Review of Horizon Restaurant Khalidya Palace, Abu Dhabi- Mediterranean Buffet Night

The hotel is stunning with a beautiful view from the lobby of the different hotel levels that can be reached via the glass elevators. The Horizon restaurant is not indicated on the board in the main lobby but one of the receptionists pointed us in the right direction and we were soon on track.

Horizon is the main hotel restaurant and this was plain to see as many people were already waiting for the restaurant to open for business. Even from the outside we could smell the various aromas and hear the clink of glasses being set on the tables. We were soon greeted by smiling staff and shown to our table for two. The interior of the restaurant is surprisingly roomy and the tables are set out to provide the diner with room enough to feel comfortable but not too far away from the central food station. When the restaurant is extremely busy, there are tables set outside in the hall where eager diners can find a seat and do not have a long wait to enjoy the experience. The staff were attentive and we were soon supplied with drinks. Just sitting for a few moments to take in the lovely surroundings we were happily surprised to find that the music was soft and allowed us to have a conversation without shouting across the table at each other. What was also very evident was that there was no dress code and people came to eat and enjoy the food rather than to show off their expensive designer wear. Horizon is also family friendly and we noticed children of all ages sitting in family groups. The layout of the area is plain, simple and easy to negotiate, especially carrying heaped plates of scrumptious food.

As this night was a buffet night, we both had a slow walk around the central cooking area to take in the wonderful food sights and smells. The food is laid out neatly and simply on the stainless steel serving areas. There was two different types of soup to try, both fitting the theme of the night. Heaps of deliciously smelling bread was also available. The salad bar was a feast of colours and smells.

My husband sampled nearly everything.

The main course area had a fantastic range of Mediterranean food including roasted Red Snapper, Moussaka, Lasagne, and creamy pasta dishes and so much more. For the kids, and those not so young, slices of pizza were also available. Side dishes of steamed vegetables and rice were also there to fill up the spaces on your plate. To add an additional flair to the experience, a live cooking station was also available to cook up tasty treats just the way you liked them.

The food was excellently cooked, and subtly seasoned. There were no overwhelming flavours to spoil the exquisite taste of the well prepared and presented food. What also made this experience even better were the staff who were always ready to remove a used plate but never hurrying you to finish.

In my opinion, the last course was the best course. The dessert table virtually groaned with the abundant sweets and fruits laid out to tempt the eyes and the mouth.

All in all, The Horizon restaurant is a culinary trip worth making. From the attentive staff, the well laid out dining area to the exquisite food, all reasonably priced, our first time experience certainly has given us a “taste” of what we will no doubt try again.

Reviewed by Michelle Dunn for ExpatWoman.com

---