THE BIG ONES

Adrift Burger

After a successful run at Expo 2020 Dubai, Adrift Burger Bar by ‘Gypsy Chef’ David Myers, which began life as a pop-up on Venice Beach, lands in Abu Dhabi as a permanent address at Yas Mall. The menu features a range of burgers, milkshakes and sides, but the DM Burger, once described as ‘The Perfect Burger’ by The New York Times, is the signature here, served with a mediumrare patty topped with Vermont cheddar, lettuce, and secret sauce on a brioche bun. @adriftburgerbar.ad

Sticky Rice

From a small family run Thai restaurant in Dubai’s JVC to occupying prime real estate inside Yas Mall, the story of Sticky Rice is heart melting. On the menu you’ll find refined SE Asian classics such as pad Thai, khao pad, and tom yum alongside rarer finds. We loved the umami-forward local clams stir fried with fresh garlic. And, for a limited time, diners get the chance to battle the claw to win Kew, Sticky Rice’s cuddly duck mascot.

@stickyriceae

Al Fanar

Initially created to bring traditional Emirati flavours to a wider audience, Al Fanar – located alongside the entrance of Ferrari World Abu Dhabi – mimics a UAE of yesteryear, with stone walls, souk vibes and wind towers in its nostalgic décor. The extensive menu includes a selection of traditional Emirati breakfast options served on long trays, and main dishes of grilled or fried meats and fish, rice dishes and kebabs.

@alfanarrestaurant

Boo

Hailing from the UK, Boo Burger is the latest addition to the UAE’s smash burger scene with its first international branch now open in Yas Mall. Boo promises fast and fresh bites, crafted onsite with the best British and Irish-sourced products to make their classic American burger. @boo.burgerae

La Serre

This popular Parisian-style bistro and boulangerie – originally from Dubai with outposts now in the capital and Doha –serves a wide range of French fare from onion soup and cordon bleu to escargots and croque monsieur. You should also tap into homemade baked goods, including the oven-fresh brioche iterations, buttery pain au chocolats and their regionally renowned French toast.

@laserredubai

Table Otto

A Kuwait import, Table Otto is an innovative fusion concept that marries French and Italian cuisine. The restaurant gives vintage brasserie vibes with art deco marble floors, brass plating, and a stunning egg timer-shaped brick pizza oven. If you’re breakfasting, go for the madame pastrami with fried eggs, gruyere cheese and mayo sandwiched between brioche. For lunch, it has to be the hot honey pepperoni pizza. @tableotto.ae

Montauk Boutique Cafe & Restaurant

The first Montauk opened in Al Bateen in March 2021 and has been treating the capital’s coffee connoisseurs to a ‘Hamptonsinspired’ experience ever since. The new Yas Mall location follows through with that same energy, along with a menu made for the Instagram age, with beautiful breakfasts, extravagant mains and interiors fit for fashion mag shoots.

@montaukabudhabi

Meet The Chef

Adrift’s David Myers on what makes a perfect burger

Where did your search for the perfect burger take you?

No farther than my family’s kitchen. I was very lucky growing up. My mother made, what I consider to be the perfect burger, which was super simple – great ground beef, high quality cheddar cheese and a secret sauce, which was amazing. I’ve tried many burgers all over the US, but I still think hers was the most perfect.

What makes the perfect burger? It’s all about simplicity. It starts with great quality meat and the right balance of fat and texture. I think the simpler the condiments on it, the better. I prefer a soft bun, but firm enough to hold the meat and keep the juices in. At home, I prefer to grill my patty over bincho-tan coal, so it has a nice flavour.

What’s something that a lot of burger chains get wrong?

I just think it’s important to have an authentic story around a burger – something that comes from a place of history. That’s what we have. Keeping it super simple with the best ingredients and delivering it with your own heartbeat.

What should you never include in a burger?

Each to their own, I think. Everyone has their own taste, but for me, I don’t see myself putting pineapple on a burger anytime soon.