Whether you love the lively Saturday brunch, Latin band, beautiful sushi or Peruvian specialities, COYA is up there on most people’s lists of favourite places to eat in Abu Dhabi.
It just does everything right. From the moment you walk into the bright colours and decorations of the Incan-inspired interior, you can’t help but have a brilliant time. The staff are friendly and hugely efficient. If you’re baffled by the extensive menu, they’ll help you out with some suggestions. But really, it’s all great, so you can’t get it wrong.
The creamy guacamole is prepared at the table, while the anticucho skewers (the beef and chicken varieties are particularly great) are served over hot coals. In fact all the smaller plates are superb and perfect for sharing. Other highlights include the maki rolls, octopus with mashed potato and tuna sashimi with sesame seeds and pickled cucumber.
The mains feature a range of iron pots (the sea bass with rice is one of our favourites), meats like the spicy beef fillet, and fresh seafood such as salmon with stir-fried quinoa. Each dish is a flavourful punch. Even sides like the patatas bravas are exciting.
However, saving room for dessert is essential. From the rice and quinoa pudding to peanut butter mousse, it’s all at the top of the game.
