This Irish pub has got to be one of Abu Dhabi’s best-kept secrets. Okay, it’s well known to those in Khalidiya, but it’s unlikely there are people in Al Ain or Dubai chomping at the bit to head here. But they should be, because it’s ace.
Fadó is bigger than you might assume, with a decent-sized non-smoking area away from the bar, a stage for live music, a dart board and plenty of big screens for the big football matches in the first-floor venue.
It’s all good value, too. The happy hour deals are solid and the menu is filled with affordable, tasty sounding plates of food showing a true Irish influence. You’ll find boxty included with some of the dishes, others have sauces made from “The Black Stuff”, and the shepherd’s pie is topped with colcannon.
The pub has come from Ireland via Chicago so there are nods to the US here, too, and you’ll find sliders, fish tacos and chicken wings alongside the more traditional Irish options.
It’s not the kind of place you’re likely to order starters, mains and desserts each, not least due to the hearty portions. On this visit we stick to something to share before diving into mains.
The cheese dip is about as good as pub food gets. A bowl of melted, gooey, rich cheese and onion sauce to mop up with wedges of boxty. These are more like farls (potato bread) than the admittedly similar boxty (potato pancakes) but no matter, it’s really super.
The salad is filled with nutty roast cauliflower, sweet dried cranberries, salty feta and sharp pickled onions making for a satisfying mix of textures and flavours.
We make the error of forgetting to order the fish with chunky chips rather than fries and are still kicking ourselves. The fish, however, can’t be faulted. If the coleslaw was swapped for mushy peas the kitchen would be on to a winner. Pub fans should definitely pay a visit.
The bill (for two)
1x cheese dip and wedges Dhs30
1x kale and barley salad Dhs60
1x fish and chips Dhs70
2x soda water Dhs30
Total (excluding taxes) Dhs190
The bottom line
Good food in a wonderfully welcoming pub.
