In the next few months, the Nation Galleria Mall will see the opening of several more outlets. Food-lovers, take note: there will be no shortage of restaurants and cafes. Here are the highlights:
Teuscher Chocolates
Stop by Teuscher Chocolates for its famous Swiss chocolates. This shop started in the Swiss Alps more than 70 years ago and now has franchises across three continents. Though pricey, these chocolates are worth a taste. This is the first outlet in the UAE.
Status: open now. 02 681 1108, visit www.teuscherabudhabi.com
Bateel
This gourmet food cafe is a blend of Italy and Arabia. Bateel started in Al Ghat, Saudi Arabia, where it still operates a gourmet date farm. Bateel evolved into gourmet cafes and there are several branches around the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The cafe serves bakery items, breakfast, light meals, quiches, pastas, risottos and main courses.
Status: open now. 02 635 9145, visit www.bateel.com
Wafi Gourmet
This Lebanese restaurant and delicatessen is a lively lunch spot as well as a place to pick up some gourmet food products. This location has a shisha section that overlooks the corniche. Wafi Gourmet also has locations in Dubai.
Status: opening at the end of the month. Visit www.wafigourmet.com
Smoking Doll
This casual Asian restaurant offers an extensive menu focused on Thai food, but you’ll find flavours from Malaysia, Indonesia, China and Vietnam as well. Its first location opened in Boutik Mall on Reem Island.
Status: opening in early August. Visit www.smokingdoll.com
Organic Foods and Cafe
This family-run store opened its first location in Dubai in 2004. You can grab an organic lunch here or shop in the organic supermarket. It sells everything from organic food and supplements to skincare, cosmetics and baby products. There are already three locations in Dubai and one in Masdar City.
Status: opening at the end of the month or early August. Visit www.organicfoodsandcafe.com
Café de la Paix
This bistro uses French ingredients and methods to prepare food for all-day dining. It makes up to 25 different types of bread and offers an extensive dessert menu. The bistro also has locations in Marina Mall and Al Wahda Mall.
Status: opening in mid-August. Visit www.cafedelapaixabudhabi.com
Burger Joint
This burger restaurant from New York keeps it simple. You pick a hamburger or cheeseburger and toppings from a list of fewer than 10 choices. Sides are French fries or a whole pickle. It’s a brownie or pie shake for dessert. This eatery sticks to what it knows and is unapologetic about it. This is the first location in Abu Dhabi.
Status: opening in early August. Visit www.burgerjointny.com
Signature by Sanjeev Kapoor
This fine-dining Indian restaurant comes to the capital by way of the Indian celebrity masterchef Sanjeev Kapoor, who describes the food at his namesake restaurant as “art on a plate”. The first Signature by Sanjeev Kapoor in the UAE is at the Melia Dubai.
Status: opening in early August. Visit www.sanjeevkapoor.com
Godiva Chocolate Cafe
Given the iconic status of Godiva chocolates, this is sure to be a favourite haunt among chocolate lovers. But this shop offers more than truffles. You can also enjoy an ample menu filled with cakes, tarts, croissants, muffins, fondues and a long list of beverages. There are plans to offer salads, sandwiches and quiches in the future. The other branch in the capital is at The Galleria, Al Maryah Island.
Status: open now. Contact information is not yet available
Diego Cafe
Fresh off this year’s World Cup, this cafe will be a hit with football fans. Named after the Argentine legend Diego Maradona, this cafe is sure to have a sporty theme.
Status: opening in November or December. Contact information is not yet available
Mövenpick Ice Cream
This ice-cream boutique will offer a respite for weary shoppers. Guests can enjoy one of the world’s most beloved treats. In addition to ice cream, there’s the choice of sorbets, cornets, freshly squeezed juices, hot drinks and smoothies.
Status: opening in early August. Visit www.moevenpick-icecream.com
Mafnood
The simple tagline of this shop is: Proudly Emirati. We’re still unclear what this shop sells, but we’ve heard rumours of dates, tea and chocolates.
Status: no details on opening date yet. Visit www.mafnood.com
Leopold’s of London
This upmarket cafe and brasserie offers a wide selection of salads, sandwiches and mains throughout the day. It has plenty of breakfast options as well. This place is serious about its tea and coffee and boasts about the coffee-lab experience. There are already two locations in Abu Dhabi and one in Dubai.
Status: opening at the end of the month. Visit www.leopoldsoflondon.com
Al Rifai
Founded in 1948, Al Rifai offers nuts, coffee, chocolates, dried fruits, sweets, spices and seasonings. Its latest product is a low-fat snack mix. There are several locations throughout the Middle East.
Status: opening at the end of the month. Visit www.alrifaiarabia.com
Lavazza Espression
This coffee chain started in Turin, Italy, in 2007. Guests can enjoy a variety of classic and innovative authentic Italian coffee drinks. It will also offer a variety of dishes.
Status: opening in mid-August. Visit www.lavazza.com
sjohnson@thenational.ae
