SPONSORED: Diners are invited to journey the globe through the Iftar experience at Olea.
Home to MAZI Abu Dhabi, Sontaya and Buddha-Bar Beach Abu Dhabi, The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi has become a byword for culinary favourites enveloped in trendy settings. Nothing, however, tops the universal appeal of Olea, where a relaxed ambiance and all-day dining means everyone’s welcome. Inspired by the colours and charm of the Mediterranean, the restaurant serves a dizzying array of international specialties – foot-long grilled kebabs, tandoor pit roasted lamb, Moroccan clay pot and an endless array of mezze, juicy meats, and indulgent desserts. This Ramadan, friends and families are invited to bond and relax with the help of mesmerising Arabian Gulf views and a vast Iftar spread spanning irresistible delicacies, countless live cooking stations, seasonal favourites and contemporary palate-pleasers.
Alongside traditional Arabic and Mediterranean dishes, the menu traverses the globe in search of the finest flavours and the most innovative culinary delights. From juicy shish tawouk to platters of Italian antipasti and salt-crusted red snapper served from a live station, the Olea Iftar experience far exceeds any other. Starting with a diverse selection of appetisers, guests are invited to break their fast with wholesome cold mezze and fresh salads such as fried cauliflower with tahini and crunchy fattoush, plus delicious hot nibbles like shrimp kunafa, assorted fatayer, kibbeh, falafel and fried halloumi. Diners are then encouraged to explore the plethora of live stations, where the friendly kitchen team will whip up all manner of Arabic and international recipes. Topped with cheese, zaatar or kishk, the freshly baked aromatic saj breads are ideal for sharing, while the live grill presents endless treats for those with a weakness for perfectly cooked meats.
Grilled prawns, chicken shawarma, lamb botti and fish kebabs join live stations serving carved prime ribeye beef and rosemary chicken, while the colourful sides of steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes and creamy ricotta spinach ensure that every plateful is perfectly balanced. Here, Middle Eastern favourites such as chicken mussakhan, hummus fattah, ouzi and meat and vegetarian tagines will make an appearance, with the traditional tandoor-pit roasted lamb taking on the lead role – we’re told it will be prepared out on the terrace using a very special homemade recipe. Those with a passion for spices will adore Indian specialties such as murg makhani and prawn curry, while meat lovers will take to the sumptuous foot-long karziya kebabs. Prepared out on the terrace on an open grill and served with vine leaves and cherry sauce, they’re guaranteed to satisfy the insatiable.
But no feast of this magnitude would be complete without an incredible array of sweet indulgences, and that’s where Olea’s dessert plans step in. The finishing note will span everything from Arabic delicacies to freshly baked French pastries, live stations serving homemade Arabic ice cream, and ashta with honey and pistachio. Other highlights include the classics: umm ali, a towering chocolate fountain, charcoal-baked baklava and the always-celebrated kunafa. Iftar at Olea will be available throughout Ramadan, served daily from sunset to 11pm and accompanied by music from a live oud musican. Packages start from AED 250 for adults, and AED 125 for children aged six to twelve.
GO: Email restaurant.saadiyat@stregis.com or call 02 498 8888 for reservations and more information.
