Coya Abu Dhabi is one of the emirate’s recently reopened restaurants. Photo: Instagram/@coyaabudhabi
As the nation’s capital reawakens after a dreary three months of lockdown, restaurants across the city are opening up with offerings as gastronomical as they are glamorous. While Abu Dhabi‘s culinary landscape has always been second to none, it is now a particularly special time to revisit your favorite spots, or indeed make room for new ones. After all, restauranteurs might be reemerging into a new post-lockdown world, but so are their menus.
Here are seven spots you can’t go wrong with adding to your list.
The Manhattan Lounge at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort
Resembling the suave subtlety of a traditional bar in downtown Manhattan, the Manhattan Lounge is the perfect place to start your culinary expedition. Boasting stone-paneled walls, plush, patterned rugs, and a traditional mural recounting the origins of Abu Dhabi’s early settlers, the Lounge offers a wide range of hors d’oeuvres and Old-Word mocktails. Don’t forget to breathe in the idyllic views of the Azure Gulf while tucking into your choice of Truffle Corn Fritters, Sesame Sablé, or Spiced Sriracha Prawns.
Saadiyat Island, noon – 9pm, daily. Tel: (02) 498 8888
Benjarong Restaurant at Dusit Thani
Few things go together quite as well as Thai fare and the Dusit Thani. From the most succulent of all satays to the sweetest sticky rice, Benjarong guarantees a culinary experience that is both authentic and modern. Home to an elegant setting complete with traditional Thai motifs, patrons are afforded a holistic experience that transcends the quality of their food.
Benjarong, Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, 6.30am – 9pm daily. Tel: (02) 698 8888
Marco’s New York Italian at the Fairmont Bab al Bahr
Known for it’s famous Friday brunch, Marco’s New York Italian is an odd to all things decadent and delicious. Offering an authentic Italian menu infused with timeless American favorites, the restaurant boasts seafood platters, succulent steaks and freshly-baked pizza and pasta. Complete with an ambiance perfect for families and couples, Marco’s New York is an ode to the big apple, comprising equal amounts of comfort and style.
Marco’s New York Italian, noon – 9pm. Tel: (02) 654 3333
Le Vendôme at Emirates Palace
With a beautifully crafted menu and an equally beautiful venue, Le Vendôme is a one-way ticket to Paris’ VI arrondissement. Featuring an expansive outdoor terrace that overlooks the resort’s private beach, the lavish restaurant features the best in simple ingredients and sophisticated dishes. From grilled tenderloin accompanied with foie gras to pistachio-crusted lamb medallion, Le Vendôme is well equipped to satisfy the most discerning diner.
Le Vendôme, 8am – 8pm daily. Tel: (02) 690 7999.
Coya at The Galleria on Al Maryah Island
Much to the delight of its loyal patrons, Coya is now open and ready to rumble (or rhumba, if you get our drift). Taking diners on a culinary journey through Latin America, the restaurant’s menu speaks for itself, with items such as Chuletas de Cordero, Bife Ancho Wagyu, and Costillas de Res; which, in case you don’t speak Spanish, translates to seriously, utterly delicious.
Coya, noon – 7pm. Tel: (02) 306 7000
Cipriani at Yas Island
Get ready to celebrate the good life, Cipriani style. With a menu filled with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and dishes that resemble an Italian Nonna’s kitchen, the award-winning Italian restaurant is now welcoming back diners to their dreamy Yas Marina location. Whether you’re in the mood for veal Milanese, or lamb chops scottadito, Cipriani is the place for you.
Cipriani, 2pm – 9pm. Tel: (02) 657 5400
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