< Previous70 SUMMER 2025 TIMEOUTABUDHABI.COM Food Level 45 An ultra-luxe sky-high afternoon tea that deserves a spot on your bucket list If you’re after a spot of indulgence (and let’s be honest, who isn’t?), afternoon tea at Level 45 will whisk you straight into your main-character moment. Perched sky-high above Abu Dhabi, this ultra-luxe tea experience serves up elegance on a platter – literally. After emerging from the lift, most likely following an ear-popping moment, you’ll then be hit with a jaw-dropping moment as you’re struck by the sprawling views of the Arabian Gulf from the floor-to-ceiling windows. There really is no bad seat from up here. Hosted daily at 2pm and 4pm, this dreamy high tea isn’t only about the food (we’ll get to that); it’s the whole package. Think white-glove service that makes you feel like actual royalty, plush interiors dressed in traditional Islamic art patterns and those aforementioned panoramic views across the Corniche. You’ll be gliding into that 45th-floor suite feeling like you’ve stepped into a very fancy film. Executive pastry chef Sumeda Palihakkara’s upgraded menu is a delight, blending delicate bites with bold, luxe flavours. There’s sourdough stacked with cured beef and delicate asparagus, slathered in sun-dried tomato mayo and topped with aged local cheese. The honey-glazed duck is juicy perfection, the mixed pepper tart is flaky and moreish and classic scones with clotted cream? Naturally, they’ve got that covered too. And then there’s dessert. Vanilla flan is impossibly smooth, and the peanut butter and praline crust is a creamy, crunchy, fig-swirled triumph. It’s the kind of sweet treat you’ll be dreaming about on the lift down, while the scone-and-jam experience certainly isn’t an afterthought. Ingredients are as lush as the views, with dishes served on beautiful translucent cake stands. Thirsty? You’ll get an unlimited selection of Earl Grey, 1837 black, camomile and more, as well as coffees, while a resident mixologist is on standby, shaking up signature sips from a curated drinks menu. Yes, it is a splurge. But with sky-high views, swoon-worthy service and some of the most elegant bites in the city, this is an afternoon that is worth every single dirham. O From Dhs280. Daily at 2pm & 4pm. Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, Corniche Road, hilton.com (02 811 5666). Time Out reviews anonymously and pays for its mealsTIMEOUTABUDHABICOM SUMMER 2025 71 Three more to try Afternoon tea delights Episodes Highly Commended in Time Out Abu Dhabi 2025’s Best Afternoon Teas, Episodes is set amidst palatial surroundings with crystals, gold ceilings, marble flooring and seating under the cherry blossom trees. Don your best gladrags to nibble on the likes of artisan sandwiches and gourmet pastries, while the tea selection is one of the most comprehensive in the city. A 24k gold leaf-topped brew, anyone? O Dhs245. Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, mandarinoriental.com (02 690 7999). Lobby Lounge Another Highly Commended winner for the category is an afternoon tea with a Middle Eastern twist. The plush Lobby Lounge at Shangri-La Hotel Apartments, Qaryat Al Beri, is where Arabian melodies, elegant architecture, and award-winning sweet treats collide in the most delightful way. It’s the kind of place where you can unwind with a classic scone one minute and sip authentic Middle Eastern coffee the next. O Dhs150. Shangri-La Hotel Apartments, shangri-la.com (02 510 8888). Majlis Saadiyat When your afternoon tea comes served in an elegantly tiered jewellery box, you know you’re in Abu Dhabi. That’s exactly what you’ll get at Majlis Saadiyat one of our shortlisted picks. Each compartment reveals treats with either Arabian flavours or Western delicacies as well as an impressive selection of teas. O Dhs318 (for two). Jumeirah Saadiyat Island Resort, jumeirah.com (02 811 4342).72 SUMMER 2025 TIMEOUTABUDHABI.COM If Indian cuisine had a greatest hits album, Pincode by Kunal Kapur would be spinning on repeat – a heady mix of bold beats, vibrant flavours and classic crowd- pleasers. Think of it as the ultimate culinary mixtape: every dish a chart-topper, every bite a nostalgia hit with a fresh new twist. Located in The Galleria Al Maryah Island, this restaurant is the third branch brought to us by Indian celebrity chef Kunal Kapur (after winning hearts in Delhi and Dubai), known for reimagining India’s greatest hits with a fresh, vegetarian-friendly twist. With a menu inspired by India’s diverse regions, Pincode offers a dining experience that you won’t soon forget. As you walk in, you’re in for a visual treat. With artwork everywhere (and we mean everywhere), reflecting India’s rich history and cultural diversity, the space is giving living room vibes in the best way. When it comes to the food, the menu at Pincode is a testament to the country’s vast Pincode by Kunal Kapur Cosy Indian spot bringing a celeb chef’s name to Abu Dhabi’s Galleria Mall culinary landscape. For starters, the dhokla chaat, marinated in buttermilk and served with passionfruit gel and wasabi peas, offers a refreshing twist on a classic dish. The harissa paneer tikka combines Indian cottage cheese with North African spices, served with a hint of garlic sauce. Vegetarians will be happily satisfied here too, with loads of options too, from Mumbai street food to Tamil Nadu’s vibrant spices and Gujarati delicacies. With mains offering up generous portions, it’s also good value for money – whether you’re venturing out for a solo dinner or enjoying a meal with friends. When it comes to your drinks order, the mocktail menu is definitely worth perusing. The Madurai bloom, inspired by the southern Indian city, is a rose-infused drink featuring gulkand, a sweet paste of rose petals, presented with theatrical flair. Or Nubra, a grapefruit-infused concoction perfect for a summery refreshment. Not sure where to start? Attentive staff are here to help, showing off their stuff by clearly knowing the menu inside out. So when you are after dishes that are all hits, you know where to go. This place is turning up the volume on all the staples and believe us when we say you’ll want to replay it all again and again. O Open Mon-Thu 10am-11pm, Fri-Sun 10am. The Galleria Al Maryah Island, pincodebykunalkapur.com (02 234 0111).Food TIMEOUTABUDHABICOM SUMMER 2025 73 A singer, a saxophonist and a guy swallowing a sword – that’s probably the sort of thing you’d picture if someone suggested dinner and a show, right? Well, at Ilios Restaurant & Beach Club, your meal comes with a different kind of show. One where you won’t find a musical instrument, dancers or any swords in sight. Instead, it’s all about Surf Abu Dhabi, the biggest man- made pool in the region, of which Ilios has uninterrupted views. As you walk in, you’re immediately transported to a Greek island beach club. Earthy tones in blue and cream, gorgeous la bohème-inspired furniture and an infinity pool that almost steals the show from the surf... almost. But if you think that surf vibes make this a casual affair, think again. Ilios is as sophisticated as they come, whispering ‘quiet luxury’ throughout the entire experience, so dress accordingly. Before you even take your seat, you’ll notice what a well-oiled machine the team at Ilios are. Waiters move around like mind readers, Ilios Restaurant & Beach Club Seriously cool European restaurant with fantastic views of the surf catering to your every need – even the needs you didn’t know you had. Feeling chilly? They’ll hand you a 100 percent cashmere pashmina. Getting up to use the restroom? They’ll pull out your chair every time. Not sure what to order? They’ll recommend dishes for any mood. There’s good service, and then there’s Ilios’ service. Plus, they also know the menu inside out – a menu that’s Mediterranean-Greek- inspired with plenty of classic dishes to pick from. The Greek salad is hands-down one of the best you may ever have (even if you’re a seasoned traveller to Greece), made with feta directly imported from Greece. As you’d expect from any Mediterranean spot, seafood is king here. Don’t skip the prawns, which come in a juicy tomatoey sauce with that aforementioned crumbling feta. A dish you’ll struggle to share (sorry, not sorry). Seafood orzo is topped with a glorious mix of tender calamari, plump prawns, juicy mussels and flaky fish – all of which are gently simmered in a creamy tomato- based sauce. Hearty but still elegant. If you decide on the catch of the day, get ready to first inspect your not-so-little guy tableside before it’s cooked to literal perfection. And fret not, because meat-eaters won’t be disappointed here. From lamb chops (exceptionally seasoned) to wagyu beef that’s simply grilled (à la Med) over natural charcoal with a hint of herb seasoning. Prices may not be the most wallet-friendly for meaty mains, while seafood is sold by the kilo at not quite the local fish market prices you might be used to, but you’re definitely getting bang for your buck with generous portions and produce treated impeccably well. If there’s still space for something sweet, then look no further than the chocolate lava or the classic amygdalopita, a traditional almond cake. In between bites, you can catch surfers riding waves and hanging loose while a DJ on the decks adds to the chic Mykonos vibes – soundtracking your dinner as you enjoy the delicious food and the show on the water. O Open Sun-Wed 12pm-1am, Thu-Sat 12pm-1.30am. Hudayriat Island, @ilios.abudhabi (02 419 8508). “Ilios whispers ‘quiet luxury’ as you walk in”Food 74 SUMMER 2025 TIMEOUTABUDHABI.COM A no-frills homegrown burger joint that serves Abu Dhabi’s very best It may not deal solely in burgers (there are two other Bs to devour here), but 3B. Burger Brisket & Beyond serves up the capital’s very best. Founded by a former real estate professional who swapped sales for supper, 3B has been stealing hearts (and stomachs) in Abu Dhabi since it opened back in 2023. Set right on the Corniche, near Nation Towers Mall, 3B is housed in two jet-black shipping containers. It’s casual, it’s stripped back and a little bit edgy. But it’s safe to say there are no distractions from the reason you’re here – the affirmingly delicious food. The mighty burgers. You’ve got 10 options here, all sandwiched between soft brioche buns 3B. Burger, Brisket & Beyond and all unapologetically indulgent. You can’t go wrong with The Hot B – double wagyu, jalapeños, onions and a chaotic (but calculated) amount of cheese. Each messy mouthful hits like it’s got something to prove. Short rib and brisket burgers are stacked with slow-smoked meat, caramelised onions, BBQ sauce and a splash of honey (sounds odd but trust the process). Both are juicy, tasty and piled high with toppings. If you consider yourself more of a burger purist, the smashed cheeseburger is your golden ticket. Zero fluff, all the flavour. Once you feel ready to venture to the second B – the brisket – you’ll bite into meat that’s cooked low and slow for 12 hours until it’s practically butter, so tender that you could eat it with a spoon. Instead, forego cutlery altogether and grab yourself a pair of gloves. And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, you reach the mighty third B – the beyonds, aka the sides. While they’re trusty sidekicks at any regular ol’ burger joint, at 3B, they take more of a protagonist role. Main character energy if you will. The bloomin’ onion has gained a cult following, arriving at your table like a fried flower of joy. Word of warning: it might provoke a few happy tears. The mac and cheese balls? Crunchy, gooey and scientifically impossible to share. Sure, it’s a few dirhams pricier than your average fast-food stop. But this isn’t fast food. It’s the real deal, big flavour, eat-like- you-mean-it kind of stuff. And once you’ve had a bite, you’ll understand exactly why people keep coming back. 3B is the triple threat Abu Dhabi didn’t realise it needed. O Open daily 12pm-1am. Corniche Road, @meat3b (02 235 8744).Food TIMEOUTABUDHABICOM SUMMER 2025 75 Not every café feels like a mini holiday, but The Turtle Cove comes pretty close. Nestled into the quiet calm of Hidd Al Saadiyat, this breezy bolthole nails that beachy, barefoot luxury vibe – light, airy and full of soft whites, creams and natural wood. While it doesn’t have sea views, the stunning interiors more than make up for the lack of blue. The menu is a love letter to breakfast. There’s no fuss, just good ingredients, clever combinations and plates that look as pretty as they taste. So take a seat, place your order and get comfy because you’ll be here a while. Toasted sandwiches ooze colour and crunch in all the right places, salad bowls are fresh and bountiful, and the toast toppings range from velvety truffle scrambled eggs to zingy avo and glossy Turkish eggs swimming in chilli butter. Sweet fans are in for a treat too – matcha cookies, berry-stacked pancakes and enough cakes to keep you lingering by the counter far longer than planned. Dishes almost feel like a bargain considering the quality (and, let’s be honest, the Instagram potential), while service is genuinely lovely – staff are quick with a smile and happy to let you linger. Whether you’re remote working, catching up with mates or just after a quiet solo munch with a side of sunshine, Turtle Cove offers that magic mix of calm, comfort and really good food. Turtle Cove might call itself a café, but spend a few hours here and you’ll swear you’re on a laid-back island escape – no passport required. Be prepared to have your quick coffee stop turn into a full-blown mini holiday. And honestly? We’re not rushing to come back to reality anytime soon. O Open daily 9am-5pm. Hidd Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island, @theturtlecove (050 348 9800). (02 886 4899). The Turtle Cove An impressive café that’s giving laid-back island escape with every bite76 SUMMER 2025 TIMEOUTABUDHABI.COM Bars, Pubs & Clubs Dance the night away Where to go when you need a good boogie When your favourite track plays, it’s time to get up and groove. We all know that there aren’t many things in life that a good boogie with your friends can’t fix and when it comes to a night out on the town, trust us when we say the capital can deliver – you just need to know where to go. Abu Dhabi might have a slower pace rep and while we love that for us, the nightlife scene is alive and well. From a Mexican restaurant that turns into a dancefloor as soon as you put your cutlery down and new events reigniting house music to your trusty Irish pubs delivering a solid night out weekend after weekend, you won’t be disappointed at any of these spots. Are you game for a dance-off? Let’s go. Atlon This place in Souk Qaryat Al Beri may be small but boy, does it pack a punch. With events almost every day of the week, you can pick from karaoke nights, Afrobeats, Amapiano, RnB – the list goes on… O Tue-Thu 7pm-3am, Fri 4pm-3.30am, Sat 3pm- 3.30am, Sun 2pm-8pm. Souq Qaryat Al Beri, @atlonabudhabi (058 575 3414). Barbossa Not only is Barbossa one of our favourite Latin American restaurants in the capital, we’re also a little bit in love with how smoothly it transitions into one of the best dance floors around. This is especially true TIMEOUTABUDHABI.COM SUMMER 2025 77 Lock, Stock and Barrel on Thursdays, the same day they have a ladies’ night. You’ll come for the delicious tacos, but you’ll stay for the fiery Latin beats and Mariachi band performances. O Sun-Wed 12pm-1am, Thu-Fri 12pm-3am, Sat 1pm-3am. Yas Bay Waterfront, @barbossa_auh (050 185 8068). Café del Mar While the tunes never actually stop at Café del Mar (the temperature-controlled pool makes it the ideal beach club all year round, FYI), it’s the recently opened 360 Lounge that you should be heading to for your next night out. Panoramic views over Yas Bay, talented DJs on the decks and truly excellent vibes – what more could you want? We thought so. O Mon-Thu 6pm-2am, Fri-Sun 6pm-3am. Yas Bay Waterfront, @cafedelmarabudhabi (050 402 2283). Iris Yas Island With a weekly line-up that doesn’t light up, it doesn’t matter what day of the week you’re feeling a night out. From RnB and Hip-Hop to Latin and Afrobeats to 80s and 90s tunes, there really is something for everyone. Plus, the view over Yas Marina? 10/10, no cap. O Mon-Sat 6pm-3.30am. Yas Marina, Yas Island, @irisyasisland (055 160 5636). Fueeltkl x ADHM These two groups are both responsible for some of the funnest nights in Abu Dhabi. First up, you have Fueeltkl, who organise reggaeton and Latin music events everywhere from the W Abu Dhabi to Iris Yas Island. Then we have the Abu Dhabi House Movement, who are taking on the very important mission to bring more house music to town, with events at places like Ilios Beach Club and Fahid Beach Club. They also collaborate sometimes – ideal if you have a variety of music tastes in your friendship group. O Various locations and times, @adhousemovement @fueeltkl. Lock, Stock and Barrel Abu Dhabi’s self-proclaimed party bar knows how to make you move and its full-on approach is sometimes what you need to shake it off. The two-level, industrial-style bar has a great view of Yas Bay Waterfront, but really the fun is inside. From endless deals to live music and ladies’ nights, what’s not to love? O Mon-Wed, 4pm-2am. Thu 4pm-2am, Fri & Sun noon-3am, Sat 2pm-3am. Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, @lockstockabudhabi (04 423 8308). McCafferty’s We couldn’t round up the best nightlife in the capital without an Irish pub, could we? Since it opened in 2023, McCafferty’s quickly became a Yas Island staple and you’d be pressed to find anyone who hasn’t started or ended their night here. With live music and DJ performances, it’s definitely a favourite among locals. O Open daily 9am-2am. Hilton Yas Island, @mccaffertysyas (058 598 3623). Zuma It’s one of the best restaurants in town but did you know it actually has a flawless party vibe too? Head over after 10pm on the weekend and you can witness the classy jaunt get its party mode ON. O Sun-Thu 7pm-1am, Fri-Sat 7pm-2am. The Galleria Al Maryah Island, @zumaabudhabi (02 401 5900). White Abu Dhabi’s largest club knows how to make you hit the dancefloor, with high- tech sounds, lasers and projections and 360-degree projection mapping – plus the globally renowned DJs, of course. O Fri-Sat 11pm-3.30am. Yas Bay, Yas Island. @whiteabudhabi (50 639 8934). Zuma78 SUMMER 2025 TIMEOUTABUDHABI.COM Attractions Nothing says ‘I’m loving life’ like a boat party. Sure to earn jealous eye rolls from your friends back home, heading out on a swish yacht or houseboat for the day is an Abu Dhabi rite of passage, and it’s a thrill that never, ever gets old. Allowing you to fully appreciate the beauty of the emirate’s startlingly blue waters, discover untouched remote islands and maybe even spot a dolphin or two (if you’re Aye aye, captain Stuck for weekend plans? There’s a boat with your name on it. By Harriet Shephard lucky), it doesn’t have to cost you a fortune either. Just gather your crew, get a date fixed in the diary and check out our pick of the best places to charter a boat in the capital. Happy boating! Butinah Charters Named after Bu Tinah Island, Abu Dhabi’s private protected nature reserve, this reputable boat rental company offers a whole fleet of mega swish yachts. Including the aptly named ‘Princess’ yacht with three bedrooms, two baths, a sundeck and a BBQ station; an open-topped houseboat complete with a TV, sound system and room for 70 people; and many more stylish options, the friendly team will ensure you experience Abu Dhabi’s beautiful waters in style. Offering departures from Emirates Palace, Yas Island, Marina Mall and various TIMEOUTABUDHABI.COM SUMMER 2025 79 ship and hit the waves whenever the mood strikes you. Simply complete a two-day training course and you can enjoy taking charge of dozens of different boats and yachts found across the marinas of Saadiyat and Yas Island, Emirates Palace and Al Qana, and in various locations across Dubai and RAK. Involving none of the hassle, faff and maintenance that comes with being a ‘real’ boat owner, the perks well outweigh the monthly membership fee. O From Dhs1,500 per month (plus a Dhs2,500 joining fee). Yas Marina, Yas Island, @thecaptainsclub (800 82278). FunFIT Experts at high-energy, fun-filled watersports, FunFIT’s unashamedly extra houseboat comes with various posh seating areas, and even an outdoor jacuzzi (sign us up now, please). Or, if you’re in the mood for a more low-key boat day, the sailboat sessions allow you and your crew to absorb the calm and breathtaking scenery of the Gulf in peace, and learn a new skill in the process, too. O From Dhs200 per hour (sailing). Bab Al Nojoum Hudayriyat, Hudayriyat Island and Yas Bay, Yas Island, @fun.fitclub (052 709 9797). Lulu Boats Inviting you to escape into the blue and leave the city behind, Lulu Boats offers a huge choice of luxurious vessels. Catering to groups of all sizes – from couples looking for a romantic cruise to parties with up to 170 guests – you’ll find mammoth 90-foot boats, traditional-style dhow boats, slick speed boats and everything in between. The routes take you past the magnificent Corniche and Al Lulu Island, while the team are skilled at adapting to every mood, and providing delicious catering, too. O Prices vary. Marina Breakwater, Al Kasir, luluboats.com (050 642 9777). Sea Safari Did you know that Abu Dhabi is home to over 200 postcard-perfect sand islands? Giving you permission to live and breathe your own Castaway-island adventure, Sea Safari’s island hopping tours are a bucket list experience to remember. Accommodating either eight people for private bookings or 20 people when sharing, you’ll be treated to a day filled with power-soft white sands, clear still waters, and the most gorgeous ocean scenes you can ever imagine. Chairs, umbrellas, snacks and refreshments are provided, and you can even add on a BBQ bonfire or fishing excursion as well. O From Dhs1,887 for four hours (private island hopping). seasafari.ae (052 152 7369). Seven Seas Picture cruising past the iconic Corniche skyline with your favourite people, and jumping into the clear water without a care in the world. Offering the ideal way of celebrating landmark birthdays and big milestones, Seven Seas are experts at hosting epic boat parties. The stunning houseboat and luxury yacht both come with a bedroom, living area and bathroom, and they even throw in water, soft drinks, balloons and a speaker, too. All you need to do is bring your own snacks, beverages and good vibes, and let them take care of the rest. Oh, and did we mention that they can also arrange a huge inflatable slide? O Prices vary. Al Kasir, @7seas_boats_rental (054 336 3033). Yacht Rental Abu Dhabi Offering one of the biggest and most glamorous yacht collections in the city, Yacht Rental Abu Dhabi lets everyone live like a celebrity for the day. Presenting a choice of party yachts, yacht dinner cruises, fishing trips, jet boats, houseboats and private yacht rentals, they’ve got every occasion covered, whether you’re planning an event for five or 50. Home to an experienced event planning team, they’ll take care of everything – even the DJ. O From Dhs350. Khalifa Bin Zayed the First Street, yachtrentalabudhabi.com (056 384 0613). other locations, you don’t have to travel far to find them either. O Prices vary. Corniche Road, @butinaboats (056 116 4128). The Captain’s Club Why hire out one boat when you can have access to nearly 200? Undoubtedly the most exclusive club in Abu Dhabi, The Captain’s Club lets you captain your own “Abu Dhabi is home to over 200 postcard-perfect sand islands” Next >