Sardinia

Quirky, mad-scientist cuisine
Popular plate: If the la carte menu seems a bit overwhelming, opt for the 12-course tasting menu.

Eccentricity isn’t usually Abu Dhabi’s bag, which might be why Sardinia tends to be empty, even when serving up some of the most inventive food in the city. To be fair, the strangely drab interior doesn’t help. Granny furnishings and beige tones prevail and the location—Sardinia is set within the Abu Dhabi Health & Fitness Club—confounds.
The menu also isn’t the least bit Sardinian. Rather, it’s an homage to molecular gastronomy. The flavour combinations (think rhubarb ravioli, or Roquefort milkshakes) can be baffling, as can the utensils; dishes have been served with everything from scissors to paintbrushes. Somehow, though, the odd pairings work beautifully.