New restaurants in Abu Dhabi

While the city's petrol heads are rubbing their hands with glee at Formula One's return to Abu Dhabi, those without the slightest interest in motor sports don't have to feel left out from the clamour of excitement. Because, to cope with the inevitable surge in visitor numbers in the capital over grand prix weekend, a flurry of new hotels will be flinging open their doors in time for the big race. And as new hotels mean new restaurants, foodies who have grown weary of Abu Dhabi's eating-out options should be drooling in anticipation at the further choices soon to be on offer. With the likes of gourmet Italians, stylish sushi joints, contemporary Moroccan eateries and New York-style grill houses to be added to the scene, pretty much all tastes will be catered for. So loosen your belt, tuck in your napkin and prepare to chomp your way through the vast array of flavours from across the world as we preview what each of the new hotels has to offer. Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Dominating the skyline at the far end of the Corniche are the five giant skyscrapers that make up the Emirates Towers complex. One of these is now the home to the first foray into Abu Dhabi by Jumeirah Group, the luxury hotel chain that operates the Burj Al Arab in Dubai. It opened last week to great fanfare. Jumeirah at Etihad Towers stands some 66 storeys tall and will eventually house 12 restaurants, with many taking advantage of the structure's heights to furnish diners with some spectacular views over Abu Dhabi's picturesque bay. However, hungry punters won't have the whole dozen dining options to choose from this time round, as a few venues have been slated to open next year. That said, the owners have assured would-be guests that come November, there will be a number of fully operational restaurants. The first will be at Li Beirut, an upmarket Lebanese restaurant where classic recipes are given a modern twist through the addition of unusual ingredients. Meanwhile, Quest is a contemporary pan-Asian eatery that could well be the most scenic dining spot in the capital, being situated way up on the hotel's 63rd floor. Missing out on the deadline for a November opening are Brasserie Angelique, which promises a homely and unpretentious take on French cuisine, the beachside diner Scott's Seafood Restaurant and Tori No Su, a top-of-the-range Japanese that might well give Dubai's oh-so-trendy Nobu and Zuma restaurants a run for their money. Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, Ras Al Akhdar (04 364 7188) Rocco Forte Hotel Abu Dhabi This curvaceous green-tinted glass, structure has been a familiar sight as you approach the city on Airport Road for a couple of years now. But after a number of false dawns, the hotel's finally been given a definite opening date; its first guests will begin checking in today. Hopefully, the owners have used the time to perfect their dining experience, meaning there are high hopes for the hotel's eateries. Topping our list of expectations is Oro, which promises to be an exclusive, high-end Italian. Its decor has been designed by Martin Brudnizki, one of the most sought-after restaurant designers in the world, whose handiwork includes The Ivy in London and Le Caprice in New York, so at the very least its interior will be pleasing to the eye. There's also Rouge, a Japanese/ Chinese fusion place that attempts to merge the best of Far Eastern cookery under one roof, specialising in dim sum, sushi and sashimi. To this list you can also add Oceana Grill, a speciality seafood restaurant, and Brown's Tea Lounge, an English-style tearoom that should satisfy Abu Dhabi's British contingent if they're yearning for a taste of their motherland.