Episodes at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental — Restaurant in Abu Dhabi

Nothing like before…

Episodes at EP is not just a coffee shop – the food menu is extensive and well thought-out! A bit pricey, could be worth it but only if the quality of the service is excellent like used to be! Since the EP changed name and management to the Mandarin oriental, unfortunately nothing is like before!😔 Starting with a plastic pinkish flowers all around, entering in shorts and flip flops etc. but the biggest disappointment of all is at Episodes, where the SERVING of the famous and costly (90dhs pp) 23K gold cappuccino is nothing like used to be! Fortunately, the taste is still the same!👍 Instead of elegant silver tray service, branded fine cotton napkins and well-arranged porcelain mugs with additional touches like dates, chocolates, macarons and refined floral elements, hinting at luxurious attention to details…nowadays you will experience less meticulous presentation, with casual plastic coasters and mismatched plates, paper tissues and lack of cohesive arrangement which detract from the overall premium experience.

The transition reflects a decline in attention to fine details and an overall loss of the polished elegance that once defined this cafe’! Although, ultimately it’s all subjective!

The photos show the difference in service and presentation at Episodes café before and after the change in management.

P.S. Anyhow, I’ve spoken to the manager and he agreed that some improvements would...

I came here for the Episodes Gold Cappuccino and I stayed for coffee, food and something sweet. And for the atmosphere, of course. From my point of view, the new Episodes concept is much better than the old Le Café.

If you want to enjoy a tea, then Tea Apothecary (Episodes) is the place where you can indulge in rare tea selections from around the world. Gourmet Deli (Episodes 2) offers delicious sandwiches and freshly baked pastries, The Mandarin Cake Shop (Episodes 3) is a paradise for dessert lovers, and at Gelateria (Episodes 4), you’ll find the best artisanal ice cream.

There are not many hotels in the world where you can find specialty coffee, but here it’s the right place also for this. They have specialty coffee roasted for them by Boon Coffee Roasters and I can tell the coffee was just amazing.

The staff at Episodes redefine luxury hospitality. They are not only attentive and knowledgeable but also genuinely passionate about the food and experience they provide. From personalized recommendations to ensuring every detail is perfect, the service here is simply impeccable. Unfortunately, I’m not good with remembering names, but the manager from Ireland was absolutely fabulous.

Emirates Palace is already a legendary destination for every tourist in Abu Dhabi and for me Episodes has only elevated its culinary scene further! See...

I went Episode twice in last couple of days. The First one was a very good experience, the desert was delicious, the atmosphere was great, that is why İ wanted to go back the next day, which is yesterday. I was in the cafe, did not see anybody around for welcoming so I did go to the cash because she was the only one I can see around at the moment and asked if I can be seated. She seemed disturbed and said that There is a line up outside, I should go out and wait in the line… I don’t remember her exact words but I do remember her body language, she was not polite at all. Yes, for sure I can wait in the line, as I have done in many occasions but mine was a merely inquiring for a seat not trying to by pass a line up. Anyway, this is not the way I would have expected to be treated in such a luxurious hotel and in such a wonderful looking boutique cafe. Still, I waited in the line and got a Seat. The desert I ordered was misunderstood, they changed the desert but they had not updated the check. With my warning, They fixed the check as well. So it is a good cafe and could be better with some...