Classic sport

With so many new restaurants opening at the hotels on Yas Island, you might have overlooked what’s on offer at Yas Links.

Not long ago, Abu Dhabi Week checked out their fine dining restaurant Barranca; this week we get the low down on the classy, sporty Hickory’s.

Though the menu comes attached to a board the size of a jousting shield, the selection isn’t huge; even so, there are enough healthy (and naughty) breakfast, lunch, nibbles and dinner options to appeal to anyone looking for a quick bite or something more substantial throughout the day.

Since we came for dinner, we started with the gorgeous, crunchy Atlantic crab croquettes that were made even better by the spicy sauce on the side and yummy, brothy New England clam chowder, although we still don’t understand why chefs throughout the capital expect us to dig seafood immersed in broth out of a shell when we’re armed with nothing more than a spoon.

For mains we tucked into the smothered chicken, a colourful tower of white meat, vegetables, cheese and sauce, an explosion of flavours which is good or bad depending on your personal taste. There was no argument, however, that the teriyaki steak and shrimp steak was a triumph.

What really gives Hickory’s the potential to become one of Abu Dhabi’s favourites is the atmosphere. Plenty of golfers were in attendance post-swing, but several diners came without any interest in playing the 18 stunning holes Hickory’s overlooks. There’s plenty of footy on the TVs, but if you can’t tear your gaze away from the sight of the golf course, The Yas Hotel, the Aldar headquarters and the evolving city skyline, we’ll forgive you.

Laura Fulton

What? Hickory’s
Where? Yas Links, Yas Island
Cost: Very reasonable - bites and salads between AED 45 and AED 65, more substantial dishes between AED 65 and AED 95
We say: Good food, good value and a fabulous view, although you may need a magnifying glass to read the tiny print on the menu
Contact: 02 810 7777