Abu Dhabi’s food scene continues to expand at an astounding rate, with new must-visit restaurant zones opening up every month. TOAD offers the lowdown on some of our favourites to keep you in the loop.
The Collection at the St Regis on Saadiyat Island
The growing cultural hub is poised to become the art capital of the world, and so The Collection has been designed to cope with the high-end demand that Saadiyat is set to create. Launched in April of 2013, this mix of retail and restaurants offers a wide range of the highest standard eateries. Recently opened Caramel Lounge is Saadiyat’s new go-to lounge and bar, in addition to contemporary Japanese Koi Shakespeare and Co., Lebanese restaurant Abdel Waheb and Avasa Indian Kitchen. Baskin & Robbins leads the procession of high-street retailers that are also currently open. With increased numbers of visitors expected to venture to Saadiyat expect to see more openings soon.
St Regis on Saadiayt Residences, www.thecollection.ae
Eastern Mangroves Promenade
This hidden jewel is rather more extensive than you would think from first glance. The Promenade, which opened in November 2013, offers residents of Eastern Mangroves and the surrounding areas fine dining in an otherwise rather empty quarter of the island. This growing hub will provide fine dining alternatives to residents and guests of the Eastern Mangroves hotels. Established venues including Indian restaurant Peppermill, Lebanese seafood eatery Flooka and Café Blanc can be found here, with more to restaurants come – Starbucks, Johnny Rockets and Boa Steakhouse and Lounge are all planning on opening soon. This tranquil setting offers alfresco dining with sprawling views of the mangroves, without the hassle of finding a car space, nasty traffic and driving into downtown Abu Dhabi.
www.easternmangrovespromenade.ae
World Trade Center Mall, Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi’s newest mall is open for business with several inaugural outlets opening their doors recently. When complete, the World Trade Center Mall will be host to more than 20 food outlets, many the first of their kind in the capital.
International gourmet Chinese chain, PF Chang’s saw a queue of hundreds for their opening ceremony and similar is expected for Nando’s. The quiet mall and souk is a haven of peace, away from the noise of Abu Dhabi streets. Mexican Cantina Mariachi is representing South American cusine alongside North American burger chains including Fatburger. Shake Shack will also be available in the mall, a counterpart to the Dalma Mall branch, along with Italian chain Romano’s Macaroni Grill and Eastern restaurant Studio Masr, and a selection of cafes including Caribou Café, Dome and Brioche Doree.
Yas Marina
Alternatively, if you live a little further out, there’s always the Yas Marina if you’re looking to dine away from the bigger hotels. This new precinct hosts cafes, Spanish tapas bar Diablito, American diner Stars’n’Bars, Italian restaurant Cipriani and Iris as well as more to come. It’s also well worth checking out the marina’s Saturday markets.
www.cnmarinas.com
Coming Soon!
Yas Mall
As the shopping community waits with baited breath, Yas Mall is expected to open later this year. It will be the largest mall in the Emirate and the second largest in the UAE upon completion. Expected dining destinations include The Cheesecake Factory, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Al Halabi, TWG(tea boutique), Giraffe Café and several more to be confirmed.
www.yasisland.ae
