Partner Content: Taking place from 5 to 8 December, Yas Island will turn into a hub of excitement.
Abu Dhabi is gearing up for the most anticipated event of the year — Abu Dhabi Race Weekend. From 5 to 8 December, fans will gather at Yas Marina Circuit to witness their favourite racers go full throttle towards the finish line. But the excitement doesn’t stop at the track. Yas Plaza Hotels is bringing the heat on the culinary front with six distinct dining experiences — and an epic afterparty — making this race weekend a true feast for racing enthusiasts and foodies alike.
Located just steps from the action, Yas Plaza Hotels will offer an array of flavours from around the world, each designed to enhance the thrill of race weekend. Here’s what you can expect from Yas Island’s epic F1 lineup.
Filini Garden and Antonia
Filini Garden joins hands with FACT award-winner Antonia to bring Italian flavours to the F1 weekend. Join Chef Simone Federici as he brings the authentic flavours of Rome to your plate with his signature Roman-style pizzas. Indulge in creations like the decadent Burrata Pizza or the classic Diavola Pizza, all crafted with the brand’s signature 72-hour fermented sourdough for a perfect balance of flavour and texture. Renowned as the best sundowner spot in Abu Dhabi, Filini Garden offers stunning views and a relaxed ambience. Led by Chef Marco, Filini Garden elevates Italian dining with a curated menu that blends traditional recipes with modern flair, making it a must-visit destination. Add an Italian aperitif or a classic Negroni to the mix, and you’ll have a truly memorable meal.
LILA Taqueria at Amerigos
If you’re craving bold, authentic flavours, the FACT award-winning LILA Taqueria is taking over Amerigos and bringing Mexican cuisine to Yas Plaza. With Chef Shaw Lash’s wood-fired creations which utilise the finest ingredients grown locally or imported right from Mexico, you get to enjoy dishes like Chipotle-Honey Glazed Shrimp Tacos, Carne Asada Oaxacan Style Steak, and Mexico City Duck Quesadillas, all served on hand-pressed Heirloom Corn Tortillas. Pair your meal with a tequila cocktail or Modelo Especial, and enjoy live entertainment for a truly authentic experience.
Rangoli and Spice Lab Tokyo
Rangoli is collaborating with Spice Lab Tokyo this race weekend to bring together the best Indian and Japanese flavours. Rangoli offers a memorable meal through India’s rich heritage and authentic flavours through signature specialities such as Smoked Lamb Chops, Koyla Samosa, and Lamb Biryani, crafted to perfection. Led by Chef Tejas Sovani, who blends Indian flavours with Japanese techniques and ingredients, Spice Lab Tokyo serves showstoppers like Donabe Hyderabadi Biryani, Duck Pepper Fry Dos and Wagyu Sirloin, perfectly tuned with umami notes. Pair your choice with a selection of premium beverages, including Nyetimber Sparkling Wine, alongside a curated collection of Indian and Japanese single malts, such as Hibiki and Indri.
Stills and CarniStore
Get ready to satisfy your carnivorous cravings at Stills, where the much-anticipated collaboration with CarniStore will create the ultimate BBQ smokehouse experience during race weekend. Experience farm-to-fire excellence with Carnistore’s ethically and sustainably sourced premium cuts meats, including hormone-free USDA Prime, Angus, and Wagyu cuts. Indulge in slow-cooked, American oak-fired specialities like brisket, ribs, and Wagyu burgers, perfect for fueling your high-octane weekend. Signature highlights include Korean Flanken Short Ribs, the indulgent Double Smashburger, a show-stopping 1.3kg Angus Tomahawk, and the epic Carni-BBQ Platter. Pair your feast with expertly crafted cocktails, craft beers, and vibrant entertainment to keep the party alive. Opt for Stills signatures such as salmon and hass avocado or mushroom flatbread to complete your all-American feast.
Belgian Café
For F1 weekend, Belgian Café is transforming into a Beer Garden. Its laid-back yet lively atmosphere, paired with a selection of premium beers, including the signature 1758 Belgian IPA, will surely add more thrill to your enjoyment. Plus, with a menu featuring Belgian favourites, such as Tarte Flambee, Local Tiger Prawns in Garlic Butter, a juicy T-Bone Steak, and the popular BBC Burger, you’re in for a treat.
Y Bar
Y Bar delivers a standout culinary experience with its Asian-inspired menu and exclusive pop-up ramen bar during race weekend. Indulge in crowd favourites such as the Spicy Miso Ramen and Peruvian-inspired Salmon Crudo, perfectly complemented by curated selections from the Wine Lab, showcasing over 50 premium labels. At Y Bar, treat yourself to signature dishes like the flavourful Gochujang Chicken Wings, and the satisfying Chicken Katsu Sandwich.
While the dining front is covered, Yas Plaza Hotels also ensures that your excitement doesn’t go down for even a second. That’s exactly why there’s an afterparty on the agenda too.
Central Plaza
The afterparty at Central Plaza keeps that energy high. It features a variety of delicious food from food trucks inspired by Formula 1 circuits, a selection of drinks, lively entertainment, and a venue under the stars, ensuring a fantastic finale to your F1 weekend. It is available Friday to Sunday from 5pm to 3am.
GO: Visit www.yasplazahotels.com for more information.
