Ilios Beach Club: Greek-Island Energy on Hudayriyat, from Pool Day to Midnight
Hudayriyat does its version of the Greek-island fantasy
Ilios is not really a restaurant with a pool attached; the pool, waterfront and music are inseparable from the dining experience. Hudayriyat Island calls it a ‘Greek Island Paradise’ at Surf Abu Dhabi, and the current programme confirms the day-to-night intention: temperature-controlled pool, poolside dining, sunbeds and cabanas, cocktails and music that continue well after sunset. The design and mood lean into Mykonos shorthand – pale tones, open water and a relaxed luxury energy – but the venue has enough scale to feel specifically Abu Dhabi. It belongs to Hudayriyat’s newer leisure landscape, where sport, beach life and dining are increasingly part of the same day rather than separate plans.
Mediterranean foundations, with Japanese finesse at the edges
The current food programme is more interesting than a generic beach-club menu. Hudayriyat promotes Saturday brunch around generous Mediterranean and Greek recipes designed for sharing, while the weekday lunch is explicitly described as Mediterranean flavours ‘infused with Japanese finesse’. That gives the kitchen room to move beyond predictable dips and grilled fish without losing the coastal reference point. Recent 2026 diners consistently mention fresh ingredients, elegant presentation and the sea-view atmosphere, which suggests the restaurant is functioning as more than scenery for the pool. The best order is communal: several starters, seafood and grilled plates for the centre, then something cold to drink while the light changes.
Choose your version: lunch, brunch or full beach-club day
Ilios currently lists general opening from 11am to midnight and telephone +971 2 419 8508. Its summer pool programme extends day and night access, while Saturday brunch runs from noon to 4pm with soft and house packages; direct booking is also available via the venue. For Simply Abu Dhabi, the key is to choose the experience before arriving. Weekday lunch is the calmer food-first option, Saturday brunch adds DJs and a bigger social pulse, and a pool day lets the meal become part of several hours by the water. Ilios earns its place because it understands that beach-club dining is not judged only by the plate. Timing, music, temperature, view and service all matter – and here they are designed to work together.
Practical details
Location: Surf Abu Dhabi, Hudayriyat Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Cuisine: Greek and Mediterranean with Japanese-influenced touches
Telephone: +971 2 419 8508
Hours: General venue hours currently 11am-12am
Saturday brunch: 12pm-4pm
Editorial status: Open