We were invited to dine-in at Hilton Abu Dhabi’s restaurant Vasco’s last week. This is one of those few restaurants we have heard immense in popularity since the time moved to the Capital on UAE. Hence we happily accepted this warm invite and decided to explore the place.
Vasco’s is a restaurant that enjoys a rich history of hosting a loyal clientele of Abu Dhabi residents and tourists since its inception. As a celebration of its success, the award-winning beachside venue at Hilton Abu Dhabi is feature its classic dishes in the à la carte menu in response to customers’ requests. We are super glad that some of the most popular signal dishes we tasted will remain and reintroduced to their new menu. Since there is a huge demand for their classics.
Inspired by the travel escapades of the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama, the menu at Vasco’s celebrates cuisines from around the world.
Starting from Appetizers we were presented with a hugely popular dish in the menu, the Vasco’s seafood salad, it was vibrant & colorful. It features a lobster medallion, poached shrimps, smoked salmon and baby octopus. The creamy Burrata with the heirloom tomato has a unique combination with raspberry dressing and Balsamic drenched onions.
Another admirable starter was Arabian Gulf Shrimps in ‘Piri Piri’ Style, with Portuguese touch, they were cooked in Piri sauce, and it served with fennel and arugula salad, ideal for those shrimps lover in its classic way. Dum ki daal the famous Indian black lentil stew won over the hearts; it is served with the portion of plain naan and was extremely delicious with a pure blend of Indian cooking style and flavors to match with international cuisine.
From the Stover section in the menu, we were happy to taste the classic version of Mushrooms Risotto in the selection of starters; it was delicious in every way. Though I heard that’s the wild mushroom risotto is now available in the ravioli version that Vasco’s loyalists cherish, served with sautéed zucchini and parmesan truffle cream sauce. I can’t wait to go back and try the same as it’s refurbished and glared on the new menu a day after we visited the restaurant.
From the Oven; Beating the traditional choice in Pizza section we decided to go Desi and sampled Tandoori pizza topped with onions, bell peppers, mozzarella, tomato sauce, boneless chicken tikka chunks and topped with Chaat Masala, it was amazing in presentation but high in salt level, we didn’t try other items in ‘From the Oven’ section of the menu to judge their other pizza level.
In mains from Taste of India section, we tried Vasco’s Special Chicken Tikka where the Boneless chicken was served decadently marinated with saffron, yogurt & tandoori spices served alongside raita & Saffron rice. For those who visit Vasco’s for its Indian dishes, there is a selection of dishes including another favorite we tried Vasco’s Mix Tandoori. It has a portion of all Fish, Chicken, and Lamb & Shrimps. Tenderloin is succulent and juicy, though I preferred the Indian variety of choices over the same.
Another highlight is the adored dessert – the Mango Cheese Mousse Kunafa. It was a treat to eyes and good in taste. What took the trophy was Vasco’s Chocolate Soufflé, it was freshly baked and served with vanilla ice cream, the forest fruit compote were perfectly accompanied for adding citrus tang to chocolaty bites, warm with gooey center this dessert was just perfect.
All in all this nautical-themed beachside restaurant Vasco’s did delight us with their warm hospitality and appetizing menu. Hence we will highly recommend our readers to go and try this restaurant. It’s daily open for lunch from noon until 3.30pm and for dinner from 7 pm until 11 pm. Prices on the menu range from AED 30* to AED 260*.
For bookings, please call 02 692 4247.
*All prices are subject to 10% service charge, 6% tourism and 4% municipality fee.