Alfresco dining in Abu Dhabi
Enjoy an alfresco meal in the sunshine or under the stars at these top restaurants
Words by Amanda Tomlinson
Filini
Filini
Take a seat on the terrace of this stylish restaurant and admire the view of Yas Links golf course and the turquoise waters of the Arabian Sea.
Filini is the ideal place to while away an afternoon, indulging in fine Italian cuisine and taking in the Yas Island scenery.
The best time to do this is on Fridays when the restaurant offers a unique ‘brunch’ concept with freshly prepared Italian dishes from a specially designed menu. “It is important that Filini reflects the true Italian way of living and the concept of our new brunch is intended to mirror a traditional family dining experience in Italy,” says chef Thomas Marchi.
Instead of the standard buffet brunch, waiters deliver 15 different small dishes to the table. The menu changes weekly, but includes antipasti, pasta, risotto, pizza, chicken, meat and fish dishes and classic desserts such as tiramisu and panna cotta.
The brunch costs AED145 including soft drinks, or AED190 with house wine and beer.
Those who visit outside of the brunch times can make their selection from the extensive à la carte menu. Recommended dishes include beef caprese with buffalo mozzarella, grilled tomato and basil olive oil, and veal escalope with sage and crunchy bresaola with sauteed spinach, raising butter and hazelnut sauce.
Where: Radisson Blu Hotel, Abu Dhabi Yas Island
When: 12 to 3pm and 6 to 11.30pm
Contact: 02 6562000
Afya Beach Lounge
Afya Beach Lounge
Children can build sand castles on the beach, jump in the bouncy castle or play in the playground at the Friday afternoon barbecue at Traders Hotel Qaryat Al Beri. And there’s also face painting for a little extra colour.
While the children are playing, parents can listen to classic tunes played by the DJ, while enjoying barbecue food and drinks.
On the barbecue menu, guests will find grills such as shish tawook, fish, marinated prawns and kofta as well as roasted meats, burgers and chicken drumsticks. There is also a selection of cold Arabic mezze, salads and desserts
Beverages, which are bought separately, include soft drinks, juices, wine and beer.
The beach barbecue parties have risen enormously in popularity. So much so, that the beach is now open from Saturday to Thursday from 5pm. Diners can enjoy a Mediterranean barbecue on Thursday nights from 6pm and shisha and snacks on the remaining evenings.
For families looking to enjoy the sand and sea under the stars with great food and music, the Traders Beach Barbecue Party is perfect.
Where: Traders Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri
When: Fridays from 5 to 11pm
Contact: 02 5108888
Suhail
Suhail
Set amid the towering dunes of the desert, the ter-race at Suhail is the ultimate place for watching an Arabian sunset.
Arm yourself with a camera and tripod to capture the moment forever, or just sit back and relax on one of the comfortable sofas with an aperitif.
After the sun goes down, look out over the surrounding desert village which lights up like a luxury oasis or venture inside to the bar or adjacent restaurant.
On the menu at this rooftop bar and grill, guests will find fine cuts of meat and fresh seafood flown in from all over the world as well as vegetarian options. Highlights include the starter of duck liver ravioli with mushroom duxelle and truffle foam, and sesame-crusted yellowfin tuna with wasabi mousse and ginger confit. For mains, try the pan-fried marinated black cod with young vegetables and parmesan foam, or the wagyu beef strip loin with pont neuf potato, shallot marmalade and Szechuan peppercorn sauce.
To accompany the cuisine, Suhail offers a comprehensive selection of fine Champagnes and wines all housed in a walk-in wine cave.
Where: Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara
When: 7 to 11pm
Contact: 02 8862088
Prego's
Prego’s
This warm and friendly restaurant is one of Abu Dhabi’s most popular Italian eateries and its terrace is highly sought after during the winter months.
Overlooking the gardens, beach and turquoise sea, it’s a prime position by day or night.
The menu features classic dishes with starters such as beef carpaccio and bruschette. As expected there is pizza, pasta and risotto with seafood, beef and chicken varieties as well as a good selection to keep vegetarians satisfied. The Prego’s team is also happy to adjust menus to cater for dietary requirements and personal preference.
Menu highlights include the homemade pasta with garden herbs, cepe mushrooms, smoked turkey, asparagus and black truffle oil; oven-baked tiger prawns with sweet peppers, baby potatoes and rocket salad in citrus dressing; and the warming winter dish osso bucco.
Stick with tradition and order tiramisu for dessert or branch out with the fresh berry tart with parmesan ice cream and raspberry coulis.
For warm, friendly service and a relaxed vibe, you can’t beat Prego’s.
Where: Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi
When: Noon to 3.30pm and 7 to 11.30pm
Contact: 02 6979000
Tweet
Rob Nicholas is discussing. 
Kathryn Roberts, and 