Abu Dhabi restaurants Hakkasan, COYA and Butcher & Still successful at the inaugural MENA 50 Best Restaurants Awards.
Abu Dhabi’s Hakkasan, COYA and Butcher & Still were among the esteemed regional dining establishments acknowledged for their cuisine and ambience, during the MENA 50 Best Restaurant Awards ceremony held at the Conrad Etihad Towers earlier this week. The commendations were based on responses of more than 1,000 anonymous experts from 19 countries.
This further boosts the city’s reputation as a global culinary destination. Hakassan has long been a favourite for fine diners looking for Asian-fusion dishes, while Coya has made a name for itself with its Peruvian fusion cuisine, and Butcher & Still has delighted residents and visitors with its 1920s American steakhouse vibe.
In parallel with the ceremony, the Dept. of Culture & Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) organised 50 Best Week Abu Dhabi, a culinary festival featuring experiential dining experiences, cooking masterclasses and collaboration dinners between February 4 and 11. The events promoted UAE’s capital city as a culinary centre.
The 50 Best Week Abu Dhabi initiatives included a thought-leadership forum #50BestTalks, which provided a platform for ‘MENA: United Through Food’ – a discussion with experts including renowned American pastry chef Will Goldfarb and Dubai-based celebrity chef Izu Ani.
A range of masterclasses with culinary professionals Pía León, from Peru, and Germany’s Tim Raue also took place alongside international collaborations with the likes of Julien Royer from France. Other events included a collection of immersive dinners at high-end locations across the capital, such as a Peru-themed dining experience at Nurai Island with León, and a BBQ – Playing with Fire at Bal Al Qasr with Australian Dave Pynt.
Chef’s Table, Abu Dhabi Culinary’s annual dining promotion, also returned with a special edition seven-day edition featuring some of the city’s leading eateries: Fouquet’s, Beirut Sur Mer, Punjab Grill, COYA, LPM Restaurant & Bar, Catch, ZUMA, Bushra by Buddha Bar, Sontaya and Paradiso.
Contributing to the expansive culinary industry within the capital, MENA 50 Best aligns with the recent introduction of key culinary destinations and leading restaurant brands operating in Abu Dhabi, including Yas Bay, home to Abu Dhabi’s first Hunter & Barrel, Asia Asia and Siddharta Lounge.
To find out more, visit: https://abudhabiculinary.ae/
