– a luxurious journey to the heart of Lebanon in the middle of Abu Dhabi
Imagine: silky evenings, the sea descends over the horizon line, the air smells of spices and jasmine, and you’re sitting on the luxurious terrace of Emirates Palace.
In front of you – elegantly served hummus, and behind your back – light Arabian lounge sound, and the waiter, as from the movie about luxury of the East, is already carrying the next masterpiece from the fresh menu.
This is no fairytale. This is Lebanese Terrace, a new gastronomic gem at the heart of Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi.
If you’ve ever dreamed of dining in an authentic Arabian palace, but without all the kitsch with brass lamps and songs from 1000 and 1 Nights, this is the place to be.
Lebanese Terrace is like a breath of eternal Beirut, only against the backdrop of the luxurious Persian Gulf. High arches, old olive trees, delicate shadows of palm trees on white-washed walls – as if you were in the private courtyard of an old house in the mountains of Lebanon. Only with Michelin-level service.
The outdoor terrace deserves special attention – grab a glass of white Lebanese and watch the sun slowly hide behind the water line. Here time flows slower and life seems a little more beautiful.
Chef Gilbert Sacre isn’t just a chef here – he’s a missionary of taste. He has taken traditional Lebanese recipes and turned them into haute gastronomy. Without losing soul, but with an exceptional visual flair.
Here are a few dishes that are a must order:
Fattet Hummus – creamy hummus with crusty bread, yogurt and pine nuts. Comfort food of the highest caliber.
Grilled Jumbo Prawns – huge tiger prawns marinated in sumac and garlic.
Tabbouleh – A fresh salad of finely chopped parsley, tomatoes, mint, bulgur dressed with olive oil and lemon juice. It is a classic Lebanese appetizer that refreshes and opens up the appetite.
Baklawa Cheesecake is the most Instagrammed dessert according to aesthetes. Baklawa, cheese, nuts – what could be better?
Everything on the menu is seasonal, fresh, lots of vegetables, spices, crunchiness. But the main thing is that everything looks as if it was prepared especially for you, under jazz and candlelight.
If you don’t drink, there is still something to try here.
Tabbu Le Lah is a drink-interpretation of the famous tabbouleh salad. Fresh, green, unexpected.
And if you’re drinking, the bar list features a selection of rare Lebanese wines and arek (a traditional aniseed distillate).
Yes, it’s expensive. But it’s worth it
It’s not an “every day” place. But if you want to make your evening special, it is hard to find something better.
Average check for two persons without alcohol – 750-800 AED (~190-200 €).
Service is included, tips are at guest’s discretion (usually 5-10%).
Lebanese Terrace is about the experience. About aesthetics in every detail: from an olive leaf to the color of a napkin. About the fact that real luxury is not gold and diamonds, but taste, balance and service.
It is not just delicious here. It is beautiful to live here.
Address: Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi | Phone: +971 2 690 7999 | Opening hours: Open daily from 12:30 to 23:00.
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