Call it what you may – the leaning tower of Abu Dhabi, the curved building near ADNEC or that Olympic torch-like-shaped hotel, the Hyatt Capital Gate definitely makes its presence felt.
We’re at the hotel’s 18 degrees, which is based at the point where the building begins its 18-degree tilt. So, it won’t come as a surprise that the restaurant offers panoramic views of the city, making it an ideal spot for visitors to the emirate and resident couples.
The venue is open all day for hotel guests, but on an evening the dinner menu is Mediterranean with a focus on coastal dishes from Italy, Spain and France. Smoked salmon is always a safe dish to order and the offering at 18 degrees ticks all the boxes. The fish is tasty and a light squeeze of lemon cuts through the crème fraiche it is served with. Onion rings give the dish a fresh crunch, making it a winning plate for the summer.
Meanwhile, the beef short ribs are sticky, sweet and served on a bed of sweet parsnip purée. Unfortunately, ours are cooked unevenly and fail to deliver on the melt-in-the-mouth reputation the dish is famous for.
While the views deliver here, the food doesn’t always hit the same heights.
The bottom line
Chatty staff, good views with okay food.
