Looking for foodie things to do in the capital this summer? Here’s a rundown of some of our favourites

Asia de Cuba, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi

Beachside venue Asia de Cuba at The St. Regis Abu Dhabi has temporarily closed to undergo a refurbishment during summer. Plans for the well-known venue on the Corniche include a unique new look, ambiance and a complementing dining and lounge experience for its guests, when it reopens later this year.

General Manager, Moustafa Sakr, said: “The refurbishment comes at a time where the Corniche is also coming up to be a dining and entertainment destination within itself. After the recent success of the neighboring Mother of the Nation Festival and the new Al Bahar Beach project which is also due for completion, we recognise the great potential of our unique offering and are striving to create the best ambiance and culinary experience in the heart of Abu Dhabi.” The re-opening is currently scheduled for the last quarter of 2018.

Buddha-Bar Beach, The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi

Buddha-Bar Beach has made its Middle East debut, bringing Pacific Rim cuisine and cocktails to Abu Dhabi.

The day-to-night destination takes the brand alfresco, bringing bohemian chic design and opulent decor into all-natural elements that integrate stones, wood and colourful organic features. With exotic dishes from across the Far East, the menu features dishes like wagyu rib-eye steak, and chicken salad with Chinese leaves, coriander, honey sauce and molasses. Its show kitchen features cevicheria, sushi counter, and robata grill visible to guests as they enter the space.

Saxophonists will perform sunset sessions five evenings a week; there will also be a steady rotation of guest DJs. For its first few weeks, Buddha-Bar Beach’s bar and lounge area will open from 5pm to 2am on Thursdays and Fridays, and from 5pm to 1am on all other days; the restaurant will open for dinner from 7pm to 12midnight daily. During the Holy Month of Ramadan, Buddha-Bar Beach’s bar and lounge area will open from Sunset to 2am on Thursdays and Fridays, and from Sunset to 1am on all other days; the restaurant will open for dinner from Sunset to 12midnight daily. Call +97124988888 or e-mail buddhabarbeach.abudhabi@stregis.com.

Dino’s Bistro Italiano, Pearl Rotana, Capital Centre

Starting after the Holy Month period, Din’s family-style brunch will take place on Fridays and Saturdays. The brunch kick starts with entrees, followed by a selection main courses including Dino’s specials calamari fritti and hand-rolled pasta ‘strozzapreti with chicken and mushroom’. Those with a sweet tooth can savour in an array of desserts such as Dino’s signature tiramisu. For all the little ones, there will be kids’ entertainment and activities to spark creativity and imagination. Taking place every Friday and Saturday from 12pm – 4pm, brunch is priced at Dhs165 with soft beverages and Dhs190 with house beverages and Dhs215 with bubbly. Call +971 2 3075555 or e-mail fb.pearl@rotana.com.

Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi

At the conclusion of Ramadan, Emirates Palace will turn its Ramadan tent into the Emirates Palace World Cup tent. Football fans may relax in the cool comfort of the spacious tent during the hotly anticipated games and never miss a single moment of action across 7 meters by 4 meters giant LED screens. A range of snacks and meals will be available on the menu throughout the entire tournament and the offer for happy hour is 15% off on beverages an hour before and also in-between the matches. Taking place from June 14 to July 15 from 2pm – 12pm (or until end of last match) priced at Dhs100 minimum spend per person. There will be a ‘World Cup Brunch’ for one-day only on Saturday 16June from 12.30pm – 4pm, priced at Dhs280 with soft drinks and Dhs370 with hops and grape. Call +971 (0) 2 690 7999 or e-mail restaurants@emiratespalace.ae