C Taste - Centro Al Manhal, Abu Dhabi

About a year ago I had brunch at this restaurant. I was quite impressed on two levels: small but comfortable,  easy to navigate and great value for money. On this visit, my opinion remains the same.



c. taste is conveniently located on Airport Road in the Centro Hotel, which is part of the Rotana group. While I have not stayed here, it looks like one of the nicer 3* hotels you will find in the city: clean, new with modern furnishings and a swimming pool too. The restaurant itself is on the Mezzanine level.

Despite its small size, c. taste has a spacious feel to it.
Well-lit smoking section.
c.taste is modest compared to brunches at the big 5* hotels, but then again you are not paying 300 Dhs. C taste offers its brunch for 139 Dhs including tax, and it comes with unlimited Australian bubbly. Interestingly there is no red option, but still great. There is also an option for 119 Dhs that includes soft drinks. Both options include coffee. So, in this context, you  are not getting Shangri-la, but it is it is good nonetheless.

Grilled vegetables
My favourite at the salad bar - the asparagus and parmesan.
Lentil soup - on of a good selection of starters available.

You will find a very nice selection of salads and starters, including smoked salmon, shrimp, beautiful roasted egg plant and other cold salads including some Middle East favourites like humus. I particularly liked the asparagus and parmesan combination. Gorgeous.

There is a live pasta station - the only live station - with a variety of sauces. This is quite popular with the kids too; important since there is nothing dedicated to kids. There are also 4 or 5 other main dishes. The dessert station, also very simple, has some mousse, cheese cakes and nice fresh fruit. Finally, it also has a selection of  3 cheeses.

Simple pasta, but nicely prepared

To accompany some of the main dishes on offer.
c.taste is relaxed. That is what I liked most about it. Secondly, because it is not a big brunch, you never feel overwhelmed by the crowd. There are about 15 tables in a smoking and non-smoking configuration. If you can endure smokers, I suggest the smoking area because the large windows give you a feeling of openness.

Dessert has options for all
Nice-size pieces of cake for dessert.

c.taste is nice. It is cosy and simple, and  a cost effective way to while away the Friday afternoon. The service is friendly and efficient too. If you are looking for something that is uncomplicated, easy on the wallet, but also enjoyable, this is a very good option.

The Essentials

c.taste,
Centro Al Manhal Hotel.
Airport road,
Abu Dhabi
02 811 5000

Friday Brunch 12.30-15.30
Bubbly brunch 139 Dhs
Juice brunch 119 Dhs







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