By Waqar Abdullah
The Quick Overview
In the world of ‘The Elite Food Restaurants, ‘The Up & Below – Downtown Abu Dhabi’ is one of the world’s most amazing experiences in terms of dining, luxury, and food.
Up & Below is a restaurant in Downtown Abu Dhabi where you can enjoy the view of the city and international small plates with flavor. It is a must-visit for socialites and couples.
- Price Point: Medium
- Must-Order Dish: Barbados Spicy Fish Balls
- Best For: Sunset Drinks or Casual Social Gatherings
- Address: 12th Floor, Courtyard by Marriott World Trade Center, Hamdan Bin Mohammed St (5th St), 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 stepping out of the elevator and landing on the 12th floor, one is immediately removed from the dynamic atmosphere of Hamdan Street. You enter a room that is akin to a hidden oasis floating above the asphalt jungle. The atmosphere is lighter, and the ambient glow of the hanging lanterns immediately makes one feel at ease. A sleek and airy patio area is the first thing that greets every patron with a very inviting arrangement of plush sofas and high-top tables. You will immediately notice the contrast of the modern wooden planks and the glass skyscrapers that tower around the venue. This change from the bustling lobby to the fresh atmosphere of the rooftop oasis feels like a breath of fresh air and is the precursor to a night of unwinding without the formal attire of other lounges in the city.
The Reputation: A Homegrown Success Story That Conquered the World
Up & Below has become a beacon of the Courtyard by Marriott World Trade Center, thus cementing its place as a local favorite in the Abu Dhabi hospitality industry. Although the Marriott brand represents a global standard, this lounge represents the essence of the capital city of the UAE. It has worked hard to establish a good reputation over the years as the “neighborhood local” of Abu Dhabi, a place people know they can come to for a good time, not necessarily because of any specific trend, but because of its ability to deliver a good experience while still being down-to-earth.
The Hook: The Dual-Terrace Perspective of a Shimmering Metropolis
The real “hook” that sets this place apart is its incredible capacity to provide a premium rooftop experience at an every-day price point. Most sky-high lounge experiences in the UAE require a hefty minimum spend or sport price tags on their menus that are downright intimidating. But Up & Below blows this model out of the water by providing some of the best value happy hour and ladies’ night deals in the city. You get the million-dollar view of the Burj Mohammed Bin Rashid without the million-dollar bill at the end.
The Setting: Interior Design & View
The Decor: A Masterclass In Modern Glamour and Metallic Accents
The décor of Up & Below is heavily focused on the modern and minimalist style of a lounge setting. You can expect to find a unique combination of industrial design and organic materials throughout the venue. The terrace has been outfitted with high-quality weather-resistant wood and metallic accents on the bar. You will notice oversized sofas in neutral tones that will allow patrons to stay for hours rather than simply enjoying one drink. Lighting is a critical component in transforming the setting from a sun-drenched spot during the day to a sultry spot at night. Lanterns with a warm amber glow hang from the pergolas and provide a warm and intimate setting for the patrons at the tables. This is a great contrast to the cold blue glow of the LED lighting in the bar area.
The Abu Dhabi Factor: A 360-Degree Visual Feast of the City
Although there are several places in the region that offer a view of the Burj Khalifa, the view from Up & Below is uniquely “Abu Dhabi.” It is a front-row seat to the architectural wonder of the World Trade Center complex. You can look directly at the Burj Mohammed Bin Rashid, the tallest building in the city. This is a view of the pulsing heart of the downtown area, where old-world charm meets futuristic design. At night, the skyscrapers surrounding the building become a sparkling wall of light that seems almost within touching distance. You can even observe the constant flow of traffic on Hamdan Street from a serene and elevated perspective. This is a sweeping view that takes in the real essence of the changing capital city skyline.
The Seating: Seamlessly Blending Indoor Comfort with Al Fresco Luxury
The venue provides a flexible seating plan that accommodates the dynamic seasons in the UAE. During the relatively cooler “winter” months, the extensive outdoor terrace is undoubtedly the focal point in this venue. You can select between communal high tables for a social experience or intimate lounge areas for a quiet date night. The outdoor area is quite breezy and spacious, making it the perfect spot for outdoor dining. Once summer rolls around, the indoor lounge is a cool retreat in a climate-controlled space. Large windows ensure that you do not lose the sensation of being high up in the city. The transition between both areas is very fluid, making this venue a seasonal destination throughout the year. Whether you want to feel the wind in your hair or want to escape the humidity, this venue has the perfect seats for you.
The Culinary Journey: A Deep Dive
Embark on a Refined Gastronomic Odyssey Above the Clouds
The Philosophy: French Precision Meets Asian Finesse
The culinary direction at Up & Below is based on a “Global Social Dining” concept that is focused on bold and punchy flavors. Instead of the normal fine dining experience, the Chef has taken a relaxed approach to soul food that is heavily influenced by international cuisine from the Caribbean. You will find a menu that is focused on fresh and excellent ingredients that have been prepared using modern techniques to ensure that every dish has a punchy flavor. The culinary team has not over-complicated the menu but has opted to let the spices and textures shine through. This is the perfect approach for the relaxed atmosphere at the rooftop, as the food does not take away from the conversation but complements it. Every dish is designed to give the customer a sense of comfort while still providing a twist of heat and zest.
The Starters: A Playful Dance of Texture and Temperatures
The Barbados Spicy Fish Balls is an ideal dish to start with when it comes to the kitchen’s creativity with the spices found in the Caribbean Islands. The best part is that you will be able to enjoy the instant contrast between the crispy exterior and the tender white fish inside the fish balls. The creeping heat from the habanero peppers will awaken your senses without being overwhelming. However, the Beef Sliders is a rich and savory dish that will melt in your mouth instantaneously. The brioche buns used in the sliders are rich and buttery and provide the ideal softness that contrasts with the juicy wagyu beef patties and the crunch from the house-made pickles that cut through the richness of the meat beautifully.
The Signature Main Course: The Legendary Miso-Marinated Black Cod
The Jerk Chicken is the undisputed star of the menu and the dish that truly defines the Up & Below experience. Upon the arrival of the dish at your table, the aromatic scent of pimento wood and allspice immediately fills the air. You will certainly be greeted by the beautiful charred exterior of the chicken, which hides an extremely moist and succulent interior. The chicken is marinated for forty-eight hours in a secret blend of scotch bonnet peppers, thyme, and scallions. This lengthy process allows the complex flavors to penetrate the bone. The explosion of earthy, sweet, and spicy flavors all at once on your tongue is rustic yet refined and truly captures the essence of island cuisine while sitting high above the Abu Dhabi skyline. The dish comes paired with traditional rice and peas, which add a rich and coconut-based element to the meal.
The Elite Tip
For the real deal, seek dishes that use the Jamaican Allspice and Scotch Bonnet peppers procured for their original intensity. If you are a beef enthusiast, the sliders use Wagyu Grade 4/5 beef for the fat content and meat ratio required for the “melt in your mouth” experience.
The Sweet Ending: A Masterclass In Sculptural Patisserie
To end the meal, the Warm Chocolate Fondant is a culinary experience in pastry technique that is far more complex and nuanced than just a sugar high. You will find a perfectly cooked outside giving way to a luxurious center of rich, dark cocoa goodness. The chef has managed to balance the richness of the chocolate with the tartness of a raspberry coulis and the cold, creamy goodness of vanilla ice cream from Madagascar. This is a successful dish because it plays with the interplay of hot, flowing chocolate and cold, creamy dairy products in a way that is sophisticated and will satisfy your desire for decadence without sacrificing technique for the classic dish.
The Beverage Program: Sophisticated Mixology Beyond The Flavors
The mixology program of the bar puts a lot of emphasis on “Zero-Proof” craft, ensuring that those who don’t want to imbibe still have a great experience. You can try the “Tropical Heatwave,” a complex mocktail with fresh pineapple juice, a hint of agave, and a spicy chili rim. Instead of using pre-mixed drinks, they make their own infusions and botanical syrups to give the mocktails more depth. Each of the mocktails has fresh herbs like slapped mint or charred rosemary to give the drinks more depth in terms of their aromatic characteristics.
Service & Hospitality
The Experience: A perfect Balance of Casual-Chic and Professionalism
In the high-stakes world of UAE hospitality, the service at Up & Below is firmly in the “casual-chic” friendly category. You won’t find the stiff, overbearing formality of a white glove service at a high-end restaurant here. Instead, the staff provides a warm and genuine welcome that makes you feel like a regular from your very first visit. The staff move through the area outside with an easy confidence that matches the relaxed atmosphere of the rooftop. They are attentive but not in your face, allowing your conversation to progress naturally. This type of friendly service eliminates any pretension and makes the venue feel very welcoming and homey. It’s the type of place where the wait staff knows your drink of choice and welcomes you with a genuine smile.
Knowledge: Expert Guidance and Impeccable Culinary Pacing
The staff has a tremendous understanding of the Caribbean-inspired dishes and the extensive beverage selection. You can even ask for a recommendation, and the server will be more than happy to tell you all about the spice content in the jerk chicken dishes in great detail. They talk about the food as if they’ve tasted and enjoyed the dishes themselves. In terms of the pace, the kitchen has found the perfect “sweet spot” where the food comes out at a pace that’s neither too fast nor too slow. Appetizers are brought out when your drink is still cold, and the main dishes are brought out when you’ve had time to catch your breath. It’s as if they’ve choreographed the meal so that your night is a journey rather than a transaction. The pace between dishes is seamless so that you can take your time enjoying each dish at your own pace.
Final Thoughts & Rating
The Final Score
Up & Below earns a solid 8.5/10. It masters the art of providing a premium rooftop atmosphere without the typical pretension or high costs associated with city-center lounges.
Who is it for?
This spot is perfect for those who value social vibes and stunning urban views as much as bold, authentic flavors. It serves as an ideal retreat for anyone seeking a relaxed yet stylish escape from the daily grind.
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Have you dined at Up & Below yet? Drop a comment below with your favorite dish or your go-to sunset drink!
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