Big fans of Mexican food, we’ve always had a hard time sourcing authentic and tasty restaurants serving up the cuisine here in the capital. That all changed however, when we arrived at El Sombrero at the Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort.
The warm and inviting space is decorated in deep chocolate browns and rich oranges. With colourfully tiled tables and metal worked lanterns and sconces, the restaurant is both intimate in feeling and unassuming. Instantly comfortable, upon arrival we’re ushered to a table by the friendly staff.
A quick look at the menu and we settle on the crispy calamares picantes to start. The golden calamari rounds are topped with a spicy chilli powder and served with a cool ranch sauce. Served with a fresh wedge of lemon, the smoky calamari is perfectly fried and not the least bit chewy.
Our dining partner opts for our favourite dish of the night, a chef’s special. Similar to a dish entitled tacones de pescado, we are served a tortilla roll stuffed with shrimp rather than fish, which is then topped with coleslaw. The crispy, battered shrimp – paired with the sweet slaw – is absolutely delightful.
As more and more people began to trickle into the restaurant, a live band hit the stage. Featuring a guitar player and two lovely performers singing upbeat Spanish songs, the atmosphere instantly gets more lively as the evening wears on.
In addition to popular tex-mex items, the menu also offers more traditional dishes. For our main we opt for the enchiladas de mole – a dish that’s common in central and southern Mexico – and comes highly recommended by the chef. Our chicken enchiladas come topped with an incredibly rich mole sauce, which is made using dark chocolate, mixed spices, nuts and dried chillies.
Substantial and satisfying, our first taste of this Mexican classic goes down like a treat. The sauce is not overly sweet but we can definitely detect the cinnamon in the mixture. A bit spicy and a bit smoky, the sauce is overpowering – but in a good way.
As the evening comes to a close, we can’t help but smile. We’ve finally found a Mexican restaurant in Abu Dhabi we’re eager to return to.
Sawaiba Khan
Details
What: El Sombrero
Where? Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort
Cost: Appetisers from AED 35 to AED 50, mains from AED 70 to AED 180 and desserts AED 35
We say: Muy bien!
Contact: 02 677 3333
