MARSANA: YOUR ULTIMATE DESTINATION FOR A GREAT DAY OUT
DRVN
Describe DRVN in one word? Cool! The interiors are sleek and polished, their excellent coffee is roasted in-house, and there is no escaping the elephant - or rather, the car - in the room. Yes, encased in glass in the middle of the cafe you’ll find a luxury car on display. The model changes regularly, so if you have a petrol head in your life they are sure to be keen for a repeat visit. Not that into cars? Not a problem - the menu will still have you returning on the regular.
Our favourites? The breakfast menu ticks all the boxes - we adore the acai bowl, topped with fresh berries and lined with peanut butter. We also rate the DRVN double - double Wagyu patties stacked with cheddar cheese, deep fried jalapenos and onion with a side of truffle fries - and the pizza is excellent. Room for dessert? There are options aplenty!
BB+ MEMBERS ENJOY 15% OFF AT DRVN
Open: daily | 8AM - 12AM | Friday - Saturday until 1AM
Contact: +97125462482
MARMOURA
With one of the best locations on Hudayriat Island, this restaurant and lounge serves up a relaxed meal with a view - coming right up! The outdoor terrace is hot property during the cooler months, but inside you’ll find an equally lovely backdrop to your next Lebanese feast. Tuck into all the classics: hot and cold mezze, generous mixed grills perfect for sharing and shawarma.
Another feather in Marmoura’s cap? Shisha! The team prides themselves on the quality of their shisha, and whether you’re in the mood to relax with a mocktail as the sun sets, or want to bring friends for a taste of the Middle East in a beachside location that’s hard to beat, this is one you’ll want to remember.
Open: daily | 12PM - 2AM
Contact: +971 56 537 2000
BREATH BY THE BEACH
Literally perched on the sand, this Instagram-worthy cafe delivers on more than just aesthetics. The menu has plenty to tempt you out of the city: decadent ‘pull’ cakes - you’ve seen them, the ones where you pull off the outer casing and gooey, saucy goodness envelopes the dessert - and bao, sushi, burgers, pasta and tasty breakfast fare (full English fans, you’re sorted!). Fancy a matcha moment? Along with a full offering of coffee options, the drink of the season is literally pouring out the door at Breath.
Come for the gorgeous interiors - they really are pretty - but stay for the food!
Open: daily | 8AM - 11.45PM
Contact: 02 877 8839
RAIN
You’re probably already a fan of Rain: with branches across Abu Dhabi, we love that the Hudayriyat outpost of this popular coffee spot opens early enough to enjoy one of their signature breakfasts by the beach - the classic avo toast and Turkish eggs are amongst our favourites.
Stop in anytime for a tasty bite - alongside wraps, sandwiches and yummy pastries, they have a dedicated ‘healthy options’ menu for a guilt free but still delicious meal. Looking to change up your work-from-home location? Bring your laptop and get productive in the serene interiors - the proximity to great coffee is a massive bonus!
Open: daily | 8AM - 12AM
Contact: 02 886 5511
SHRIMP POT
Messy and we know it! Don’t bother coming in if you aren’t ready to roll up your sleeves and tuck in - they dress you in gloves and aprons for a reason! The menu is fully customisable, which is great, and it’s a really fun way to eat. The seafood buckets come in three sizes, overflowing with mussels, shrimp, octopus, lobster and corn, poured satisfyingly onto a bed of rice. The staff will happily guide you when ordering, so don’t be intimidated if you haven’t eaten a bucket full of seafood straight off the table in front of you before!
The restaurant is fun - look out for themed murals, on-brand lighting and portholes into the kitchen - and you’ll leave satisfied. What’s better than seafood by the sea? Not much, if you ask us.
Open: daily | 12PM - 11PM | Friday - Sunday until 12AM
Contact: 02 441 1842
ORO PIZZERIA
It’s not an exaggeration to say we’d drive to Hudayriyat just for this pizza - we already have! Cooked to perfection in a rotating wood fired oven, every element has been carefully considered to produce the best pizza possible - Neapolitan style.
The menu is delightfully uncomplicated: a handful each of pizza and pasta options, some appetizers and salads and a tiramisu to round out their offering. We love a spicy pepperoni with a finisher of hot honey, a special blend of honey and chilli oil. Our favourite has to be the tartufo pizza, a dream blend of fior di latte, truffle slices, burrata cheese, fresh basil, mushroom and Parmigiano Reggiano. A top contender for some of the best pizza in Abu Dhabi - controversial - take a seat at the al fresco tables, carry it down onto the sand and watch the sunset, or take it home and refuse to share with your family, but make sure you add Oro to your must-try list.
BB+ MEMBERS ENJOY 20% OFF AT ORO PIZZERIA
Open: daily | 5PM - 10.30PM
Contact: +971 58 670 0514
NONNA STELLA OSTERIA
Not about to let their Neopolitan cousins have all the fun across the esplanade, check out the Roman pinzas for another slice of Italian, dough-based goodness. The pinza base is more of a flatbread focaccia style, soft in the middle with some proper crunch to the edges. The signature dish at Nonna Stella, pinzas are perfect for sharing during your day at the beach.
If you struggle with decisions - like us - choose two: sweet and savoury! The chicken diavola is moreish with a kick of jalapeno, but our favourite? Pinza Nutella! Emphasis on the Nutella - it’ll get all over your face, hands, the table! Step inside for a break from the heat. The interior is adorable - don't miss their pretty mural - and let yourself be tempted by treats in the bakery
BB+ MEMBERS ENJOY 20% OFF AT NONNA STELLA OSTERIA
Open: daily | 10AM - 11.30PM
Contact: 052 418 8006
MUNCHEEZE
Before we even get to the food - yum! - and the views - 10/10 - Muncheeze are scoring points for the names of their dishes: Don't Go Steaking My Heart, Chick Flick and Chill, and Hudayriyat Tower (yes, that’s four sliders stacked on top of each other) are standouts. This American restaurant has a ‘go big or go home’ vibe - you won’t leave hungry. From the burgers and loaded fries to some truly decadent drinks, it’s a one way ticket out of hunger town.
Yes, there is plenty of cheese - check out their famous toasties, or the By-Pass Burger if you want to tempt fate - but the vibe is on point as well, bustling with happy customers and smiling staff. When the weather allows, nab a corner table outside - they offer the best sunset views in the house!
BB+ MEMBERS ENJOY 20% OFF AT MUNCHEEZE
Open: daily | 12PM - 12AM | Friday - Saturday until 1AM
Contact: +971 2 565 6622
BABU TOWN
Worked up an appetite from all that seaside fun? You’ll find excellent Indian fare waiting for you at the Hudayriyat outpost of this Gulf restaurant group. Plenty of Indian go-tos are on a menu that’s as colourful as the decor. We love the vegetable jalfrezi, which balances a great depth of flavour and richness without being too heavy for you to bound back into the water afterwards.
And you’re covered for a refreshing drink as well - if you asked us to choose between the strawberry mojito or mango juice we’d be in trouble. Both are lovely to sip on as you relax and take in that sea air!
BB+ MEMBERS ENJOY 20% OFF AT BABU TOWN
Open: daily | 11AM - 11PM
Contact: +971 2 440 339
MEOKJA
This funky food truck is bringing you a taste of Korea on the shores of Abu Dhabi. We’re impressed with what they can whip up inside this colourful trailer - ready for you to find a seat and tuck in, or carry back to your towel on the sand!
Savoury staples like crispy korean-style fried chicken, bibimbap and bulgogi have you covered for dinner, but don’t pass up their Korean corn dog: served on a stick, it’s the ultimate beach food - just mind the saucy drips! Fruit teas are the best antidote to a hot day, alongside their bingsoo and other tasty desserts for a sugar hit.
BB+ MEMBERS ENJOY 30% OFF AT MEOKJA UNTIL 31ST OCTOBER 2024
Open: daily | 10AM - 10PM
Contact: 058 553 3602
KUREPU
This hip Japanese spot on the Marsana boardwalk is a perfect pitstop for a yummy frozen treat. Our must-try? Signature Japanese crepes topped with matcha ice cream - Kurepu gets this one bang on! The mellow umami flavour of the matcha compliments the creamy sweetness perfectly and it doesn’t stop there: Kurepu also offers delicious mochis, soft serve cones & bowls with toppings, a range of sushi and refreshing bubble teas.
It's pocket-friendly, and perfect for the whole family. Especially popular with Gen-Z, don’t miss this one for the cool-factor.
BB+ MEMBERS ENJOY 25% OFF AT KUREPU
Open: daily | 10AM-12AM
Contact: 050 251 8784
MASHAKEEK & STEAK
You’ll smell this one before you see it - in the best possible way! Maybe it’s just us, but two things that make us instantly hungry? Swimming at the beach, and the smell of a charcoal grill - enter Mashakeek & Steak!
There’s plenty on this food truck’s menu, but it’s hard to go past their namesake: your choice of lamb, beef, chicken or shrimp skewers, marinated with their signature special spice mix, cooked over charcoal and served with Mashakeek secret sauce. Craving something more? Lamma combo boxes, wraps, burgers, pasta and fries are all perfectly packaged to satisfy your hunger on the go.
BB+ MEMBERS ENJOY 20% OFF AT MASHAKEEK & STEAK (FOOD ONLY)
Open: daily | 12PM - 6AM
Contact: 055 255 2778
COLD STONE CREAMERY
Almost as satisfying to watch as it is to eat, head into Cold Stone for their signature ice cream crushing, mixing and tossing. Choose your flavour, go a little over the top with the mix-ins like we do, and then race to devour your frozen creation before the sun gets the better of it. Waffle cones optional, but always encouraged!
BB+ MEMBERS ENJOY 15% OFF AT COLD STONE CREAMERY - ICE CREAM, SHAKES AND ICE CREAM CAKES
Open: daily | 10AM - 11PM | Friday - Saturday until 12AM
Contact: 056 526 8983
100% GELATO
Gelato by the beach isn’t mandatory, but it should be! And this isn’t just ice cream pretending to be gelato - Cento Gelato pride themselves on using Italian recipes and Italian ingredients, prepared by Italian masters right here in the UAE. Flavours change up regularly - think cheesecake, stracciatella, tiramisu, mango, strawberry and black forest - and the best part? If it melts over your hands, the sea is a stone’s throw away to rinse off. With gelato this good, that shouldn’t be a problem.
BB+ MEMBERS ENJOY 15% OFF AT 100% GELATO
Open: daily | 11AM - 12AM
Contact: 04 380 8080
SHOT SPECIALITY COFFEE
Need your coffee fix, (almost) any time of the day or night? Roll up to Shot: this homegrown coffee connoisseur has fans - and outlets - all across the city, and why should your day on Hudayriyat deprive you of your favourite caffeine fix?
Alongside all the specialty coffee combinations, you’ll find shakes and some seriously good sweet treats as well - mocha tres leches , we’re looking at you. All day breakfast will tide you over if you feel like something more substantial, and their new specialty sandwiches really hit the spot - all washed down with another cup of coffee, of course!
BB+ MEMBERS ENJOY 15% OFF AT SHOT SPECIALTY COFFEE
Open: daily | 8AM - 2AM | Friday - Saturday until 3AM
Contact: 02 643 0880
WINGSTOP
How do you like your wings? Bone in, boneless, drenched in sauce, with plenty of dips - whatever the answer, WingStop will have you covered. They have ten different flavours - ranging from Hawaiian and lemon pepper all the way to atomic - so if you like them hot, give these a whirl (and let us know what you think - we’re too chicken to take on the atomic level ourselves).
Roll up your sleeves and don’t be afraid to get messy, it’s the only way to go!
BB+ MEMBERS ENJOY 15% OFF AT WINGSTOP
Open: daily | 1PM - 2AM
Contact: +971 800 27283
I LOVE BURGERS
Three things to love about I Love Burgers:
- They are open 24 hours a day - so you can pull up and sink your teeth into a juicy burger any time of the day or night!
- The burgers are banging, but there is plenty more on the menu - including crispy waffle fries, tasty sides, mussels and snails - yes, snails!
- They have a food truck at Marsana!
What more do you need to know?! We’ll see you there for your next burger fix - but don’t judge us if we’re in our pyjamas!
BB+ MEMBERS ENJOY 15% OFF AT I LOVE BURGERS
Open: daily | 24 hours
Contact: 056 335 6333
AL SHADER
There isn’t much better than eating fresh seafood by the beach - luckily for us, Al Shader have hopped across to Marsana from their home at Mina Fish Market to plate up the catch of the day! This popular seafood restaurant and grill has a great selection of fish on the menu, and we recommend ordering a bunch of dishes to share - the more the merrier.
Grab a seat under the awnings when it’s cool enough - the combination of sun, sea air and freshly grilled fish might just be the best way to end a day out at Marsana - until your next visit!
Currently closed for refurbishment - reopening soon.
Open: daily | 10AM - 12AM | Friday - Sunday until 1AM
Contact: 02 641 4040
Danika Star
8/28/2024
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