As its name suggests, Poolside is the poolside and waterfront bar and restaurant at the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr in Abu Dhabi. Overlooking the magnificent Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque it gives picturesque a whole new meaning. Usually poolside restaurants offer guests overpriced, mediocre finger food. I won’t argue too much about it being overpriced (AED80 for a falafel wrap is downright ludicrous, and even the famous Juicy Burger at Salt Bae Burger in Dubai start at under the AED110 these boys charge for their Classic Burger) but it was anything but mediocre. In fact, both our Fried Calamari and BBQ Chicken Wings were as good as what we had at Stars ‘N’ Bars on Yas Island later that evening. The Poolside Club Sandwich and Fish and Chips were surprisingly good too. Service, even with C-19 restrictions in full swing, was pure Fairmont – friendly and accommodating.
Fish and Chips 
Excellent BBQ Chicken Wings 
Our tray 
Inside the battered fish 
Fresh salad 
Fried calamari
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Xerxes physically dines at, or orders from, each and every venue he reviews. He pays in full for whatever he and his companions eat, drink, take away or occasionally throw at each other. Xerxes accepts no money, gifts, discounts or free meals in return for reviews or favouritism. What you have read was NOT influenced in any way by the venue. Join me on Instagram @ravenousxerxes or email me on xerxes@dellara.com.