Abu Dhabi’s been hiding an absolute gem. Yes, we’ve heard the rumours milling around about the best French restaurant in town, but we didn’t quite believe it. Until now… Bord Eau in the Shargri-La offers a modern French dining experience, headed by the truly marvellous Chef Alexandra Pernetta. They import all the super fresh ingredients from France to ensure the most authentic experience possible.
AMBIENCE & DÉCOR
Overlooking the Maqta Creek you’ll be spellbound from the second you walk in – This is hands down one of the most romantic settings in Abu Dhabi.
The restaurant itself is intimate with low lighting, chic table settings and large windows looking over the creek. There is also a terrace where you can eat al fresco in the cooler months.
The service is impeccable and cannot be faulted at all. The waiters are ultra knowledgeable of the menu, able to advise and recommend in accordance with any food preferences.
The whole feel is contemporary and stylish, a perfectly smooth and well-run organisation.
Now onto the food…
FOOD
Expect to have your taste buds tantalised by the finest in French cuisine. Each plate arrives to your table like a piece of art and at first it seems too good to eat, but once the mouth watering aromas hit your senses, you cant dig in soon enough!
Before we even ordered, Chef Alexandre produced two exceptional amuse bouches. The first, a shot of tomato-infused consume and the second, a duck canapé. They were delicious.
You must try the Onion Soup, which the waiter poured into my bowl from a teapot. The flavours are subtle but melt together to create, arguably one of the best onion soups I have ever had.
Unable to choose from the array of entrees on offer and having fear of food envy, my dinner guest and I shared the recommended Duck Foie Gras and Wagu Beef Tartare. The Foie Gras was exceptional, smeared onto a piece of toasted brioche with plum and honey chutney, while the Tartare was perfectly seasoned with top quality meat.
Mains came in the form of a melt in your mouth Beef Filet accompanied by truffle scented mashed potato and Bord Eau Sauce, which we wiped up to the last morsel. This was the same for the Chardonnay Sabayon sauce, which arrived alongside a succulent Turbot and Bleu Lobster.
Stuffed to the brim, we still found room for desert, who could resist a classic French Macaron and the famed Chocolate Extravaganza.
The oversized Macaron was light and delectable with hazelnut and mandarine sorbet.
But it was the Chocolate Extravaganza that stole my heat. It was rich, indulgent and came with strawberry mousse, chocolate ice cream and hot chocolate sauce on top – I’ll be working off the calories for weeks!
WHY BOTHER?
Have you been reading? This will most likely be one of the best meals of your life. With a romantic setting, knowledgeable staff and a master chef this dining experience is hard to beat.
GO FOR
A meal where you want to impress or indulge.
WHAT TO WEAR
They advise smart casual, but you won’t feel out of place in a little dress and your best heels.
OFFERS
Blind Tasting at Board Eau is an exquisite menu consisting of either four or five courses. For those of us who can’t pick between the dishes on the menu, allow Chef Alexandre Pernetta’s to surprise you.
THE DETAILS
Bord Eau
Shangri La Hotel | Qaryat Al Beri | Bain Al Jessrain | Abu Dhabi | UAE
Tel : +971 2 509 8555 | Operating Hours 7pm – 11:30pm
