The location
In my opinion Finz offers one of the city’s best outlooks - OK, it’s not the Corniche, but it’s quieter, which is ideal on the weekend. Situated at the back of the Beach Rotana beside Abu Dhabi Mall, the waterfront restaurant looks out across the water toward the Cleveland Clinic. While it is perhaps getting a little hot to sit outside now, Finz is easy to get to and the perfect spot for a lazy afternoon with friends.
The atmosphere
Being by the water automatically gives the restaurant a relaxing coastal feel, as does its mostly white furniture and indoor-outdoor dining set-up. The music choices were perhaps its biggest letdown, but in all, the vibe is comfortable and most importantly not too crowded.
The food
As the name Saturlaze suggests, this food concept is all about taking the time to eat your meal and ending your weekend on a lazy note. Beginning at 2pm, guests are encouraged to wile away the afternoon with friends, while devouring the freshes of seafood and sipping on the freshly-made bespoke mocktails.
There are only two decisions to be made for those intending to enjoy a four-hour late lunch: which package to go for (classic or elaborate) and the main course.
Our server settles us in at a table outside and is back within minutes with a selection of flavoured homemade breads that include seaweed, black ink, dried tomato and French baguette, which are served with butter and sea salt flakes.
Being gluten free myself, I am impressed to be given my own crusty bread, which is surprisingly good.
Not long after, we are presented with a two-tier seafood tray filled with fresh oysters, mussels, king prawns and sauce accompaniments. On the lower tier, there’s a selection that consists of salmon ceviche, crab cocktail and tuna tartare.
All are delicious and my friend and I devour what is there easily before the seafood stew bourride is brought out. This tomato fish soup is served with fresh calamari, prawns and mussels. It’s very mediterranean and quite hearty, but almost a little too strong in fish flavour for us.
Once we’re done we ask the waiter to give us some time between that and our main, which of course is no problem, we have until 6pm to get through our selections!
After 20 minutes or so, we decide it’s mains time. I opt for the grilled stone bass, while my friend chose the tuna - other options included cod fish or salmon. When the dishes were brought out, so too were cast iron pots filled with tabbouleh salad and oriental rice, along with sauces like tahini for the fish. Our fish is cooked well and all flavours lovely.
Once you’re ready for dessert, the sweet tooths are well catered for with the selection of mini cone ice creams, chocolate and strawberry mini macarons and salted caramel eclair, all of which are presented beautifully. I was also well catered for with ice cream and fruit, but it wasn’t just slapped on the plate, some care was taken to present it well also, which any gluten free eater will appreciate.
Who’s it best for?
Seafood lovers with time on their hands happy to sit and spend the entire afternoon in one spot.
The verdict
A great idea for those looking for a nice way to spend a Saturday afternoon with friends or family. The price isn’t too bad for what you’re offered either.
The National was a guest of the restaurant.
• Saturdays 2pm to 6pm, from Dh275, Finz, Beach Rotana, Abu Dhabi. Reservations call 02 697 9011 or email fb.beach@rotana.com.