Octopus might be the marmite of the seafood world, and when it’s not done right, the humble cephalopod can result in a chewy, rubbery mess. Get it right though, and it’s nothing short of delicious. Luckily, the skilled chefs in Abu Dhabi typically get it very, very right.
Be it grilled or charred, in a salad or pasta, chefs across the city are well-versed in these tender tentacles, which can be served in a myriad of ways and in a range of cuisines, from Peruvian to Italian to Greek. For your next foray into the sea creature, these top five octopus dishes in Abu Dhabi are definitely worth a try.
Pulpo Rostizado at COYA
A regular Time Out Abu Dhabi Restaurant Award contender and winner, COYA is a restaurant that needs no introduction. Its renowned kitchen honours Peruvian classics with an innovative twist – and it never fails to impress which its unique flavour combinations. There is no exception when it comes to the crispy roasted octopus. Served with bottarga, botija olives, aji amarillo chilli peppers and smoked paprika, the tentacles sit atop a creamy potato purée, and there’s also the chance to add extra truffle, which is always a wise move in our books.
For Time Out’s full review click here.
Open Sun-Wed noon-4:30pm, 6:30pm–1am; Thu noon–4:30pm, 6:30pm–2am; Fri 12:30pm–4pm, 6:30pm-2am; Sat 12:30pm-12:30am. Four Seasons Hotel, The Galleria, coyarestaurant.com/abu-dhabi (02 306 7000).
Octopus with aubergine mousse at Eat Greek
Bringing a bit of the Mediterranean to Abu Dhabi’s sandy shores, it’s no surprise that Eat Greek would be swimming with plucked-from-the-ocean seafood options. Octopus makes an appearance twice – first in the starters alongside salicornia (also known as sea asparagus), smoked aubergine mousse and garden leaves, and second as a main course, where its meaty tendrils are simply slow cooked and chargrilled with paprika and lemon oil, served alongside Santorini fava bean salad. Why not go for a double whammy?
For Time Out’s full review click here.
Open daily noon-midnight. The Galleria, Al Maryah Island, eatgreekkouzina.com/abu-dhabi-the-galleria (02 309 2323).
Grilled octopus at VaKaVa
VaKaVa might have only opened its doors in Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers late last year, but it’s quickly made a name for itself as the place to go for exquisite Latin American dishes courtesy of chef Richard Sandoval. Simple yet effective, its juicy tendril comes grilled Peruvian style in lime juice, garlic and red onion, balancing the protein against a hard-to-pin sweetness that’s impossible to resist. It comes served with chimichurri and potato salad, because carbs are life.
For Time Out’s full review click here.
Open Tue-Thu 6pm-1am; Fri 2pm-1am, Sat 1pm-11pm. Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers (02 811 5666).
Polpo Arrosto at Cafe Milano
With its prime waterfront position at the Four Seasons Abu Dhabi, Cafe Milano is one of the most sophisticated spots to enjoy fine Italian dining in the city. Bypass its pizza and pasta and go straight for the polpo arrosto, which features perfectly roasted octopus alongside peach, green beans and mint. Surprisingly refreshing, it’s just as much a feast for the eyes.
For Time Out’s full review click here.
Open daily noon-5:30pm, 6pm-11pm. The Galleria, Al Maryah Island, cafemilano.ae (02 333 2630).
Octopus at Sayad
With a name that means ‘fisherman’ in Arabic, Sayad is the spot in the city for superb dishes in show-stopping surroundings, taking up a coveted spot in the majestic Emirates Palace hotel. There’s just one octopus dish on the menu, but it’s a real stand-out. The cephalopod is served on a mountain of mashed potatoes with heirloom cherry tomatoes and a sprinkling of pistachio. Trust us, it tastes even better than it looks.
For Time Out’s full review click here.
Open daily noon-4pm, 6pm-11pm. Emirates Palace, mandarinoriental.com/abu-dhabi/emirates-palace/fine-dining/restaurant/mediterranean-cuisine/sayad, (02 690 7999).
For the best seafood restaurants in Abu Dhabi, click here.
