1. The place has class
Picture European promenades; charming avenues snaking through local boutiques and quaint cafés, bustling with both camera-happy tourists and locals going about their daily business. That’s what The Walk at Al Seef is like.
Flanked by Al Seef Village Mall and Al Seef Resort & Spa by Andalus, the new family-friendly destination boasts a range of eateries, healthy hotspots, retail outlets, an art gallery and library. Angus Woodhead, general manager of Al Seef Retail, said of the launch, which took place at the end of 2017: “[It’s] the fruition of three years’ dedicated work to create an attraction in Abu Dhabi that is not only for tourists, but for residents to enjoy as well, whether they are locals or expatriates.”
2. Abu Dhabi’s first horse-themed café
It might have opened in the summer, but we’d like to remind you that the equestrian-themed Stable Caffé is stationed at The Walk as well. Don’t worry, there’s no horse meat on the international menu, but there is a camel burger. Are you game?
3. Alouette Creperie is back
If you love sweet, sweet crêpes, pain perdus, fluffy waffles and the like (really, who doesn’t?), then you’ll be glad to know Alouette Creperie has reopened on The Walk. The French-style eatery was kind of a big deal a couple of years back, and is now once again serving up a slice of Paris in the heart of Abu Dhabi. There are some savouries on the menu, too, such as salads, steak and a burger crêpe!
4. A new kind of Nolu’s
The award-winning restaurant that serves up California-style food with an Afghan twist is present in a fresh form, via Raw by Nolu’s and it also features a juice lab. The eatery has been nominated time and time again in our annual Time Out Abu Dhabi Restaurant Awards, and even bagged a trophy or two – the Al Bandar branch received the Best Breakfast accolade this year. We’ve already tried this place out, and we can confirm the food is as tasty and satisfying as ever.
5. Arty endeavours
Tap into your inner Warhol at Reflections Art Gallery, which has been set up by Nada Al Ameri, an Emirati visual and conceptual artist, art therapist and curator. Besides giving us all access to stunning artworks, it has a range of other services encompassing classes and workshops, art therapy sessions, residencies and regular exhibitions. 
6. Bollywood flavour
Experience all the bright and beautiful colours of a Hindi film set at Chota Restaurant, which is currently in its soft opening stage. Its menu features authentic Hyderabadi cuisine, with ingredients and spices imported every month from Hyderabad. And they’ve even produced a variety of homemade chutneys so you can make sure the vibrant flavours linger on at home.
7. Bookworms rejoice
The Walk is also home to the Al Seef Library, a collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority. The plan is to organise regular activities alongside the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair and Sheikh Zayed Book Award, such as dialogue sessions, book signings and more literary endeavours. And, of course, give word-lovers access to towers of tomes.
8. The Walk and the chocolate factory
Cocoa-covered waffle sticks, anyone? Spaghetti gelato? Or how about a sushi brownie? We’re not going to explain what any of those are, but we will tell you it’s what you’ll find at The Walk’s Chocolate Lab. If you’re more of a traditional sweet tooth, then head to home-grown dessert connoisseurs, Molten Mw, where there are all manner of chocolate fondants (or “lava cakes”, if you prefer), including milk and white chocolate varieties, and even a red velvet kind.
9. Coffee, coffee and more… tea
So, The Walk is most definitely tapping into our love of café culture, with a range of quaint eateries on the bill, from locally-grown Gina’s Café to the first branch of San Francisco Coffee Company outside of Germany. Not a latte fan but still in need of a caffeine fix? Then head for a cuppa chai at Café Artea.
10. Find a Middle Eastern favourite
Ever had a Flame & Bake? Those of us who’ve been around in Abu Dhabi for a good few years might remember when this chain of Middle Eastern restaurants opened up its first branch on National Day 2012. Now it’s launched its sixth outlet on The Walk, with further venues in Dubai and Al Ain to follow. Get your fill of shawarmas, grills and rice-based dishes here.
11. Haircare and mani-pedis
Ladies looking for a quick blow-dry while they’re roaming The Walk can pop into Her Bar Beauty for a spruce-up. The stylists specialise in colouring and hair extensions, too. For more comprehensive beauty services, including manis, pedis and massages, head to Cosi Bella Ladies’ Salon.
12. Work off all those calories
Once you’ve eaten your way around The Walk, you can also pop into recently opened gym, Sweat UAE, which offers everything from dance sessions to meditation and yoga classes and high-intensity interval training. It also offers nutritional coaching. You’ve got it all, here.
Open daily 10am-10pm. www.alseefvillagemall.ae.
