Sponsored: VaKaVa Pan Latin Grill & Lounge is the latest project from celebrity chef Richard Sandoval…

Jumeirah at Etihad Towers set tongues wagging this month when it welcomed an exciting new restaurant to its repertoire. Latin restaurant VaKaVa is the mischievous twin sister of long-standing UAE favourite, Toro Toro.

Both restaurants are the brainchild of Mexican celebrity chef Richard Sandoval and while closely related to Toro Toro, VaKaVa is described as more well-travelled, with a vibrant and passionate personality. The new restaurant has replaced the same spot held by Toro Toro, in the two-storey spot next to Etihad Towers’ stunning infinity pool.

The decor for VaKaVa feeds on Latin influences, with two grand bull sculptures greeting guests on arrival adjacent to the vast olive green double doors engraved with tribal patterns. Inside, the room glows with warm bulbs and bold furnishings. There’s a stunning terrace on the first floor which looks out over the surrounding waterfront, where later on in the year guests can sit out and enjoy the full view.

One of the most exciting parts about VaKaVa is the Pan-Latin menu created by Chef Sandoval with interesting dishes such as dynamite lobster, smoked guacamole and truffle tartare. There’s also a roaming grilled meat churrasco, giving guests the chance to enjoy limitless meats – Brazilian style.

Of course VaKaVa wouldn’t be an authentic Latin restaurant without some entertainment. From Monday to Saturday, enjoy the Latin beats of VaKaVa’s resident DJ, while from 9pm on Tuesday to Saturday there will  be a live band bringing a South American fiesta to Abu Dhabi.

For more information, or to make a booking, check out jumeirah.com/VaKaVa, @vakava

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Images: Supplied