Yas Plaza Hotels turns up the heat this Race Weekend with foodie experiences and more

Abu Dhabi Review
1 day ago
3 min read

Yas Island is about to get busy. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is back, and if you are planning your weekend around good food, great music and that brilliant island energy, Yas Plaza Hotels has gone all out with a line-up worth clearing your diary for.

Across Thursday 4 to Sunday 7 December, six restaurants and the Central Plaza are hosting everything from live drummers and Italian dough acrobatics to smoky grills and cocktail labs. It is like a mini festival within the race weekend, and you'll porbably end up staying longer than you planned.

Here's where you can get in to the race weekend spirit:

Ministry of Crab at Stills

If you love crab, this pop-up alone is a reason to head over. Ministry of Crab is a big deal on the Asian dining scene, and now it is landing in Abu Dhabi for the first time. Think giant lagoon crabs, cooked right in front of you, coated in peppery sauces that you can smell before you have even tasted them. There'll be bubbles, a coastal cocktail lab, drummers and a tropical jazz band setting the tone.

CarniStore at Y Bar

Last year people raved about this takeover, and it is back with even more flavour. CarniStore comes in with wagyu burgers, smoked brisket tacos, short ribs, Reuben stacks, and tomahawks. Everything prmises to be rich, smoky and unapologetically indulgent.The bar is fun too. Chivas has taken over with a barrel aged cocktail lab, so expect deep, smooth flavours.

Chef Pasqualino Barbasso at

Filini Garden

Filini Garden is already a favourite for sunset drinks, but this year it has a twist. Chef Pasqualino Barbasso is performing live pizza acrobatics. Yes, that is exactly what it sounds like and it is very impressive. Add Neapolitan pizzas, antipasti, Italian wines and Malfy Gin cocktails, and you get a relaxed, open-air evening on Yas Island.

Asado Steakhouse at Amerigos

Amerigos has leaned into even more South American flair this year. Chef Enzo Neri will be grilling over open flames, serving empanadas, provoleta and premium cuts with a smoky edge. The terrace will be lively, and the flamenco and percussion performances will give the place a real latin heartbeat. If you love bold flavours and a vibrant atmosphere, this should hit the spot.

The Indian Duke at Rangoli

Rangoli is telling a story on race weekend. The Indian Duke concept is inspired by a Rajasthani royal who left palace life behind to explore the streets. The menu will follow that journey with curries that simmer for hours, kebabs and street dishes with a modern twist. There will also be a roaming drinks cart where you pick your spices and turn them into a custom cocktail.

Belgian Beer Café Beer Garden

If you want something hearty and a little more casual, Belgian Beer Café will be your weekend comfort zone. Moules frites, Beef Carbonnade, bratwursts, rotating draughts and iconic Belgian labels.

It is unfussy, chilled and perfect for groups who want good food and a lively atmosphere without overthinking it.

Central Plaza sets the vibe

Central Plaza is where everything connects. Across all four days, you will find live music that moves from soulful house to smooth jazz to acoustic sets.

There are drinks activations, lounge seating, ambient lighting and lots of people who are simply there to soak in the race weekend atmosphere.