Soraya in Abu Dhabi
Given its proximity to a mall food court, you'd be forgiven for thinking Soraya was a casual mall restaurant. Located at the main entrance, with its own valet service (NBD), this is a super stylish Persian restaurant that is undeniably swish.
Created by the team behind Pachamama in London, it's a style and substance kind of place that impresses no matter the time you stop in. During the day, enjoy a sun-drenched dining room that looks like the home and a very eccentric Persian artist.
With burnt-orange booths, candelabras with melted wax candles on every table and a stunning open kitchen with plenty of action to see, the interiors are elegant yet cosy. With powdery beige walls collaged with bright, framed artworks, tastefully wooden panels and decorative frilly lampshades, it's the perfect example of knick-knacks done right.
(Credit: Soraya)
But, again, this isn't just style over substance, because Soraya serves up some of the best high-end Persian cuisine in Abu Dhabi. Start with the sabzi khordan, which is a simple yet essential part of any Persian meal. You'll get a vibrant platter of fresh herbs and veggies, served family style and meant to be eaten alongside pretty much everything, especially when paired with grilled meats.
If you're after an iconic main, then the ever-juicy kubideh kabab – a superstar of Persian grills – is the kind of dish that's simple in concept, but when made right, it hits on every level. Expect its juicy, tender meat, smoky flavour and aromatic herbs to live in your head rent-free for a while. Soraya's rendition was deeply satisfying.
(Credit: Soraya)
Finish with the restaurant's Insta-famous caramel burnt cheese cake, where waiters dramatically pour a brown butter & hazelnut kunafa sauce on top. Creamy and ends the entire experience on a high.
While Soraya is wonderfully modern, it's not straying too far from tradition, though, either. You're getting iconic recipes presented in a contemporary way in a stunning space, all priced very reasonably for what you're getting. What's not to love?
Spend enough time at Soraya and you won't just forget you're next to a mall – you'll feel like you've been whisked into the eclectic home of a Persian creative who just happens to serve some of the best kababs in the city.
Casual mall dining? Not even close.
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