VaKaVa

Mexican-born, US-based chef and restaurateur Richard Sandoval certainly knows his way around Latin America – and among his several UAE restaurants, there’s nowhere that’s more evident than at VaKaVa.

Since opening at Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers in 2019, VaKaVa has earned a reputation for good food, good times and a touch of the theatrical in its execution.

It’s an entertaining charm offensive from arrival, with bull statues greeting diners as they make their way from the Conrad’s lobby. Inside, the restaurant is a world away from the aesthetic of the hotel.

Vibrant interiors draw swivelling eyeballs in every direction, colourful furniture competing with even more elaborate artworks adorning every available space, while funky Latin beats provide a lively soundbed.

There’s plenty to get the curiosity receptors in the brain blinking, from salt and pepper shakers shaped like bull’s horns to the twinkling cityscape beyond the restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling windows.

Even the introduction by the staff seems to a part of the show, with explanations of signature dishes delivered with energetic enthusiasm.

To kick-off, crispy prawns and corn empanadas are among the top picks – ditto a wonderful smoked guacamole that is, in keeping with the showmanship of VaKaVa, brought to the table in a smoke-filled jar, emerging like a star onto the stage.

In search of the house dish? Dig into the suviche rolls – a Nikkei-inspired twist on traditional Japanese sushi, with the Angry Scorpion (spicy tuna, shrimp tempura, rocoto peppers) particularly worthy of the spotlight.

Elsewhere, Peruvian-style grilled octopus is superb, and the same goes for the Argentine beef tenderloin. Each bite is better than the last – the only disappointment being that eventually, you’ll have polished them off.

And if you’re still going at this point (we doff our hats), the red velvet tres leches is a dynamite note to end on.

For a dinner location that delivers more than just a meal, VaKaVa serves up a whole ensemble of star attractions.

Open Tue-Thu 6pm-1am, Fri 2pm-1am, Sat 1pm-11pm, closed Sun-Mon. Licensed. Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, West Corniche (02 811 5666).