There is a good range of restaurants including Olea, the all-day restaurants, where meals are usually served as a large elaborate buffet - one of the fullest and most diverse buffets we have seen in Abu Dhabi, guests could here at Olea every day without getting bored of the options. We were particularly impressed with the seafood spread in the evenings. Olea is a large indoor dining hall with seating outside on the terrace.
For something a little more romantic, there is the Sontaya restaurant, with beautiful views of the sea, but the highlight is the seating surrounded by pools of water; at night, with candle decorations, this restaurant is worth trying out, especially for a special occasion. Otherwise there is also Turquoiz, the seafood restaurant on the beach. For something a little lighter, or just a drink, there are the two lounges, Manhattan and the Drawing Room. To satisfy a sweet tooth, there is the patisserie in the lobby, which sells a selection of chocolates, macaroons and other treats.
The restaurant we tried during our stay here is the New York style 55&5th. In homage to the brand's iconic Manhattan hotel, the restaurant has a very masculine sleek and minimalist aspect. There is an impressive wine cellar located above the main dining area, which the French sommelier who is capable of reeling the name of every bottle in three seconds flat. For guests who don't have such oenological ear, there is thankfully an iPad with the full list. In terms of food, a large fraction of the menu comprises French specialities, incorporating a lot of foie gras and a lot of truffle. The star of the menu here is the steak and the lobster. However, we found the steak to be tough and overcooked. The lobster needed a bit more of a kick and slower searing. The service, although of a high level, was extremely obtrusive. Overall, a modern restaurant concept with a very particular atmosphere that sets it apart from the rest, with a great and varied menu and wine list. However, the restaurant lost a few stars on the service and the way the food was cooked.