The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is 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, Time Out Abu Dhabi has 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.
Here are the restaurants taking part on the outskirts of the city.
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).
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).
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).
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).
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).
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 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).
