Winner
Le Petite Maison
This French venue offers a modern fine-dining experience that has once again, proved impossible to top. The dining room is bright and welcoming, the staff absolutely never miss a beat and the menu is filled with super Niçoise specialities, meaning you get Mediterranean classics inspired by France and Italy. Dishes are designed to share and the sea bass baked in a sea salt and herb crust is one of the signature favourites. Served with asparagus and cherry tomatoes, it’s absolutely beautiful and you really need to try it.
The Galleria Al Maryah Island (02 692 9600).
Highly commended
Alba Terrace
We love all three of the restaurants at stylish yet understated hotel The Abu Dhabi EDITION, but Alba Terrace is the one to head to when the weather is perfect (like right now, for instance). It’s lucky enough to have a pretty outdoor area right by the infinity pool, and some of the booths are sunk right into the water. But don’t worry, you won’t get wet as you tuck into the fresh and wholesome Mediterranean plates such as calamari with squid ink, spinach and kale risotto or indulgent Sicilian cheesecake. The staff are real characters, too, and they make sure everyone has the best time in this pristine venue.
The Abu Dhabi EDITION, Al Bateen Marina (02 418 2506).
Bentley Kitchen
This cool restaurant serves up a creative take on European dining with dishes inspired by French cuisine and also other magnificent dishes from around the world. The fun light bites include Cajun salmon sliders, chicken bao buns and lobster tacos, while the mains feature a range of quality steaks, huge grilled tiger prawns and other European staples like chicken schnitzel.
The Galleria Al Maryah Island (02 626 2131).
Bord Eau
Fancy and fantastically French, Bord Eau is a homage to French classical cooking and we think that’s great. Serving up all the classics that have been enjoyed in France for decades, and modern dishes too, all in a sophisticated setting, if you’re on the lookout for top-end European cuisine then you’re in the right place.
Sun-Fri 6.30pm-11.30pm. Bord Eau, Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri (02 509 8555).
Nominees
Brauhaus
We love this Germanic restaurant and we’re not the only ones that have a soft spot for this long-running restaurant. Serving up all things German from imported hops to sausages and sauerkraut, grab a seat at a bench, bring some friends and proper to tuck into something a bit different and distinctly German at this great venue.
Daily noon-11.30pm. Brauhaus, Beach Rotana, Al Zahiya (02 697 9011).
Eat Greek Kouzina
Stylish and welcoming, Eat Greek is one of many brilliant resturants at the Galleria Al Maryah Island. Serving up authentic Greek cuisine, we love tucking into classics like stuffed pitas, souvlaki, moussaka and the rest whenever we can. Plus there’s always something on the specials to check out and the Greek mixed drinks are pretty special too.
Daily noon-11.50pm. Eat Greek Kouzina, The Galleria Al Maryah Island (02 309 2323).
La Brasserie
Fancy French fare is the focus at this elegant and stylish restaurant and there’s nothing wrong with that. Bringing a whole Host of classic European dishes and modern interpretations to the table you can feast on dishes like beef tartare, confit duck and more while soaking in the relaxing ambiance.
Daily 9am-11pm. La Brasserie, Venetian Village, Al Maqta (02 404 1931).
Le Beaujolais
This bistro is something of an institution and has been around the city now for decades. Keeping a restaurant going for many years and keeping customers coming through the door is no easy task and people still flock this French restaurant for a reason. Humble delicious food, made with love and served with a smile. Simple.
Daily noon-midnight. Le Beaujolais, Novel Hotel City Center (02 633 3555).
The Scene by Simon Rimmer
When you see the roast dinners at this Yas Marina restaurant it’s hard to imagine anything other than tucking into a Yorkshire pudding. The stylish venue, with great views of the marina serves up modern British cuisine like fish and chips, gastropub classics and European dishes, and we’re yet to find a dish we don’t like on the menu.
Sun-Wed noon-11pm, Thu noon-1am, Fri 10am-1am and Sat 10am-11pm. The Scene by Simon Rimmer, Yas Marina (050 797 0331).
Todd English’s Olives
There’s something about watching fresh pasta being made and as you step into this incredibly stylish and modern restaurant you can’t help but take notice of the chefs at work. With a whole host of Italian classics and modern European fare it’s a great place to grab a bite or a drink at the impressive bar if you’re in the area.
Daily noon-midnight. Todd English’s Olives, Venetian Village (02 404 1941).
