COYA Abu Dhabi, located in the Four Seasons on Al Maryah Island, brings the vibrant flavors and culture of Peru to the Middle East with a modern twist. Part of a global luxury brand that began in London, the restaurant impresses with its colorful, art-inspired interiors and stunning views of the city skyline. Known for winning top awards, COYA offers a dynamic dining experience complete with lively music and stylish indoor and outdoor seating.

Key highlights:
- COYA brings authentic Peruvian flavors with Japanese, Chinese, and Spanish influences
- Located in the Four Seasons Hotel on Al Maryah Island with waterfront views
- Features live music and a specialized pisco bar for unique cocktail experiences

PROFILE

COYA Abu Dhabi is part of a luxury lifestyle brand that started in London back in 2012. The restaurant has grown big time with spots in major cities like Dubai, Monaco, Paris, and Barcelona. It sits in the Four Seasons Hotel on Al Maryah Island, just steps from the Galleria Mall. You can get there easily through its entrance. The restaurant opened as a way to bring Peru's food culture to the Middle East. They mix traditional cooking with modern twists. COYA Abu Dhabi won Best Latin American Restaurant in both the TimeOut Awards and the FACT Awards in 2020. That was their second time winning.

AMBIENCE

Walking into COYA feels like teleporting straight to Latin America. The colors pop everywhere you look. The place is decked out with handmade furniture and special features made by architects and designers. No basic IKEA stuff here. Floor-to-ceiling windows let in tons of natural light during the day. At night, you can see the city lights twinkle across the water. The inside has painted columns, mosaics, green plants, and art that shows off Incan culture. It's kinda like an art museum you can eat in. The restaurant has 120 seats in total. This includes an outdoor terrace for when the weather's nice and a private dining room that fits 12 people. Music plays a huge role in the COYA experience. They got DJs mixing South American beats with house music to create their special sound.

MUST-TRY

The ceviche is a must-order at COYA. People say it's the new sushi, with different textures from fish, nuts, and corn kernels all mixed. Guacamole served at the start of your meal will blow your mind. It sets the tone for everything else to come. The Pulpo Rostizado (roasted octopus) gets rave reviews for being cooked perfectly. Don't skip it. Their pisco sours and cocktails are super special. The bartenders infuse pisco (a Peruvian grape spirit) with unexpected flavors that you won't find anywhere else. For meat lovers, the spicy beef dishes and grilled steaks are top choices. They cook them just right.

FOOD

COYA's menu combines traditional elements of Peruvian cooking with modern twists. The chef takes inspiration from Japanese, Chinese, and Spanish cuisines. Dishes come in different sizes. You've got small plates perfect for sharing like tacos, ceviches, and anticuchos (grilled skewers). For bigger appetites, they serve grilled lobster, wagyu sirloin, and massive T-bone steaks. These are the show-stoppers. The kitchen uses seasonal ingredients to keep things fresh and exciting. Each plate looks like art when it arrives at your table. They offer a 16-course tasting menu if you want to try everything. It's a food adventure that takes you across Peru without leaving your seat. COYA is super accommodating for different diets. The menu marks options for vegans, vegetarians, and people who need gluten-free food.

SERVICE

The staff at COYA know their stuff about Peruvian cuisine and can explain any dish on the menu. They make solid recommendations based on what you like. Some reviews mention that the service can be hit or miss during super busy times. Weekends get packed, so plan. The restaurant takes reservations, which is recommended. You don't wanna show up and wait forever for a table. For special occasions, they offer private dining options with customized menus. Just let them know what you're celebrating. The bartenders put on a show while making drinks. It's fun to watch them work their magic with the pisco.

PRICING

COYA falls into the high-end price range. Dinner for two people costs around AED 550 (about $150) without alcohol. A pint of beer runs about AED 45, which is pretty steep compared to regular places. But you're paying for the experience, too. They offer a business lunch deal at AED 140 for three courses. That's a good value considering the quality. The Saturday brunch packages range from AED 298 for non-alcoholic to AED 588 for the premium package with house beverages. Fancy day drinking! If you don't wanna spend big bucks, you can order delivery through Deliveroo or pick up food yourself. Most areas in Abu Dhabi are covered.

SUMMARY

COYA Abu Dhabi brings a piece of Peru to the Middle East with food that's both traditional and modern. The restaurant combines amazing flavors, cool vibes, and waterfront views. The place works great for different occasions. Business lunches, romantic dinners, birthday celebrations—they've got you covered. What makes COYA special isn't just the food but the whole package. The music, the art, the drinks, and the atmosphere all come together to create something unique. If you're in Abu Dhabi and want to try something different from the usual restaurant scene, COYA should be on your list. Just make sure to book ahead and bring your wallet.

FAQs

Is there a dress code at COYA Abu Dhabi?
COYA has a smart casual dress code. No beachwear or sportswear allowed. Most people dress up a bit since it's a fancy place, but you don't need to go super formal either.

Does COYA Abu Dhabi serve alcohol?
Yes, they have a full bar with specialty cocktails, wine, and beer. Their pisco bar is famous for unique drinks made with the Peruvian grape spirit. They offer both alcoholic and non-alcoholic packages for their brunch events.

Can I host a private event at COYA Abu Dhabi?
Absolutely! COYA has spaces for private and semi-private events. Their private dining room fits 12 people, perfect for smaller gatherings. They can handle everything from full meals to drinks and canapé receptions. Just contact them directly to arrange the details.