AVLU Greek & Turkish Cuisine — Restaurant in Abu Dhabi

AVLU Greek & Turkish Restaurant, Yas Mall - Iftar Review

At Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi change seems to be their mantra going by how their dining options evolve, everytime you go something old is gone and something new is open, latest being this cool little gem of a place, AVLU!

AVLU Greek & Turkish Restaurant offers a unique iftar experience that blends Greek and Turkish culinary traditions, creating an unforgettable journey of Aegean-inspired flavors using ingredients and spices of the best quality and all directly imported from Turkey and Greece.

Ambiance

AVLU boasts a contemporary Aegean modern design that reflects the richness of Turkish and Greek heritage. The decor creates an inviting atmosphere with a perfect balance of sophistication and warmth, blending traditional elements with modern elegance.

Guests can immerse themselves in an ambiance that embodies the Aegean lifestyle—a lifestyle defined by passion for food, hospitality, and flair and the pristine beaches with clear blue water that you can almost experience looking at the series of paintings along one wall.

Iftar Menu

Iftar is a set menu served tableside, begins with a comforting bowl of tomato soup, warm and hearty with a basket of their freshly baked bread tasted like a slice of heaven , one of the best Tomato soups we have ever had. The mezze follow, a selection of signature dishes including Hummus, Melitzanosalata (Greek eggplant salad), and Tzatziki, along with a refreshing Greek salata (Greek salad) which was topped with a slab of flavored Feta that was amazing.

The hot appetizers include Baked Manti (classic Turkish dumplings) and Moussaka, a Greek dish of layered eggplant and minced meat followed by, hold on, Truffle honey milfeuille, warm fresh oozing honey simply divine.

There is free flowing Turkish tea freshly made in a flask on the table and you can order your favourite tea or coffee as well

The main course, this is what we carnivores to the core had come for, is the Hunter’s Meat Board offering an exceptional selection of meats and flavors. This generous board features Dana Sis (Beef Souvlaki), Tavuk Sis (Chicken Souvlaki), Slow Cooked Beef Cheeks, Slow Cooked Lamb Shoulder, and Kofte (meatballs).

Each item is carefully prepared to highlight the rich, bold flavors of the Aegean, providing a hearty and satisfying dining experience.

To complete the experience, guests are invited to indulge in two exquisite desserts: the Classic Square Pistachio Baklava and the Walnut Roll Baklava. Both are sweet, flaky, and masterfully layered with the finest ingredients, offering the perfect, decadent finale to a memorable meal.

Service

The staff at AVLU are known for their hospitality and attentiveness. They ensure that guests have a seamless and enjoyable dining experience, catering to individual needs and dietary preferences with professionalism and care.

A shout out to Patrice who took the time to patiently answer all our questions and impressed us with his knowledge and insights into each dish made the experience even more memorable, he introduced us to the outlet manager and then the Chef himself walked out to say hello which was such a pleasure .

Overall Experience

AVLU's iftar meal is more than just a dining experience—it's a celebration of Aegean culture and culinary heritage. From the inviting ambiance to the meticulously crafted dishes, authentic ingredients, and excellent service, this restaurant delivers an exceptional iftar experience that delights the senses and leaves a lasting impression.

Great work guy, truly...

Let us take a moment to celebrate Avlu, a shining gem in the world of Turkish cuisine, where tradition and excellence met in perfect harmony. Avlu was not merely a restaurant; it was an experience—an enchanting gateway to the rich and diverse flavors of Turkey, crafted with love, passion, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity.

Every visit to Avlu was a feast for the senses. The aroma of freshly grilled kebabs, the golden glow of perfectly baked simit, and the vibrant colors of its meze selection created an atmosphere that was both inviting and unforgettable. Each dish, prepared with masterful skill, reflected the soul of Turkish culinary heritage, blending time-honored recipes with the finest ingredients to create flavors that lingered in our hearts long after the last bite.

Beyond the food, Avlu was a beacon of hospitality, where guests were welcomed with the warmth and generosity that Turkish culture is renowned for. Whether sharing a meal with loved ones or enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of Turkish tea, Avlu provided a sanctuary of comfort and delight, making every visit special.

Avlu stood as a testament to the beauty of Turkish tradition—its richness, its warmth, and its ability to bring people together. It was more than a restaurant; it was a celebration of culture, a place where memories were made, and a shining example of culinary excellence.

Long live the spirit of Avlu, a name that will forever be synonymous with quality, authenticity, and the true essence of Turkish...

If you have never been to the Aegean coast or had the pleasure of enjoying Turkish breakfast (hands down the best breakfast in the world!), then you are missing out without giving Avlu-Aegean Spread a try!!!

Consider this... every food group, consisting of the highest quality ingredients, made as good and at times even better than being seaside in Turkiye! Avlu is the real deal and brings it on like the never ending çay!

The su boregi, fresh simit and sour dough breads, menemen, and omelet were phenomenal; leaving us stuffed full for the entire day! Plus the price simply can't be beat. More sucuk? Haydi, GEL! Another sigara borek, BRING IT ON! (if your belly can fit it). Domate or tomato? Tell Antalya to send some more!

Yaman Bey was most hospitable as were the hosts and our server Ali. Thank you so much for bringing such a great place to Abu Dhabi. We will be coming for dinner next time!

Honestly, after living in Turkiye for over 10 years and coming here, it was a sigh of relief. No gimmicks or games. The highest quality at a great price, superb service, and authentic breakfast. Plus, they have great Turkish and Greek products to take home!

WE WILL BE BACK!

FYI: Turkish breakfast is similar to a buffet in a way, but right at your table. A little bit of everything all at once and you can request more of the items you simply must enjoy more! ...