The Cheesecake Factory — Restaurant in Abu Dhabi

This afternoon around 1 p.m, I had the worst experience at the Cheesecake Factory in Yas Mall. In over 10 years of living in Abu Dhabi, I have never experienced such a horrible racism.

As an East Asian(I am Korean), I entered with my daughter through the entrance next to the Apple Store and asked for a table for two. The receptionist not only took us all the way across the restaurant to the entrance near Pottery Barn, but also led us to the most isolated corner. At 1 p.m on Monday, as my daughter and I walked across the restaurant, we saw that more than 90% of the tables were empty.

Just before me, another family entered the restaurant and was immediately seated at a nearby the enctrance, while my daughter and I, as Asians, were deliberately led across the nearly empty restaurant to the farthest corner

Along the way, I even asked to stop to be seated at a table right there, but my request was completely ignored. When I showed my displeasure, a waitress came over, asked what happened, and after hearing my story, apologized sincerely and called the manager.

I asked the manager to check if there was any reason behind this treat, and he told me she claimed that “the system” showed that the only available table was in that far corner. It is very funny that she only can see the 'sytem', instead of 'the whole empty seats'.

In an almost empty restaurant, leading me all the way to the farthest, most hidden seat—this woman was clearly being racist.

Feeling too upset to order, I left. On my way out, I went back to the receptionist and asked her: “Did you hear that I was upset because you led me to the most isolated seat in an empty hall?” That racist, shameless Moza’s response? “No problem.”

Her name is...

From the moment we arrived at the restaurant, Bebo made our dining experience truly unforgettable. Her warm smile and welcoming presence immediately set the tone for what turned out to be one of the most enjoyable meals we’ve had in a long time. Bebo was not only incredibly attentive, but she also struck the perfect balance between professionalism and genuine friendliness—she made us feel like we were being taken care of by a friend rather than just a server. Every recommendation she made was spot on, from the appetizers to the desserts, and her knowledge of the menu showed she was both experienced and passionate about her work. What stood out the most, though, was her kind and thoughtful nature—she checked on us just the right amount, never interrupting, always timing her visits perfectly, and her small gestures, like offering extra napkins before we even asked or noticing when our drinks needed refilling, didn’t go unnoticed. She seemed to genuinely care that we were enjoying ourselves, and that level of attentiveness added so much joy and ease to the evening. It’s rare to meet someone in hospitality who makes such a lasting impression, but Bebo’s warmth, kindness, and professionalism completely elevated the experience for us. It wasn’t just about the food or the ambiance—although both were excellent—it was about how she made us feel throughout the entire meal. I can confidently say that our night was made significantly better because of Bebo, and she is a true credit to the restaurant. If we return—and we absolutely will—it’ll be in large part...

Having dined at several Cheesecake Factory locations in different countries, I've noticed a recurring issue with their seating arrangements. At every restaurant, the first table they gave me was at the back corner, which left me feeling a bit disappointed and overlooked. It seems to be a common practice for restaurants to fill up their back tables first, but it's still important for the staff to make their guests feel welcome and comfortable. It would be nice if they could be more considerate of their guests' seating preferences or at least explain why they chose that particular spot.

That being said, the food at the Cheesecake Factory is remarkable, and I would highly recommend it. Their menu offers a diverse range of dishes, from classic American fare to international cuisine, and everything I've tried has been delicious. Of course, the cheesecakes are the real star of the show, and they never disappoint. Whether you prefer fruity, chocolatey, or classic flavors, there's something for everyone.

Despite the seating issue, the service at the Cheesecake Factory is excellent, and the staff are knowledgeable and friendly. The ambiance of the restaurant is lively and upbeat, with dim lighting, colorful decor, and catchy music. The seating is comfortable, with cozy booths and plush chairs.

Overall, if you're a fan of delicious food and amazing cheesecakes, the Cheesecake Factory is definitely worth a visit. However, be prepared to potentially be seated at the back corner of the restaurant, as this has been my experience at every location...