AVLU: A Culinary Odyssey Across the Aegean’s Shores

A taste of Greece and Turkey: AVLU’s culinary journey awaits at Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi

Ah, to journey across the sun-drenched shores of the Aegean, where the air hums with the scent of olives and the murmur of ancient tales! Now, within the bustling heart of Abu Dhabi’s Yas Mall, a portal has opened, a culinary caravanserai named AVLU, beckoning you to partake in the feasts of Greece and Turkey.

Forget the mundane; here, the spirit of the meyhane and the taverna intertwine, a symphony of flavors echoing the coastal whispers of a shared sea. AVLU, that evocative Turkish word for “courtyard,” paints a picture of convivial gatherings, of laughter echoing under a canopy of stars, and indeed, the restaurant’s design is a testament to this vision.

The Ambiance

Imagine: soft, whitewashed walls, reminiscent of Cycladic villages clinging to cliffsides, juxtaposed with the warm, earthy hues of terracotta, a nod to Anatolia’s rich pottery traditions. Pastel accents, like delicate brushstrokes on a canvas, add a touch of modern elegance. And at the heart of this sunlit haven, a glass-covered courtyard shelters a venerable lemon tree, a symbol of hospitality and the zest of life, a veritable agora where stories are shared and memories are made.

The Menu

The menu, a culinary odyssey curated by Executive Chef Olcay Hanci, is a testament to the enduring allure of Aegean cuisine. He, a master of his craft, speaks of the “simplicity and the focus on sharing fresh, vibrant dishes,” a philosophy as old as the olive groves themselves.

Let your palate dance with the Grilled Greek Octopus, its tentacles kissed by the flame, nestled beside a stew of verdant green beans, a dish that whispers of fishermen’s tales. Or, surrender to the Salt-Cooked Wild Seabass, its delicate flesh infused with the briny essence of the sea, enlivened by the aniseed whispers of fennel and the salty bite of green olives.

For those who seek the warmth of the hearth, the Slow-Cooked Turkish Lamb Shoulder, seasoned with the ancient spice route’s gift of cumin, melts on the tongue like a dream. And the Iskender Kebab, a tapestry of tender Turkish beef draped in smoked yogurt, is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Anatolia.

Even the vegetarian palate finds solace in the Aubergine Millefeuille, a delicate layering of earthy aubergine and creamy Greek Manouri cheese, a dish that sings of sun-ripened bounty. And the mezze, a kaleidoscope of flavors, invites you to share the joy of communal dining, a tradition as old as the Aegean itself.

AVLU is not merely a restaurant; it is a cultural tapestry woven with the threads of tradition and innovation. It is a place where the spirit of the Aegean breathes, where every dish is a story, and every meal is a celebration. So, heed the call, venture into this courtyard of delights, and let AVLU transport you to the sun-kissed shores of Greece and Turkey.

The Contacts

For reservations and further exploration of this culinary haven, visit www.avlurestaurant.com or call +971 58 552 8582. Afiyet olsun! and Kali oreksi!