There’s no bigger event in the Abu Dhabi calendar than the Grand Prix, held each year at Yas Marina Circuit.
It’s the finale of the Formula 1 season and people flock from all around the world to the UAE capital to experience the thrilling occasion.
During Race Week there are loads more things to do away from the track, including big parties, brunches and shopping deals – and it wouldn’t be an Abu Dhabi event if there wasn’t food involved.
With that in mind, we’ve teamed up with some of Abu Dhabi’s very best restaurants and the Department of Tourism and Culture – Abu Dhabi, to bring you Pit Stop menus.
The idea is simple – each restaurant will offer a special set menu between November 14 and December 2 to showcase its very best dishes. All you need to do is decide which one (or two, or three, or ten…) you want to go to and tuck in. With the likes of Hakkasan, Roberto’s, Tamba and Catch involved, you’re going to be spoiled for choice.
Add in more incredible venues such as Alba Terrace, Cho Gao, KOI and Namak by Kunal Kapur and you have the recipe for a very busy (and filling) Race Week indeed.
For more on Abu Dhabi Culinary Season follow @ADculinaryseason on Facebook and Instagram and the hashtag #ADculinaryseason.
18 degrees
This Mediterranean restaurant at Andaz Capital Gate offers fabulous views of the city through the floor-to-ceiling windows. It also has three open kitchens, so you can watch the expert chefs as they prepare your meal with great care and skills. The sharing set menus start from Dhs200 per person and go up to Dhs400 per person, and the starters, mains, sides and desserts include recipes such as grilled halloumi, salmon steak, penne arrabiata and New York cheesecake.
Dhs200 (one starter, main, side and dessert), Dhs300 (two starters, two mains, two sides and one dessert), Dhs400 (three starters, three mains, two sides and one dessert). Daily 7pm-11.30pm. Andaz Capital Gate Abu Dhabi, Embassies District (02 596 1440).
Alba Terrace
This Mediterranean restaurant at The Abu Dhabi EDITION has a beautiful outdoor area with comfortable booths overlooking the pool and pretty shaded spots. There’s a smart indoor space, too. During Race Week it is running a lunchtime deal offering dishes such as fried calamari, kale and spinach risotto, beef carpaccio and Sicilian cheesecake, You can choose either two or three courses.
Dhs95 (two courses), Dhs120 (three courses). Sat-Thu 12.30pm-5pm. The Abu Dhabi EDITION, Al Bateen (02 208 0000).
Amerigos Mexican Bar & Restaurant
This Yas Island restaurant is a friendly and chilled-out spot for a bite to eat. It’s had a revamp recently and now the dining room is bright and colourful with cool Mexican-themed art covering the walls, while the terrace is surrounded by palm trees and fairy lights and offers views over Yas Links. The limited-edition menu features super satisfying plates like chicken or vegetable fajitas, tuna salad and sweetcorn cakes.
Dhs230. Daily noon-1.30am. Park Inn by Radisson Abu Dhabi, Yas Island (02 656 2000).
Beach House
Just steps away from the beautiful white sands of Saadiyat Beach, Beach House has one of the best views of any venue in the city. The menu is made from sustainable and eco-friendly ingredients, and the special offerings for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2019 are all designed to be enjoyed sharing style. Prices start from Dhs240 per person, but more expensive options with more courses are available. The dishes on offer include Mediterranean specialties such as paella, buffalo mozzarella with figs and olive oil and chocolate cake.
From 240 (indoors), Dhs300 (Beach House Boardwalk for two people). Daily 5pm-midnight. Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas, Saadiyat Island (02 407 1138).
Beach House Rooftop
While the lower floors of this Mediterranean restaurant let you dine right next to the golden sands, the views from the roof are possibly even better. Here it’s all about casual, tapas-style tasty plates, and during Race Week there are two different set menus available. The deals let you graze on dishes such as mushroom croquettes, calamari and beef ribs for a whole two hours.
From Dhs210. Daily 5pm-midnight. Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas, Saadiyat Island (02 407 1138).
Benjarong
This pretty Asian restaurant is found at the Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, and it is known for creating beautiful Thai dishes infused with authentic flavours. The pinto box menu contains all the best dishes from across Thailand, including tom yum soup, red curry, papaya salad and more.
Dhs90. Sun-Thu 12.30pm-3pm. Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, Al Nahyan (02 698 8137).
Blue Grill
Head to this Yas Island venue from November 14 to enjoy a three-course menu for Dhs199. You can choose from the likes of seared king scallops, duck foie gras, salmon steak, USDA Prime tenderloin, and a stunning melting white chocolate ball for dessert.
Dhs199. Open daily 6pm-midnight (menu not available Nov 28-Dec 1). Yas Island Rotana (02 656 4171).
BOA Steakhouse
This steakhouse has an enviable setting by the waterfront at the Eastern Mangroves national park. Inside you’ll find a sleek dining room and bar area while outside the terrace has incredible views. During Race Week it’s offering a set menu including sharing-style starters such as goats cheese baklava, mains of steak or salmon, sharing sides and peach tart for dessert.
Dhs220. Daily 12.30pm-1am. Eastern Mangroves Promenade, Salam Street (02 641 1500).
Bocca
Found at the Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort on the Corniche, this venue specialises in authentic Italian food. So if you’re dreaming of a getaway to Rome or Venice, now you can at least experience the cuisine of this vibrant country without leaving the capital. There’s no set menu here, so you are free to choose three courses of your choice for less than Dhs90 per person. The delicious options include risotto, grilled meats, homemade pastas and more.
Dhs89. Sun-Thu noon-3pm. Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort, Abu Dhabi, West Corniche (02 692 4247).
Byblos Sur Mer
This fine dining restaurant serves up some of the best and most authentic Lebanese dishes. With beautifully presented mezze, amazing grilled meats and views over the marina at the InterContinental Abu Dhabi, a meal here is just as lovely as any you’d find in the actual coastal town of Byblos Sur Mer in Lebanon. The Ba’Alback set menu includes hot and cold mezze like hummus, kibbeh and lamb sausages, plus mixed grills and desserts.
Dhs275. Daily 12.30pm-1.30am. InterContinental Abu Dhabi, King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud Street (02 666 6888).
Café 302
This trendy café has already proven a hit in the city with its chilled atmosphere and menu packed with delicious, healthy food. Take a trip to the downtown café during Race Week and you can get your fill of a three-course menu for Dhs99 and try delicious dishes including lentil soup, spinach and kale salad, angus steak with peppers and onions, pan-seared salmon and banana cream pie.
Dhs99. Daily 6am-11pm. Al Maha Arjaan by Rotana, Hamdan Bin Mohammed Street (02 610 6666).
Caramel Restaurant & Lounge
This fashionable bar and restaurant isn’t just a top spot for a few drinks. Located on the beautiful Saadiyat Island, it also has a menu of fantastic dishes. The new set menu offer includes a starter of burrata and shrimps, followed by a choice of main including vegetable risotto and braised short ribs, plus a decadent dark-chocolate fondant for dessert.
Dhs199. Sun-Wed 5pm-1am; Thu-Fri 5pm-2am; Sat 5pm-midnight. The Collection at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi (02 678 3344).
Catch
With an incredible location on the Corniche overlooking the crystal clear waters of the Arabian Gulf, Catch definitely has some of the best views in town and it’s a great place to grab a bite to eat, too. Make your way there on Race Week and you can enjoy a three-course menu for Dhs199 and take your pick from a host of dishes including sea bass ceviche, gyoza, miso-marinated salmon, wok-fried noodles, chocolate fondant and more.
Dhs199. Daily noon-1am. Nation Riviera Beach Club, Corniche West (02 611 0909).
Chamas
This Brazilian restaurant at the InterContinental Hotel specialises in delicious grilled meats. The cool dining room features soft leather chairs and an extensive salad bar featuring cold mezze, fresh vegetables and more. Meanwhile, the expert chefs will serve as much meat as you can handle straight to your table, and the deal for Race Week includes 16 different types of tasty grilled meat plus unlimited trips to the salad bar.
Dhs325 (food), Dhs385 (soft drinks)m Dhs485 (house beverages). Daily 6pm-midnight. InterContinental Abu Dhabi, King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud Street (02 666 6888).
Cho Gao
Serving up Asian delicacies in the heart of Abu Dhabi, Cho Gao is a great place to enjoy a meal or a drink with a stylish and inviting dining room taking you on a journey to the Far East. Take a trip to Cho Gao during Race Week and you can try a three-course set menu packed full of Asian dishes including Sriracha chilli prawns, miso soup, cashew chicken and Peking duck for less than Dhs200.
Dhs199. Daily noon-1am. Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi, Hamdan Bin Mohammed Street (02 616 6261).
Cho Gao Marina Walk
With hanging wooden lanterns and a cool Oriental-inspired interior, you’ll find a huge range of dishes from across Asia at this chic restaurant. The Pit Stop deal includes a set menu of brilliant dishes, including hot and cold starters, mains, noodles, sides and desserts. Highlights include the California maki rolls, laksa soup, beef rendang and green tea cheesecake.
Dhs175. InterContinental Abu Dhabi, King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud Street (02 666 6888).
Circo
With a cool circus-inspired interior, this Italian restaurant at the InterContinental Abu Dhabi serves a superb selection of traditional dishes like pastas, pizzas and hearty mains. The set menu for the next few weeks includes three-courses of authentic plates like buffalo mozzarella and tomatoes, mushroom and truffle risotto and chocolate and almond cake.
Dhs180. Daily 5pm-11pm. InterContinental Abu Dhabi, King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud Street (02 666 6888).
Dahab Restaurant & Lounge
With regular live music nights, a wide open terrace and an extensive menu of Lebanese specialties, Dahab is one of the best places to go in Abu Dhabi for Middle Eastern food and a good time. Over the next few weeks you can try four courses of authentic dishes including hot and cold mezze, mixed grills and traditional desserts.
Dhs200. Daily 7pm-3am. Hilton Capital Grand Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street Road (02 667 4446).
Filini Garden
The spot on Yas Island boasts amazing views over Yas Links, a stylish garden-themed restaurant and an outdoor area which gets packed out with party goers on any night of the week. The Race Week deal features three courses of classic Italian plates, featuring a starter of calamari fritti, mains of beef lasagne or mushroom risotto and lemon tart for dessert.
Dhs230. Sun 5pm-1am; Mon 5pm-3am; Tue-Wed 5pm-1am; Thu 5pm-3am; Fri 12.30pm-3am; Sat 12.30pm-1am. Radisson Abu Dhabi, Yas Island (02 656 2000).
Fishmarket
Upon entering this seafood restaurant, the first thing that will strike you is the huge market-style set up of fresh fish and shellfish. Normally no menu is required as you simply pick your fish, sauce and side from the display infront of you, but the Pit Stop menu includes a taste of all the best dishes that the restaurant has to offer. It starts with canapes and tom yum seafood soup, before moving on to sautéed shrimps, squid and mussels plus baked king fish and red snapper in sweet and sour sauce. You’ll also get a selection of sides and fruit for dessert.
Dhs385. Daily 12.30pm-11pm. InterContinental Abu Dhabi, King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud Street (02 666 6888).
Hakkasan
This sleek and stylish venue is one of the very best restaurants in the city and the chain is certainly up there when it comes to the world’s greatest exponents of Cantonese cuisine (just check the amount of Time Out Abu Dhabi awards on the wall if you don’t believe us). Taste of Hakkasan menu is available for just one hour every day during Race Week but it’s worth heading down for. It includes Peking duck, stir-fried beef, steamed dim sum, crispy cod and many more dishes.
Dhs298. Daily 7pm-8pm. Emirates Palace, West Corniche (02 690 7739).
Jones the Grocer
With locations across the city, the cool Aussie chain is offering you the chance to try some of its most popular dishes as part of a three-course menu for less during Race Week. You can choose a starter, main course, dessert and beverage including dishes like sweet potato soup, pan-fried seabass with soba noodles and truffle and mushroom risotto.
Dhs99. Daily 6pm onwards. Various locations, including Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi Downtown, Sheikh Zayed the First Street (02 558 9808).
JW Steakhouse
This classy steakhouse has a cool USA-style dining room with comfortable leather chairs and views over Downtown Abu Dhabi. The set menu deal includes a choice of starters like sea bass ceviche, mains of lamb, ravioli and steak, and sweet desserts.
O Dhs199 (lamb or ravioli), Dhs299 (steak). Daily 6.30pm-11.30pm. Marriott Hotel Downtown Abu Dhabi, Shaikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street (02 304 7777).
KOI Abu Dhabi
This Japanese restaurant is popular for its cool ladies’ night deals, sleek dining room and pretty outdoor area at The Collection at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island. During the next couple of weeks you can allow the chef to be creative and put together a unique selection of sashimi, sushi, maki rolls and tempura for you, plus edamame and soup to start and mochi ice cream for dessert.
Dhs195. Daily 6.30pm-midnight. The Collection at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi (02 678 3334).
Market at EDITION
The healthy restaurant has a varied and exciting menu created by British Chef Tom Aikens. The set-menu lunch features wholesome plates such as veggie burgers, beef skewers, Asian-style noodles and beetroot sorbet. All the dishes are created at live stations so you can watch the chefs at work, and made with high-quality ingredients.
Dhs95 (two courses), Dhs120 (three courses). Daily 12.30pm-5pm. The Abu Dhabi EDITION, Al Bateen (02 208 0000).
Matsu
Found above Yas Links Golf Club, this authentic Japanese restaurant has many fans and the dining room is often packed out. Whether you’ve just finished a quick 18 holes or you are just dropping by to check it out, all are welcome. Suzuka means Formula One in Japanese (just a fun fact for you there), and the Suzuka Menu features a starter, tuna course, wagyu beef course plus a complimentary miso soup and mini dessert, all for less than Dhs300 per person.
Dhs299. Fri-Sat 12.30pm-midnight; Mon-Thu 6.30pm-11.30pm, closed Sunday. First floor, Yas Links Golf Club, Yas Island (02 556 0096).
Mazi
This New Greek restaurant has already made an impression on the capital. During Race Week it’s offering a smashing set menu of favourites for Dhs200 per person, making it a great way to try this excellent addition to the Abu Dhabi dining scene for the first time.
Dhs200. Open Sun-Thu 4pm-midnight; Fri-Sat noon-midnight. The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi (02 304 8145).
Namak by Kunal Kapur
This Indian restaurant at the Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi produces some of the best Indian dishes in the city. The delicious plates are all created by renowned Indian chef Kunal Kapur, and during Race Week you can try ten of his best dishes for less than Dhs200 per person. The line-up includes tuna tartare, butter prawns, black cod and much more.
Dhs199 (ten courses). Daily 12.30pm-3pm; 7pm-midnight. Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, Al Nahyan (02 304 8380).
Pachaylen
At Pachaylen you can always expect to be served fresh, authentic and vibrant Thai food. The dining room is super pretty and glamorous, and with a spot on the Eastern Mangroves you can always go for a stroll after your meal and admire this amazing area of natural beauty. The Pit Stop promotion offers a regular or vegetarian set menu with dishes like spicy seafood soup, steam seabass and beef massaman curry for meat eaters, and Thai green tofu curry, wok-fried aubergine and vegetable dumplings for veggies.
Dhs199. Daily 7pm-11pm. Eastern Mangroves Hotel and Spa by Anantara, Salam Street (02 656 1000).
Pappagallo
This family-friendly Italian at The Village at Le Méridien Abu Dhabi always gives a warm welcome. Whether you want comforting soups or steaming bowls of pasta, you’ll find all your favourite comfort foods here. The three-course lunch menu costs less than Dhs80 per person and it includes wholesome plates like minestrone soup, pizzas with a variety of toppings, baked black cod and crepes with caramelised apples and vanilla ice cream.
Dhs75. Daily 12.30pm-3.30pm. Le Méridien Abu Dhabi, Al Zahiyah (02 644 6666).
Roberto’s Italian Restaurant
This stylish Italian is one of the most popular spots on Al Maryah Island, and as well as a brilliant Friday brunch deal, during Race Week it is offering a three-course lunch for as little as Dhs90 for two courses and Dhs130 for three. The menu changes weekly and includes pastas, soups, meats and more.
From Dhs90. Sun-Thu noon-3pm. Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island (02 627 9009).
Sacci
This up-market Italian at the Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort and Spa has a tasteful dining room and a pleasant outdoor area by the pool. If you’re a fan of truffles then you simply have to go and try its Pit Stop menu. Every dish in the three-course menu features white truffle (yes, even the caramelised fig dessert), and you can also add extra truffle for an additional Dhs45. Plus, there’s three glasses of Italian grape per person included in the price.
Dhs350 (including three glasses of grape). Fri-Sun 6pm-11pm. The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort and Spa, Khalifa City A (02 616 9999).
Si Ristorante Italiano & Bar
Head to this stylish Italian restaurant on Saadiyat Island for a relaxing meal in an impressive setting. During Race Week the venue will be offering a set Pit Stop menu of three courses that include a tartare with mozzarella, rucola and cucumber, a main of sea bass with mint jelly, brussells sprouts and cauliflower and a dessert of nougat parfait with chocolate sauce.
Dhs250. Open Sat-Wed 1pm-10.30pm;’Thu 1pm-3.30pm, 6.30pm-10.30pm; Fri 6pm-10.30pm. Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas, Saadiyat Island (02 697 0000).
Spaccanapoli
This is one of the most popular Italian restaurants in the city and with a downtown location and large, welcoming dining room it’s a great place to grab a bite to eat. Head there during Race Week and you can enjoy a three-course set Pit Stop menu and a drink for Dhs199. Tuck into a selection of dishes including wood-fired bruschetta with tomatoes, margherita pizza, homemade lasagna, traditional tiramisu and more.
Dhs199. Daily noon-11pm. Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi, Hamdan Bin Mohammed Street (02 616 6261).
Tamba
This is one of the coolest places to hang out in the city and has an incredibly atmospheric dining room and chilled-out terrace area. The Indian-inspired food is amazing too, and right now you can sample the very best of it in an 11-course menu. The appropriately named ‘culinary journey’ includes smoked chicken in tomato gravy, assorted biryani, watermelon salads and two incredible desserts.
Dhs299. Sat-Wed noon-1am; Thu-Fri noon-3am. The Hub, The Mall at World Trade Center Abu Dhabi, Al Markaziyah (02 672 8888).
Teatro
This restaurant has a diverse menu which offers a bit of everything. Whether you fancy fresh sushi, a crispy pizza or a spicy curry, you’ll find it all. The décor is very fancy too, with theatrical masks and booths adding to the atmosphere. During Race Week you can sample three set Pit Stop menus, all with musical-inspired names. The Phantom of the Opera deal includes three courses of Asian-inspired dishes such as maki rolls, dim sum, crispy chilli beef and lemongrass crème brulee. Or, if you really want to treat yourself, more expensive menus with additional courses are also available.
From Dhs277 (per person, minimum of six people). Daily 6pm-11pm. Park Rotana Abu Dhabi, Khalifa Park area (02 657 3317).
The Foundry
This steakhouse knows how to give a warm welcome and the staff are always friendly and efficient. The Pit Stop package is perfect for two, whether it’s a date night or a catch up with a friend. It includes a steak each, with a choice of either Australian Stanbroke rib eye or South African karan sirloin, plus sides of mash potato, grilled asparagus, onion rings and pepper sauce to share. There’s also a bottle of grape thrown in too.
Dhs299 (two people). Fri-Wed 6pm-10.30pm. Southern Sun Abu Dhabi, Al Zahiya (02 818 4888).
The Grill
Found at the Marriott Hotel Al Forsan in Khalifa City, this sophisticated restaurant offers fine dining at its best. The cuts of meat are amazing, but it also produces salads, fresh seafood and impressive desserts exceptionally well too. The Pit Stop menu features three courses including starters of The Grill Salad and grilled octopus, mains of wagyu steaks and salmon, plus chocolate soufflé and spiced pineapple for dessert.
Dhs299. Daily 6.30pm-11.30pm. Marriott Hotel Al Forsan, Khalifa City A (02 201 4131).
Todd English’s Olives
If you’re looking for a super cool, relaxed hideaway then Todd English’s Olives at the Venetian Village is a great place to grab a bite. Take a trip to Al Maqta during Race Week and you can enjoy a three-course lunch for Dhs75 and can take your pick from the likes of creamy broccoli soup, barbecue chicken flatbread, chicken parpadelle and pan roasted cod fillet and more. Plus on Friday you can settle in for the sunset brunch featuring dishes like braised beef short ribs from Dhs225 or the Saturday brunch with dishes including pan-seared snapper from Dhs265.
Lunch: Dhs75 Friday brunch: Dhs225 (soft drinks), Dhs295 (house beverages), Saturday brunch Dhs265 (soft drinks), Dhs375 (house beverages). Sun-Thu noon-3pm; Fri 4pm-7pm; Sat noon-3.30pm. Venetian Village . The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi Grand Canal (02 404 1941).
Tori No Su
With its distinctively Japanese-infused dining room, Tori No Su offers a great range of traditional Japanese cuisine all made with high quality ingredients. Whether you want fresh fresh sushi, gyoza dumplings or classic main courses, you’ll find it all on the menu. The Pit Stop promotion menu includes four courses of Asian specialties, featuring beef tataki salad, chicken karaage, beef koumiyaki and mocha ice cream and fruits for desserts.
Dhs200. Sun-Thu noon-3pm & 7pm-11pm; Fri-Sat 7pm-11pm. Jumeirah Etihad Towers, West Corniche (02 811 5666).
Turtle Bay Bar & Grill
This is one of the most impressive venues on Saadiyat Island. Indoors there’s a bustling surf and turf restaurant, while upstairs on the roof terrace you’ll find a bar with a brilliant view. The set Pit Stop menu includes foie gras terrine, glazed beef cheek with miso sweet potato and dark chocolate and matcha green tea dessert. Sounds good to us.
Dhs325. Open daily 1pm-3.30pm, 5pm-11.30pm. Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas, Saadiyat Island (02 697 0000).
VaKaVa
The latest South American restaurant to open in Abu Dhabi has a very colourful and Insta-worthy dining room. The Latin-inspired plates are presented with style and a bit of a drama (we’re talking about the smoking guacamole in particular), and every dish is expertly made. The set menu includes hot and cold starters like beef empanada and the previously mentioned smoking guac, plus mains like Chilean sea bass and veal ribs, with creamy tres leches cake for dessert.
Dhs320. Mon-Sat 7pm-11pm. Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, Corniche West (02 811 5666).
For more information visit timeoutabudhabi.com/pitstopmenus.
