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Great European Cuisine in Abu Dhabi
High End
Bord Eau $$$ - $$$$
Shangri La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri +971 2 509 8888
Bord Eau is classy, elegant fine dining at its best. For that extra special occasion, Bord Eau wins top marks. The quality of the food served is unbeatable with many fresh ingredients flown in from abroad – not great on the carbon footprint, but for a special culinary experience – it’s worth it. Unfortunately, the waiting staff don’t all score top marks for a top end restaurant so this is one area they may need to work on. However with such wonderfully tasting food, relaxed romantic atmosphere and pretty decent service, this place is one of those perfect venues for a special occasion.
Mid Range
Azur $$$
Al Raha Beach +971 2 508 0555
Set in the new boutique hotel resort – Al Raha Beach, Azur serves up lush Mediterranean cuisine inspired from Italy, Spain and France in relaxed surroundings with great service. Dishes include Grilled Lobster and Tagliatelle Capricciose with red caviar. Choose to dine under the stars overlooking the pool and gardens or on those hot days, indoors amongst the live entertainment. The Al Raha resort is about 20 minutes from Abu Dhabi city by car or 10 minutes from Yas Island and ADNEC. Well worth the drive if you are based in the city but book beforehand for weekend reservations and outdoor seating.
Lemon Tree $$-$$$
Holiday Inn, Al Muroor +971 2 657 4858
Lemon Tree is one of those restaurants you simply can’t go wrong with. The hotel is situated in the recently opened Holiday Inn, a cut above the standard chain designs you find worldwide, this branch has oodles of space, great lighting and ample parking which is non existent in Abu Dhabi nowadays. Lemon Tree is a Mediterranean eatery and its menu is varied pleasing all appetites from fancy pizzas, paellas and pâté. For desserts, don’t leave without sampling the famous churros – so irresistible.
Budget
Russian Waterfalls Cafeteria $
Khalifa Bin Zayed Street nr Russian Embassy
+971 2 671 3687
Seeing as French and Spanish cuisine always seem to dominate the European category, we thought we’d introduce you to a Russian café that is such good value for money and is open way late into the night. Granted, they serve out of the ordinary dishes such as Boiled Tongue and Buckwheat, but hearty comfort foods are available too such as meatballs, stews and kiev cutlets – no need to buy the frozen variety now. Delivery and takeaway service available but for a real authentic experience dine-in and admire the tacky décor and eastern European music channels. Friendly service and value for money, try it out, it’s something different!
Grapeshisha Choice
Mirabel $$
Fotouh Al Khair centre, M&S building +971 2 631 5111
Mirabel overlaps several cuisines, however the common type has to be European even though they do verge on excellent burgers and gourmet sandwiches. Located in the Fotouh Al Khair shopping centre, this newish eatery is so popular with the office crowd, the place now offers a delivery service. Their selection is fine, easy going lunch time pleasures using quality ingredients. Delicacies such as goats cheese, various fish such as red snapper, salmon cakes are on the menu. They have a huge selection of sandwiches on baguettes, ciabattas and bagels with a variety of fillings. They also do french tartine (open sandwich) with toppings like Moroccan lamb and mozzarella - very gourmet, very good, a perfect place to dine with kids with fun flavoursome options. Check out the waiting staff in their waistcoats and bow ties. Fun.