Calling all sweet-toothed Abu Dhabians… We have something you will definitely want to hear about.
Sweetest Things: Layali Ramadan is coming very soon – from April 12 through to the end of Ramadan to be precise. During the month, more than 70 restaurants, cafés and lounges across the capital are offering delicious deals on desserts and pastries.
Whether it’s a special edition treat, discounted dessert, or a cake and coffee combo, there are more ways than ever to tuck in to some seriously impressive sweets.
Part of Abu Dhabi Culinary, it’s the second instalment of Sweetest Things. The first edition, in November 2020, was a smash hit, with people flocking to venues to take part.
So, prepare yourself for some major mouthwatering moments, and read on to find out which venues are taking part.
More places will be added right up until the launch of Sweetest Things: Layali Ramadan, so be sure to keep an eye on our website.
You can also find out how you can take part and win two cool prizes at the end of this feature. To find the full list, visit timeoutabudhabi.com/sweetest-things.
90 Centigrade Café
The venue, which is named after the optimum temperature for brewing an espresso, is conjuring up a top quality dessert of a baked kunafa and cream cheese in a chocolate sponge cake for the basement price of Dhs19 this Sweetest Things.
Dhs19. Grand Millennium Al Wahda Hotel (02 495 3968).
Alba
Get a lip-smackingly good, smile-inducing slice of The Ritz-Carlton cake and a hot drink for Dhs70 here. You’ll be sitting underneath the chandeliers at this grand and sophisticated lounge in The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal. Prepared with Valrhona chocolate and orange candied pound cake, this is one treat that will definitely hit the sweet spot.
Dhs70. The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal (02 818 8203).
Al Rimal Restaurant
Diners can get a free coffee with every order of a date cake with caramel sauce at this plush café in Al Maqta.
Dhs50. Armed Forces Officers Club and Hotel, Khor Al Maqta, Al Khaleej Al Arabi Road (02 497 5100).
Amerigos
On the lookout for hot, crunchy, sugar and cinnamon coated churros served with a hot chocolate dip this Sweetest Things? Head to Amerigos where you can gobble up the yummy fried dough and get a cup of coffee for Dhs35.
Dhs35. Park Inn by Radisson Yas Island (02 656 2000).
Belgian Café
This Yas Island café is a popular spot in the capital, and for Sweetest Things, visitors can get a superb Belgian waffle, topped with strawberries and whipped cream plus a coffee for Dhs35.
Dhs35. Radisson Blu Yas Island (02 656 2000).
Brick Rooftop Kitchen & Bar
With one of the finest views in the entire city, Brick Rooftop Kitchen & Bar on the 12th floor of the Aloft Abu Dhabi is dishing out two great deals for you to get excited about. Baked Belgian melted chocolate with marshmallows and graham biscuits (think s’mores) and a coffee will set you back Dhs55. If you fancy a more savoury combo, there’s always pizza plus s’mores for Dhs99.
Dhs55 (dessert and coffee). Dhs99 (pizza and s’mores). Aloft Abu Dhabi, ADNEC (054 994 2289).
Café 302
This Time Out award-winning venue is offering customers a brilliant combo deal of peanut butter chocolate cake and a choice of coffee or tea for Dhs35. The 100 percent plant-based cake is loaded with delicious peanut spread and topped with vanilla mascarpone and wild berries.
Dhs35. Al Maha Arjaan by Rotana, Fatima Bint Mubarak Street, (02 610 6688).
Café du Foyer
There is not one but two mega dessert deals going at Café du Foyer during Sweetest Things. For Dhs100 visitors can have the 1kg baklava mousse cake and pair it with a coffee for extra 20 beans or get stuck into a 1kg osmaliya and pistachio halawa gateaux plus a cup of chow for the extra Dhs20.
Dhs100. Sheraton Abu Dhabi Corniche, East Corniche Road – Al Zahiyah, (02 677 3333).
Chocomelt
A café and dessert bar that knows thing or two about making a cracking sweet bite, Chocomelt in Yas Mall is offering its whole Brewed Tiramisu layered with soft vanilla sponge, soaked in MOG cold brew coffee and dusted with cocoa powder for Dhs220.
Dhs220. Yas Mall, Yas Island (02 566 6235).
Cho Gao
This award-winning Chinese restaurant is offering foodies the chance to get their chops around a mango sticky rice pudding for Dhs38. That is a saving of 20 percent from the regular price.
Dhs38. Crowne Plaza, Hamdan St (02 616 6149).
Coral Restaurant
This beachside venue, which serves Mexican, Arabic and other international dishes, is serving up a super-tasty offer of tiramisu and a hot drink for Dhs29. The espresso soaked lady fingers are dusted with a layer of Guatemalan cocoa power.
Dhs29. Al Muneera Beach Plaza, Al Raha (02 585 9191).
Cyan Brasserie
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Normally priced at Dhs35 and Dhs38 when bought separately at this Franco-Levantine restaurant, anyone trying the Sweetest Things deal during Ramadan will get cup of Moroccan tea and a blood orange osmalieh for Dhs38. Now that’s a tasty bargain.
Dhs38. Andaz Capital Gate Abu Dhabi, ADNEC (056 544 8158).
Dino’s Bistro Italiano
We love this casual Italian restaurant, and during Ramadan, anyone dining in Dino’s can get their hands on a butterscotch and caramel budino (an Italian custard-style pudding) for Dhs39 with a cup of coffee.
Dhs39. Pearl Rotana Capital Centre, Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, (02 307 5551).
Fifth Street Café
Diners can grab a cup of freshly roasted coffee with a slice of tea cake thrown in here.
From Dhs23. Courtyard by Marriott WTC, Abu Dhabi, Hamdan Bin Mohammed Street (02 698 2222).
Filini Garden
One of Abu Dhabi’s top spots for a brilliant night out is getting all sweet on us with a chocolate fondue with a scoop of vanilla and a cup of coffee for Dhs35 this Sweetest Things.
Dhs35. Radisson Blu Yas Island (02 656 2000).
Flooka Seafood
Want a dessert with a view? Looking out over Eastern Mangroves National Park, this picturesque mezze and seafood restaurant is offering its Arabic cheesecake kunafa for Dhs20 during Sweetest Things.
Dhs20. Eastern Mangroves Promenade, Salam Street (02 441 8244)
Grills@Chill’O
Get stuck into a sticky date and toffee pudding at this poolside bar. The restaurant’s signature dessert is made from sponge cake drenched in salted caramel sauce and sprinkled with caramelised walnuts and dates, accompanied by homemade vanilla ice cream.
Dhs38. Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche (02 813 7777).
Hickory’s Restaurant
Watch the trials and tribulations of golfers on the Yas Links Abu Dhabi while digging into a date cake filled with camel milk jelly, coupled with vanilla ice cream and a traditional or Arabic coffee for Dhs45.
Dhs45. Yas Links Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, Yas West (02 404 3077).
India Palace Restaurant
Serving a mix of popular ‘high street’ curries and cuisine from across India, during Sweetest Things, India Palace is serving its mango falooda, a mix of mango, radi, kulfi and nuts, for Dhs26.
Dhs26. All locations Abu Dhabi and Al Ain including Dalma Mall, Deerfields Mall, Mazyad Mall and Mushrif Mall (02 644 8777).
Island Café
You won’t be stranded on this island without a tasty dessert during Sweetest Things. The pretty café is dishing out a rose flavoured semolina and baklava cake at the discounted price of Dhs35 for the campaign.
Dhs35. Yas Island Rotana, Yas Plaza Hotels, Yas Island (02 656 4000).
Kamoon
For Dhs35, you will get a katayef – pancakes stuffed with nuts (or cream) which are golden fried and dunked in rose sugar syrup – at this restaurant in Khalidya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana.
Dhs35. Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana Hotel (02 657 0000).
Khazana – Grain of Salt by Sanjeev Kapoor
For Sweetest Things, this relaxed Indian restaurant is offering 50 per cent off two of its most popular desserts, the berry phirni (a pudding from the Indian subcontinent made from boiling milk, sugar and broken rice) and the pista kulfi (a homemade Indian style pistachio flavoured kulfi).
Dhs23. WTC Mall, Khalifa bin Zayed The First Street (02 667 7333).
La Brioche
With a name like La Brioche, you’ve got to expect good things when comes to all things sweet. For Sweetest Things, the popular chain is serving up a Ramadan-inspired date cake dolloped with saffron cream for Dhs23. There’s also the option to add a cup of coffee for an extra Dhs7 throughout the month.
Dhs23, Dhs30 (combo). All outlets in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, including Abu Dhabi Mall and Yas Mall (600 53 53 59).
Le Café
Is there a more iconic place to enjoy a dessert in Abu Dhabi? Emirates Palace’s Le Café is giving those with a sweet tooth the chance to try its Rose des Sables petit gateau (that’s a peanut praline, milk chocolate mousse, salted caramel and vanilla parfait to those not in the know) and a signature 24 karat gold cappuccino for Dhs110 per person.
Dhs110. Emirates Palace, Corniche West (02 690 7999).
Li Beirut
Enjoy some tea in the elegant dining room of Li Beirut. For Dhs220, guests can tuck into various sweet bites including pistachio mushabak mahalabia, saffron brûlée, tahini crumble, baklava cheesecake, ashta kunafa dome, classic date cake, rosewater falooda, umm Ali, Arabic coffee madeleine and ivory chocolate saffron scones with clotted cream, lemon curd and strawberry jam.
Dhs220. Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, West Corniche (02 811 5666).
Lobby Bar & Lounge
Picture this. Home-made baklava accompanied by scoops of ice cream and a traditional cup of Turkish tea. Sounds good doesn’t it? Every day during Sweetest Things from 6.30pm-9.30pm, the Lobby Bar & Lounge at the Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island, diners can delight in this deal for Dhs55.
Dhs55. Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island (02 492 2222).
LOCA
It’s not all about tacos, fajitas and guacamole at this funky Mexican bar and restaurant. No, there’s the small matter of the Bedel Tres Leches, a three-milk chocolate cake, too. During Ramadan it will be on offer for Dhs20 all month. Vamos.
Dhs20. The Galleria Al Maryah Island (02 582 3639).
Market Kitchen
With a dessert that reflects the warm and homely surrounds of the restaurant, this sleek venue is bringing to its wholesome (and eponymous) Market Kitchen Cheesecake to the table for Sweetest Thing. Consisting of lemon cream, blueberry sorbet and blueberry compôte, it will have 25 percent taken off the price for the duration of Ramadan.
Dhs51. Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khalifa Street (800 101 101).
Mazaj Bab Al Bahr
One of the newest members of the Abu Dhabi culinary scene (formerly Maison Beirut) Mazaj Bab Al Bahr is celebrating its opening with a buy one kunafa get one free deal. Epicures can nibble away on this Turkish-style cheese dish made from shredded filo pastry and layered with cheese and topped with pistachio and Maras Ice cream while admiring the cool and sophisticated surroundings of this Lebanese-Mediterranean restaurant.
Dhs85. Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Khor Al Maqta (02 654 3238).
Montauk Boutique Café
With cream linens, wooden floors, fancy artwork and plants and flowers, visitors will get serious beach house vibes and a very impressive dessert deal at this stylish new Al Bateen eatery. For Dhs70, visitors will be able to enjoy a carrot cake along with a cup of coffee at this Insta-tastic venue.
Dhs70. Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, Al Bateen (02 546 6255).
Morjana Lounge Cafe
A chic venue located in the impressive Bab Al Qasr Hotel, Morjana Tea Lounge is running a combo deal which will see visitors get their choice of a smokey signature dessert, as well as a tea, coffee or soft drinks during Sweetest Things. The choice is between a flavoured crème brûlée, umm Ali cheesecake, chocolate fondant or sticky date pudding, all for Dhs35.
Dhs35. Bab Al Qasr, Corniche Road West (02 203 026).
No. 57 Boutique Café
This super sleek and chic venue in Al Bateen is giving a ten percent discount to customers on its kunafa, a vanilla cheesecake with caramelised pecans sprinkled on top. House rules say it is for two people but you know what they about rules.
Dhs35. Marasy Al Bateen, Bldg. 2 (02 441 6100).
Orchid Lounge
Whether on a comfy lounge chair in the beautifully decorated interior or out on the pleasant terrace, diners can indulge in a drool inducing baklawa cheesecake with rose blossom cream at Orchid Lounge this Sweetest Things.
Dhs25. Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, 925 Sultan Bin Zayed The First Street (Al Muroor Road) (02 698 8137).
ParKafe Lobby Lounge
The bustling café in the lobby area of Park Rotana Abu Dhabi is providing a drinks combo for Sweetest Things. Anyone visiting during Ramadan can get a Ramadan shake (that’s caramel, rosewater, milk and dates) and a hot beverage for Dhs39.
Dhs39. Park Rotana Abu Dhabi, Khalifa Park area (02 657 3319).
Primo Dolci Café
Grab yourself a bargain sweet treat at Primo Dolci Café. The Italian styled coffee house known in the capital for its coffee and croissants, is slicing 50 percent off a tiramisu dessert for Sweetest Things.
Dhs25. Millennium Central Mafraq Hotel – Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashed Rd – Shakhbout City (02 659 6783).
Salt & Caramel
This cosy café overlooking the marina at Al Bandar is serving up a choice of carrot cake, cheesecake, black beauty cake or a salted caramel brownie with a hot beverage for Dhs45. If none of those are doing it, there’s also a muffin and hot drink deal for Dhs30.
From Dhs30. Al Bandar Marina, Al Raha (050 501 5052).
Sama Lobby Lounge
The pretty lounge in Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas is giving diners a chance to sample its homemade date cheesecake, made from Liwa dates, cream cheese, a chocolate puffed rice disk, mocha cream and 22 karat gold. It comes with a speciality coffee for Dhs49.
Dhs49. Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas, Saadiyat Island (02 697 0000).
Shot Specialty Café
A quirky local chain with locations dotted around the capital, this place is known for its excellent cups of java. During Sweetest Things, shot will be serving a homemade honey pudding, (we’re talking layers of biscuits and lashings of cream sauce) and a latte for Dhs40.
Dhs40 (plus VAT). All locations in Abu Dhabi, including Etihad Towers (02 667 1144), Al Hudayriat Beach (050 670 8250) and The Galleria Al Maryah Island (050 467 2699).
Sky Lounge Thirty One
This swanky rooftop restaurant on the 31st floor of the Grand Millennium Al Wahda Hotel is offering diners a baked kunafa and cream cheese in a chocolate sponge cake for Dhs19.
Dhs19. Grand Millennium Al Wahda Hotel, (02 953 3916).
Spaccanapoli
When people head to Spaccanapoli it’s usually for the big Italian hitters of pizza, pasta, seafood and coffee. But over Sweetest Things, the doorbell will be ringing for eager dessert hunters looking for a tasty tiramisu at a discounted rate of 20 percent.
Dhs55. Crowne Plaza, Hamdan St, (02 616 6261).
Sugar Factory
The desserts in this place are certainly eye-popping and during Sweetest Things, the WTC Mall branch is offering half price on all of them. Now that is a good deal.
Prices vary. WTC Mall, Khalifa Bin Zayed The First Street (02 491 4123).
Tamba restaurant
You’ll get a big platter of sweetness at this jazzy Indian restaurant during Sweetest Things. Featuring signature dishes like sticky situation (caramalised banana toffee cake with pecan nut praline and cardamom ice cream), mumtaz (ice halwa, strawberry yoghurt parfait, rose and pistachio reduction and strawberry conduit) and the break-up (dark chocolate mousse, peanut semifreddo, salted caramel and chocolate sauce and more, this platter is being served at a discounted price of Dhs150.
Dhs150. World Trade Center Mall, Al Markaziyah (02 672 8888).
The Beach House
This idyllic location is offering up one of its favourite sweet treats with 20 percent taken off. The Beach House’s LA PIÑA Dessert, a pineapple filled with crema catalana and pineapple sorbet, is going for Dhs85 at this locale on Saadiyat Beach for Dhs85. The house recommends that it be shared among friends (but it’s okay if you don’t want).
Dhs85. Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island (02 407 1234).
The Coffee Club
This café is one of Abu Dhabi’s most popular chains and the Aussie joint is serving up a platter of 14 Ramadan mini sweet treats at all of its branches for Sweetest Things. It includes two coffee macarons, two mouhalabieh, two stuffed dates, two kunafa baskets, two sticky date pudding, two pistachio domes and two carrot cakes throughout for Dhs65.
Dhs65. All location in Abu Dhabi, including Yas Mall, Dalma Mall, Abu Dhabi Mall and Al Bateen Wharf, thecoffeeclub.com.
The Lounge
Enjoy a coffee and a slab of freshly baked cake for Dhs45 at this chilled out spot in the Westin Abu Dhabi. Those who take The Loung up on its offer will also get the chance to soak up views of the golf course outside.
Dhs45. The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa, Sas Al Nakhl (02 616 9999).
The Warehouse
For Sweestest Things, this Time Out award-winning bar will be dishing out yummy churros with a coffee for Dhs36 throughout the month. The fried dough is served with strawberry marmalade, orange chocolate sauce and whipped cream.
Dhs36. Pearl Rotana Capital Centre, Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street (02 307 5552).
Turf Café
During Ramadan, this cool homegrown spot has a quite frankly incredible sounding new dessert on offer, and new Emirati chai, as well as reintroducing its kunafa cheesecake (available by the slice or whole) and Vimto mocktails. The new dessert is a twist on a traditional Emirati sweet, rice cake waffles, served with dulce de leche and drizzled with saffron sauce.
Dhs15 (chai), Dhs20 (Vimto juice), Dhs30 (rice cake waffle), Dhs27 (cheesecake slice), Dhs180 (whole cheesecake). Mubarak Bin Mohammad Street, United Square, Khalidiya (02 386 6742/050 386 6742).
Vasa Vasa
For Dhs45, visitors can savour a date tiramisu with an Italian twist as well as any choice of coffee while taking in the beautiful seaside views of Al Raha Beach. This gelato spot has long been a Time Out favourite, which shows no sign of changing any time soon.
Dhs45. Al Muneera, Al Raha Beach (02 555 6484).
Verso
This vibrant Italian restaurant is offering a zuppa inglese for Dhs55, including a coffee. The classic creamy Italian dessert is made with flavoured lady fingers, vanilla custard, strawberry compôte and white chocolate Chantilly. Usually the the dessert and coffee come in at Dhs45 and Dhs25 respectively, so there’s a saving of Dhs15.
Dhs55. Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences, Emirates Pearl Corniche West (02 510 1234).
Views
A custard dessert that is served with fresh raspberry, almond nougatine and raspberry coulis? You know it’s a crème brûlée and diners can get themselves this plus a hot and cold beverage for Dhs60 throughout Sweetest Things at this little colourful haven of coolness.
Dhs60. Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi – Yas Island, Yas Plaza Hotels, Yas Island (02 656 3000).
Waves Bar & Outdoor Lounge
This casual rooftop bar decked out with bamboo strips on the wall and dangling lights on ropes, is treating diners to a sweet and crunchy experience during Sweetest Things. For the discounted price of Dhs31.50 it is serving a caramel nut-topped bao bun filled with banana and Nutella.
Dhs31.50. Novotel Abu Dhabi Al Bustan, Rabdan Street (02 501 6088/050 898 3959).
West Bay Lounge
It’s high time for some high tea this Sweetest Things and at West Bay Lounge, guests can satisfy their sweet needs with a selection of moreish desserts from the traditional high tea stand while gazing out onto magnificent views of the Corniche.
Dhs175. Daily 9pm-11pm. West Bay, Al Bateen (02 692 4375).
West to West Kitchen
A top place for those who love the cuisine of the Caribbean and West Africa, West to West Kitchen is offering a sticky toffee pudding slathered with toffee date syrup for Dhs20.
Dhs20. Al Bzaymi Street, Al Danah (02 671 9119).
Yamanote Atelier
The Japanese bakery is offering two deals for Sweetest Things. For Dhs50, foodies can get two pieces of soufflé cheesecake and choice of drinks (either the Beat Treat, Yamanote Special or Ramadan-themed date and coconut options). Also available is Yamanote Croissant plus one of the drinks for Dhs42.
From Dhs42. All locations in Abu Dhabi, including Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi Mall, Al Seef Village and Bawabat Al Sharq Mall, yamanoteatelier.com.
ZEROFAT Abu Dhabi
This health-focused joint is serving up a 700g low-fat cheese kunafa with two orders of speciality coffee thrown in for Dhs75.
Dhs75 The View Tower, Al Muroor Street (02 554 4455). Asharrij, Al Ain (03 767 6700).
SHARE YOUR SWEETEST MOMENTS
We want you to share your snaps of the delicious desserts you try as part of Sweetest Things: Layali Ramadan edition. Abu Dhabi Culinary has teamed up with Brooklyn Creamery to offer one lucky winner a year’s supply of ice cream. All you need to do is take a picture of the Sweetest Things dessert, post it on your Instagram feed and use the hashtag #mysweetestmoments.
We will take the best pictures and use them in a gallery on Time Out Abu Dhabi. At the end of Ramadan, we’ll pick one winner to win the prize.
Time to get eating (and snapping).
SWEET STAYCATION
The Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche is offering a staycation for two people to stay at the classy five-star hotel. You’ll get a half board deal too, with the winner to be chosen by Time Out Abu Dhabi at the end of Sweetest Things. The stay will be valid from May 12 until July 31 2021.
