Practically right on top of the water, with gaping windows set into a lofty wooden structure, seafood restaurant Finz is well on theme. Dining there doesn’t just feel like eating out: with the right seat, it feels like eating way out, like on a boat at sea.

At our table, we caught three kinds of salmon to start – marinated, Japanese style and smoked – paired with mild wasabi cream and sprinkled in juicy fish eggs: clean, comforting and classic.

A little stingy on what we assumed were the main ingredients – lobster, prawns, calamari, mussels and hamour – the AED 220 ‘Royal Beach’ Cataplana filled us but didn’t quite deliver. Before sampling the most delicate sea bass on top a creamy bed of lemon risotto, we found it hard to let go of the squid ink infused black bread.

If you’re worried that your fish- fearing companion won’t find his or her match, then wipe your brow knowing that they cater well to meat eaters and vegetarians too. Headed by the polite ‘We’re sorry that you don’t like seafood ...’ there are some fabulous fishless options on the menu, with plenty of wok or tandoori grill options on offer.

Dessert-wise, chocolate mousse cake with vanilla ice cream in a dainty chocolate cup is all well and good, but coconut crème brulee topped with caramelized banana? We couldn’t help thinking of the coconut cream pies served on Gilligan’s Island – could that possibly be where our vessel is headed?

What? Finz
Where? Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi
Cost: AED 540 for two, excluding drinks and charges
Why? The intimate restaurant feels separate from the rest of the Beach Rotana property; we can see in-the-know seafood lovers making this their port of call for quality food and a romantic evening out
Why not? With its remarkably high peaked ceiling, the place understandably carries sound rather too effectively, meaning dinner conversation travels around the room and back again. Attentive service is never bad, but sometimes it can feel a little overbearing
We say: Sail away with Finz
Contact: 02 697 9000