Maggie Tulliver
As one of the Middle East's most popular holiday destinations Abu Dhabi is a fine dining Mecca for the masses. Here are some of the city's most unique dining hubs and experiences.
Noted as one of the best restaurants Eastern Mangroves district has on offer Pachaylen is a one of a kind Thai restaurant based in the Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara. Serving authentic Thai cuisine within its luxuriously decorated gold and purple interiors Pachaylen takes fine dining to the next level with its attention to detail. Must-try items on the menu include its Chor Muang and the Khaow Niew Ma Moung mango and sticky rice pudding dessert.
Described as one of the most divine dining experiences available in Abu Dhabi enjoying breakfast on the beach is a luxury few can afford especially on a location as breathtaking as Saadiyat Island. The Beach House makes this dream a reality with its beachfront location and stunning views. Open only during the weekends this charming restaurant on Saadiyat Island takes the most important meal of the day to another level with its impressive menu and captivating setting.
Vacationers based in the Ras Al Akhdar area of Abu Dhabi should not miss the opportunity to sip away at the city's most decadent and luxurious beverage at the Emirates Palace. The gold leaf coffee served at the venue perfectly complements the locale's regal atmosphere while also providing diners with a culinary experience worth writing home about. Those with expensive tastes can order a cake decorated in the precious metal to go with the gold leaf coffee if they so desire.
Revered as a veritable institution in the local dining scene the Lebanese Flower is no ordinary fine dining hub located along Abu Dhabi's Defence Road. Occupying the heart of the town this eclectic restaurant is so beloved by the local populace that one would be hard-pressed to find a taxi driver oblivious to the eatery's infamous location. With affordable price points serving as an added bonus the warm atmosphere and the mouth-watering menu items at this popular Lebanese restaurant will leave one begging for more.
Conveniently located in the heart of the city no culinary tour of Abu Dhabi would be complete without a stopover at the city's favourite Moroccan restaurant aptly named the Marakesh. As one of the handful of Moroccan diners in the city Marakesh sets itself apart from the crowd with its plush decor, dance recitals and live musical showcases which creates an authentic Moroccan themed atmosphere complete with scintillating traditional dishes. Serving everything from classic Tagines and couscous to salads the restaurant also informs patrons of the local dining traditions in Morocco.
Tucked away in the desert landscapes of Abu Dhabi Al Maqam offers diners the opportunity to dine in true Arabian style in a restaurant resembling a luxurious Bedouin camp in the Arabian Nights Villages. With traditional seating arrangements and live music and dance performances serving as the backdrop the diner serves up delectable Arabic fare with Emirati dishes and international favourites thrown in to the mix. Cooking sessions and lessons are also part of the venue's culinary tour experience which is a hit with tourists.
