Filini Garden will have been open for two years in November, and as time goes on we find ourselves falling more and more in love with the place.
It’s just got everything you could want, including regular drinks deals and pretty, Insta-friendly decorations, such as the charming wooden furniture and brass-framed light bulbs.
We’re here for a few after-work drinks, and even though the humidity remains ridiculously high outside, we’re still able to take a seat on the terrace and watch the beautiful scene of the sun setting over Yas Links.
That’s because the venue is home to a very cool (in the literal sense, and because it’s an amazing idea) air-conditioned terrace. It lets us enjoy gazing out at the rolling fairways and water beyond, without having to suffer in the heat. The garden theme also makes it very easy to imagine that the glass box isn’t there, and that we’re actually relaxing in a stylish garden bar.
As always the place is busy, and we’re pleased we were smart enough to book a table.
There’s a huge choice of mixed drinks and grapes, but our server tells us that we’re in time for the Filini Sunsets deal, which offers a selection of Italian mixed drinks for Dhs30 from 5pm to 7pm.
Following the Italian tradition of aperitivo, there’s also some light bites, or cicchetti, available for Dhs15 a plate.
It seems the perfect time of day for such a refreshment, so we order two orange Italian mixed drinks, and sit back and take in the laid-back vibes.
Our beverages come with a piece of orange peel adorned with a burnt-on Filini logo, and as well as looking professional, they also taste expertly made too.
These go down alarmingly quickly, so we order a couple more which are quickly delivered.
We’re also starting to get hungry, so we cave and decide to order a buffala pizza topped with mozzarella, cherry tomatoes and basil. It’s simple, which is how we think good Italian pizza should be, and the thin base strikes just the right balance between soft and crispy.
As it gets later the place fills up even more, and the music is turned up as a live DJ takes his place on the decks.
With an incredible setting, lively atmosphere and a super choice of drinks, there are few better places for aperitivo, or a drink, at any time of day or night.
WHAT IS IT…
A cool and stylish bar overlooking Yas Links
WHY GO…
To watch the sunset with a drink in hand
