NEW YEAR’S EVE PACKAGES FOR UNDER DH500
In Abu Dhabi, head to Alba Terrace at The Abu Dhabi Edition in Al Bateen Marina. The Mediterranean-style venue will have live entertainment and serve a 10-plate sharing menu featuring gourmet creations such as burrata, tournedos rossini, steak and chestnut meringue tart with hazelnut cream, all from Dh350. Those looking for more of a party vibe can head to Annex, a multilevel space also within The Abu Dhabi Edition, with the rooftop area offering excellent views of the Corniche. There will be light bites such as bao buns, shrimp tacos, pulled beef nachos and beef sliders, plus hip-hop and RnB beats courtesy of DJ Eyjey, from Dh398. Tables for both restaurants can be reserved by calling 02 208 0000.
On the other side of town, Grills @ Chill’O, the relaxed pool-side Mediterranean restaurant located on the eighth floor of the Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche, offers fine Corniche views. Enjoy an elegant fourcourse meal with dishes such as seafood salad with Boston lobster and Alaskan king crab, cream of green pea soup and braised Wagyu cheek, with prices from Dh295. Email H7507@sofitel.com for a spot.
Three packages await over at Le Royal Meridien Abu
Dhabi. The easy-going Market Kitchen has a sharing-style brunch, where diners can tuck into unlimited Normandy oysters, truffle pizza and slowcooked salmon. Dinner ends at 10pm after which guests get complimentary access to Stratos, the revolving restaurant, for glittering city views. Prices from Dh250. Meanwhile, after its trio of Christmas brunches, Le Meridien’s Irish pub PJ O’Reilly’s will host a casual barbecue dinner, with prices starting from Dh199, with a guitarist and singer, and there’s plenty of outdoor seating to make the most of the cooler weather. For impressive views of the capital, you can’t go wrong with the revolving restaurant Stratos, which is hosting a Phantom of the Opera supper club for New Year’s Eve. Feast on dishes such as tuna sashimi, kale salad and turkey croquettes as you take in the glittering skyline and panoramic vistas, with prices from Dh495. All three restaurants can be booked by emailing restaurants.lrmad@ lemeridien.com.
Finally, if your idea of a celebration involves a good steak, look no further than The Foundry at Southern Sun Abu Dhabi. The steakhouse is serving a gala dinner with a seafood ice bar, caviar, prime rib carvery and salmon coulibiac, as well as live entertainment to whisk you into the New Year. Prices from Dh295 and bookings can be made by calling 02 818 4888.
In Dubai, the laid-back gastropub Distillery at Souk Al Manzil offers Burj Khalifa views if you can nab a table on its terrace. The year-ender menu includes starters such as popcorn prawns, tuna tartare, beetroot carpaccio and chicken wings. For mains, choose between beef brisket tacos and blackened salmon with cauliflower and artichoke, and bring the meal to a close with New York cheesecake, Eton mess and chocolate mousse. Prices from Dh449 and bookings can be made by contacting 054 998 2003 or reservations@ distillerydubai.com.
Stunning vistas also await at Twenty Three, the rooftop destination in Grand Plaza Movenpick Media City, which offers views of the Dubai Marina skyline and a glimpse of the Burj Al Arab in the distance, plus signature tapas at its yearender bash. Prices from Dh399 and bookings can be made by contacting 054 793 1425 or hotel. grandplaza.tt@movenpick.com
Over at City Walk, fusion Indian restaurant Farzi Cafe has a four-course set menu for Dh249. The sharing-style dishes include Kerala shrimp biryani, black gram pachadi, mushroom pate, bun tikka, Parsi chicken curry and potato nest, plus desserts such as saffron makkhan malai and nut crumble. Call 052 689 2012 to book a spot outdoors.
The quintessential British hideaway Reform Social & Grill offers open-air dining with a lively ambience and a mouthwatering three-course meal. Expect grilled salmon, spiced roast lamb and spiced plum and blackberry crumble. Prices from Dh375, and bookings can be made by calling 04 454 2638.
For a beachfront destination with views of the Dubai skyline, head over to The Tap House at Club Vista Mare on Palm Jumeirah, which will offer sharing hot and cold appetiser platters, followed by mains including Hokkaido scallops, Wagyu short ribs, pan-seared duck breast and baked cod. Prices from Dh395, and bookings can be made by calling 04 514 3778.