TZATZIKI AT ACROPOLIS
The Greeks do mezze as well as anyone and this classic dip of yoghurt, cucumber, salt, garlic, olive oil and dill is one of the most popular. Order it to go with grilled meats or just mop it up with thick pieces of crusty bread or pita. It’s a simple, but superb, pleasure. Acropolis is closed at the moment, but we’re promised (and hope) it will be back soon.
Dhs23. Le Méridien Abu Dhabi, Al Zahiya (02 697 4315).
PINK HUMMUS AT AZKADENYA
This funky, casual Jordanian venue in Abu Dhabi’s Marina Mall is a top place for a laid-back get-together with friends or family. Mezze is the perfect meal for such an occasion, of course. One of our favourites here is the pink hummus, which has added pomegranate for an extra pop of flavour.
Dhs25.25. Marina Mall (02 304 4814).
MUHAMMARA AT BISTRO
Perhaps our favourite of all the tasty Middle Eastern dips is this one. Muhammara is made from roasted red peppers and walnuts. It has a sweet and spicy flavour and a unique texture. Courtyard by Marriott’s Bistro is a casual all-day-dining joint that does some excellent food from our region, including this.
Dhs50 (for three mezze). Courtyard by Marriott World Trade Center Abu Dhabi (02 698 2222).
OLIVES & DIPS AT CAFÉ 302
Our 2017 Best Café award-winner has lots of great things on its menu, but how good are olives and dips to nibble on while you’re thinking of what else to have? As well as the olives you’ll get hummus, mint labneh, pickled vegetables and crispy flatbread.
Dhs37. Al Maha Arjan by Rotana, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Street (02 610 6666).
BAKED FETA CHEESE AT EAT GREEK KOUZINA
A classic dish done well, this is not to be missed. In cooler months sit on the terrace, but either indoors or out you’ll be able to enjoy great views. It’s not quite Greece, but the food is as authentic as it comes. We love this baked feta dish, which is indulgent, tasty and filling. Roasted with tomato, red peppers and olive oil, it’s the perfect mezze for veggies and cheese-lovers alike.
Dhs45. The Galleria, Al Maryah Island (02 309 2323).
SAMBUSEK AT KAMOON
These classic little pastry parcels are a must when ordering Middle Eastern mezze. They’re either filled with meat or cheese, and usually fried, however at Kamoon they’re baked, making them that little bit healthier. That means you can have more, right?
Dhs37. Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana, West Corniche (02 657 0111).
MOUTABAL AT KUZBARA
Another stone-cold classic, moutabal is a dip to be reckoned with. It’s made by roasting aubergine then mashing the flesh together with yoghurt, salt, lemon, tahini and pomegranate. Check it out at Marriott Downtown’s Kuzbara restaurant.
Dhs56 (for three mezze). Marriott Downtown Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Street (02 304 7777).
FOIE GRAS KIBBEH AT LI BEIRUT
If you hadn’t realised by the name of this dish, Li Beirut likes to take classic dishes and give them a twist – and an upgrade. So, the usual meat kibbeh is filled with foie gras instead and served with a lemon foam, walnut chutney and almond purée. Delicious.
Dhs80. Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, West Corniche (02 811 5666).
KIBBEH ROUBEAN AT MAISON BEIRUT
This Lebanese restaurant serves another different kind of kibbeh. Hailing from northern Lebanon, kibbeh roubean encases fresh shrimps inside the usual bulgar wheat, onions and minced beef. Not tried it before? Get yourself to this pretty venue and give it a go.
Dhs57. Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Khor Al Maqta (02 654 3238).
FALAFEL AT MESHAWARI
This great-value, casual chain has been one of our favourite openings this year when it comes to cheap eats. The falafel is a top choice here. It’s done in the traditional style, with ground chickpeas being mixed with spices and deep fried. You can also order a version filled with cheese if you want to try something different.
Dhs9 (for six). Various locations including Al Wahda Mall (600 500 404).
COLD MEZZE PLATTER AT MIJANA
If you don’t want to make the choice of which mezze to order, you could always choose a full platter. Most places offer one, and the version at classy venue Mijana is one of the best. You’ll get enough for a few (at least) to share. On the platter is beetroot moutabal, muhammara, hummus, warak enab (stuffed vine leaves), aubergine moutabal, baba ganoush, labneh and Beirut-style hummus (which comes with garlic, parsley and nuts).
Dhs150. The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, Khor Al Maqta (02 818 8282).
HUMMUS WITH LAMB LOIN AT ORCHID LOUNGE
By now you’ll have realised that hummus is kind of a big deal – and the discussions on its origins and superior version will rage on for longer than we’re eating the quite brilliant chickpea dip. At Dusit Thani’s Orchid Lounge you can order a more filling version, which is topped with braised lamb loin, dehydrated beetroot flakes, micro cress and crispy lavash bread. Fancy.
Dhs45. Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, Sultan Bin Zayed The First Street (02 698 8137).
SMOKED HUMMUS AT SAMBUSEK
One of the very best Lebanese restaurants in the city, Sambusek is named after the classic pastry. But it would be too easy for us to choose sambusek itself here, so we’re going for another take on hummus. Here it’s smoked over cedar wood, adding a, well, smokey flavour.
Dhs37. Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island (02 813 5578).
HUMMUS AND MEATBALLS AT ST. REGIS BAR
Can you have too much hummus? Not if this list is anything to go by. At St. Regis Bar, a classy joint if ever there was one, you can order it with meatballs every Tuesday evening. Get three varieties for Dhs120 or go for one and pay Dhs55.
Dhs55-120. The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, Nation Towers, West Corniche (02 694 4553).
