Tuesday | February 12, 2019
WONDERING WHERE TO GO THIS VALENTINE’S DAY? HERE ARE SOME OF THE BEST PLACES ACROSS THE CAPITAL
With only a day left for Valentine’s Day, we’re bringing you our top picks for celebrating the day of love in Abu Dhabi. Whether it’s good food or gorgeous views, you simply can’t go wrong with our selection of the best venues in town:
Barfly by Buddha-Bar
When a world-famous institution attaches its name to a venue, you know you’re going to be in for a BIG night. A favorite amongst celebrities such as Madonna and Naomi Campbell, Barfly by Buddha-Bar at The Ritz-Carlton is pulling out all the stops for Valentine’s celebrations this year. Enjoy a four-course meal with popular pan-Asian dishes on the menu while soaking in amazing views of the Grand Canal. Packages start from AED 500.

BU!
BU!, short for the Spanish word “buenisimo”, has gained immense popularity in Abu Dhabi’s social scene. Offering an interesting mix of Latin-American and Far Eastern dishes, head to this award-winning restaurant at The Hub for a four-course candlelit dinner that will include all your favorite dishes including Nikkei shiitake cod and chocolate lava cake. This vibrant eatery is also known for its exciting drinks selection – make sure you try them too. Packages start from AED 550 per couple.

Buddha-Bar Beach
With its picturesque location at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Buddha-Bar Beach is offering you and your other half a romantic Valentine’s dinner like no other. Think an intimate dinner by the beach with rose petals scattered across your table. There’s also a special menu prepared only for the night by their expert team of chefs. On any other night, the venue is known for its stellar lineup of guest DJs. There's also a resident saxophonist setting the mood at this beautiful bar/lounge. Packages start from AED 300.

Cho Gao Marina Walk
You are bound to fall in love with this stunning pan-Asian restaurant at Marina Walk. With its gorgeous waterfront location, you’ll find everything from fresh sashimi to delicious Vietnamese salad on the menu. Now that the weather is perfect, head to the terrace where a resident DJ will spin just the right tunes for the night. Make sure you don’t miss the view; you’ll find plenty of photo opportunities. A special sharing menu will be available for couples on Valentine’s night. Packages start from AED 699 per couple.

Hakkasan
Fancy a Chinese feast on Valentine’s night? Make your way over to Hakkasan, a popular high-end restaurant at Emirates Palace, for only the best in Chinese cuisine. With its classy interiors and plush settings, your dining experience at this chic eatery is one that you’ll be talking about for a long time to come. Indulge in a four-course menu that’ll include all your favorites – from Australian lamb rack to braised Boston lobster. Choose to sit either indoors or book a cabana on the terrace. Packages start from AED 498.

La Brasserie
If you and your other half are big fans of French cuisine, then head to this traditional French brasserie at the Venetian Village for a feast that’ll have you smacking your lips in delight. Enjoy a glass of bubbly and chocolates followed by a splendid three-course meal that’ll consist of all the classics. Known for its traditional touch, this eatery will also offer you gorgeous views of the sea as well as a creative beverage menu that’s quite unlike any other. Packages start from AED 450.
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Li Jang
Li Jang translates to “beautiful river” in Chinese – a nod to its spectacular location on the Grand Canal. This stunning restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton is known to serve some of the best traditional Chinese fare – whether its homemade dim sum or noodles that you’re craving – you’ll find it all here. For Valentine’s night, you can enjoy a special five-course meal prepared only for the occasion. Dress up in your finest threads for a romantic night with your partner that you’ll cherish for a long time to come. Packages start from AED 550 per couple.

Roberto’s
Gear up for a Valentine’s Day celebrations filled with ‘poetry and love’ at Roberto’s at Al Maryah Island. While there won’t be any actual poetry involved, one look at the delicious five-course menu is bound to set your heart racing. Indulge in an Italian feast that’ll include wagyu beef tartare, lobster spaghetti and a special dessert for your sweet Valentine. It helps to know that nearly all the ingredients used at this swanky venue are sourced from Italy itself. Packages start from AED 800.

Zaya Nurai Island
This beautiful island resort has everything you could possibly want from your Valentine’s Day celebrations – luxurious venue, picturesque location and a customized three-course menu only for you and your partner. Food will be served from Frangipani, a gourmet international brasserie. You can also enjoy free-flowing nonalcoholic drinks as part of your exclusive package for the occasion. The island is only 10 minutes away by boat from Saadiyat Island. Packages start from AED 1,700 per couple.

**Photos courtesy of venue's Facebook page or website**
Barfly by Buddha-Bar
When a world-famous institution attaches its name to a venue, you know you’re going to be in for a BIG night. A favorite amongst celebrities such as Madonna and Naomi Campbell, Barfly by Buddha-Bar at The Ritz-Carlton is pulling out all the stops for Valentine’s celebrations this year. Enjoy a four-course meal with popular pan-Asian dishes on the menu while soaking in amazing views of the Grand Canal. Packages start from AED 500.

BU!
BU!, short for the Spanish word “buenisimo”, has gained immense popularity in Abu Dhabi’s social scene. Offering an interesting mix of Latin-American and Far Eastern dishes, head to this award-winning restaurant at The Hub for a four-course candlelit dinner that will include all your favorite dishes including Nikkei shiitake cod and chocolate lava cake. This vibrant eatery is also known for its exciting drinks selection – make sure you try them too. Packages start from AED 550 per couple.

Buddha-Bar Beach
With its picturesque location at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Buddha-Bar Beach is offering you and your other half a romantic Valentine’s dinner like no other. Think an intimate dinner by the beach with rose petals scattered across your table. There’s also a special menu prepared only for the night by their expert team of chefs. On any other night, the venue is known for its stellar lineup of guest DJs. There's also a resident saxophonist setting the mood at this beautiful bar/lounge. Packages start from AED 300.

Cho Gao Marina Walk
You are bound to fall in love with this stunning pan-Asian restaurant at Marina Walk. With its gorgeous waterfront location, you’ll find everything from fresh sashimi to delicious Vietnamese salad on the menu. Now that the weather is perfect, head to the terrace where a resident DJ will spin just the right tunes for the night. Make sure you don’t miss the view; you’ll find plenty of photo opportunities. A special sharing menu will be available for couples on Valentine’s night. Packages start from AED 699 per couple.

Hakkasan
Fancy a Chinese feast on Valentine’s night? Make your way over to Hakkasan, a popular high-end restaurant at Emirates Palace, for only the best in Chinese cuisine. With its classy interiors and plush settings, your dining experience at this chic eatery is one that you’ll be talking about for a long time to come. Indulge in a four-course menu that’ll include all your favorites – from Australian lamb rack to braised Boston lobster. Choose to sit either indoors or book a cabana on the terrace. Packages start from AED 498.

La Brasserie
If you and your other half are big fans of French cuisine, then head to this traditional French brasserie at the Venetian Village for a feast that’ll have you smacking your lips in delight. Enjoy a glass of bubbly and chocolates followed by a splendid three-course meal that’ll consist of all the classics. Known for its traditional touch, this eatery will also offer you gorgeous views of the sea as well as a creative beverage menu that’s quite unlike any other. Packages start from AED 450.
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Li Jang
Li Jang translates to “beautiful river” in Chinese – a nod to its spectacular location on the Grand Canal. This stunning restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton is known to serve some of the best traditional Chinese fare – whether its homemade dim sum or noodles that you’re craving – you’ll find it all here. For Valentine’s night, you can enjoy a special five-course meal prepared only for the occasion. Dress up in your finest threads for a romantic night with your partner that you’ll cherish for a long time to come. Packages start from AED 550 per couple.

Roberto’s
Gear up for a Valentine’s Day celebrations filled with ‘poetry and love’ at Roberto’s at Al Maryah Island. While there won’t be any actual poetry involved, one look at the delicious five-course menu is bound to set your heart racing. Indulge in an Italian feast that’ll include wagyu beef tartare, lobster spaghetti and a special dessert for your sweet Valentine. It helps to know that nearly all the ingredients used at this swanky venue are sourced from Italy itself. Packages start from AED 800.

Zaya Nurai Island
This beautiful island resort has everything you could possibly want from your Valentine’s Day celebrations – luxurious venue, picturesque location and a customized three-course menu only for you and your partner. Food will be served from Frangipani, a gourmet international brasserie. You can also enjoy free-flowing nonalcoholic drinks as part of your exclusive package for the occasion. The island is only 10 minutes away by boat from Saadiyat Island. Packages start from AED 1,700 per couple.

**Photos courtesy of venue's Facebook page or website**