Despite a busy December for restaurant launches in Abu Dhabi, the capital still has a few openings planned for this month – including a food hall with a variety of vendors and Dubai's popular sandwich shop Rascals Deli.
Here are four new eateries to sample.
Avlu
Cuisine: Greek and Turkish
Yas Mall's latest restaurant Avlu showcases Aegean hospitality and flavours. Dishes include grilled Greek octopus and salt-cooked wild sea bass for seafood lovers. Diners can also opt for a slow-cooked Turkish lamb shoulder or Iskender kebab. Vegetarian-friendly options such as aubergine mille-feuille are on offer as well.
Avlu is the Turkish word for courtyard, which is the inspiration for the dining space – think glass walls and lush greenery. A vibrant lemon tree sits at the centre of the space for added charm.
Daily, 9am-10.30pm; Yas Mall; 058 552 8582
Rascals Deli
Concept: Sandwiches
The venue famed for its stellar sandwiches has opened its first Abu Dhabi outlet at Local in Mamsha Al Saadiyat. From breakfast muffins to hearty melts and wraps, Rascals serve a variety of sandwiches.
A must-try is the jumbo spicy club, made with pillowy-soft Hokkaido milk bread and jam-packed with sliced chicken, mild cheddar, tomatoes, gherkins, lettuce, turkey bacon, salt and vinegar crisps, and a spicy lemon chive mayo. Other options include: tuna picante, buffalo chicken and aubergine Parmesan.
Daily, 8.30am-10.30pm; Mamsha Al Saadiyat
The Hub by Social
Concept: Food hall
An expansive food hall is coming to Masdar Park in Masdar City, offering diverse cuisines and a street-style retail shop all under one roof.
Bombay Canteen serves Indian street food, while Asian dishes are available at Asian 5. Pizzas and pasta can be enjoyed at Geppete, while Double Like will have burgers and lobster rolls. Tacos Los Hermanos will serve Mexican, while those who enjoy sweets can visit dessert shop Kadayifzade, while coffee lovers can unwind at The Cafe by Social.
Monkeys Everywhere, the venue's retail store, will sell clothing. Dining and fashion aside, The Hub by Social includes co-working spaces, gaming zones and other entertainment areas.
8am-midnight from Monday to Thursday, 4pm-midnight from Friday to Sunday; Masdar Park, Masdar City; 02 815 6666
Villa Selene
Cuisine: Mediterranean
The restaurant at Yas Links Abu Dhabi offers flavours of the Mediterranean on its menu. Currently in its soft opening phase, the venue dishes such as fried porcini, escargot bruschetta and crispy fried calamari for starters. Mains include baked sea bass, breaded veal Milanese and grilled organic Spatchcock chicken. Pizza, pasta and rice options are available too, as well as a raw bar serving oysters, scallops and more.
Diners can also head to the restaurant for breakfast, which has a separate menu that includes acai bowls, crepes and fluffy pancakes.
Daily, 6.30am to 11pm; Yas Links Abu Dhabi; 054 990 4246
