It’s new, it’s bold, and you need to make a reservation
On a recent outing in the heart of the capital, we made a reservation at one of Abu Dhabi’s newest culinary gems: Bla Bla Bar. This vibrant hotspot is located along the lively Yas Marina and burst onto the scene during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2025, quickly establishing itself as a permanent fixture in the city’s dining landscape.
The atmosphere at Bla Bla Bar is both welcoming and energetic, setting the stage for a memorable dining adventure. The interior design features a retro vibe infused with striking red tones, balanced with a modern, playful flair. From our table, we enjoyed splendid views of the W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island and a panorama of the Yas Marina Circuit, which inspired thoughts of returning to this locale during race week.
The staff greeted us with warmth and enthusiasm, enhancing what would unfold as an exceptional evening. We began our culinary journey with a Gold Fashion (Dhs60), a sparkling reinterpretation of the classic Old Fashioned. The dramatic gold spray applied tableside added a theatrical element that left shimmering flecks of gold lingering in the air.
Bla Bla Bar Abu Dhabi
Dining with a group that included both discerning eaters and adventurous foodies, we were pleased to find that every dish hit the mark. We started with the beef tartare (Dhs54), which incorporated Asian flavors with a delightful spicy kick. A pleasant surprise was the cold spinach goma (Dhs26), which was both creamy and crunchy, proving to be a total crowd-pleaser.
Next came the lamb chop (Dhs68), an exquisite dish inspired by Korean culinary traditions. The perfectly grilled meat was adorned with a vibrant orange glaze, expertly complemented by a Korean-style sauce that balanced sweetness and heat beautifully.
The highlight of the evening, however, was undoubtedly the black cod (Dhs68)—a dish famed for its reputation and often challenging to prepare. Bla Bla Bar executes it flawlessly. The fish is marinated for two days, first in milk, then in honey, and subsequently grilled to perfection, garnished with an unagi sauce. The result is fish that melts in the mouth, exhibiting flavors so harmonious that even the most selective diners will be captivated.
Other commendable seafood offerings include octopus (Dhs78) served with tangy yuzu kosho mayonnaise, delivering a spicy, acidic punch, and the flavorful sweet and tangy king crab (Dhs78).
For those with a penchant for beef, the wagyu beef terrine (Dhs38) is a must-try. This dish showcases layers of succulent, marbled wagyu grilled to perfection and accompanied by a zesty sauce that simply melts in your mouth. Chicken enthusiasts will appreciate the chicken thigh (Dhs24), adorned with aji verde, a piquant Peruvian green sauce that adds an exciting element to the dish.
Despite running behind schedule, we couldn’t resist the allure of dessert. The dulce de leche ravioli was too tempting to pass up. These sweet parcels, filled with caramel-like goodness and paired with vanilla ice cream, offered a delightful contrast of cool and rich textures, making the rush worthwhile.
WHAT’S ON Verdict: For a bar, the culinary offerings are impressively substantial. Creativity and flavor shine through every dish, making Bla Bla Bar a dining experience that should not be overlooked.
Bla Bla Bar Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, open daily from 6pm. Tel: (0)2 639 9078. yasmarina.ae