Mika, located at Yas Marina on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, transformed the waterfront with its fresh Mediterranean-inspired concept led by award-winning Chef-Patron Mario Loi. Opening just before the Abu Dhabi Formula One, the restaurant blends Mediterranean flavors with Middle Eastern influences in a stylish space featuring French woods, Italian marble, and a stunning outdoor terrace. With breathtaking views of the Yas Marina Circuit and a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere, Mika offers a taste of European charm right in the heart of Abu Dhabi.

Key highlights:
- A Mediterranean restaurant with Middle Eastern influences at Yas Marina
- Led by Chef-Patron Mario Loi who has over a decade of experience
- Features seasonal ingredients and a menu that changes with the seasons

PROFILE

Mika is a restaurant in Yas Marina, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. It replaced the old Aquarium restaurant and has totally changed the waterfront area with its Mediterranean style. The restaurant is run by Chef-Patron Mario Loi. He's got tons of experience in the region's food scene and has even gotten awards from the MICHELIN Guide. Mika opened just before the Abu Dhabi Formula One. That timing was perfect for showing off its new look after big renovations. The name Mika comes from the idea of "la dolce vita" - the good life. This fits with how the restaurant mixes Mediterranean food with Middle Eastern touches.

AMBIENCE

The inside of Mika has French woods and Italian marble. But the outdoor terrace is what everyone talks about. From there, you can see the Yas Marina Circuit and the W Abu Dhabi hotel on Yas Island. The views are amazing, especially at sunset. The place feels like Saint-Tropez but without the huge prices. It's fancy but not stuck-up. The restaurant is made for Abu Dhabi's winter months when sitting outside is nice. The whole vibe makes you feel like you're somewhere in Europe instead of the UAE.

MUST-TRY

The fried feta filo is a must-try dish that everyone seems to love. It comes with wild herb honey and white sesame seeds for 55 AED. Another standout is the mushroom truffle risotto. It's got tarragon and truffle and costs 95 AED. The chicken Milanese (called chicken schnitzel on the menu) is also super popular. It's served with lemon and caper butter sauce for 110 AED. For seafood lovers, the cod croquettes with squid ink mayo and parmesan are a hit. They're 40 AED and make a great starter.

FOOD

Mika's menu changes with the seasons because they use fresh ingredients. This means you might see different dishes depending on when you visit. The food is meant for sharing. You can get small plates like red chicory salad, baby gem, or tomato salad with whipped feta. For bigger meals, they have stuff like prawn and clam pil pil, spanakopita gratin, and different pasta dishes. The conchiglie pasta with beef cheek ragu is really good. They also cook things on a wood grill. Options include dry aged wagyu steak, whole butterflied sea bass, and chargrilled lamb skewers. Desserts include Nonna's tiramisu, strawberry panna cotta, and a warm chocolate tart. The house-made rum and raisin ice cream is also worth trying.

SERVICE

Chef Loi is known for his welcoming approach. He wants to serve food that he personally loves. The staff seems to know the menu well and can help you choose dishes. They're friendly without being too in-your-face. The restaurant is open from noon to midnight on weekdays. On weekends they stay open until 1 am, giving you more time to enjoy the experience. They offer special events like their Saturday Riviera Brunch and Sunday Lunch. These give you a chance to try multiple dishes at a set price.

PRICING

Prices at Mika are pretty reasonable for a nice restaurant in Abu Dhabi. Starters range from 30 to 70 AED, while main dishes cost between 95 and 120 AED. The fancier items like the dry aged wagyu steak (MB5+ 350g) cost more at 245 AED. The bone-in wagyu ribeye (MB7+ 1kg to share) is the most expensive thing on the menu at 695 AED. Their Saturday Riviera Brunch has different packages: 299 AED for soft drinks, 449 AED for house beverages, and 595 AED for the champagne package. It runs from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.,The Sunday Lunch is a good deal at 195 AED for a 4-course set menu and a glass of house wine or prosecco. It's available from 12 PM to 2:30 PM.

SUMMARY

Mika brings a taste of the Mediterranean to Abu Dhabi with a Middle Eastern twist. The food is fresh, the views are great, and the prices won't make you cry. Chef Mario Loi has created a place that feels special without being stuffy. The sharing-style menu lets you try lots of different dishes. Whether you want a fancy brunch, a business lunch, or just a nice dinner with a view, Mika fits the bill. It's no wonder it's becoming a favorite in Abu Dhabi's food scene. The restaurant manages to be both high-quality and approachable. That's a hard balance to get right, but Mika seems to have nailed it.

FAQs

What are the opening hours of Mika restaurant?
Mika is open Sunday to Thursday from 12 PM to 12 AM. On Fridays and Saturdays, they stay open an hour later, from 12 PM to 1 AM.

Does Mika offer any special dining promotions?
Yes, they have a Saturday Riviera Brunch from 1 PM to 4 PM with packages starting at 299 AED. They also offer a Sunday Lunch with a 4-course set menu and a glass of wine or prosecco for 195 AED from 12 PM to 2:30 PM.

Where exactly is Mika located in Abu Dhabi?
Mika is located at Yas Marina on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. It has views of the Yas Marina Circuit and the W Abu Dhabi hotel.