Hitting high notes

Reviewed by: Kara Martin

At 12 storeys high, the first thing anyone does when they exit the lift to up-and-coming hangout Relax@12, perched atop Aloft Abu Dhabi, is inspect the spectacular view. Abu Dhabi Week imagines it’s probably what Richard Branson’s air-traffic control tower would look like if he had one. In other words, it’s fresh and funky with an exclusive vantage point of the city. And the Oriental menu is just as rewarding.

The designer clearly had a vigilant eye for detail, hand-picking the most stylish tableware down to the postmodern platters and sleek silver-tipped chopsticks. And that’s just half of the meal experience.

The grilled calamari salad drenched in lemongrass, lime and chilli is a perfect way to open up the taste buds, bursting with flavour and ample spice. An agreeable crunch on the unagi and artichoke pesto maki serves as a good apology for a stingy serving of eel. The grilled asparagus and sweet potato skewers offer more than just cooked vegetables with a great pairing of flavours while the mixed satay of tiger prawns, corn-fed chicken, and prime beef simply can do no wrong, helped along with the creamy cashew nut sauce – perfect for even dipping the sushi in to. Soy sauce is so last year.

Mocktails often deserve a little mockery but the refreshing blend of flavours in the Ginger Twist – pineapple juice muddled with fresh ginger, mint and lime – make for a pleasing end to any meal.

Head along to Relax@12 with high expectations – and prepare to leave with nothing but high praise.

What? Relax@12
Where? Aloft Hotel
Why? It’s the closest thing to heaven on earth – and its 12 storey height has nothing to do with it
Why not? Save for the awesome ambience outside (provided the weather is decent), the low tables make dining a challenge. So if you don’t mind a little yelling over yellowtail - due to heavy house music - eat inside
We say: The sky’s the limit
Contact: 02 654 5138