Mushrif Mall dining

Here at Time Out, we’re on the ball! That’s why we scurried along to check out the food scene at the new Mushrif mall, even before half the restaurants opened.

Jimmy’s Killer Prawns
Be warned, this place is a little on the pricey side. And to us it made little sense why good seafood, at good seafood prices, should be served up so cheaply. The setting certainly does no justice to the prawns, which are aptly named ‘killer,’ and complimented by a selection of good sauces. Be sure also to order the creamy mussels, because you certainly won’t be disappointed. All in all, everything on the platter which had come out the sea, was thoroughly satisfying in a greasy, finger-licking (you will literally have to do this, by the way) way. The steak strips (what gives?) and rice however, deserved to be shunned mercilessly. They were such stuff as fast-food is made of, and we didn’t much fancy them raining on our culinary parade. Staff were polite, albeit seeming a little deflated, but they certainly get points for being so accommodating of our questions regarding food intolerances, and actually responding to them.
Open daily noon-11pm. Mushrif Mall 3rd floor (02 450 0300) abudhabi@jimmyskillerprawns.com

India Palace
Another welcome branch of the very successful franchise, India Palace at Mushrif Mall is a breath of fresh air for those who have walked past all the other fast-food joints with a sneer. The atmosphere pleasant (which is saying quite a bit for a mall outlet), and the menu certainly more inspired than your standard curry house. This justifies the prices, which are in no way steep, but a little above what you’d usually expect to pay. We very much appreciated the milder spices. Not only were they kinder to us folk with more sensitive stomachs, but they allowed all those other flavours that often get lost in chilli, to surface triumphantly. The lamb biryani and fresh naans were particularly memorable, and we certainly recommend the tandoori kebabs, marinated in an exotic blend of herbs and spices.
Open daily, noon-12am. Mushrif Mall 3rd floor (02 447 2420)

Bricco Café
Bricco Café has turned into a something of a mall staple in the capital, with popular branches in both Al Wahda and Khalidiya Mall serving up Italian fare in a casual, slightly canteen-y setting. If you’re a fan of the Biellas and Il Fornos of this city (mall restaurants that make you feel like you’re a world away from the chaos of the shops), then you’ll certainly like Bricco. The atmosphere is friendly and easy-going, the prices are reasonable and the food is a straightforward selection of no-nonsense pizzas, pastas and salads. It’s not high-class Italian dining of course, but ingredients are fresh and portions hearty, making it a perfectly respectable option for a pit stop during a long day’s shopping.
Open daily noon-11.00pm. Mushrif Mall 3rd floor (02 690 4422)