There was a lot of excitement in the city when Fouquet’s opened in Abu Dhabi.The famed Parisian brasserie wasn’t only opening in the city but had chosen one of the most impressive locations possible at the heart of Louvre Abu Dhabi. Oh la la!
We can’t lie, walking into that incredible museum, below the stunning roof is as impressive a beginning to a dining experience as we can remember. Inside, the restaurant is sleek and chic, modern but unmistakably a fine dining set-up.
The tablecloths are crisp and white and if you’re a, erm, rustic easter, you might well be worrying about spilling food on the table before you start eating..
Like most restaurants bread is brought to the table and like most fancy restaurants it’s delicious. It’s perfect for grazing on while looking through the menu.
We start by sharing a mozzarella salad, which divides opinion on the table. It comes with a scoop of tomato sorbet on top. The slowly melting, tangy addition is refreshing in our eyes, especially alongside the creamy cheese and peppery rocket.
Bearing in mind that this one of the most high-end restaurants in the city, you might be surprised to see a cheeseburger on the menu. Well, we order it in the name of research. Our other main is poached turbot.
As far as burgers go this one is a cracker, cooked medium, it’s pink in the middle, and the pillowy bun keeps the sweet caramelised onion and perfectly stringy cheese in place for every bite. The coin de rue fries, that’s street corner to you and us, are a little too thin to have fluffy centres but are perfectly crisp and salty like all good chips should be.
Expertly presented and prepared, the turbot flakes with ease and the earthy broccoli puree and herbed potatoes all marry well. It’s a sophisticated dish made with skill.
The pièce de résistance here is dessert, however, Fouquet’s signature chocolate biscuit. It’s rich, delicate and a fitting end to the meal, especially when doused in fresh vanilla cream.
We don’t think there’s a better setting for a meal in this city. Find a place in the corner under Louvre Abu Dhabi’s roof, looking out to the ocean and you’re set for the evening.
