Last week we visited a modern venue appealing to families and the young alike, serving dishes in sleek tableware. The name Waterlemon, a play on the word (yes, I confess of enunciating it as watermelon) is a true representative of the fresh and the aqueous atmosphere of as pure and reviving as water, as quenching and zesty as a lemon. Waterlemon restaurant and caFe is considered as International Cuisine. They have a variety of breakfast items, in the menu overall you may also find Asian, French & Lebanese variety. In diners, they welcome a huge mix ranging from locals to Europeans living in outskirts.
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It is situated in Marsa Al Bateen. The area inspired by Emirati architecture is located in one of the oldest inhabited areas on the west side of Abu Dhabi Island. It offers facilities that can be enjoyed visitors with various retail & dining outlets. It is beautifully landscaped into a mixed-use development; the marinas have transformed the area with an expansive promenade of restaurants, outlets and coffee shops to create a unique waterfront destination.
It gives the sense of rejuvenating the area and provide a range of facilities and services to the community to create a truly relaxed environment. We did enjoy a healthy and creative food menu, fresh juices in a fresh, relaxed and contemporary atmosphere. Waterlemon is embracing an eco-friendly philosophy. They have A dedicated salad counter (Fresh Open SALAD Bar 59 AED/person) features in the center of the handsome space with well-trodden wooden flooring, copper light frames, and brick walls. It also has a selection of cold cuts and cheeses.
In food, we tried delicious Lahm bajin and Cheese Manakeesh straight from the oven. Cheese Manakeesh was quite different with chopped onion and herbs though it tasted pleasant. Appetizers series was unique and innovative; Dynamite shrimps were stunning in presentation very crispy and tender. They were served with special Peanut Butter dip. I loved the black sesame seed dressing on top. Oriental cold mezze sampler was another good looking dish with attractive display and unusual items, tajin & kebbet batata with traditional Hummus (another twist here as it was beetroot, soothing color) and motabel. Crispy bread well complemented them. In salads, we tried Burrata And signature Waterlemon. Pumpkin seeds, artichoke and orange segments did not fail to offer the essential tang, freshness and earthy element along with Rocca and mozzarella to this salad.
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I have had my very first encounter of Black Pizza; it doesn’t involve any black ink like usual black burgers you find elsewhere rather a dough is completely veg based turned black aided by roasted eggplant powder. Taste wise it’s not strange or unusual rather more delicious with very fresh ingredients on top i-e Rocca leave, cheese, mushrooms & pepperoni. The sandwich was okiesh; the real show stopper was Black Angus Burger, this is luscious with a tender patty, double cheese, grilled mushrooms and the tangy killer sauce.
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Mains again were to die for, first arrived was Beef tenderloin a classic take on pepper steak served with jumbo French fries and baby carrots. With minimal dressing and marination, this one was authentic and core to its origin. We enjoyed every bit of it and rear is just perfect, – MY STEAK MADE MY DAY– moment it was what we have experienced at Waterlemon.
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Next was a very different yet unique combination of Shrimp Lemongrass; I love the way how they play with the sharp taste and then cutting it with fennel sweetness resulting in a perfect marriage of taste for your tongue. Grilled shrimps look stunning with lemon grass sauce resting on the bed of fennel risotto. The pesto was not over empowering and in fact beautify the essence of the whole compilation.
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In desserts, we tried their very famous and highly recommended by one of our fan reader Amir, Pain Perdu. It was the most humongous size caramelized French toast I ever tasted. Perfectly sweetened and served with VANILLA ice-cream this has raised the temptation as well as our expectation for the second one which is chocolate fondant, it was simply WOW. Moist and warm, a perfect way to end the evening.
An evening visit at sunset would make for a romantic date. The menu at Waterlemon is inventive but still accessible and presents an enticing selection of traditional favorites too.
Essentials:
Website: http://thearabiangourmet.com
Timings: 8am – 11:30pm
Phone: 02-6355050
We were invited to dine at Waterlemon. All views are our own, and all photographs are of MahiBlog.
