If Abu Dhabi is to continue building a reputation as the region’s cultural hub, it certainly won’t be doing it on an empty stomach. In the past year we’ve seen huge expansions across the hotel industry, each new property bringing with it a handful of restaurants all well aware of the competition they’re up against. Some have hit the ground running but stumbled under the pressure, while others have taken the hectic pace in their stride and quickly risen through the ranks.
All of this activity has had a profound effect on the already existent dining scene, of course. We’ve seen chefs come and go as established outlets seek to keep up with new blood, and those unwilling or unable to keep up with the changes have fallen by the wayside, all of which makes Abu Dhabi’s restaurant industry sound mercilessly cutthroat – great news if you’re a foodie.
See the Best Americas shortlist here.
See the Best Bar & Pub Food shortlist here.
See the Best Brunch shortlist here.
See the Best Budget shortlist here.
See the Best Business Lunch shortlist here.
See the Best Cafe shortlist here.
See the Best Chinese shortlist here.
See the Best Contemporary European shortlist here.
See the Best Indian shortlist here.
See the Best International shortlist here.
See the Best Italian shortlist here.
See the Best Japanese shortlist here.
See the Best MENA shortlist here.
See the Best Newcomer shortlist here.
See the Best Romantic shortlist here.
See the Best Seafood shortlist here.
See the Best South East Asian shortlist here.
As restaurant lovers ourselves, we at Time Out Abu Dhabi have enjoyed the year immensely. The phrase ‘busting a gut’ springs to mind as we look back over 12 months of considered eating, sporadic exercising and tumultuous judging – the latter being genuinely hard work. Never before has the city presented us with such choice; never before has the competition been so fierce.
Around the world, Time Out is a byword for independent critique. Readers reach for the magazines and guidebooks expecting well-considered analysis, aware that our restaurant critics perform their role anonymously, receiving exactly the kind of treatment as our customers themselves might. It’s no surprise then that über chef Gary Rhodes likened his recent success at the Time Out Dubai awards to winning a Michelin star. Evidently, Time Out Awards are major events for industry and indulgers alike.
We’ll be announcing the winners at the Time Out Abu Dhabi Restaurant Awards 2010, which take place on November 4 at Yas Hotel. Before that, we encourage you to browse our shortlist, on which you’ll notice new categories for best brunch, best Chinese, best Japanese and best South East Asian restaurants. It’s a larger list for a larger city. Long may they both continue to grow.
