Maté, located at Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island, offers a creative fusion of Argentinian and Lebanese cuisine in a stylish, modern setting. Inspired by the South American tradition of sharing maté tea, the restaurant emphasizes connection through food, earning accolades like a MICHELIN Guide mention and "Newcomer of the Year" in 2023. With its open-fire grill, moody lighting, and lively evening entertainment, Maté delivers both a memorable dining experience and a vibrant nightlife vibe.

Key highlights:
- Argentinian cuisine with Lebanese influences in a fancy setting
- Live entertainment including tango dancers and DJ music
- Located in the upscale Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel on Saadiyat Island

PROFILE

Maté is a fancy restaurant that mixes Argentinian food with Lebanese flavors. The restaurant is part of the Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas on Saadiyat Island. It's been recognized as a MICHELIN Guide Restaurant and won awards like "Newcomer of the Year" from What's On Abu Dhabi in 2023. The place is named after the traditional South American drink and ceremony of drinking maté,which is all about bringing people together. The restaurant is temporarily closed from May 26-30, 2025,but their special Asado Libre Brunch will still happen on May 31, 2025.

AMBIENCE

The inside of Maté looks super cool with wood, leather,and metal that makes you feel like you're in Argentina but with a modern twist. The lighting is soft and cozy, with spotlights that make certain parts of the restaurant stand out. There's a main dining area, a private dining room, and a bar and lounge area. The coolest part is the open kitchen where you can watch the chefs cook on a traditional Argentinian grill called El Asador. At night, the place changes from a restaurant to more of a party spot with music getting louder as the night goes on. They play electro tango, Mediterranean chill-out, and deep house beats with a DJ, drummer,and even tango dancers performing sometimes.

MUST-TRY

The empanadas are a must-try according to many reviews. These are like little pastries filled with different stuff and people go crazy for them. The humitas (sweet corn mash) gets mentioned a lot as being super tasty. For meat lovers, the wagyu beef and the brisket are supposed to be amazing. Many people say the steaks are cooked perfectly on the fire grill. One reviewer even said they've eaten steak all around the world and nothing compares to what Maté serves.

FOOD

The food at Maté is all about cooking with fire. Most dishes are made on their brick grill or directly on charcoal embers, which gives everything a smoky, woody flavor. The menu has lots of different meats, fish,seafood, and even options for vegetarians. They use Lebanese spices, marinades,and cooking techniques to make the Argentinian food even more interesting. Their brunch is super popular and includes multiple courses with tons of food. Several reviewers warned not to eat breakfast before coming for brunch because you'll get so much food. The desserts are apparently just as good as the main dishes. One person mentioned an amazing coconut ice cream pudding with meringue that they loved.

SERVICE

The service at Maté gets tons of praise in reviews. Staff members like Camila, Thiago,Arturo, Gonzalo,Angela, Leith,and Shreya are mentioned by name in multiple reviews for being super friendly and helpful. The waiters explain each dish when they bring it to the table, which people seem to really appreciate. Many reviewers said the staff made them feel special and at home from the moment they arrived. The hostesses at the entrance are described as warm and welcoming. Several people mentioned that the service was even better than the food, which is saying a lot since the food gets such high ratings.

PRICING

Maté is definitely on the expensive side. According to Zomato, it costs around AED 630 (about $170 USD) for two people without alcohol. The restaurant is marked as "$$$$" on several review sites, which means it's in the highest price category. A pint of beer costs approximately AED 40 (about $11 USD). Despite the high prices, most reviewers seem to think it's worth the money for the quality of food and service they receive. Many mention it as a special occasion spot rather than an everyday dining option.

SUMMARY

Maté offers a unique mix of Argentinian and Lebanese cuisine in a fancy but comfortable setting. The food, especially the meat dishes cooked on their traditional grill, gets super high marks from almost everyone. The service is exceptional, with staff who go above and beyond to make guests feel welcome. While it's definitely not cheap, most people think it's worth splurging for a special night out. The restaurant transforms throughout the evening from a dining spot to a more lively venue with music and performances. With its MICHELIN Guide recognition and high ratings across review sites, Maté has established itself as one of Abu Dhabi's top dining destinations.

FAQs

What are the opening hours of Maté?
The restaurant is open daily from 5:00 PM to 1:00 AM Sunday through Thursday. On Fridays and Saturdays, they stay open until 2:00 AM. They also offer a Saturday brunch from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

Is Maté wheelchair accessible?
Yes, Maté is wheelchair accessible. One reviewer specifically mentioned that the place is highly wheelchair accessible, which was important for their visit.

Do I need to make a reservation at Maté?
Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner and their popular brunch service. The restaurant is often fully booked, particularly on weekends and for special events. You can make reservations through their website or by calling them directly.