Apple tart and vanilla ice-cream perfection at Bentley Bistro & Bar at The Galleria, Al Maryah Island
While I may be back to hectic and busy Dubai life, I’m still nostalgic about my recent Abu Dhabi staycation at the brand new Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi. If you missed that post, have a read here. It was the perfect escape from fast-paced and bustling Dubai. An ideal city break destination and a great way to unwind and relax for a long weekend.
The hotel’s location at the capital’s new and trendy Al Maryah Island makes it ideal for city girls and boys who want to hop over to neighbouring The Galleria for a flat white, a healthy breakfast or some retail therapy. And being a true city girl, that’s exactly what I did 🙂
Breakfast Spots
I decided to visit Almaz by Momo at The Galleria after an Algerian friend’s high reviews for this particular venue. I went for the Levant Breakfast for AED 50 and a glass of fresh orange juice for AED 27. The Moroccan eatery has charming decor and a chilled ambiance. It gets very busy on evenings as it’s a popular shisha spot.
They serve authentic Moroccan fare including a breakfast with Berber pancakes.
The Levant Breakfast at Almaz by Momo Abu Dhabi is simple and delicious 🙂
Leopolds of London’s The Galleria
Somehow, Leopold’s of London’s The Galleria outpost became my second home while I stayed at the Four Seasons Abu Dhabi. The good vibes, cozy setting and flat white with mini date cake promotion kept me hooked to this contemporary coffee shop. Don’t ask me why, but my days wouldn’t be complete without a stop at this stylish cafe for a good cup of flat white with soy milk. I think the moments spent at this laid-back place were some of the highlights of my Abu Dhabi trip. Honestly, I can’t wait to go back on my next visit to the capital.
Tip: There are two full breakfast pages in the LOL’s menu. I was truly disappointed that I missed one page which had all the healthy breakfast options. I was even more frustrated with the waitress who didn’t tell me about the second page when I explained that I was looking for a “healthy” breakfast dish! that’s why, I ended up ordering the North African eggs cooked with chickpeas and I wasn’t at all happy with my order. The whole thing was very dry and there was barely any sauce. I would suggest that you go for an omelette or the eggs Benedict when dining there for breakfast.
My North African eggs’ breakfast at Leopold’s of London Al Maryah Island with a side of ripe vine tomatoes
Leopold’s of London at The Galleria – my second home 🙂
Nolu’s Downtown
If you’re looking for a healthy food spot that serves breakfast, fusion Afghani and American cuisine and fresh smoothies in a casual setting, then Nolu’s Downtown is the perfect spot for you. The concept of this cafe is very refreshing, as you get to eat clean, healthy home-made-style food served in substantial portions in a bright and spacious venue. Honestly, after making my first trip to Nolu’s, I wished that I had discovered it earlier during my stay. They have a plethora of unique breakfast dishes to choose from. Plus, you can customize your own egg dish using a list of fresh ingredients and sides. I went for an omelette with some roasted potatoes on the side.
Healthy, original dishes at Nolu’s Downtown at The Galleria
Where to Eat and Drink in Al Maryah Island
While walking in the lower ground floor of The Galleria, there’s no way that you can miss Bentley Bistro & Bar. If the big sign doesn’t get your attention, then the loud beats coming from this venue on a Thursday night will. This is the kind of place you go to for a proper meal. There are expansive water front views from the spacious terrace, which is ideal for Al Fresco dining in the cooler months.
To be honest, I had the most memorable meal at this cool French-inspired bistro. I went for the Jumbo Prawns with a side of steamed brocolini. The prawns were so juicy and were served in a rich tomato, caramelized onion and shallot sauce. The taste was divine with a hint of spice. The portions were generous and I couldn’t find a single bad thing about this dish. For dessert, I went for the apple tart and vanilla ice-cream. One word: divine.
Apple tart and vanilla ice-cream perfection at Bentley Bistro & Bar at The Galleria
Dai Pai Dong
For authentic Cantonese fare, head to Dai Pai Dong at the nearby Rosewood Abu Dhabi. Cool vibes, excellent service and most importantly, good street food-inspired dishes. As much as I hate to let this secret out, being a real blogger and journalist makes me stay true to my readers and tell you about my most prized discovery: the DPD Bar.
Not to be confused with the hidden bar/lounge at the Rosewood, this place is the real “hidden bar”. Located at the back of the Dai Pai Dong restaurant, this intimate, classy little nook of a bar is the perfect spot to unwind and contemplate on life. Open daily from 4 pm to 1 am, the uber cool and eclectic little lounge is accessible even well after the restaurant closes. All you have to do is look for the tea pot at the door and voila! you’ll find yourself in the most adorable spot at Al Maryah Island. There you go, the ultimate secret is revealed 🙂
DPD Bar is the real “hidden lounge” at the Rosewood Abu Dhabi – the secret is out!
A mini getaway to the relaxed capital never fails to help me refuel and unwind. And being a real foodie, I was glad to be able to dine at some very cool and original concepts at the city. I honestly can’t wait for my next Abu Dhabi staycation to explore more interesting eateries and cool new venues. For now though, I leave you with a picture of me at the end of my Abu Dhabi trip, right before checking out of the charming Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi.
Sometimes, all you need is a mini getaway to unwind and rejuvenate 🙂
