Race weekend is almost here. Whether you will be in the stands at the track or watching the Grand Prix on a big-screen TV in downtown Abu Dhabi, you need to eat. Here are our picks for the best spots to refuel.
Dine in the middle of the action
If you have your Formula One tickets or a room booked at the Yas Viceroy, you will already be in the middle of the action. Even without a ticket to the big race, however, you can get in on all the excitement by booking a table at one of the hotel’s restaurants. Here’s what’s cooking in the only hotel in the world built over an F1 track.
• Prices for the Yas Viceroy packages vary from day to day during the race weekend and are not inclusive of service charge, tourism fee or municipality fee. To book any of the hotel’s restaurants, call 02 656 0600
Amici
This Italian restaurant does not offer trackside dining, but it does have Michelin-starred food on offer. Guest Italian chef Antonio Mellino will serve up the food that Quattro Passi – his two Michelin-starred restaurant on the Amalfi Coast – is known for. Signature dishes include baked sea bass with light potato cream and white Alba truffle. Thursday to Sunday, noon to 3pm, and 4pm to 11pm. Dh470 a person minimum spend.
Kazu
This Japanese restaurant serves teppanyaki, tempura, sushi, sashimi and signature Japanese fare, including classic oven-baked miso black cod with sliced radish. There’s also a large selection of teas. It’s on the ground floor of the hotel and offers indoor and trackside dining. Thursday to Sunday. Packages start at Dh545 a person; racetrack-view packages start at Dh970.
Atayeb
For Middle Eastern fare, head over to Atayeb and feast on stews, tajines, grilled lamb chops, kebabs and more from Morocco, Tunisia, Lebanon and Syria. There will also be plenty of mezze on offer. Thursday to Sunday, packages start at Dh370 a person; racetrack-view packages start at Dh570.
Angar
For contemporary Indian cuisine, book at table at Angar. There is no trackside dining available, but there will be heaps of traditional Indian fare to fill you up. Signature dishes include meats and seafood cooked in a tandoor and dishes such as prawns braised in onion and tomato masala. Thursday to Sunday. No minimum spend Thursday to Saturday; Dh370 minimum spend per person on Sunday.
Origins by Tryano
The hotel’s all-day dining venue offers great views of the track and puts you right in the middle of the racing action. The chef has prepared some special dishes for F1 weekend, which will be served up buffet-style. Book a table on the terrace for front-row seats to all the races. Thursday to Sunday. Packages start at Dh170 per person; racetrack view packages start at Dh370.
Noodle Box
For a taste of the far East, try Noodle Box. This Asian restaurant serves up Thai curries, noodles, dim sum, Peking duck and Southeast Asian specialties such as nasi goreng. There is indoor and outdoor seating available, but note that this restaurant will be closed on Saturday and Sunday. No minimum spend.
Other deals
Cipriani Yas Island
Offers views of the track, will be serving its signature Italian cuisine from the a la carte menu. You might even see a few A-list celebrities dining alongside with you at this renowned restaurant. DJ Franco Moiraghi will keep the vibe energised all weekend. VIP Room, to be located one level above the restaurant, will host an epic after-party featuring superstar rapper Drake. To book a table, call 02 657 5400
Carluccio’s in Yas Mall
Offering a special set menu to feed racing fans over the weekend. The F1 menu will serve signature Italian tastes from Friday until Sunday. Dh99 for two courses and Dh119 for three courses. To book, call 02 565 1004
Cafe D’Alsace at Yas Marina
Will be showing all the action on a big screen. Guests can fill up on sandwiches, salads, light bites and more from 8am until 3am each day. There will also be a set menu available. Maximum dining time limit of two hours. Friday to Sunday. To book a seat, call 050 811 5414
Rozanah, the Lebanese restaurant in Yas Marina, will keep diners sated with contemporary mezze, manakeesh, mixed grills, late-night bites and shisha all weekend long. The races will be shown on a big screen in the restaurant. The venue will be open from 8am until 3am from Friday to Sunday. There is a maximum dining time limit of two hours. To book a table, call 02 496 3411
F1 specials further afield
Roberto’s Abu Dhabi
Newcomer Roberto’s Abu Dhabi, on Al Maryah Island, is hosting an F1 party this weekend. From 7pm on Thursday and Friday, diners can choose between a set menu or a la carte options featuring head chef Francesco Guarracino’s modern Italian cuisine. Stay for the after-party and soak up the cool weather on the open-air terrace, where a DJ will be spinning tunes into the early hours of the morning. There are four packages available, ranging from Dh450 a person to Dh1,750. Walk-in customers who stand at the bar will have no minimum spend. To book, call 02 627 9009
Reform Social & Grill
If you’re staying in Dubai this weekend, but still want to get a taste of the racing action, head to Reform Social & Grill. The restaurant has extended its happy hour from 5pm until the end of the qualifying on Saturday, and until the podium presentation on Sunday. Watch the action unfold outside the restaurant at the Orchard. British roasts will be available on Saturday and Sunday. Friday to Saturday from 5pm. To book, call 04 454 2638
Westin Abu Dhabi
The Westin Abu Dhabi is offering eat-and-ride packages for race weekend. For Dh99, you can book breakfast at Fairways and get a round-trip bus ride to Yas Marina Circuit. Or, book dinner at the restaurant for Dh199, which also includes the return bus ride. Complimentary valet parking at the hotel is included. Available on Saturday and Sunday. To book, call 02 616 9999
sjohnson@thenational.ae
