Shurfa Bay – Modern Levant Cuisine and Shisha Lounge — Restaurant in Abu Dhabi

Shurfa Bay, Corniche Street, Abu Dhabi. We visited for family lunch. It was empty, and having only another occupied table with couple of guests. Staff are not welcoming neither professional as expected. They are not attentive and not friendly at all. Even the restaurant was empty, it was hard to get attention from any waiter or staff. We had to look for a waiter and call for assistance anytime we need anything or we have any request. No table visits was conducted, and we barely got attention from waiters. Ordered items presentation was very good, but no appetizing. We were disappointed by the quality and the taste was below expectations for such a fine dine levantine restaurant. Kebbeh nayyeh was far away from the expectationst. Soujouk with molasses was tasteless and the mix of taste was not matching with molasses. Fatteh was below expectations and didn't taste good, just the makdous was ok, but the mix was awfully bad and extremely salty. We had to ask many times for bread and when we asked it was delivered late. Grilled chicken was good, some parts were over grilled was hard to chew for the kids. Fries were good. Dynamite shrimps had appearance and taste. Most of the items tasted below expectations, and we didn't continue all the dishes. Service is slow and bad. Prices are fair but a total waste for such service and taste. Atmosphere was good, it is very well decorated. Unused table were not clean, and all of them were having mugs and water bottle marks on them and needed cleaning. Outdoor sitting area need maintenance, but it seems nice to sit out in the evening. Most probably won't return the visit. Had a small issue and the staff and supervisor on duty handled it very unprofessionally. Hope to give intensive training for the staff in terms of basic hospitality and communication skills and manners especially for the supervisor that was in duty during the time if visit. Would give half a star comparing with the food and service provided by the Levantine and Lebanese Restaurant just next to it on...

Shurfa Bay is a perfect blend of modern Levantine elegance and authentic Middle Eastern hospitality, located in the luxurious St. Regis Hotel on Abu Dhabi’s Corniche. Whether you choose to sit outdoors with stunning sea views or enjoy the opulent indoor setting, the ambiance is serene, stylish, and welcoming—a true treat for the senses.

We started with their Fattoush Salad, and it was an absolute delight. The vegetables were incredibly fresh and crisp, with juicy tomatoes, cucumbers, and vibrant greens tossed in a zesty dressing of lemon, olive oil, and sumac. Topped with crispy pita chips for a satisfying crunch, it was a refreshing and flavorful appetizer that set the tone for the meal.

For the main dishes, we tried the Kebab Shurfa Style and the Chicken Fillet with Potato—both were exceptional. The kebab featured tender minced lamb, perfectly marinated with onion, parsley, and special spices, grilled to perfection. It was served with a creamy Turkish labna, a tangy tomato sauce, and grilled vegetables, creating a harmonious medley of flavors.

The Chicken Fillet with Potato was equally impressive. The chicken breast was juicy, tender, and expertly grilled, complemented by golden, crispy potato cubes and a flavorful provincial sauce that added depth to the dish. The combination was hearty and satisfying, leaving us savoring every bite.

Shurfa Bay is not just a restaurant; it’s an experience. From the exquisite cuisine to the picturesque setting, everything about it is crafted to perfection. If you’re in Abu Dhabi and looking for a place that offers delicious food, exceptional service, and a stunning atmosphere, Shurfa Bay is a must-visit. Highly recommended for an unforgettable...

Not recommended.

Food is good and the chef does a good job accommodating food allergies and intolerances.

However, the service was horrible. Here's a recap:

Upon arrival, there was no one at the door. I had to locate the hostess myself, who lacked any reservation system and aimlessly walked me around the restaurant to find my table. When ordering, the server refused to substitute the garlic dip with hummus for the mixed grill, even after I insisted. The French fries served with the mixed grill were very cold. The server attributed this to the cold weather, although the meat was still piping hot. Eventually, they replaced the fries but initially charged us for it, which they corrected after I complained. Expect spilled water on your table from servers who don't bother to clean it up. Another guest at my table received his soft drink only after finishing his meal, despite asking for it twice. The cake was very delayed and arrived with the wrong name(table booker name instead of asking for the bday person name), even though we paid 100 AED for the cake service. They just sang and left us to serve the cake ourselves.

The manager apologized for the poor service and offered a fruit platter on the house, but it arrived without cutlery.

While the food is good, the quality of service makes it hard to...