If you’re spending the weekend in Abu Dhabi for Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, there are several high-quality restaurants and even a pop-up bar to enjoy.
1. Mocktails by Tonique
Each year Tonique Beverage Consultancy brings a new and innovative pop-up lounge concept to the race weekend. This year the open air terrace at the center of Yas Marina's promenade will be transformed into the Terrazza Martini.
Location Yas Marina Timings 1pm until 1am Entry No bookings needed - open to the public
2. Family chill-out at Café D’Alsace
Café D’Alsace serves hearty breakfasts in the morning and sandwiches, salads, and light bites in the afternoon. You can choose from the a la carte menu or the set menu, the latter starting from Dh250 per person. It’s a great place for a glass of grape or hops, and to take in the views of the yachts.
LocationYas Marina Timings 12pm to 12am Entry Booking advised Phone +971 50 811 5414
3. Party at Iris
It’s already one of the most popular nightspots in Abu Dhabi, but Iris will be even more popular over race weekend. From 12pm until 4pm diners can order from a special a la carte menu or choose to have brunch whilst being entertained by live music and other such japes. They have sunset music sessions and all-nighter parties on all race days. 380, 750
Location Yas Marina Timings 12pm to 4pm (brunch); open till 5am Cost Brunch Dh380 per person (includes soft beverages); Dh750 (unlimted beverages and food) Entry for music and party Booking advised (Minimum spend per table depending on number of people) Phone +971 55 160 5636
4. Hemingway’s
To celebrate the F1 season, Hemingway’s at Hilton Abu Dhabi has a special menu on offer with race-themed new dishes. The Grand Prix specials include a Mercedes Wrap and the Renault Emmental Baguette.
Location Hilton Abu Dhabi,Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi Cost A la carte Dates November 20 to 27 Contact +971 2 692 4247
5. Carluccio’s
Hungry F1 fans look no further than famed Italian eatery Carluccio’s to fuel you up for the big race. At a starting grid price of AED 99 for 2 courses and AED 119 for 3 courses, fans can tuck into a winning Formula 1 without breaking the bank.
Location Carluccio’s Level 1, Yas Mall,Yas Island - Abu Dhabi Cost A la carte Timings 10am to 11pm Dates November 25, 26 and 27 Contact +971 2 565 1004
6. Sporting vibe at Stars ‘N’ Bars
Set in the heart of the glamour of Yas Marina, Stars ‘N’ Bars is the casual American sports bar with live entertainment every evening during race weekend. Grab a burger and a cheeky drink while overlooking the glitterati frolic on their yachts. Live music and DJs will be serenading you as you take in the atmosphere.
Location Yas Marina Timings 10am to 3am Entry Booking advised Phone +971 2 565 0101
7. Dine out at Cipriani
Recognised as one of the world’s premium names in Italian fine dining, Cipriani Yas Island offers culinary classics from Harry’s Bar in Venice, with a stunning terrace overlooking Yas Marina’s iconic landmarks. Cipriani is a favourite with the F1 drivers, socialites and celebrities who descend on the Capital during Race Week.
All bookings are for a limited period of 2 hours on the table. All seating requests on the terrace are not guaranteed. An additional charge of Dh100 per person on Friday and Dh150 per person on Saturday and Sunday will apply.
Location Yas Marina Timings 11.30am to late (last restaurant order at 2am) Entry Booking essential, 2 hour limit Phone +971 2 657 5400
8. The Middle Eastern experience at Rozanah
Make the most of the perfect winter weather with an alfresco lunch on Rozanah’s beautiful terrace overlooking Yas Marina. Rozanah offers a unique modern twist on the Middle Eastern dining experience and is a favourite among locals and expats alike for mezzeh, mixed grills, shisha, beverages and late night bites. Set menu starts at Dh250 per person. For groups of more than 8 people, there is a minimum spend of Dh250 per person.
Location Yas Marina Timings 8am to late Entry Booking advised Phone +971 2 496 3411
9. Seafood views at Aquarium
Furnished with comfortable couches and ambient light, the outdoor terrace turns into a chilled lounge in the evening. Overlooking the marina which is packed full of superyachts, you can enjoy cocktails, sushi and great music. You never know who you might bump into.
Location Yas Marina Timings 12pm to late Entry Booking advised Phone 02 565 0007
10. Rooftop experience at Diablito
Where better to celebrate the biggest sporting event of the year than on the rooftop terrace with 360 degree views of Yas Marina and Yas Island? The in-house DJ will be playing from 10pm until late. Diablito brings Mediterranean flare to Yas Island with panoramic views of the yachts plus the best pizzas and tapas in Abu Dhabi. Minimum spend applicable on rooftop tables and limted period per table of two hours.
LocationYas Marina Timings 1pm to late Entry Booking advised Phone +971 2 565 1175
11. Star spotting in the VIP Room
The VIP Room, the famous club brand of Paris, St Tropez and Cannes Film Festival, has hit Yas Island for the race weekend. The opulent nightclub, famous for its strictly A-list clientele, has a worldwide reputation for its dedicated following of celebrities, international jetsetters, and fashion industry elite.
This race season, internationally renowned hip-hop singer Drake is confirmed to bust a rhyme on November 26 while Paris Hilton (Nov 25), Luciano (Nov 25) and other yet unnamed celebrities are expected to join the party.
LocationYas Marina Timings Until late Entry Good luck
