Where to dine this Valentine's Day in Abu Dhabi
The capital’s restaurants have special menus for lovebirds celebrating this February 14
99 Sushi Bar
This new Japanese restaurant is serving a special nine-dish menu for couples with dishes such as eel tempura, tuna tartar, scallop sashimi, black cod and cheesecake with black sesame biscuit on offer. To make the night extra fancy, you’ll get a bottle of Taittinger Champagne to share.
The Galleria, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to midnight, Dhs999 per couple. Tel: (02) 6723333. Taxi: The Galleria. 99sushibar.com
Solarium
The Rosewood is hosting a Valentine’s evening called Keeping It Private at its outdoor space Solarium. There’s stunning views of the city from Al Maryah, plus a three-course menu, bubbly and live music from a saxophone player. There’s space for 10 couples. If you have kids, they can spend the evening at the hotel’s club, Rosebuds, while you enjoy your meal.
February 14
Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, from 8pm, Dhs400 to Dhs650. Tel: (02) 8135550. Taxi: Rosewood. rosewoodhotels.com
Observation Deck
Take your loved one for a romantic meal 300 metres above sea level at the Observation Deck in Etihad Towers. As well as stunning views of the city’s skyline from the 74th floor, you’ll get a four-course menu, bubbly, roses and a box of chocs to take away at the end of the evening.
February 14
Jumeirah At Etihad Towers, Ras Al Akhdar, Abu Dhabi, from 8pm, Dhs1,500 per couple. Tel: (02) 8115666. Taxi: Etihad Towers. jumeirah.com
Coya
It’s known for its tacos, ceviches and seafood, but the chef at pan-Latino Coya has added oysters to the Valentine’s menu, priced at Dhs64 for two pieces. The restaurant has stunning views of the water and Latin lounge rhythms that are perfect for a night of romancing.
The Galleria, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, 12.30pm to 1.30am. Tel: (02) 3067000. Taxi: The Galleria. coyarestaurant.com
Bu!
The pan-Latino has a four-course menu for couples. You’ll start with a seafood platter to share (oysters, sashimi, nigiri and more), and that’s followed up with hot plates of tacos and anticuchos and mains including polo andino and cazuala trufada.
February 14
World Trade Center Mall, Airport Road, Abu Dhabi, from 7pm, Dhs550 per couple. Tel: (02) 3048179. Taxi: World Trade Center Mall. butrinity.com
Sunset Supper at St Regis Abu Dhabi
Spend Valentine’s on the St Regis’ helipad, some 225 metres in the air. There will be live music from a saxophone player, plus champagne and canapés, and spectacular views of the Abu Dhabi skyline. This offer is only open to ten couples.
St Regis Abu Dhabi, Al Khalidiyah, Abu Dhabi, 90-minute sittings only, Dhs1,300 to Dhs1,700. Tel: (02) 6944553. Taxi: St Regis Corniche. stregisabudhabi.com
Catch Restaurant & Lounge
With a stunning waterside setting, laidback atmosphere and good quality seafood, Catch has all the ingredients for a romantic evening. Chef Roudy Petersen will turn out a special three-course dinner menu for couples including dim sum with scallop dumplings and black cod this February 14.
Nation Riviera Beach Club, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, noon to 1am, Dhs489 for set menu or Dhs569 including a bottle of champagne. Tel: (02) 6110909. Taxi: Nation Riviera Beach Club. catch.ae
Bord Eau
Treat your loved one to a night of romance and fine French cuisine at this What’s On Award-winner. The package includes a five-course set menu (with Scottish scallops, beef cheek ravioli and more), plus a bottle of champagne or wine-pairing.
Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi, 6.30pm to 11.30pm, Dhs860 per couple. Tel: (02) 5098511. Taxi: Shangri- La Hotel. shangri-la.com/ abudhabi
BBQ Al Qasr
Spend time with your partner at an intimate seaside gazebo on Emirates Palace’s beach. You can try either an afternoon picnic while you watch the sunset or indulge in a dinner under the stars. The picnic includes a basket for couples, with two glasses of champagne and live music for Dhs650. Dinner packages start from Dhs730 per person for a three-course menu with a glass of champagne, or Dhs945 per person for five courses plus champagne.
Emirates Palace, West Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, 4.30pm to sunset, Dhs650 for picnic package or from 7pm, Dhs730 for three-course meal, Dhs945 for five courses. Tel: (02) 6907999. Taxi: Emirate’s Palace. kempinski.com/en/ abudhabi/emirates-palace
Café Milano
The Italian on Al Maryah is offering a special, five-course menu, and every couple that dines here on February 14 will be entered into a draw to win a trip to Italy – you’ll get flights and three nights in a five star hotel in Rome.
Four Seasons Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, Dhs400 per person. Tel: (02) 3332222. Taxi: Four Seasons. fourseasons.com, cafemilano.ae
La Petite Maison
The French heavyweight is a venue full of romantic vibes and it has a special menu for Valentine’s Day. Dishes on the menu include French beans with foie gras, green lentil salad, warm prawns, pan-fried dover sole with mustard dressing, dry-aged grilled Black Angus rib eye steak and salt-baked sea bass.
The Galleria, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, daily noon to 3.30pm, 7pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (02) 6929600. Taxi: Galleria. lpmlondon.co.uk
Hiltonia Beach Club
Couples looking for a memorable private dining experience can book the Ultimate Romantic Escapade package. Set up on the floating dock, this exclusive dinner includes service by a personal butler and free-flowing champagne for Dhs3,000. Enjoy sunset views while dining on a five-course menu specially designed for the occasion. You’ ll even go home with flowers and a box of chocolates.
Hilton Abu Dhabi, Corniche, Abu Dhabi, timings on request, Dhs3,000 per couple, Tel: (02) 6924247. Taxi: Hilton Abu Dhabi. 3.hilton.com
Marco Pierre White Steakhouse & Grill
Within the intimate surroundings of the Marco Pierre White Steakhouse & Grill, couples can experience award-winning gastronomy in the form of a four-course menu of signature dishes. The sommelier will be on hand to recommend wine pairings, and there’ll be a raffle draw, which includes a range of gifts, from hotel stays and dining experiences to jewellery.
Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Khor Al Maqta, Abu Dhabi, 6pm to 11.30pm, Dhs485 per person ( food only), Dhs760 per person to include paired vintages and a sparkling aperitif. Tel: (02) 6543238. Taxi: Fairmont Bab Al Bahr. fairmont.com/abu-dhabi
Cipriani
Dine by candlelight on the terrace overlooking Yas Marina while listening to opera music at this Italian outlet. Couples can enjoy a four-course set menu that includes a welcome drink, or dine a la carte. There will be 20 per cent off champagne by the bottle and you’ll even receive a flower display to take away.
Yas Marina, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 6pm to midnight, from Dhs820 per couple or Dhs1,050 with a bottle of house wine. Tel: (02) 6575400. Taxi: Yas Marina.
Stratos
The city’s glitzy revolving bar is offering a three-course set menu for two including a glass of champagne on arrival on February 14 and 15. Couples can enjoy one of the best views of the capital as well as a fireworks display.
Le Royal Méridien, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 11pm, February 14 and 15, Dhs325 per person. Tel: (02) 6950490. Taxi: Le Royal Méridien. stratosabudhabi.com
Sontaya
Sontaya is perhaps one of Abu Dhabi’s most romantic restaurants (and it’s a multiple What’s On Awards winner for those of you really trying to impress your partner). Located on floating pavilions with a terrace overlooking shimmering pools, the venue’s atmosphere is ideal for wooing your loved one. Enjoy a special Southeast Asian four-course set menu on February 14.
St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 11pm, Dhs350 per person. Tel: (02) 4988888 Taxi: St Regis Saadiyat. sontayaabudhabi.com
Finz
This restaurant offers great views of Al Maryah Island. Serving Mediterranean-style seafood dishes, couples can enjoy a set menu for Dhs395 per person including a glass of rosé.
Beach Rotana, Al Zahiyah, 7pm to 11.30pm, Dhs395 per person. Tel: (02) 6979011. Taxi: Beach Rotana. rotana.com
Hakkasan
The pan-Asian has a special menu featuring wild morel mushroom soup with tofu, dim sum, charcoal grilled lamb rack with yin yang rice noodle in black bean sauce, and vanilla parfait with blood peach sorbet.
Emirates Palace, Al Ras Al Akhdar, Abu Dhabi, Dhs598 to Dhs898 per person. Tel: (02) 6907999. Taxi: Emirates Palace. hakkasan.comcipriani.com
Byblos Sur Mer
The InterCon’s Lebanese has great views of the Marina and a set menu with cold and hot mezze plus Arabic grills, and lots of live entertainment for Valentine’s night. There’ll be a violinist, singer Tarek Al Atrach, plus a belly dancer.
InterContinental Abu Dhabi, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi, Dhs599 per couple. Tel: (02) 6666888. Taxi: InterCon. dining-intercontinental-ad.ae
Sky Lounge 31
Take your loved one here for spectacular views of the capital’s skyline from the 31st floor. The package here includes a buffet for two, plus champagne, along with a rose for the lady.
Grand Millennium Al Wahda, Abu Dhabi, Dhs700. Tel: (02) 4953936. Taxi: Grand Millennium. millenniumhotels.ae
Cho Gao
The pan-Asian is serving a four-course menu to celebrate cupid’s day, and you get two glasses of champagne per couple.
Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 11pm, Dhs300 per couple. Tel: (02) 6166261. Taxi: Crowne Plaza. ichotelsgroup.com
Roberto’s
Head to this Italian for great ocean views and a five-course special menu, with champagne options also available.
The Galleria, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 11pm, from Dhs800 per couple. Tel: (02) 6279009. Taxi: The Galleria. robertos.ae
Alba
The Ritz-Carlton’s lounge has an afternoon tea package featuring rose cream choux, poppy flower and raspberry tart, red velvet cupcakes and a special Valentine Berries And Cherry cupcake.
Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi Grand Canal, Abu Dhabi, Dhs160 per person. Tel: (02) 8188282. Taxi: Ritz-Carlton. ritzcarlton.com