By Waqar Abdullah
The Quick Overview
In the world of ‘The Elite Food Restaurants,’ ‘The Stills Restaurant & Bar’ is one of the most amazing experiences in the world in terms of dining, luxury, ambiance, and food.
Stills Restaurant & Bar is a gastro pub with a record-breaking 26-meter long bar offering European flavors. It is located in the heart of Yas Plaza on Yas Island. It is a must-visit for sports enthusiasts and travelers.
- Price Point: Medium
- Must-Order Dish: 12-Hour Slow-Braised Wagyu Beef Pie
- Best For: Weekend Brunch, Live Sports, and After-Work Socials
- Address: Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi, Yas Plaza, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE
The Concept & First Impressions
Immerse Yourself in the Elevated Elegance and Sophisticated Energy
The Arrival: Stepping into a World of High-Octane Luxury
Upon entering Stills, one cannot help but get a sense of the modern pulse of the social scene in Yas Island. The entryway through the Crowne Plaza hotel provides an instant sense of scale and energy that is reminiscent of Abu Dhabi’s premier leisure destinations. You are immediately drawn to the center of the room because of the glow of the massive 26-meter bar. This serves as the central axis of the entire venue and provides a high-energy “feel” from the time of initial entry. The dark surfaces and industrial lighting give the entire space a sophisticated yet accessible flair. The transition from the upscale indoor lounge space to the expansive outdoor patio area is both impressive and seamless. Glass doors open up onto a space where the ambiance changes dramatically from a high-energy gastro pub environment to a peaceful garden retreat. You will notice the gentle breeze from the nearby Arabian Gulf waters as you enjoy the views of the lush greenery of the Yas Links Golf Course. It is a space where one can enjoy a quiet drink on a peaceful afternoon or a high-energy night out with friends. It speaks of a venue that prides itself on.
The Reputation: A Homegrown Success Story That Conquered the World
Stills is a true success story in the competitive landscape of hospitality in the UAE. While most establishments in the country are foreign imports from London or New York, this restaurant has made a name for itself in our capital. It has taken years to build up a reputation as a trusted ‘local’ favorite in the area. While they trade on the traditional European concept of gastro-pubs, they have adapted it magnificently to meet the high standards that we expect in the Emirates. As an original part of the Yas Plaza development, it has an inherent sense of history and security that is sadly lacking in some newer ‘pop-up’ establishments.
The Hook: The Dual-Terrace Perspective of a Shimmering Metropolis
The defining feature that distinguishes this venue from the thousands of similar venues in the city is that it has a record-breaking bar that measures 26 meters in length. It has officially been declared the longest bar in Abu Dhabi, serving as a massive centerpiece for socializing. This architectural wonder is not only aesthetically pleasing but also enables the bar staff to feature an extensive variety of international draught beers and special cocktails at the same time. This feature ensures that you are never too far from the action and your drink. This unique selling point does not only guarantee that you have an ordinary night out but also that you have visited one of the landmarks in the city.
The Setting: Interior Design & View
The Decor: A Masterclass In Modern Glamour and Metallic Accents
The interior design of Stills is a masterclass in modern industrial chic. You will quickly notice the extensive use of dark wood, polished metal, and slate stones, which create a grounded and masculine look. This is balanced by the addition of high-quality leather seating and velvet in the booths. However, the most striking feature is the 26-meter bar, which has a glowing surface that reflects light from the surrounding glass and metal. This massive centerpiece is the anchor for the entire space. The use of light is also crucial in creating a shift from a bright, daytime social space to a moody, nighttime lounge. During the day, the large windows allow for plenty of natural light, illuminating the textures in the brickwork and wood. As night falls, the ‘Stills’ lightbulb light fixture is the centerpiece, casting a warm, golden light over the patrons. This low-level, strategic lighting creates a cozy atmosphere, even in a large, open-plan space. Every area of the restaurant is well-lit, creating a space for long conversations and a leisurely dining experience.
The Abu Dhabi Factor: A 360-Degree Visual Feast of the City
Although this particular venue is situated in the capital, it epitomizes the “UAE factor” with its magnificent geographical positioning. It provides a panoramic view comparable to the best locations in Dubai or any other international coastal metropolis. It allows one to gaze over the serene waters of the Arabian Gulf from the restaurant’s outdoor terrace. The coastal view is complemented ideally with the green undulations of the Yas Links Golf Course. Viewing the sunset over the waters with the twinkling lights of the Yas Plaza hotels creates a sophisticated Middle Eastern dining experience.
The Seating: Seamlessly Blending Indoor Comfort with Al Fresco Luxury
The seating options at Stills are split into two different areas. This is an important fact to know during the “winter” season for the local population. Inside, the lounge area is complete with high tables and comfortable stools at the bar that are sure to provide a lively atmosphere. The inside seating is great during the warmer months when the air conditioning is blasting to escape the desert heat. If you want to be close to the action at the bar or want a quiet spot for a business lunch, it is available. However, during the cooler months from October to March, the outdoor seating area is the most sought-after spot on the island. The outdoor seating area is complete with low lounge chairs and garden-style tables. By moving from inside to the outdoor seating area, it is possible to enjoy the sea air while still being close to the action of the music inside. The outdoor seating area is designed to resemble a garden party and is perfect for a long weekend brunch or a romantic evening out.
The Culinary Journey: A Deep Dive
Embark on a Refined Gastronomic Odyssey Above the Clouds
The Philosophy: French Precision Meets Asian Finesse
The heart of Stills beats with a dedication to the traditional European gastro pub, but it takes this concept and gives it a fresh spin. The kitchen is run with a “refined comfort” ideology. What this means is that the chefs take comfort food and reengineer it with advanced technical skills and premium ingredients. There is a strong emphasis on seasonal ingredients, with many of the herbs and vegetables being locally sourced from farms in the UAE for maximum freshness. The Chef does not resort to any molecular gastronomy tricks, preferring instead to concentrate on flavor, seasoning, and temperature control. This is where the gastro pub meets the high-end restaurant.
The Starters: A Playful Dance of Texture and Temperatures
To begin with, the mushroom flatbread is an incredible experience in earthy flavors and contrasting textures. A fermented sourdough bread is used, and it is charred in a hot oven to create a crispy crust and a soft interior. This crispy bread is then topped with a rich mixture of sautéed wild mushrooms and melted Gruyère cheese. A drizzle of balsamic glaze is added for a cold and acidic taste. The crispy bread and soft mushrooms make for a very satisfying first course. However, if you’re looking for a lighter and zestier option, the Mediterranean spiced prawns offer a dynamic experience in temperature and spice. The prawns arrive at the table sizzling hot, having been quickly cooked in a mixture of smoked paprika and garlic. However, they sit atop a bed of cold and crisp citrus-marinated fennel and baby radish. This sudden shift from hot to cold is sure to wake up your taste buds in an instant. The snap of the fresh prawns and the crunch of the radish offer a refreshing taste of the Mediterranean, getting you ready for the richer dishes to come.
The Signature Main Course: The Legendary Miso-Marinated Black Cod
The 12-Hour Slow-Braised Wagyu Beef Pie is, without a doubt, the crowning glory of the Stills menu. When the server presents the dish in front of you, you will be immediately impressed by its presentation. A tall, golden-brown cylinder of flaky puff pastry sits majestically in the middle of a deep ceramic bowl. As the steam rises from the dish, the aroma of red wine reduction and clarified butter fills the air around you. Your first experience with the dish is breaking through the layers of buttery, flaky crust to get to the treasure inside. You will find tender chunks of Wagyu Grade 7/8 beef brisket that literally melt in your mouth. The beef has been braised for half a day until it reaches a succulent, jam-like consistency. A rich, deep gravy coats every piece of beef, with a hint of rosemary and roasted bone marrow. Every spoonful is served with a side of ultra-creamy potato mash, sieved through a fine sieve for a silk-like consistency. This is the ultimate in gastro pub luxury.
The Elite Tip
When looking at the menu options available, one should be mindful of the source of the meat used and the spices. For instance, the restaurant uses Wagyu Grade 7/8 meat in their signature pies and steak dishes because of the high marbling score. Further, the Mediterranean-inspired dishes use Smoked Pimentón from the de la Vera region of Spain because of the unique smoky taste it adds, which cannot be achieved with normal paprika.
The Sweet Ending: A Masterclass In Sculptural Patisserie
Dessert is dominated by the Sticky Toffee Pudding, which is a culinary masterpiece from a technical point of view, rather than being a sweet treat. The chefs use high-quality Medjool dates to make a sponge cake that is incredibly moist and dense without being soggy. The dish is then served with a warm butterscotch sauce that has a hint of sea salt to balance out the sweetness of the dates. The dish is finished with a scoop of house-made Madagascan vanilla bean ice cream. The culinary genius is in the temperature control to ensure that the ice cream gradually melts into the warm toffee sauce to make a luxurious caramel soup.
The Beverage Program: Sophisticated Mixology Beyond The Flavors
The beverage program at Stills is quite extensive and goes beyond the renowned beer selection. There is considerable emphasis on creative mixology and non-alcoholic “mocktails.” The bartenders pay the same attention to detail to the non-alcoholic cocktails as they do to their signature cocktails. One can indulge in the “Berry Blast,” which consists of muddled forest fruits, elderflower syrup, and sparkling botanical water. The absence of the overpowering sweetness of soda is due to the use of in-house infusions and fresh citrus juices. The use of fragrant garnishes such as scorched rosemary and dehydrated grapefruit provides an added dimension to the cocktails. Regardless of the choice of drink being alcoholic or non-alcoholic, the quality of the flavor profiles is always high.
Service & Hospitality
The Experience: A perfect Balance of Casual-Chic and Professionalism
The service experience is very much in keeping with a “casual-chic” style of friendly service, and it is very much in keeping with the vibe of Yas Island. Some of the higher-end establishments in the region can sometimes be a bit too formal and stuffy, but that is clearly not the case with the service experience at Stills. From the moment you walk in, you are greeted with a smile, and the staff manage to be attentive without being intrusive. This is a level of service that makes you feel like a regular, even if it is your very first experience of the restaurant. The staff are incredibly efficient and gracious as they manage the large floor plan of the restaurant. They seem to anticipate your needs, such as getting a drink of water or clearing a plate, even before you need to ask for it. This is a very difficult balance of speed and friendliness, especially in a high-stakes environment like the UAE. There is a sense that the staff genuinely enjoy their work, and that is a very big part of the positive and upbeat experience of dining at Stills. The “casual-chic” vibe ensures the luxury.
Knowledge: Expert Guidance and Impeccable Culinary Pacing
The knowledge that these servers possess about the menus is simply exceptional and is extremely reassuring. For example, if you were to ask about the signature dish featuring the Wagyu beef pie, you will be able to get detailed information about the 12-hour braising process and the grade of beef used in the dish. Similarly, these servers are quite well-informed about the drinks list as well and are able to offer expert advice on how to pair the international draughts with the heavy European dishes. This allows them to guide you through the menus based on your individual flavor profiles. At no point will you be left in the dark about any aspect of your dishes during your meal. The pace of service is another area where these hospitality staff excel during your entire experience. There is a seamless progression from starters to mains, and you are never made to feel rushed to finish your dishes. There is a healthy gap between courses to allow for digestion and conversation, yet the pace is quick enough to keep things lively throughout your meal. Even during the busy weekend brunch service, the pace is well-managed to ensure that your time is well-respected.
Final Thoughts & Rating
The Final Score
The Stills Restaurant & Bar deserves a respectable 8.5/10. This is because it fills the void between a lively bar and a quality restaurant. Although the enormity of the bar, being a record-breaker, is awe-inspiring, the food is a clear indication that the bar is not a one-trick pony. By emphasizing quality ingredients, such as high-grade Wagyu beef and local produce, the bar has managed to take the gastro pub to a whole new level. Although the inside area is very noisy during a live sporting event, the outdoor seating area is a haven for those who want a peaceful night out.
Who is it for?
This is a great place for people who love a lively and social environment just as much as a delicious meal. If you’re a sports enthusiast who doesn’t believe in mediocre food at a pub, then you’ll find a match made in heaven at Stills. This is also a great option for groups of friends or co-workers who are looking for a classy setting for after-work cocktails and appetizers. Families will love the atmosphere on the weekends, especially during the expansive brunches. In other words, if you’re a person who enjoys a restaurant that can be both a casual eatery and a high-end lounge without sacrificing its personality, then Stills is the restaurant for you.
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Have you dined at Stills Restaurant & Bar yet? Drop a comment below with your favorite dish or let us know if you managed to find a seat at that massive 26-meter bar!
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