“Bentley has a personality which evolves in step with the ambiance of its guests, from morning to the evening.” Bentley Kitchen
Starting 2018 with a bang, Bentley Kitchen (formerly Bentley Bistro & Bar) located at The Galleria in Al Maryah Island is offering its customers a new look, and a brand new menu. Expect a mix of innovative and classic dishes, quirky presentation and creative mixology. Fear not fans of the previous concept, the new and improved restaurant is still as stylish and sociable as ever before.
The now smaller space, downsized to accommodate neighbouring Eat Greek Kouzina, has retained its separate bar area, kept plenty of booth and table seating as well as a lovely waterside alfresco terrace to enjoy the current weather. The revised international menu still includes the famous ‘Bentley Burger’ which has been joined by a selection of new dishes that are sure to bring diners back time and time again.
A theatrical steak tartare is served amidst a smoking bell jar, there’s a chef’s daily special pie, main courses such as roast lamb and beef short ribs along with several Butcher to Grill options. Those who are too overwhelmed to choose can opt to share a Butcher’s Board that features a carnivores dream mixed grill selection. Seafood fans will be delighted with a choice of dishes such as seafood chowder, Spanish style garlic prawns, nicoise salad and lobster thermidor.
Some of the new dishes come with some wacky industrial style presentation; copper steps, metal emblazoned taco stands and even a metal bread shoe. Dishes designed to share include a choice of colourful sliders, beef with red beetroot flavoured buns, chicken with yellow saffron buns as well as cajun salmon version encased in black squid ink buns. Like tacos? Try the indulgent lobster, perhaps the wagyu cheek variety or some spicy shrimps or maybe some bao buns filled with crispy chicken, soft shell crab or meatballs.
As a vegetarian, who quite honestly struggled with the old menu, I am delighted that while Group Executive Chef Praba Manickam’s new menu is still very meat and seafood heavy it offers more choice for us herbivores. The Burrata Salad on a bed of lentils and potato gnocchi are just two examples but my hands down favourite was the Fried Halloumi sliders sandwiched between distinctive green spinach buns with tomato jam and leaves. Not only were they very tasty (I had two) but they also looked good served on their copper tube steps, a plant pot filled with Bentley parmesan and truffle oil fries was tucked underneath, really, what’s not to love!
Those with a sweet tooth will not be disappointed, a selection of desserts includes a rather delicious chocolate fondant, fruity meringue served in a jar, an apple tart and strips of chocolate mousse served with salted caramel ice-cream. Even the coffee is served in its own special way on a blackboard.
Head mixologist Iva and her team have concocted a new drinks menu to accompany the food and celebrate the new look interior. Already well-known as the place for after work socialising, Bentley Kitchen, is now making post-work drinks even more tempting with not one but two daily Happy Hour concepts. Share the Happy Hour starts from 4.30pm until 7pm, while the It’s Never Too Late Happy Hour runs from 11pm until 1am for all those night owls.
Both Happy Hours offer guests discounted drinks and cocktails from just 20 AED (inclusive of VAT), a Bulldog Gin and Tonic for just twenty dirhams is reason enough to visit in my book. A lineup of DJs, musicians and bands from across the region will be setting the chilled vibe from sunset.
Whether you are popping in after work for a quick drink with colleagues, have dinner plans with friends or want a chilled weekend family lunch with guaranteed good food, Bentley Kitchen has you covered. This lively spot in the Galleria is a must try and so are the Halloumi burgers as popular with the meat eaters as the vegetarians, which says it all.
Bentley Kitchen
Location: The Galleria Mall, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi
Telephone: 02 626 2131
Email: reservations@bentleybistro.com
Website: www.bentleybistro.com (new website coming soon)
Opening Times: Daily 12 noon – 1:00 am
I was invited to the Bentley Kitchen relaunch. All views are my own based on my experience. Unless otherwise stated all photos © Jo Brett 2018. All rights reserved. Additional photos used with courtesy of www.bentleybistro.com
Read more about Eat Greek Kouzina in previous post Eat Greek Kouzina | The Galleria