Situated in the heart of The Collection within the prestigious St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Caramel Restaurant and Lounge attracts both hotel guests and local residents alike to marvel at the lavish interiors and enjoy an international menu of crowd-pleasing dishes. The restaurant’s design combines the warmth and natural beauty of the Middle East with the glitz and glamour of uptown Abu Dhabi. Natural wood and textured stone have been fashioned into bold, contemporary shapes whilst contrasting hues of hot pink and gold add a sense of luxury and opulence. In the evenings the venue draws a crowd of young and affluent party-goers for cocktails at the bar or an assortment of sharing plates in the lounge.
Much of the menu is devised to be shared with the table, in keeping with the relaxed ambience of the restaurant. Popular choices include the lobster and grilled mango tacos with avocado cream and cilantro; the signature “Buffalo style” chicken lollipops with a decadent blue cheese sauce; and the TNT shrimp, lightly battered and served with a spicy Japanese mayo. Plates of Caramel’s signature sliders are also a highlight – guests can choose between Wagyu beef, spicy pulled chicken or surf n’ turf – or request a mix of all three. Individual mains are split between meat and seafood options and include the likes of grilled lamb cutlets, slow braised short ribs, seared Chilean sea bass and pan roasted Scottish salmon. For something lighter or as a great accompaniment to the sharing dishes the restaurant also offers a number of interesting salads; crispy duck and watercress with fresh pomegranate and a soya sesame dressing; kale and quinoa with almond flakes, kenya beans, red grapes, raisins and a creamy buttermilk pepper dressing; or Chinese chicken with clementines, cashews and honey mustard.
Open until late, Caramel is a hotspot for socialites seeking a lively night of good food, drinks and music. The weekly theme nights are a particular hit for those wanting to make a night of it.