When you’re relaxing on a beautiful Abu Dhabi island, surrounded by the clearest blue waters you’ve ever seen and eyeing up the wooden swings that are just begging to be Instagrammed, freshly caught seafood is a must.
In fact, seafood restaurant Hooked plays a key part in making Zaya Nurai the dreamlike, serenely perfect location that it is.
Usually specialising in fish that’s so fresh is has literally just been hooked straight out of the ocean, it is celebrating the start of the warmer weather by refreshing its menu with dishes inspired by the coast of the Levant.
After a blissful afternoon relaxing in the sun, you can start the feast off with some cold mezze starters such as stuffed vine leaves, labneh with garlic and moutabel. There are also rocca zaatar and fattoush salads, and even a Asian influenced sashimi selection.
The hot options are just as tempting, and seafood fans will be torn between the golden mixed seafood platter, slow-cooked grilled octopus and grilled baby squid. It’s also hard to know where to start with the warming mezze like batata harra, fatayer and halloumi.
After that, you’re faced with an exceptional choice of the mains, and the decision of whether to go for a plate of grilled meats such as shish tawouk or lamb kofta – or a mixed grill including both the above, plus some tender cubes of lamb brochette.
Selecting a piece of fresh fish from the display is also encouraged, and there you’ll find red snapper, sea bream, Canadian lobster, prawns, lady fish and much more.
Once you’ve chosen your catch, it is then fried and accompanied by the simple, but very delicious, sides of fresh lemon, tartare sauce and pitta bread. Away from the amazing fish counter there’s also salt-crusted grouper and roasted sea bass, while the desserts feature classics such as creamy umm ali (always our first choice) and baklava cheese cake.
The beautiful plates more than live up to the setting, which considering the stunning nature of Zaya Nurai, isn’t easily done.
WHAT IS IT…
An un-fishy new menu at classy seafood restaurant Hooked
WHY GO…
For yet another reason to visit Zaya Nurai Island
Prices vary. Open daily noon-4pm, 7pm-midnight. Zaya Nurai Island (02 506 6222).
