Category: UAE

Derwandi’s Lebanese Gastronomy

Derwandi is a Lebanese restaurant nestled in the heart of the city—the Corniche. It harmoniously blends contemporary decor with a calming atmosphere. It features expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that double as doors, providing a spacious dining experience both indoors and outdoors.

Their meticulously curated menu is a feast for the eyes, offering a vast array of choices with enticing pictures to match. Whether you crave breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Derwandi has you covered.

The servers epitomize hospitality, greeting us with smiles and friendliness, further enhancing our dining experience. With their commitment to good quality food, excellent service, and delicious flavors, I am eager to return and explore more of what Derwandi has to offer.

Lebanese flat bread with Zaatar

The flatbread was warm and chewy with a crisp crust, offering earthy, nutty, and subtle citrus undertones.

Lentil soup

The Lentil soup was wonderfully rich, warming, and absolutely delicious!

Fattoush
(Assorted vegetable salad, topped with crispy bread  and mixed with special Derwandi dressing)

The salad was bright and refreshing, with a delightful acidity complemented by the lovely crunch of the pita chips.

Kharouf Mehchi
(Oriental rice with slow-cooked lamb shanks and special oriental sauce with yogurt and mixed nuts)

The rice is aromatic and nutty, perfectly complementing the tender, fall-off-the-bone lamb meat.

 

Shish Taouk
(2 skewers of marinated cubed chicken breast. served with grilled onions & tomato, and garlic dip)

The chicken was tender and juicy, and the garlic dip infused an extra punch of boldness to the flavor.

Ladyfish
(deep-fried ladyfish served with fried bread and tahini sauce)

The succulent ladyfish offers a mild flavor and relatively light texture. The crispy batter adds to the enjoyment, while a touch of lemon enhances the overall flavor.

Knefetna
(Lebanese fine cheese – kunafa topped with sugar syrup and crushed pistachio)

This dessert was the highlight for me. The Knefetna had a delicate crunch and smooth creaminess with a subtle hint of rose. The sugar syrup was served separately, allowing us to adjust the sweetness according to our preferences

 

Derwandi

Website: https://www.derwandi.ae/
Telephone: +971588539633
Opening hours:

Sunday
  • 8 am–1 am
Monday
  • 8 am–12:30 am
Tuesday
  • 8 am–12:30 am
Wednesday
  • 8 am–12:30 am
Thursday
  • 8 am–12:30 am
Friday
  • 8 am–1 am
Saturday
  • 8 am–1 am

Address: Al Ahkam St – Corniche Rd – next to Radisson Blu Hotel – Al Bateen – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates

Eat Greek Kouzina

Eat Greek Kouzina is a restaurant serving Greek cuisine on The Galeria Al Maryah Island. It has a charming outdoor seating area with views of the water and contemporary Mediterranean decor, creating a stylish and inviting atmosphere.

The restaurant’s menu boasts a variety of Greek dishes and beverages, including specialties like tzatziki, moussaka, and gemista.

All dishes were visually inviting. The entire staff was delightful. They regularly checked in on our dining experience, which added a wonderful warmth to our time there. Even the person who prepared the coffee took the time to personally inquire about its quality.

The original cappuccino Freddo AED 24

The rich and velvety espresso is perfectly chilled and blended with just the right amount of frothy milk. This refreshing pick-me-up hits all the right notes.

Soup of the day AED 44

The beef soup with potato and carrot was a simple yet deeply comforting dish. It offered a satisfyingly hearty meal, and its rich flavors and wholesome ingredients made it quite filling.

Cretan salad AED 44

Sweet cherry tomatoes, Greek feta, barley rusk, oregano and olive oil

The sweet juiciness of the cherry tomatoes paired perfectly with the creamy richness of the Greek feta cheese, creating a delightful contrast of textures. The addition of barley rusk added a satisfying crunch, while the fragrant oregano and drizzle of olive oil elevated the dish with its aromatic essence.

Homemade pie AED 72

Spanakopita (spinach and feta pie)

The pie’s crispy outside and creamy inside created a lovely contrast. Its mild herbaceous taste added a delightful hint of freshness, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Pan-roasted chicken AED 130

The roasted chicken, complemented by eggplant puree and herb oil alongside chicken jus, was truly delightful. Fresh sage provided a minty, slightly peppery flavor that enhanced the dish beautifully. Cooked to perfection, the chicken was juicy and subtly seasoned. The eggplant puree resembled a lighter variation of mashed potatoes with a hint of buttery goodness, adding depth to every bite.

 

Eat Greek Kouzina

Website: https://www.eatgreekkouzina.com/
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 12:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Telephone: +97123092323
Address: The Galeria, Ground Floor – Abu Dhabi

Cafe Arabia

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Cafe Arabia offers a diverse selection of breakfast options, including Arabic-style dishes alongside Western classics like pancakes and toast. The ambiance is cozy, exuding an Arabesque charm and a homely atmosphere, adorned with Moroccan-style lanterns and wall art.

There was a Filipino waitress who was incredibly friendly and approachable. She was always attentive to our needs, consistently wore a smile, and engaged in light-hearted conversations with us.

Since it was my first time visiting the UAE, I couldn’t resist sampling the Arabic breakfast and a side of falafel. The delightful Arabic breakfast array features an assortment of Arabic cheeses and spreads, including Labneh, feta cheese, Kaymak, Foul Medames, and molasses with tahini, etc. The falafel, boasting a crisp exterior and fluffy interior, was well-seasoned and smooth.

All the dishes were freshly prepared and delicious!

 

Cafe Arabia

Website: https://linktr.ee/cafearabia
Telephone: +97126439699
Opening hours:

Mon, Wed, Thurs, Friday – 8:00 a.m. – 22:00 p.m.  / Tuesdays – 8:00 a.m. – 21:00 p.m.
Sat & Sun – 9:00 a.m. – 22:00 p.m.

Address: Villa No. 637, 15th Street, Airport Rd، Opposite Al Mushrif Children’s Park – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates