“Spinning at the Heart of the UAE Capital.” Stratos Abu Dhabi
Stratos, the glamorous revolving bar, lounge and grill at the top of Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi, has a brand new menu for diners to enjoy while taking a slow spin around the city. The capital’s only rotating five-star venue on the hotel’s 26th floor has unmissable 360 degree panoramic views of the city from its large floor-to-ceiling glass windows.
The art deco style oozes sophistication, hues of gold and black are mixed with bold monochrome motifs and coordinated ceramics. The space is divided up into lounge and dining areas with plush velvet seating and high gloss tables complemented by matching textiles and quirky, minimalist sketches of animals.
The central stationary section houses a well-stocked cocktail bar with an extensive menu of mixology, premium beverages, craft beers and fine wines and the small open kitchen that houses the restaurant’s latest delivery, the Josper indoor charcoal oven. A combination of an oven and grill, the only one of its kind in the capital, it works at high temperatures sealing, smoking and grilling at the same time enabling the chefs to serve perfectly tender steaks that are unique in texture and flavour.
The new menu presents classic Mediterranean dishes with a Stratos twist. Starters such as Spanish Octopus Carpaccio, Steak Tartare and and freshly shucked oysters are on offer as well as our choice of seared tuna with olive cracker and a Tomato and creamy Burrata salad. Popular mains are the Confit Duck with caramelized Pink Lady apples, sea bass and a vegetarian option of Pumpkin and Carrot. With eleven different cuts of succulent beef from three continents cooked to perfection in the Josper it’s a steak lovers paradise. The other half opted for a juicy tenderloin with thick cut chips but if you fancy something a little different try the hanger steak, rump cap and flank steak.
All the dishes we tried were well-presented and tasty, vegetarian choices are however quite limited especially with only one main course option. Desserts were too good to be true, in fact there were too many great sounding options that we struggled to decide but finally opted for a tangy lemon posset with fresh berries and prosecco jelly and a salted caramel chocolate tart with a milk chocolate chantilly and dark chocolate ganache. Both of which didn’t disappoint, there’s also a traditional baked Alaska and sticky toffee pudding to sample so those with a sweet tooth folk are spoilt for choice.
There’s plenty of opportunities to try what Stratos has to offer throughout the week with its popular Kiss & Tell Ladies Night every Tuesday from 8pm, a Friday night supper club and a daily sundowner session from 5pm, the perfect elevated position to enjoy the sunset.
Stratos has the feel of a classy members club, decadent cocktails, stunning interiors and unrivalled views of the city. Add in the well-cooked and presented dishes and attentive service and you have all the ingredients you need for that perfect five-star dining experience.
Stratos Revolving Lounge, Bar & Grill
Location: Le Royal Méridien Hotel, Abu Dhabi
Telephone: 800 101 101
E-mail: restaurants.lrmad@lemeridien.com
Website: www.stratosabudhabi.com
Opening Times: Daily – 5:00pm until late. Closed on Saturday.
Unless otherwise stated, all photos on this page © Jo Brett 2019. All rights reserved.