Berri's Cafe

The newest transplant to Abu Dhabi, direct from the palm-lined avenues of Los Angeles, California is Berri's Cafe.  And, here in Abu Dhabi it has situated itself in one of the most L.A. like spots, on the ocean front of Al Muneera, overlooking the private beach club.  While the Berri's is open all day, it is not until the sun sets, that the restaurants, eateries and ice cream shops really begin to come alive.  Berri's fills with a stylish but relaxed crowd, and, in exact replica to the L.A. version, Berri's Abu Dhabi doesn't serve alcohol, but instead prides itself on serving modern, high-quality food, with a kitchen that is open until midnight (and after ,on the weekends).  From California to Abu Dhabi, they appeal to those looking for a satisfying meal before the night ends.

Berri's offers a solid selection from salads to desserts, with a popular array of pizzas, pastas, and a few meaty mains in between.  Their salads are hearty, and can be a meal in themselves.  The tri-color salad is a crispy mix of bitter radicchio, peppery arugula, creamy goat cheese, and fresh sweet berries. There is balance between savory and sweet, and it is utterly refreshing in the summer heat.

  

The pizzas are thin crust, chewy, and cooked in a brick oven.  The famous Lobster Pizza features a briny lobster tomato sauce, with a scattering of tender bites of roasted prawn.  The pizza is saucy, cheesy and rich.  The Eggplant and Burrata pizza is another winner.  You will be entertained as your waiter slices open the fresh knot of burrata, spreading its creamy insides across the pizza's thinly grilled eggplant slices.  The slim Cajun Fries and Roasted (fried) Brussels Sprouts are delivered to the table quickly so that both are hot and crispy on arrival.  Sticking to the lobster theme, the Lobster Ravioli are also a favorite.  Al dente pockets of pasta are filled with creamy lobster and topped with a fresh tomato sauce that you will find yourself mopping up with bread, or simply just spooning into your mouth.

Dessert is worth saving room for.  The French Toast Pudding is bread pudding made from in-house  french toast, and then topped with a large scoop of vanilla ice cream.  When they open for Brunch in the coming months, I am hoping they will offer it for breakfast as well as dessert.  A taste of the new menu is a highly recommended, stick-to-your-mouth creamy vanilla cheesecake, topped with a thick blueberry sauce.  And, I was tipped off that a Lotus ice cream dessert is also in the works... 

Berri's is a homey, yet chic cafe.  The green leather booths and views of the sparkling ocean, make it feel classy while still cozy and contemporary.  Chef Eric leads the culinary team with so much enthusiasm that it is contagious.  He is so appreciative of every one of his patrons, wanting every customer to enjoy his food over and over again.  In fact, he has creative licence to build some of the menu's dishes himself, so customers are sure to see some new and inventive dishes every few months.  So while we can't all hop on a plane for the 15 hour flight to L.A., we can head out to Al Muneera beach for the next best thing.   

 

* The edited version of this article first appeared in Dining and Nightlife Abu Dhabi.

 

Berri's Café

Raha Beach

Open 8am to 11pm Daily

+971 02 6439555