The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is the finale of the Formula 1 season and people flock from all around the world to the UAE capital to experience the thrilling occasion.
During Race Week there are loads more things to do away from the track, including big parties, brunches and shopping deals – and it wouldn’t be an Abu Dhabi event if there wasn’t food involved.
With that in mind, Time Out Abu Dhabi has teamed up with some of Abu Dhabi’s very best restaurants and the Department of Tourism and Culture – Abu Dhabi, to bring you Pit Stop Menus.
The idea is simple – each restaurant will offer a special set menu between November 14 and December 2 to showcase its very best dishes.
Here are the restaurants where you can eat for less than Dhs100.
For more on Abu Dhabi Culinary Season follow @ADculinaryseason on Facebook and Instagram and the hashtag #ADculinaryseason.
Alba Terrace
This Mediterranean restaurant at The Abu Dhabi EDITION has a beautiful outdoor area with comfortable booths overlooking the pool and pretty shaded spots. There’s a smart indoor space, too. During Race Week it is running a lunchtime deal offering dishes such as fried calamari, kale and spinach risotto, beef carpaccio and Sicilian cheesecake, You can choose either two or three courses.
Dhs95 (two courses), Dhs120 (three courses). Sat-Thu 12.30pm-5pm. The Abu Dhabi EDITION, Al Bateen (02 208 0000).
Benjarong
This pretty Asian restaurant is found at the Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, and it is known for creating beautiful Thai dishes infused with authentic flavours. The pinto box menu contains all the best dishes from across Thailand, including tom yum soup, red curry, papaya salad and more.
Dhs90. Sun-Thu 12.30pm-3pm. Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, Al Nahyan (02 698 8137).
Bocca
Found at the Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort on the Corniche, this venue specialises in authentic Italian food. So if you’re dreaming of a getaway to Rome or Venice, now you can at least experience the cuisine of this vibrant country without leaving the capital. There’s no set menu here, so you are free to choose three courses of your choice for less than Dhs90 per person. The delicious options include risotto, grilled meats, homemade pastas and more.
Dhs89. Sun-Thu noon-3pm. Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort, Abu Dhabi, West Corniche (02 692 4247).
Café 302
This trendy café has already proven a hit in the city with its chilled atmosphere and menu packed with delicious, healthy food. Take a trip to the downtown café during Race Week and you can get your fill of a three-course menu for Dhs99 and try delicious dishes including lentil soup, spinach and kale salad, angus steak with peppers and onions, pan-seared salmon and banana cream pie.
Dhs99. Daily 6am-11pm. Al Maha Arjaan by Rotana, Hamdan Bin Mohammed Street (02 610 6666).
Jones the Grocer
With locations across the city, the cool Aussie chain is offering you the chance to try some of its most popular dishes as part of a three-course menu for less during Race Week. You can choose a starter, main course, dessert and beverage including dishes like sweet potato soup, pan-fried seabass with soba noodles and truffle and mushroom risotto.
Dhs99. Daily 6pm onwards. Various locations, including Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi Downtown, Sheikh Zayed the First Street (02 558 9808).
Market at EDITION
The healthy restaurant has a varied and exciting menu created by British Chef Tom Aikens. The set-menu lunch features wholesome plates such as veggie burgers, beef skewers, Asian-style noodles and beetroot sorbet. All the dishes are created at live stations so you can watch the chefs at work, and made with high-quality ingredients.
Dhs95 (two courses), Dhs120 (three courses). Daily 12.30pm-5pm. The Abu Dhabi EDITION, Al Bateen (02 208 0000).
Pappagallo
This family-friendly Italian at The Village at Le Méridien Abu Dhabi always gives a warm welcome. Whether you want comforting soups or steaming bowls of pasta, you’ll find all your favourite comfort foods here. The three-course lunch menu costs less than Dhs80 per person and it includes wholesome plates like minestrone soup, pizzas with a variety of toppings, baked black cod and crepes with caramelised apples and vanilla ice cream.
Dhs75. Daily 12.30pm-3.30pm. Le Méridien Abu Dhabi, Al Zahiyah (02 644 6666).
Roberto’s Italian Restaurant
This stylish Italian is one of the most popular spots on Al Maryah Island, and as well as a brilliant Friday brunch deal, during Race Week it is offering a three-course lunch for as little as Dhs90 for two courses and Dhs130 for three. The menu changes weekly and includes pastas, soups, meats and more.
From Dhs90. Sun-Thu noon-3pm. Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island (02 627 9009).
Todd English’s Olives
If you’re looking for a super cool, relaxed hideaway then Todd English’s Olives at the Venetian Village is a great place to grab a bite. Take a trip to Al Maqta during Race Week and you can enjoy a three-course lunch for Dhs75 and can take your pick from the likes of creamy broccoli soup, barbecue chicken flatbread, chicken parpadelle and pan roasted cod fillet and more. Plus on Friday you can settle in for the sunset brunch featuring dishes like braised beef short ribs from Dhs225 or the Saturday brunch with dishes including pan-seared snapper from Dhs265.
Lunch: Dhs75. Friday brunch: Dhs225 (soft drinks), Dhs295 (house beverages), Saturday brunch Dhs265 (soft drinks), Dhs375 (house beverages). Sun-Thu noon-3pm; Fri 4pm-7pm; Sat noon-3.30pm. Venetian Village . The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi Grand Canal (02 404 1941).
