ABU DHABI: When you pick a Lebanese restaurant for dinner, you would normally have in mind some good mezze, kebabs and a shisha corner.
But Wafi Gourmet at the Nation Galleria is a Lebanese eatery that is far removed from all these notions. The sprawling restaurant with a staggering 400-450 seating capacity is one of the biggest dining spaces in Abu Dhabi.
It took me a few long minutes to properly size up the place with its multiple open kitchens, dessert and juice stations, bakery and a vibrant retail space that sells everything from herbs, tea, olives, fresh Lebanese fruits to pickles and sauces. It almost felt like being transported to a gourmet wonderland.
The outdoor terrace offers breathtaking views of the Abu Dhabi corniche. There is a special corner outdoors for shisha lovers.
The menu, though predominantly Lebanese, offers plenty of choices to give you a true taste of Arabia. An assorted selection of cold and hot mezze gave us a good start. Lebanese quintessentials – fattouch, tabbouleh and hummus – all scored five stars. The fried chicken liver in pomegranate sauce and golden friend potato cubes served with garlic and coriander exceeded our expectations while the Arabic bread, straight from the oven, was hot and yummy.
If you are a salad fan, you must try the rocket quinoa with feta cheese, beetroot and walnut topped with slices of avocado drizzled with lime vinaigrette sauce.
Moving on to the main course, the Moroccan speciality couscous topped with chicken and vegetables and the mixed grill selection impressed me immensely.
But the showstopper of the evening was the Al Khalij grilled chicken served with aromatic white rice sprinkled with cooked pomegranate.
Dessert lovers can have a field day as the restaurant has a wide selection of traditional Arabic sweets, decadent chocolate cakes, gelato ice cream, freshly made mocktails and fresh fruit platter.
Details:
Meal for two: Dh200 to 300
Location: Nation Galleria, West Corniche, Abu Dhabi
Timings: 10am-12am
Bookings: 02-665 6077