Iftar at AVLU Greek & Turkish Restaurant, Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi

AVLU Greek & Turkish Restaurant offers a unique iftar experience that blends Greek and Turkish culinary traditions, creating an unforgettable journey of Aegean-inspired flavors. A recent addition to the ever evolving dining scene at Yas Mall, we have been wanting to go over for ages and finally managed to go over and try the Iftar which turned out to be amazing.

AVLU boasts a contemporary Aegean modern design that reflects the richness of Turkish and Greek heritage. The decor creates an inviting atmosphere with a perfect balance of sophistication and warmth, blending traditional elements with modern elegance.

Guests can immerse themselves in an ambiance that embodies the Aegean lifestyle—a lifestyle defined by passion for food, hospitality, and flair. As we learned from the wise and well informed Patrice who sort of guides us through the meal, AVLU means courtyard and the idea is you are guests of the owner dining in his courtyard.

The iftar menu at AVLU is a culinary delight from start to finish:

Iftar is a set menu served tableside, begins with a comforting bowl of tomato soup, warm and hearty with a basket of their freshly baked bread tasted like a slice of heaven, one of the best Tomato soups we have ever had.

The mezze follow, a selection of signature dishes including Hummus, Melitzanosalata (Greek eggplant salad), and Tzatziki, along with a refreshing Greek salata (Greek salad) which was topped with a slab of flavored Feta that was amazing.

The hot appetizers include Baked Manti (classic Turkish dumplings) and Moussaka, a Greek dish of layered eggplant and minced meat followed by, hold on, Truffle honey milfeuille, warm honey oozing out, simply divine.

There is free flowing Turkish tea freshly made in a flask on the table and you can order your favourite tea or coffee as well

The main course, this is what we carnivores to the core had come for, is the Hunter’s Meat Board offering an exceptional selection of meats and flavors. This generous board features Dana Sis (Beef Souvlaki), Tavuk Sis (Chicken Souvlaki), Slow Cooked Beef Cheeks, Slow Cooked Lamb Shoulder, and Kofte (meatballs). Each item is carefully prepared to highlight the rich, bold flavors of the Aegean, providing a hearty and satisfying dining experience.

To complete the experience, guests are invited to indulge in two exquisite desserts: the Classic Square Pistachio Baklava and the Walnut Roll Baklava. Both are sweet, flaky, and masterfully layered with the finest ingredients, offering the perfect, decadent finale to a memorable meal.

The staff at AVLU are known for their hospitality and attentiveness. They ensure that guests have a seamless and enjoyable dining experience, catering to individual needs and dietary preferences with professionalism and care.

A shout out to Patrice who took the time to patiently  answer all our questions and impressed us with his knowledge and insights into each dish made the experience even more memorable

.Highlights were the superb tomato soup, the indulgent Truffle honey millefeuille just blew us away and of course the Hunter’s Meat Board.

AVLU reinterprets the Aegean lifestyle, blending Turkish hospitality with Greek culinary traditions to create a refined and one-of-a-kind dining experience. Anchored by authentic recipes passed down through generations, the restaurant celebrates the heritage of Aegean food culture while delivering polished service and a warm atmosphere that elevates the dining experience to new heights

AVLU’s iftar meal is more than just a dining experience—it’s a celebration of Aegean culture and culinary heritage. From the inviting ambiance to the meticulously crafted dishes, authentic ingredients, and excellent service, this restaurant delivers an exceptional iftar experience that delights the senses and leaves a lasting impression.

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.

AVLU is situated just inside the VIP entrance of Yas Mall on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi and is open 9.00 AM to 10.30 PM daily.

The Iftar Set menu is priced at AED 165 per person and is available all through the holy month of Ramadan.

The restaurant offers free valet parking through the mall valet service, just tell the attendant you are dining at AVLU and they will give you the ticket which the restaurant will validate for you for free.

The owners of the restaurant also own Grand Bazaar, a speciality grocery store that stocks Turkish foodstuff and they have a small deli section at the restaurant as well where you can buy cured meats, cheese and all sorts of authentic Turkish items including dainty tea sets that are absolutely worth buying,


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