There are lots of amazing places to eat in this city from humble holes in the wall to fabulous fine-dining venues.
Striking the balance between being a swish-looking restaurant and offering amazing service and outstanding food isn’t easy. Nailing all three, every time, is no mean feat.
Cyan Brasserie manages to tick every box, and in style.
Arriving at Andaz Capital Gate Abu Dhabi, we find ourselves rubbernecking to take it all in. It’s sleek, stylish and modern, with the titular hue on the walls, stunning décor, hanging vegetation and lights.
On the back wall the phrases ‘bon vivant’ and ‘joie de vivre’ serve as a mantra of which the team here are clearly well aware.
Taking our seats by the window, with city views stretching miles out towards the Corniche, on first impressions alone we are impressed. We can view the city lit up before us as far as the eye can see and, as far as people-watching goes, looking out from the furthest man-made leaning tower is a great vantage point. It’s a beautiful dining room and setting, no argument there.
A quick look at the menu and we decide to start with the heirloom tomato and feta tart, plus the lobster and caviar rolls.
The tart is a picture of daintiness with perfectly flaky pastry, punchy, salty feta and refreshing tomatoes. It’s a treat.
The lobster rolls are pure indulgence. Three of them – filled with sweet, juicy lobster, caviar, mayo and pickled onion – are each a delight with every bite.
For the mains we opt for the Chilean sea bass and the Wagyu tenderloin. The fish (which sits on a bed of ratatouille and mussels) is refined, executed perfectly and every morsel flows together as if it were part of a melody.
Meanwhile the steak lives up to its predecessors too – it cuts like butter and is rich with a dollop of seared foie gras on top.
Don’t miss the duck fat chips, which are crisp while fluffy on the inside – ideal for soaking up the shallot gravy. We could eat that as a meal alone.
Everything here is exquisite: the décor, the service, the food. Cyan Brasserie fills us with much joie, and if you’re looking for a new date night spot, this is it.
