos and guac. The British station features a selection of roasts including Garage O Dhs320 (soft drinks), Dhs420 (house beverages), Dhs589 (bubbly). Fri 1pm-4pm. W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island (02 656 0000). WHAT IS IT... Brunch that goes big in every way WHY GO... For innovative dishes and a party vibe Wellington, haddock, and chicken roulade to name a few. There’s loads more to tuck into but you should save room for dessert. Speaking of which, you might admit defeat after sampling the huge selection of cakes, mini eclairs and panacotta. You can also dip fruits and cake squares into that retro brunch staple, the chocolate fountain. If you’ve still got room, the cheese table is worth a visit, giving you the chance to end on a high sans sugar. Overall, the food is great, the dishes innovative for a brunch and perfectly presented, while the venue is stunning and the vibe upbeat. At the new B.I.G., all your bases are covered. You best believe you’ll be coming back for this one, hopefully sometime soon. BRUNCH REVIEWThere’s no such thing. That’s why Time Out has been reviewing Abu Dhabi restaurants anonymously since 2002. LUNCH? FREE Head to timeoutabudhabi.com/food-drink for the latest and greatest eats in townNext >