Cafe at the Louvre Abu Dhabi: Options for everyone.

Some of my favorite meals have been in museums.  There’s something satisfying about viewing priceless art and then having a long conversation about everything you just saw with a pleasant bite to eat and putting your feet up for a rest and then heading back to your car and driving to Dubai.  I’ve already shared some of my love of the Louvre Abu Dhabi, and recently I was fortunate to visit the attached cafe.  While you do have to be a guest of the Louvre (tickets are only AED60), the team is working to make the restaurant available without the cost of admission (I think this would be a mostly utilized option for Saadiyat residents).  However, the museum has plenty to offer, so if you’re already there, why not make the most out of your visit?  The cafe is located towards the back of the museum complex, with plenty of natural light and unique views of the capital.  In colder months, sitting outside on the water would be an exceptional way to finish your visit.

For those in the know, you’ll remember I am a big fan of Chef Roudy’s work (here’s my review of Catch and my episode from What’s Cooking UAE), and he’s brought some of his beautiful plating over to the museum.  As one might expect, the menu is set up with international selections for everyone.  There are smaller bites and more substantial offerings, with some grab and go options as well.  I take the recommendation of the chef and start with Watermelon and Feta salad (sorry gang, I didn’t get the exact prices).  It does get quite warm in the UAE and this mixture is the perfect answer to that heat.  Sweet, refreshing and not without a bit of its own heat, this dish is one I would order again.  Watermelon and feta are a match made in heaven for a reason, and props to the kitchen for some excellent knife work here.   Although I appreciated the starter on my own, I think the maximum number of people who can enjoy is two.  Would two more watermelon cubes go amiss here?  No.  Is that my decision to make?  No!

Craving something smaller (I was coming off a filling meal at Bord Eau the night before), the Camel Sliders captured my interest for the next course.  With portion sizes that should tempt anyone to try this protein for the first time, the combination of aioli, a toasted bun, and some added sweetness in the form of pomegranate seeds, I would also be happy to order this again.  While a little messy, having camel on the menu makes sense and would be something exciting for out of town guests to try.

And finally, to finish out the meal, the Profiteroles were recommended and a sweet way to end my experience.  With a bit of finesse and a pour of chocolate sauce, these quintessentially French pastries are also a welcome addition to the menu.  I would recommend ordering a plate to split (rather than attempting to finish it by ones self).

Mo better with feta. Keen eyes will note @peteroudy’s beautiful presentation style at the @louvreabudhabi cafe. I loved the dynamic blend of fresh, sweet and just a bit of heat.

A post shared by Courtney Brandt (@atozaatar) on Dec 23, 2017 at 7:41pm PST

My suggestions are limited — I would bring the cost down just a touch (yes, I’m aware I have no prices listed, but this is what I recall from my visit), and, a plan that’s already in the works, to license the venue.  Overall, there will be something for everyone here – from more substantial fare to a quick snack.  If you’re looking for a place to eat before or after the Louvre that’s close by, you might also consider giving Larte a chance.

Would I go back?  Well, at the moment there is not much choice inside the Louvre, however, I do love Chef Roudy’s work, and the setting is quite beautiful.  I’m looking forward to the venue becoming licensed, and, if my sources are correct, a stunning rooftop terrace to open in 2018.

Who is the cafe best for?  Partons of the Louvre Abu Dhabi.  😉

Have you visited the Louvre Abu Dhabi yet?

A to Za’atar was a guest of the Louvre Abu Dhabi.  Opinions are my own, just ask my husband.