New In Town: Cyan Brasserie, Andaz Capital Gate Abu Dhabi

A modern Franco-Arab Brasserie offering “Joie de vivre.”

Andaz Capital Gate, Abu Dhabi is a five-star property rooted in local heritage that many will recognise as a landmark structure on the capital’s continually evolving skyline. The five-star hotel is as much a symbol of the United Arab Emirates’ capital as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque or Emirates Palace. Poised like a cobra waiting to strike, the building is an architectural marvel, rising out of the desert at an incline of 18° westwards and becoming a Guinness World Record holder in the process! Andaz Capital Gate is officially the world’s furthest leaning tower.

Cyan is a modern brasserie that combines French-rooted cuisine with the Middle East’s rich and hospitable culture. The restaurant aims to offer a genuine experience that embraces the love of food and social dining, reflecting the “Joie de vivre”or enjoyment of life that inextricably links both regions. Cyan Brasserie seeks to elevate the essence of relaxed yet straightforward French dining, and the dining room offers a complete departure from the restaurant’s previous guise as 18 Degrees. Decked out in hues of cyan the space is relaxing, soothing and undeniably sophisticated, with stunning tile work, comfortable upholstery and an abundance of foliage that provides the impression of dining in a lush and verdant jungle. There’s even an Instagram-worthy private dining room for those looking to add a touch of class and intimacy to their dining experience.

The menu is an amalgamation of Lebanese and French influences and offers some genuinely excellent fusion choices, such as artichoke and chickpea hummus (AED 55) and eggplant and pecan moutabel (AED 40). We’re immediately enamoured with the citrus cured rainbow trout (AED 110), a dish of trout roe, horseradish and ginger creme fraiche that is presented inside a hollowed-out mandarin. It’s not just the sleek presentation or the robust flavours that make this dish such a resounding success, but the precision, execution and quality of produce on display. A flaky puff pastry Heirloom tomato and feta tart (AED 50) is of particular note and balances the cheese’s salty tang with sweet acidity from the dainty tomatoes.

Main courses involved a selection of seafood and meat options, alongside appealing flatbreads. Still, we’re drawn to the artichoke ravioli (AED 110) which is handmade before our very eyes in the open show kitchen. The seductive sheets of green dough are passed through a gleaming pasta roller on numerous occasions, before being lovingly stuffed with a generous filling of mushrooms, black truffle and chives. Again, the presentation is audacious, with the ravioli forming a long strip that is then spiralled onto the plate taking on the appearance of an artichoke in bloom. 

Desserts offer a rich and decadent chocolate tart with caramelized hazelnuts (AED 38), a pistachio baklava (AED 38) that was a touch too sweet for our palate and a glorious mille feuille (AED 38) with vanilla cream and salted caramel that was delicate in both texture flavour, resulting in a memorable finale to an impressive meal.

The most impressive element about the dining experience at Cyan Brasserie was the impeccable service, and we genuinely believe it to be some of the best in the city. Conversation flows easily with the energetic Ryan as if we’re picking up on a topic started many months before. As well as a tour of the venue, he talks us through the intricacies of the concept with gusto. We couldn’t fault the team’s affable approach and comprehensive knowledge surrounding the venue, the menu and well… everything! The Cyan team were quick to offer sensible recommendations and even a few little surprises along the way, in a bid to show off the culinary creations this new restaurant has to offer.

Flooded with natural light from the external glass facade, dining at Cyan Brasserie is a sophisticated experience that looks to elevate dining in Abu Dhabi. Something is enthralling about dining on the 18th floor of the world’s furthest leaning tower. Expect impressive views of Abu Dhabi’s cityscape, from the ocean mangroves to the glittering skyscrapers on the corniche, combined with exceptional fusion cuisine.

GO: Call (0)56 544 8158 for reservations and more information.