Abu Dhabi Week takes lunch at an understated popular spot in Khalidiyah
It’s perhaps not the most likely of choices – and unless you happen to be shopping for new furniture, the only other way to hear about The One’s café and restaurant is through word of mouth. The mouths have been working overtime, though. On the second floor of the large interiors store, the ever-busy eatery is an opulent-looking affair, with plush seating, black walls and furnishings, wide windows and exposed pipes across the ceiling; the restaurant on the whole is rather chic and funky, with an almost European vibe – which is exactly what the store is aiming for, of course.
The dining experience however is much more relaxed, informal and fun. Friendly, casually-dressed waiters greet you; and the menu (named the “Gourmet Theatre Revival”) offers an inviting selection of foods organised into amusing sections, from “Opening Scenes” for starters to “Ma-tea-nées” for afternoon tea.
The menu also includes vegetarian, gluten-free and child-friendly options, making it appealing to even the pickiest of eaters. The other pleasure is the price of the dishes – scouring the menu we couldn’t find a main meal costing more than AED 47, meaning you can happily afford to indulge in a large slice of cake after your meal ...
We chose to eat there at lunchtime – and struggled to find a table amid the chattering mums, reserved tables and shoppers enjoying a coffee. There’s a bustling, noisy atmosphere; and if you don’t flinch at the sound of screaming children running around the restaurant, it’s a great place for the whole family. The large, comfy sofas and choice of cakes (carrot cake seems to be a firm favourite among the crowd we encountered) attract a varied group, from expats to locals. But most noticeable are the weekday mums catching up on a bit of gossip. Dubai may have its Jumeirah Janes; this is the spot for Abu Dhabi’s equivalent (Khalidiyah Karens?) toting the latest It bag and admiring each other’s manicures.
We reached out first for a power juice to stimulate the senses – a fresh and energising mix of carrot, apple and ginger – before we moved on to the spinach, feta and chicken breast (recommended by a regular diner) and a side of greens in garlic and herb butter. The chicken was a little dry, but the spinach and feta made up for a slightly lacklustre taste in the meat. The portion is generous, too, and the feta and spinach oozes out from the centre of the meat. The roasted red and yellow pepper on the side is a little odd, but tasty none the less. The greens consisted of asparagus, thin stems of broccoli and green beans and were practically dripping in the butter, garlic and herb mix – perfectly pleasant and sufficiently padding-out to leave us too full for dessert.
The kind of person who can afford to shop regularly for homewares at The One without having to remortgage is also the kind of person who probably finds themselves with time to spare for high tea or light lunches halfway through their day; but the restaurant is a great place for a good cheap meal. And The One Café is the perfect spot for a rest of the feet and a little indulgence in the form of cake and coffee for those who tire of the hard task of choosing bed linen and various styles of candle.
While it may not be five-star food, it’s certainly our new favourite spot for people watching and enjoying a light bite.
What? The One
Where? Next to the BMW showroom in Al Khalidiyah
How much? AED 72 for a main, side dish and drink
Why? Affordable and fun menu, and a great place to hang out with friends if you can stand the handbag envy
Why not? Bit far out of town if you don’t happen to be shopping for new crockery
Rated: 7 out of 10
Contact: 02 681 6500
