Rainforest Café

★★★☆☆

→ Open daily 12.30pm-10.30pm. Unlicensed. Yas Mall, Yas Island (02 566 1999). LIGHTS FLICKER, LIGHTENING flashes and animals squawk and roared around the room in an orchestra of noise.

A chimp swings overhead and a tiger makes eyes at us – but we keep cool and take our seats to soak up the eclectic and rather brilliant atmosphere at the Rainforest Café.

The American chain recently opened it’s first branch in Abu Dhabi and it’s a welcome addition as there’s nothing quite like it.

Sitting down, the children are excited beyond belief, though it has to be said, they aren’t the only ones. We all really do enjoy the theatre of it all. Fun is the byword here.

When it comes to the menu it’s unapologetically US comfort food

– and we’re not complaining.

For starters we’re soon served a dish of lava nachos, a truly volcanic display of colourful goodness that we tear into like wild animals.

We follow these with the truffle mac ’n’ cheese alongside the

BBQ burger. The former arrives in a pan and is every bit as decadent as you’d imagine.

The burger is pretty good, too, although we’re defeated by both dishes as the portions are massive (and decent value in the process).

It’s not knock-out, but really you’re here for the experience. and the kids don’t complain about their meals, which is always a welcome bonus. Head here for some serious jungle-esque fun.

WHAT IS IT...

A rainforest theme restaurant on Yas Island

WHY GO...

For a jungle experience – with big dishes

“The children are excited beyond belief, but they aren’t the only ones”