We’re already big fans of VaKaVa. With its entertaining atmosphere and eye-catching decorations – it’s the kind of place where you know you’ll have a good time from the off.
You might have been to this vibrant venue at Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers after dark, but with sunlight streaming through the entire restaurant and jetskiers having a ball outside, it’s impressive during the daytime, too.
In fact (dare we say) we might like VaKaVa even better this way.
Say hello to the the giant bull statues outside the restaurant — and by that we mean take the customary pic with them for the ’gram — then allow yourself to be energized by the atmosphere of a buzzy brunch.
You’ll be greeted with a colourful array of test-tube drinks before you’ve even sat down, so the party vibe is well underway straight from the word go.
Drinks are followed by yummy cold starters including guacamole and chips, tangy beetroot salad with goat’s cheese and pecans and salmon tiradito.
Dishes come from acclaimed chef Richard Sandoval, so you know you’re in for a treat with this one too – as food isn’t playing second fiddle at this fun-packed Friday brunch.
The hot starters include crunchy mushroom flatbread drizzled in truffle oil (fragrant indulgent and a top start to the meal) and tender lamb anticucho (flavoursome and rich), but the crispy prawns steal the show for this course – sweet, spicy, and just the right amount of crunch. We could eat these all day. But of course we won’t as there’s heaps more to come.
The vibe is upbeat (you’ll have to book in advance for this one) and the food is accompanied by more than a smile or two.
For mains there is a picanha steak and sea bass in ají panca sauce, but if you’re vegetarian don’t worry, there are plenty of veggie options too, including deliciously moreish slow-cooked potatoes, a fiery chipotle salad and grilled cauliflower.
Finally, if you can manage it (save room, its worth the squeeze), the light dessert course includes a range of sweet bites from carrot cake to fresh fruit.
Drinks are free-flowing throughout the afternoon, with a dedicated server who will roll by your table with a cart to make them in front of you.
Plus, at Dhs295 for soft drinks and Dhs495 for the house package (including hops, red and white grape, Spanish grape, Mexican mixed drinks and more) it’s a decent way to try VaKaVa, even if it’s on the steeper side by Abu Dhabi standards.
If you love energetic vibes, quality food, and eating until you could burst, it’s worth making a date at this capital superstar.
Dhs295 (soft drinks) Dhs495 (house). Fri 2pm-7pm. Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, Corniche Road (02 811 5666).
