RESTAURANTS
HOT ON EELSAl Bahr THe’sE, FaH irmont Bab
11 Franki ach Rotana 12 Finz, Be n t, Le Méridie ro st Bi Le 13 irates Palace rt Em i, la ez M 14 s Reso Desert Island 15 Samak, & Spa
Ushna
PRICE ON ATMOSPHERE WHAT’S INTERIOR SAYS...
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Porto Bello
INFO FOOD
12 FINZ Beach Rotana Housed in a wooden chalet, if you’re looking for a romantic spot and seafood tickles your taste buds, Finz is just about the capital’s finest. The décor is trawler-worthy – shark skulls, fishing nets, lobster baskets – yet Finz isn’t a cheap theme restaurant. At Dhs700 for two as a ballpark figure sans alcohol, the prices are matched by quality. Tourist Club Area, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (02) 6979000. rotana.com
LOCATION
PRICE
WHAT’S ON SAYS...
INFO
Bustling, with skewerwielding waiters dispensing meat. Serving alcohol after 8pm this month with the bar open to 1.30am.
Multiple dining levels, a sizeable salad bar installation and a separate bar all add up to an intriguing scene.
Like meat? You’ll be in heaven as ceaseless servings of exquisite beef, lamb and chicken are sliced onto your plate.
If you can move after Chamas’ meat overdose, we recommend struggling over to the Belgian Beer Café for a few brews.
Dhs225 for as much meat as you can handle. Loosen that belt.
The Favourite Americas Restaurant at the What’s On Awards remains a top draw.
InterContinental, Bainouna Street, Abu Dhabi, 8pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (02) 6666888. ichotelsgroup.com
Relaxed and inviting – a popular spot for Yas Island diners.
Clean lines and a spacious layout make this an unpretentious Italian.
Updating Italian staples with smart twists, particularly when it comes to seafood. It's just launched a new menu, too.
If you can’t find entertainment around Yas Island, you’re not looking hard enough.
Dhs400 for two without alcohol is easily obtainable, although do take a look at the extensive wine list.
Classic Italian dishes with a deal of contemporary flair.
Radisson Blu Yas Island, Golf Plaza, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (02) 6562000. radissonblu.com
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Like sushi? So do the hordes of diners constantly frequenting Toki.
A neon sushi station is the beacon in the restaurant’s otherwise darkly lit room
The extensive menu stars some unusual regional Japanese dishes that you won’t find anywhere else in the UAE.
The Hilton’s bars are within easy reach, as is most of downtown via Corniche Road.
A three-course meal for two will have the waiter returning with change from Dhs500.
It won Favourite Japanese at our awards. Well chosen indeed, folks.
Hilton Abu Dhabi, Corniche, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 11pm. Tel: (02) 6814151. hilton.com
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Busy, without being rammed, meaning you should be able to find a table here.
Eclectic, to say the least, with African masks, spears and animal skins lining the walls.
A huge array of fine dishes from around the world, from Indian curries to African grilled meats.
Pop into Left Bank, our number two bar in the capital, after your meal. It’s virtually next door.
A meal for two should come in around Dhs700.
A restaurant that manages to master a variety of international cuisines.
Souk Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to midnight. Tel: (02) 5581868. mobasagrille.ae
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Refined and, without an alcohol license currently, a certain sober gravitas.
Sleek modern furniture and a piano nestled opposite the main entrance.
Italian smartly done, using a towering brick pizza oven nicely. Try the veal, too.
Work off your meal at the largest health club in Abu Dhabi.
Affordable enough to ensure regular visits aren’t financially painful.
Porto Bello excels in doing all the simple things an Italian should.
Grand Millennium Al Wahda, Hazza Bin Zayed Street, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 1am. Tel: (02) 4439999. millennium hotels.com
Chamas
7 Filini
Toki
Mombasa Grille
Porto Bello
92 WHAT’S ON AUGUST 2011
OCTOBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 92