Kennedy: Hidden away inside the terrifying Armed Forces Officer’s Club and Hotel, the fact that this quaint little modern European restaurant enjoys little in the way of custom is hardly surprising. It is, however, a massive shame, since both the food and service are really rather excellent. We’re not talking the finest of fine dining standards here, but at Dhs160 for three courses (including a superb tenderloin steak) and two glasses of house red or white, we’re surprised they don’t ask you to bring your own oxygen. Seek it out, people – you won’t regret it.
Al Maqta (02 441 5900).
Al Qasr: You can walk into any Lebanese restaurant in the city and order a decent bowl of houmous and tabbouleh, but away from the classic mezze options, the authenticity of the capital’s Levantine offerings tends to be a little hit and miss. Not so at this unassuming little Tourist Club joint, which serves up a spot-on, spicy batata harra, silky-smooth labneh and a mixed grill that had TOAD’s Beirut-born editor singing the chef’s praises (as in literally singing). It doesn’t enjoy the same sort of buzzing atmosphere as somewhere like Lebanese Flower, but when the grub’s better, who cares?
Opposite Abu Dhabi Mall (02 644 9933).
Le Beaujolais: When on the hunt for gourmet grub, few would give Hamdan Street’s drab, dated Novotel a second look. More fool them, since its under-loved French bistro offers one of the best value meals in the city, taking simple European cooking, ditching the pomposity and slapping it all with a barely believable price tag. The juicy tenderloin steak and the fish and chips are especially good – the latter better even than you’ll find at some of the city’s British pubs – while the bargain basement house plonk makes a worthy addition to any meal.
Hamdan Street (02 633 3555).
Pizza Amore: Proving great pizza needn’t cost the Earth, this scruffy little spot based across the street from Abu Dhabi Mall fires up one of the tastiest slices in town. And since it’s generally a tad on the quiet side (to put it politely), you’ll generally be fed and out the door in half an hour flat, making this a great option for a speedy downtown lunch. Our pick of the toppings is the shrimp-and-chilli-laced Amore pizza, while the rolled up calzone – stuffed with beef, mushrooms and pesto – is as good as you’ll find in the balmy piazzas of Rome itself.
Opposite Abu Dhabi Mall (02 644 9990).
Ruchi: While Indian food isn’t particularly hard to come by in the capital, affordable, quality curry is certainly on the scarce side, and that’s what makes this generic-looking venue such a revelation. The naan is fresh, fluffy and flavoursome, the meat kebabs are deliciously tender and the chicken tikka masala the best we’ve ever tasted (not to mention an absolute snip at Dhs18). The local Indian community love it, too, which is as sure a sign as any that if this isn’t already on your takeaway roster, it really should be.
Behind Al Mariah Mall (02 679 5679).
Jun Encarnacion: Part pan-Asian restaurant, part Filipino karaoke bar, this Hamdan Street feeding shack is also home to some of the tastiest Thai and Chinese grub in Abu Dhabi. You’ll need to put up with the house band warbling classic love songs in your ear while you eat, but those ordering the tangy sweet and sour vegetables or creamy green curry will agree that it’s a small price to pay. It’s remarkably cheap, too, with a table for two able to fill up for under Dhs150 – a rare treat indeed.
Hamdan Street (02 627 4066).
