Arabian Nights {Kuzbara}

Kuzbara is the all-day dining restaurant at the new Marriott Downtown.  Most all-day dining places are nothing impressive, but Kuzbara is different.  The food is very good, and the long open restaurant has great atmosphere. What I like most is that it is so light, bright and open with the entire long wall of windows looking out onto the busy city below.  Service is super friendly and the chefs are there not only to cook but also to talk about their creations, and they are genuinely proud and happy to chat, which makes the experience fun.  And, there is usually plenty of parking outside (not to mention ... there is quick valet).

Every Wednesday they change things up a little with a focus on purely Arabic cuisine.  That means everything from Lebanese to Moroccan, and they even fire up their tandoori oven, which they do so well.  One of my favorite dishes was the tandoori cauliflower.  Super rich and flavorful.  

One of the best parts about Kuzbara is the variety.  They practically throw a Friday Brunch each Wednesday night.  They use every cooking station and fire up all of the grills.  There are kofta and kebab cooking live, and they will deliver the hot meats directly to your table.  There is grilled fish and fish cooked to order.  There are salads for every taste including a fresh tuna salad that is packed with meaty tuna, olives, tomatoes and hard boiled eggs.  

When it comes to desserts you might as well give in.  In addition to the traditional Arabic desserts and a variety of dates, there were cheesecakes, mousses, pies, brownies, Tiramisu and even ice cream.  At 165 AED ($45) per person, you can really eat well and be treated like a Queen (or King).  We ate early because of the Bebe, but when we were heading out at about 9:30 PM, the place was packed, including some large groups that had reserved ahead. Although Arabic food is plentiful here in Abu Dhabi, Kuzbara is definitely worth a visit.    

Kuzbara

Arabian Night

Marriott Downtown
For Reservations: 971.2.304.7777