Some restaurants ooze personality and Shakespeare and Co is certainly one of them.
The café has a distinct Marie Antoinette vibe with its white lace curtains, frilly mismatched furnishings and Baroque gold photo frames.
The café is in various locations around Abu Dhabi. The Deerfields Townsquare branch is spread across two floors and features a family room and terrace.
The weather is still cool, and large ceiling fans make sure it stays that way. A large fountain nearby adds to the ambience.
This eatery might be well known for its pastries but judging from the vibrant mix of clientele – from suited businessmen watching football on TV, to groups of friends tucking into Chinese or Indian bites – this UAE-born chain seems to have more than one ace up its sleeve.
We start with two fruit concoctions: a minty-licious, with kiwi, apple, fresh mint and lemon sorbet, and the indulgent nutty with mango, banana, pineapple and brazil nuts.
The menu offers everything from soup and salad to pasta and pizza, making it difficult to order.
We settle for a quinoa salad, featuring mixed greens, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, radish, lemon sumac, pomegranate and pickled spring onions.
We then move onto gnocchi, a well-presented dish of potato dumplings in a creamy blue cheese sauce, sprinkled with roasted walnuts.
Our guest chooses the beef stroganoff, a juicy piece of meat wrapped in a light and crispy pastry, served with sticky rice and garden vegetables.
We finish the meal with a delicate strawberry tart – decorated with gold leaves – and a gluttonous chocolate fondant.
Thanks to delicious food, friendly service and great atmosphere, we now know why this café is always busy.
Laura Volpi
Details
Location: Various locations, including Deerfields Townsquare Shopping Centre, Al Bahya
We say: Delicious food and a unique atmosphere
Cost: AED 300 for two with soft drinks
Opening times: Daily 7am-midnight
Contact: 02 563 5010
www.shakespeare-and-co.com
