Meylas Emirati Restaurant - AlMuneera — Restaurant in Abu Dhabi

We came across this restaurant while researching our trip to Abu Dhabi, and were excited by the focus on local cuisine. While most of the food was delicious, Meylas had some shortcomings.

The first thing that threw us off was the location and the interior. Based on the website and marketing materials, we expected a quaint restaurant in an older neighbourhood of Abu Dhabi. Instead, the restaurant is located in a glitzy residential complex that doesn't match the vibe of the story portrayed in the marketing materials. We sat inside because it was a bit colder, and the decor is nice, but the ambiance is a bit cafeteria-like. The outside patio was populated entirely by locals, but the inside was mostly empty.

The other major downside was the service, which was atrocious. After not being acknowledged at all by the two staff inside the restaurant (not locals) for about 10 minutes, we had to chase them down to order our drinks and food. The server displayed a poor attitude for the rest of the night.

The food actually was a highlight and I wish we could have tried more of the dishes. Two of us shared the Salatat jarjeer wa chami (arugula with curd cheese and date syrup) and Rgaag (traditional flatbread with cream cheese) as starters. Both were good, but nothing special.

The Semach Mashway (grilled local fish with rice) and Machbos Diyay (spiced chicken with rice and local ghee) were delicious. The fish was perfectly cooked and nicely encrusted with spices. The chicken was fall-off-the-bone soft, the rice fragrant and the preserved lemon dressing perfectly cut the rest of the spices.

All in all, we would definitely go back to try the other dishes, but would be prepared to deal with the service next...

This place holds a special place in my heart as it brings back cherished memories. Despite the passing years, the food remains consistently delicious, showcasing their unwavering commitment to quality.

My regular orders, including Karak, Regag cheese, Balalet, Ersta, and Logaimat, have always been a delight, evoking nostalgia with each bite.

However, I feel compelled to offer a piece of advice. While the food maintains its excellence, the ambiance of the restaurant could benefit from some attention. The chairs (تكيه) show signs of age, with some appearing worn out, and the color of the cutlery holder has noticeably faded over time.

Though not a significant overhaul, a bit of renovation would go a long way in enhancing the overall customer experience. From a customer's perspective, a little more care in maintaining the ambiance would elevate the dining experience...

Went for a family lunch on a weekend; lovely set up with quirky touches of days gone by, adding to the interest. Attentive staff who provide rough and ready service, but do so pleasantly and in a sense, it’s in keeping with the theme. The food was delicious, we had a mixture of seafood, chicken and salads with soup and a couple of side dishes. Portions are generous and well cooked. The restaurant isn’t huge which adds to the ambiance and makes it homely. I didn’t appreciate A/C maintenance going on during the meal for hygiene reasons but perhaps it was an emergency. It also became rather crowded with delivery men so home delivery is obviously popular. All in all, a great meal in a pleasant atmosphere, would definitely return though I’d check if they’re doing...