After years of having to drive to Dubai when the craving for Asia Asia's famous prawn tempura and sushi set in, we finally got our own Asia Asia in Abu Dhabi
Located in the stunning Yas Bay, there couldn't be a better choice of venue, it's as if they were made for each other, it is a place that one would love to frequent more often and now with the weather improving that outdoor seating with the stunning views of the water's look so attractive.
We have been meaning to visit for ages and finally made it over last week for their superb Saturday, Spice Route Brunch and absolutely loved it.
As you enter you somehow feel pleasantly at home given the decor and finishes are so familiar from those countless trips to Dubai, a great start to the experience.
The Silk Route Brunch is a table service affair that starts at a very sensible 2.00PM and winds up at 5.00 PM, which we feel is the perfect format and timing for a nice and civilized brunch.
We are warmly greeted and seated at one of those central tables just beneath the cherry blossom tree, our drink orders are taken, and we are gently walked through the menu.
It's a well curated menu, divided into six sections, covering all the exquisite creations you would expect from the main menu.
We are told we get one order of the mains each and an endless supply of everything else on the menu.
Soon the sushi platter arrives with the freshest sushi imaginable along with their signature chilli salt edamame along with our drinks.
The place is full and everyone seems to be having a great time and the service is working like a symphony, absolutely amazing.
In due course, we get to try every item on the menu and also almost all the specially paired cocktails.
Each dish was a delight, perfectly prepared, well seasoned and expertly presented, the highlights were the Dim Sum, beef tartare, chicken katsu baos, prawn tempura and the Truffle beef Yakitori is simply to die for.
The mains we tried were amazing,the shitake sauce with the sublime tenderloin will blow you away and so will the Wagyu striploin with the truffle wasabi sauce, it just seemed to melt if you stared at it.
Then, before we realize. It's almost five and time to go,we can't believe how fast those three hours went, so reluctantly we order our last round of drinks and ask for the dessert platter.
What arrives is a stunning plate bearing sample portions of all the four desserts on offer, the vanilla cheesecake is awesome and the chocolate matcha marquise will leave you wanting more and more, loved it.
So that was the end of a glorious afternoon brunch, great food, exceptional drinks, stunning venue, faultless service and all this at a very reasonable price.
The team at Asia Asia has to be commended for an excellent job, loved it, and we will be back...
Read moreWe feel the need to share our experience about dining at Asia Asia Abu Dhabi:
The evening begins with nobody from the staff feeling addressed to welcome us as new arriving guests and to bring us to our seats, although there is a lot of service staff walking around. We got the vibe that it is a busy night but at least tell us that you will be with us shortly..
Nothing- we had to chase the employees! - When we were finally taken to our seats, we had to wait 30 minutes for a waiter to come and bring us a menu. When we said that we were there for the Valentine's Day menu, we were only told "it will take at least 1 hour for the first course but I will ask".
When the waiter came back after 15 minutes he said "the kitchen is totally messed up and has stopped the valentines menu" so we had to order a la carte.
It took another 40 minutes after placing the order for the first a la carte dish to be delivered. The food we ordered arrived slowly one after one and the taste was mediocre and rather unseasoned. The waiters' mood was bored and disinterested.
At the end of the evincing our bad experience changed to unexpected and unexpectedly terrible standards- The quality of the food was so poor that I immediately developed food poisoning, I felt sick and had to vomit!
When it came to the bill, we had to seriously pause when we were charged for all the food and drinks and no concessions were made due to the long delay and the fact that the booked service (Valentine's Day menu) had not been provided. After complaining to the waiter and telling him about my sickness, we received a 20% discount on the bill.
However, this in no way compensates for the unprofessionalism and quality and the resulting food poisoning!
I am looking forward to being contacted by the restaurant manger to explain what happened this evening.
Thank you for the upcoming feedback...
Read moreI recently had the pleasure of dining at this incredible restaurant, and I can't stop raving about the experience! From start to finish, it was a culinary journey that left me utterly impressed.
First and foremost, their sushi was a work of art. Each piece was a delightful burst of flavor, and the freshness of the ingredients was undeniable. The chef's skill was evident in every meticulously crafted roll and nigiri. I couldn't get enough of their signature rolls, which were a fusion of flavors that danced on my taste buds. The sushi alone is reason enough to visit this establishment.
But the excellence didn't stop at the sushi. The entire menu was a testament to the diverse and mouthwatering offerings of Asian cuisine. Whether it was the perfectly seasoned stir-fried dishes, the rich and flavorful curries, or the tender and succulent meats, every bite was a revelation.
The service was equally exceptional. The staff were attentive, knowledgeable, and went above and beyond to ensure our dining experience was nothing short of extraordinary. They were more than willing to provide recommendations and accommodate dietary preferences, making us feel truly valued as customers.
The ambiance of the restaurant was inviting, with an elegant yet cozy atmosphere that set the perfect backdrop for a memorable meal. It's an ideal place for a romantic dinner, a family gathering, or a night out with friends.
In summary, this Asian restaurant is a gem that deserves every bit of praise it receives. The remarkable sushi, delectable food, and top-notch service combine to create a dining experience that's nothing short of amazing. I can't wait to return and savor their culinary delights once again.
You truly made this experience and day a memory to remember.
Thanks to Tao for the great service...
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