Any pro will tell you that there is a brunch to suit every occasion in Abu Dhabi. You’ve got sessions where it’s all fun and games (and usually involve a pool); sittings all about treating your taste buds and stretching your belt buckle to the limits; and times squarely for relaxing while enjoying good food and good company. Hickory’s Restaurant is most definitely the latter.
Based in the gorgeous clubhouse of Yas Links Abu Dhabi (we’re getting serious colonial vibes) the restaurant and bar is usually the setting for golfers to round off their scorecard after playing 18 on the Kyle Phillips-designed course.
Hickory was the wood used to make the shaft of golf clubs back in the day, and the rich mahogany-hued wooden furnishings of the restaurant’s interior nod to the reference.
Outdoors, the terrace is arguably one of Abu Dhabi’s prettiest, serving up stunning vistas of endless mangroves and the Arabian Gulf, and a marvellous place to catch the sun hanging his hat in the winter months.
But like golf majors, brunches aren’t won with the opening swing. So how does the rest of Hickory’s game play out?
Teeing off at 12.30pm, the atmosphere is super chill, with tables dominated by young families and those looking to treat their parents to a pleasant Friday afternoon.
Following the classic carvery format, expect to go and collect your cuts and trimmings in the small room next door, where chefs are waiting eagerly to load up plates.
Every wall is lined by a table piled high with food. Starters feature some strong choices for picking and nibbling, with prawn cocktail, salads and salmon rolls strong choices.
For the mains, sink yourself delicious salmon, scallops, tender lamb and seafood thermidor along with root vegetables. A medium-rare roasted joint of beef takes pride of place on the carvery, and there’s an absolute bounty of it.
The round comes to a close with dainty desserts including chocolate fudge cake (always a winner), cream caramel pudding, apple crumble and a wholesale-worthy selection of fresh fruit.
To avoid any bogies on your experience, bear in mind the price of Dhs99 is for food only, with Dhs269 including soft, house and premium drinks. And these may fluctuate based on the occasion.
It may not be the liveliest brunch in town, but that’s par for the course. For a family-friendly Friday carvery, Hickory should absolutely make the cut.
Dhs99 (food), Dhs269 (food and house drinks). Licensed. Fri 12.30pm-3.30pm. Yas Links Abu Dhabi, Yas Island (02 404 3077).
