The outdoor area at Alba Terrace is one of the best places to spend a lazy Friday afternoon in Abu Dhabi. Judging by how busy it is on our latest visit, plenty of other people feel the same.
With comfortable benches piled with classy blue and white cushions, cool booths sunk into the edges of the stylish infinity pool and trailing vine leaves everywhere, it’s a picturesque setting.
The afternoon starts with a fruity welcome drink. The set menu means means there are no choices to be made, and the courses are full of fresh, healthy and light dishes. If you’re looking for stodgy and simple plates, than this event probably isn’t for you.
The burrata trolley kicks into action first, and before long you’ll have a dish of creamy cheese drizzled with balsamic vinegar infront of you. It goes perfectly with the huge cubes of foccacia that are brought to the table. Sitting in the shade, it’s a perfect start to the day.
We’re also big fans of the mint and cucumber salad (also featuring a wholesome mix of broad beans, peas, quinoa and feta). It’s interesting, exciting and exactly what a good salad should be. We order a second helping, which arrives alongside a plate of tuna tartare, rocket and balsamic vinaigrette, which is just as brilliant. The fish tastes beautifully fresh and it’s clear that the kitchen has gone to great lengths to source high quality ingredients.
Everything is perfectly put together, even the charcuterie board. While there’s no cooking involved, it’s perfect for nibbling as the afternoon winds on. As we work through the smoked duck breast, truffle salami, chutneys and other tasty bites, a live band strikes up and the already jolly mood is lifted even higher.
The star of the mains is the courgette and prawn risotto. It’s perfectly creamy and it tastes like great time and care went into cooking it. Scattered with crushed pistachios and filled with ribbons of fresh vegetables and meaty shellfish, we just wish there was more.
Meanwhile, the truffle pizza has a beautifully soft base. The chicken paillard is our least favourite of the mains, but we love the mix of olives, cheese, tomatoes and meat.
We’re full by the time we get to dessert, but as the food is so light and fresh we’re not uncomfortable. The brioche bun looks as pretty as a picture, and filled with raspberries and cream we can’t help wolfing down a slice along with some fruit sorbet.
If you’re looking for a laidback, semi-healthy brunch that’s all about truly excellent food (rather than fitting in as many trips to the buffet table as possible), you can’t do much better than Alba Terrace.
Dhs245 (soft drinks), Dhs388 (house beverages), Dhs488 (bubbly). 12.30pm-8pm (three-hour package). The Abu Dhabi EDITION, Al Bateen Marina (02 208 0000).
