NEW OPENING BILL’S FARM

Steak done the Mediterranean way

Taking the term ‘ hidden gem’ quite literally, it’s not easy to spot the Mediterraneaninspired steakhouse Bill’s Farm – even when driving right past the entrance. The restaurant is located before Heritage Village on the breakwater, but you’ll have to walk through what looks like a piece of a historic fort before finding your way to the venue.

Like the name suggests, expect a large, rustic-looking farmhouse, made up of glass panels, to take advantage of the sea views. The décor is unabashedly masculine, with chairs covered in faux cowhide, heavy wooden furniture and an open kitchen with rows of meat and chicken being grilled on rotating spits.

The steakhouse is a homegrown concept inspired from an actual farm in Lebanon that serves up dry-aged cuts of meat, chicken and seafood infused with Mediterranean flavours. Think Greek lentil salad, kofta and ceviche.

For starters, try the tiny rounds of fried squid that come with a hint of heat from chilli powder mixed into the batter. The buffalo wings, too, served without a cooling dip, left our lips tingling.

Meat is dry-aged for 26 days, using salt stone, and our server claimed it was so flavourful there was no need for sauce on the side. When the entrecote arrived, we discovered it to be true. The depth of flavour in the tender beef needed nothing else. The grilled Scottish salmon also delivered.

In a nod to the chef ’s heritage, dessert is a traditional Turkish dish called katmer. The thin filo pastry (filled with pistachio powder, sugar and melted butter) is utterly indulgent – more so with the addition of a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Quite simply it was the best ice cream sandwich we’ve ever tasted. Ever.

Bill’s Farm is certainly worth a visit, even if that means circling around the street twice to find it.

Marina Mall breakwater, Ras Al Akhdar, Abu Dhabi, daily noon to 1am. Tel: (02) 6661179. Taxi: Right before Heritage Village, near the breakwater. pentainvestment.net/project/bills-farm