SimplyAbuDhabi IX

I n later features, we refer to the Avenue at Etihad Towers’ many high jewellery and fashion boutiques. The nearby Jumeirah at Etihad Towers offers some of the most sophisticated eateries in town, one being Scott’s Restaurant. While Abu Dhabi certainly has an abundance of seafood restaurants to take advantage of the city’s seaside location, Scott’s offers something different: a British take on food from the sea. The restaurant is the sister establishment of the renowned Scott’s in Mayfair, London – a venue which has been operating for 140 years. The restaurant boasts two floors and an enticing Art Deco style revealed through its sleek and sophisticated structure, which extends elegantly onto the Arabian Gulf, boasting open vistas of the surrounding sea and the city’s islets. The upstairs comprises an elegant gentleman’s corner, complete with a posh bar and seating, which looks out onto the terrace. While the area is open all day, it is intended largely as a place in which to lounge rather than to dine. The lower floor has the capacity to seat up to 100 people and is split between indoor and outdoor seating. The venue also provides boat and yacht access and even offers its own landing jetty. Other features include floor-to-ceiling open glass walls that allow diners to enjoy the view, a cozy al fresco dining area, and an expansive open terrace that provides the perfect spot for aperitifs, sundowners and after- dinner drinks. Scott’s is also firmly rooted in London’s rich history. Ian Fleming, the originator of James Bond, was often spotted at the venue during the 1950s and 1960s. We walked into the venue and past a large metallic swordfish – an obvious sign of what was to come. Marveling at the sophisticated ambiance, we were immediately eager to try the much-acclaimed seafood. The evening was beautiful and we opted to sit outside in order to take in the stunning views. Our waiter soon presented us withmenus and explained the concept and delicacies of the venue. While most of the fish is sourced from the UK, Scott’s does boast offerings of local fish, including hammour, kingfish and prawns, and will in the future also present dishes with a more local culinary twist. We were enticed. The menu is simple to follow and in line with the Scott’s in London.