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Time Out Abu Dhabi

Ilios in Abu Dhabi

A singer, a saxophonist and a guy swallowing a sword – that's probably the sort of thing you'd picture if someone suggests dinner and a show, right? Well, at Ilios Restaurant & Beach Club, your meal comes with a different kind of show. One where you won't find a musical instrument, dancers or any swords in sight. Instead, it's all about Surf Abu Dhabi, the biggest man-made pool in the region, of which Ilios has uninterrupted views. As you walk in, you're immediately transported to a Greek island beach club. Earthy tones in blue and cream, gorgeous la bohème-inspired furniture and an infinity pool that almost steals the show from the surf… almost. (Credit: Ilios) But if you think that surf vibes make this a casual affair, think again. Ilios is as sophisticated as they come, whispering 'quiet luxury' throughout the entire experience, so dress accordingly. Before you even take your seat (go for the stunning deck if weather permits), you'll quickly notice what a well-oiled machine the team at Ilios are. Waiters move around like mind readers, catering to your every need – even the needs you didn't know you had. Feeling chilly? They'll hand you a 100 percent cashmere pashmina. Getting up to use the restroom? They'll pull out your chair every time. Not sure what to order? They'll recommend excellent dishes based on what you're in the mood for. Trust us – there's good service, and then there's Ilios' service. Plus, they also know the menu inside out – a menu that's Mediterranean-Greek-inspired with plenty of classic dishes to pick from. The Greek salad is hands-down one of the best you may ever have (yes, even if you're a seasoned traveller to Greece). The freshness of every ingredient is evident with each bite. Tomatoes, cucumbers, onions and olives are topped with a generous amount of olive oil and plenty of creamy, crumbly feta cheese. Yes, we're hyping up a salad this much. As you'd expect from any Mediterranean spot, seafood is king here. Don't skip the prawns, which come in a juicy tomatoey sauce with that aforementioned crumbling feta. A dish you'll struggle to share (sorry, not sorry). Seafood orzo is topped with a glorious mix of tender calamari, plump prawns, juicy mussels and flaky fish – all of which are gently simmered in a creamy tomato-based sauce. Hearty but still elegant. If you decide on the catch of the day, get ready to first inspect your not-so-little guy tableside before it's cooked to literal perfection. And fret not, meat-eaters won't be disappointed here. From lamb chops (exceptionally seasoned) to wagyu beef that's simply grilled (à la Med) over natural charcoal with a hint of herb seasoning. (Credit: Ilios) Prices may not be the most wallet-friendly, at Dhs200+ for meaty mains and seafood sold by the kilo at not quite the local fish market prices you might be used to, but you're getting bang for your buck with generous portions and produce treated impeccably well. If there's still space for something sweet, chocoholics need not look further than the chocolate lava dessert, where slightly bitter Ecuadorian dark chocolate mixes perfectly with the sweet vanilla ice cream. In between bites, you can catch surfers riding waves and hanging loose while a DJ on the decks adds to the chic Mykonos vibes – soundtracking your dinner as you enjoy the delicious food and the show on the water.