If you fancy escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday Abu Dhabi life, then a meal at Frangipani is for you. This isn’t just a restaurant; housed on the famous private island resort Zaya Nurai, known as the ‘Maldives of the Middle East’, Frangipani is an all-day affair.
Zaya Nurai is a bohemian oasis, a place where sustainability and relaxation are of the utmost importance. Accessible only by boat, here you’ll find eco-chic beach bungalows, zen lounges, thatched cabanas and people dressed exclusively in linens and flowy floral dresses. Although the resort is private, you can purchase a day guest fee, which can be used against the cost of your meal, as well as covering boat transfer to the island and access to the resort’s beaches and pool.
Here you’ll find an oasis of rustic-chic vibes, a striking parallel to the corporate atmosphere of big city life. Frangipani is elegant, full of neutral tones and brass accents which hark back to artisanal and organic trade. Live-edge wood tables, an open kitchen and shelves lined with pickling jars also give a rustic, welcoming feel to the space.
At Frangipani, diners can select the centrepiece of their meal and all the accompaniments to go along with it. While dishes are seasonal and can also depends on the whims of the chefs, you can be sure to find the highest quality sashimi, lobster, seaweed salad and imported cheeses, all making for a gloriously Instagrammable spread. Overall, the food is Asian-European with some gentle nods to the Middle East.
Be sure to also check out the fluffy pancakes, topped with fresh fruit and dusted with powdered sugar, as well as the range of tasty pastries.