We’re not sure who coined the term sundowners but we do enjoy heading out of an evening before the sun has said goodnight to enjoy a drink or two.
Sure, you can see a million sunsets on social media but there’s nothing really like the real thing when you’ve got a good vantage point, a cool drink and a few friends to share the moment with.
Back open with a new look after some extensive refurbishments, Grills@Chill’O has arrived just in time for the cooler months.
Located on the ninth floor of Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche, the venue always enjoyed a nice view out to the Corniche, looking out over the Arabian Gulf, but those views now seem enhanced by the new surroundings.
Flanked by the towers of the hotel on three sides, the new rooftop terrace is an excellent vantage point for, you guessed it, killer sunsets. It’s a great place to spend a chilled evening with a few drinks and food.
In the main dining room you can look out towards the pool and to the rear of the room a fountain. The team has done a great job of upgrading the venue: It’s modern, understated and inviting, without being too over the top.
We’re here on a weekend and head upstairs in the two-storey venue to take our seats. We’re looking forward to some happy hour drinks, which are half price from 4pm to 9pm (so, the perfect window for watching the sunset and having a relaxed evening with a good deal).
While we come from a much colder country than the UAE, once the sun has set we find ourselves feeling the chill and to our embarrassment soon find ourselves draped in a blanket to what we imagine would be sniggers from friends back home. It’s a nice touch from the staff that the blankets are on hand for anyone feeling a chill(o).
Our drinks are well made, arrive quickly. You can’t really complain at half price beverages.
The servers are on the ball and are attentive without being too pushy.
We don’t order food this time but judging by the beautiful plates of freshly grilled seafood, meat and more that goes by, maybe we missed a trick. Oh well, we’ll just have to come back again and try it out. We’re delighted to see this venue back open.
