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 taking part in Downtown Abu Dhabi.
For more on Abu Dhabi Culinary Season follow @ADculinaryseason on Facebook and Instagram and the hashtag #ADculinaryseason.
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).
Cho Gao
Serving up Asian delicacies in the heart of Abu Dhabi, Cho Gao is a great place to enjoy a meal or a drink with a stylish and inviting dining room taking you on a journey to the Far East. Take a trip to Cho Gao during Race Week and you can try a three-course set menu packed full of Asian dishes including Sriracha chilli prawns, miso soup, cashew chicken and Peking duck for less than Dhs200.
Dhs199. Daily noon-1am. Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi, Hamdan Bin Mohammed Street (02 616 6261).
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).
JW Steakhouse
This classy steakhouse has a cool USA-style dining room with comfortable leather chairs and views over Downtown Abu Dhabi. The set menu deal includes a choice of starters like sea bass ceviche, mains of lamb, ravioli and steak, and sweet desserts.
Dhs199 (lamb or ravioli), Dhs299 (steak). Daily 6.30pm-11.30pm. Marriott Hotel Downtown Abu Dhabi, Shaikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street (02 304 7777).
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).
Spaccanapoli
This is one of the most popular Italian restaurants in the city and with a downtown location and large, welcoming dining room it’s a great place to grab a bite to eat. Head there during Race Week and you can enjoy a three-course set Pit Stop menu and a drink for Dhs199. Tuck into a selection of dishes including wood-fired bruschetta with tomatoes, margherita pizza, homemade lasagna, traditional tiramisu and more.
Dhs199. Daily noon-11pm. Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi, Hamdan Bin Mohammed Street (02 616 6261).
Tamba
This is one of the coolest places to hang out in the city and has an incredibly atmospheric dining room and chilled-out terrace area. The Indian-inspired food is amazing too, and right now you can sample the very best of it in an 11-course menu. The appropriately named ‘culinary journey’ includes smoked chicken in tomato gravy, assorted biryani, watermelon salads and two incredible desserts.
Dhs299. Sat-Wed noon-1am; Thu-Fri noon-3am. The Hub, The Mall at World Trade Center Abu Dhabi, Al Markaziyah (02 672 8888).
The Foundry
This steakhouse knows how to give a warm welcome and the staff are always friendly and efficient. The Pit Stop package is perfect for two, whether it’s a date night or a catch up with a friend. It includes a steak each, with a choice of either Australian Stanbroke rib eye or South African karan sirloin, plus sides of mash potato, grilled asparagus, onion rings and pepper sauce to share. There’s also a bottle of grape thrown in too.
Dhs299 (two people). Fri-Wed 6pm-10.30pm. Southern Sun Abu Dhabi, Al Zahiya (02 818 4888).
