Almayass started in Beirut back in 1996. The Alexandrian family wanted to share their special Lebanese-Armenian recipes with the world. Now they have restaurants in Abu Dhabi, Dubai,Riyadh, and Kuwait City. The New York Times and other big newspapers say it's a must-visit place. 

Key highlights:
- A unique mix of Lebanese and Armenian food that you won't find anywhere else
- Amazing views of Abu Dhabi's skyline from their outdoor terrace
- Award-winning restaurant (got the Bib Gourmand Michelin award three years in a row)

OVERVIEW

The name Almayass comes from the sound of an 'Al-Mays' mountain tree in the wind. They mix Lebanese food with Armenian flavors in a way that's super tasty. Their food has gotten famous around the world. Located in the Galleria Mall on Al Maryah Island, the place where fancy shops and good food come together. It's a cool spot to hang out after school or on weekends.

AMBIENCE

The restaurant is inside The Galleria Mall on Al Maryah Island. It's fancy but not too stuffy. You can sit outside on their terrace and see the water and city skyline. It's super pretty at sunset. Inside, they have comfy red seats, big glass lamps that give off a golden glow, and walls with flowers and stone. The vibe is warm and homey. There's live music on Fridays and Saturdays from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM. A guy named Youssef Sakka performs and people say he's really good. The restaurant has art from Lebanese and Armenian artists on the walls. There's even a pomegranate tree mural that looks cool.

MUST-TRY

The cherry dishes are what everyone talks about. They have meat with cherry sauce that's mind-blowing. Their shawarma is nothing like the regular kind you get at the mall. It's way better and comes in a pitta with salad and yogurt. The Almayass Salad is another special thing they make. The chef even shows how to make it on their social media. Try the Basterma Almayass and Armenian Manti. These are Armenian dishes that will make your taste buds super happy. For dessert, get the sweet pastries like Osmaliyat or Knafet. They use special Kataifi pastry and stuff it with ricotta cheese and sweet syrup.

FOOD

The menu has both hot and cold mezze dishes. These are small plates meant for sharing with friends or family. Cold mezze includes things like dips, vine leaves, and stuffed eggplant. The hot mezze has fried halloumi cheese, falafel,and lamb sweetbreads. For main dishes, they have lots of grilled stuff like kebabs, boneless chicken, and lamb chops. All the meat is cooked perfectly. The lentil soup is really good for starting your meal. So are the tabouleh and fattoush salads. Their food is a mix of familiar and new flavors. Even if you've never had Armenian food before, you'll probably like it right away.

SERVICE

The staff is super friendly and knows everything about the food. They can explain any dish you're curious about. Waiters don't hover around your table all the time, but they come quick when you need something. They're helpful without being annoying. The restaurant manager and assistant manager make sure everything runs smoothly. They want every guest to have a great time. Many reviews mention specific staff members by name, which shows they make a good impression on customers. People often mention George, Regina,and Heidi. The service is professional but still relaxed and warm. They try hard to make your visit special.

PRICING

This is a high-end restaurant, so it's not cheap. Expect to pay around AED 335 for two people without alcohol. They have a special Iftar menu during Ramadan that costs AED 245 per person. You can add shisha for AED 99. The quality of food matches the price tag. You're paying for authentic flavors and excellent service. If you're looking for budget eats, this isn't your spot. But for a special occasion, it's worth the splurge. The restaurant doesn't serve alcohol, so you'll save money there. They have fresh juices, mocktails,coffee, hot chocolate, and Armenian tea instead.

SUMMARY

Almayass brings something different to Abu Dhabi's food scene. The Lebanese-Armenian fusion is unique and super tasty. The location in The Galleria Mall gives it amazing views and a fancy but comfortable setting. It works for both casual meals and special celebrations. The restaurant has won the Bib Gourmand Michelin award three years in a row, which shows they're consistently good. That's pretty impressive. If you're tired of the same old restaurants, give Almayass a try. The cherry-enhanced dishes alone are worth the visit. Just make sure to book a table in advance, especially for dinner. This place gets busy because it's so popular.

FAQs

Is Almayass vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, they have plenty of vegetarian options on their menu. Many of the cold mezze dishes like hummus, tabbouleh,and stuffed vine leaves are vegetarian. They also have vegan and gluten-free options.

What are the opening hours?
Almayass is open seven days a week from 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM (midnight). On Sundays, they open earlier at 10:00 AM. It's a good idea to make a reservation, especially for dinner.

Is there parking available?
Yes, you can park at The Galleria Mall. There's also valet parking available. One tip from a customer: park in the attached hotel rather than the mall to save yourself a long walk.