Bringing together flavours and culinary influences from 22 Mediterranean countries, the restaurant offers a menu designed for sharing.
Abu Dhabi is home to an ever-growing selection of restaurants, with Mediterranean cuisine continuing to be a strong favourite. One of the newer additions to the scene is Sophia Abu Dhabi, located at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, bringing together flavours and influences from across 22 Mediterranean countries.
From the entrance, Sophia has a distinct visual identity from the rest of the resort. The teal-toned logo leads into a spacious dining room finished with marble flooring and a palette of teal, white and grey. The overall look is elegant but relaxed, with plenty of greenery throughout the space. White linen covers the tables, while teal leather-style seating with metallic detailing adds a contemporary touch.
We visit on a Saturday at 8pm, and the restaurant is relatively quiet, making it easy to settle in and enjoy the spacious layout. There is plenty of room between tables, which gives conversations a good level of privacy. The music is relaxing, keeping the atmosphere calm without feeling too quiet.
We are seated beside a wall featuring doors in different shades, while opposite are floor-to-ceiling windows dressed with curtains. Above, illuminated wine cellars and a balcony-like feature exist, with white embossed frames depicting Mediterranean landscapes. At the centre of the restaurant is the Cig Kofte Bar, which adds a little theatre to the space. Guests can watch the chef prepare the dish to order, while Mediterranean-inspired music plays in the background.
Sophia’s Mediterranean menu is designed for sharing, making it easy to try a selection of dishes across the table. We begin with a selection of olive oils from different regions, accompanied by a mix of olives too. It is a simple but enjoyable start. The Sundried bread with Feta and Basil Dip arrives next, which was soft, warm, and wonderfully pillowy — adding richness from the sundried tomato. The dip was fresh and creamy, with a delicate smoky note that added depth without overpowering the other flavours.
The Green Salad brings together edamame, avocado, and cherry tomatoes, all tossed in a fresh basil dressing. The combination offers a contrast of textures, with the softness of the avocado balanced by the crispness of the crunchy vegetables and the tanginess of the tomatoes. The basil dressing adds a touch of herbaciousness that ties everything together.
The Cig Chicken Kofte came rolled in cigar-like cylinders, served with pomegranate molasses on the side. The outside had a satisfying crunch, while the finely minced chicken inside was tender and well-seasoned. Sumac adds a tangy note, while the pomegranate molasses brings a touch of sweetness. Next, the Spinach Borek arrives in neat cuboid pieces, layered with spinach and cheese. Served piping hot, the pastry is crisp while the filling is rich and savoury. We particularly like that the spinach retains its flavour — without being mushy — and is not overwhelmed by the cheese. It is a comforting dish with a good combination of textures.
The Lamb Moussaka, served in a deep copper dish, is rich and cheesy, with layers of eggplant beneath the lamb. It has a similar comforting quality to lasagne, but the eggplant and seasoning give it the distinct character of moussaka. The cheese pull is particularly satisfying, making this an easy yet indulgent dish to enjoy. The Adana Kebab is another strong dish. The minced meat is well seasoned, with enough fat to keep it juicy and chewy without overpowering the flavour of the meat itself. The seasoning is present but not excessive, allowing the savoury character of the kebab to come through.
The Truffle Risotto takes a richer and more indulgent approach, with a generous amount of truffle running throughout the dish. Its deep, earthy aroma is immediately noticeable, and the truffle flavour comes through with every bite. The risotto itself is creamy and comforting, providing a rich base. If you are a true fan of truffle, this is certainly one to order.
Dessert arrives in a playful and beautifully considered book-style presentation, turning the final course into a little experience of its own. Rather than a single dessert, the menu offers a selection of delicate bite-sized creations, each with its own distinct flavour and character. Among the choices are ricotta and cherry, mastiha lemon Breton, and walnut praline, alongside several other tempting combinations. The variety makes it especially enjoyable to explore, with each small bite offering something different.
The drinks offering has been created to complement the kitchen. A thoughtful beverage program highlights handcrafted cocktails and mocktails built around citrus, herbs and spices. The wine list focuses on labels from Greece, Lebanon, Spain, Italy and France, allowing guests to explore Mediterranean vineyards alongside their meal. For traditionalists, there is also authentic Turkish coffee, Moroccan mint tea and anise-flavoured Raki.
Our dining experience is also elevated by the service, which is warm, attentive and thoughtful throughout. The team strikes a comfortable balance between being present and giving you space to enjoy the meal, with small touches of care that make the evening feel genuinely well looked after.
Sophia offers a polished yet relaxed take on Mediterranean dining at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort. With a menu inspired by the culinary traditions of 22 Mediterranean countries, the sharing-style format makes it easy to explore a wide range of flavours in one meal. If you are looking for a Mediterranean restaurant in Abu Dhabi with an elegant setting, varied menu and a more contemporary approach to the region’s cuisine, Sophia Abu Dhabi is well worth adding to your list.
Where: Sophia Abu Dhabi, The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
When: Daily from 10am to 10pm
Contact: www.sophiaabudhabi.com