Acropolis – Authentic Greek Cuisine in Abu Dhabi

In Asia, it is very rare to find an authentic Greek restaurant hence exposure to Greek cuisine was minimal to us. We traveled Athens before hence that was the only period we immense in authentic Greek cuisine.

Acropolis Abu Dhabi

On our visit to Abu Dhabi, we were introduced to Acropolis an authentic Greek restaurant situated in the heart of the renowned Méridien Village and were excited to try it out.

Acropolis Abu Dhabi

So how authentic is it? The manager, assistant manager & chef are from Greece and they even import fresh seasonal ingredients coming straight from Greece!

Acropolis Abu Dhabi

The main reason setting up Acropolis was to introduce Greece’s culinary traditions to the Abu Dhabi community & also provide a taste of home to the Greek community in Abu Dhabi.

Acropolis Abu Dhabi

The navy blue & pristine white decor symbolize the color of Greece flag also provides tourist familiarity of the famed Santorini architecture color.

Upon entering, we were greeted warmly by the manager and was shown to our seat. Before long, the restaurant was packed with customers eager to have a good time. Reservation is recommended especially during weekends to avoid disappointment.

Relatively new to Greek Cuisine, we decided to seek recommendation hoping to explore more of Greek cuisine instead of the usual gyros & feta cheese.

Ouzo Plomari, Acropolis Abu DhabiOuzo Plomari

Luckily for us, Mr Kostas was there to help. He introduced us to try Ouzo, considered the national drink of Greece. With a bottle of Ouzo Plomari, he explained the characteristic of it.

Silky clear at first it comes opaque, milky white after adding ice due to the anise oil, with a distinct licorice flavor, ouzo is distilled & flavored with spices like anise, mint, mastic, and coriander.

Ouzo is usually served as an aperitif, accompanied with tantalizing array of Mezze, which is a selection of small dishes served to accompany alcoholic drinks as appetizers.

Mezze, Acropolis Abu DhabiMezze : Souzoukakia, Garides Saganaki, Pitoules, Kostas Spanakopita, Spitiko Tzatziki & Kolokithokeftedes

For Mezze, we ordered :

Souzoukakia – Classic fried meatballs with tomato sauce

Garides Saganaki – Shrimps prepared in oven with fresh tomato & oregano

Pitoules – Grilled Pita Bread with Olive Oil & Oregano

Chef Kostas Spanakopita – Spinach pie with Feta Cheese

Spitiko Tzatziki – Greek yogurt with cucumber & garlic

Kolokithokeftedes – Crispy fried zucchini patties with mint & yogurt

The Garides Saganaki shrimps were very fresh and springy, blending well with tomato & feta cheese which is our favourite, definitely a must try. The fragrant aroma of oregano & olive oil on the Pitoules was delectable while Kolokithokeftedes with yogurt was an appetite opener.

Massouka, Acropolis Abu DhabiYa Ya’s Moussaka

Main Course we ordered one of Greece classic dish – Ya Ya’s Moussaka. Ya ya according to Mr. Kostas is Grandmother hence grandmother’s moussaka.

Moussaka which is eggplant prepared in oven with mince meat, topped with béchamel sauce and cheese. Served warm, the smooth potato, fresh aubergine & hearty meat makes this dish heartwarming.

Acropolis Abu Dhabi Chicken Souvlaki

Another our main course was Chicken Souvlaki, a popular Greek food consisting of well seasoned small pieces of meat and vegetables grilled to perfection on a skewer.

Acropolis Abu DhabiKaridopita

For dessert we tried Karidopita – Walnut pie served with pine tree ice cream. It is moist, favorful & mouthwatering scented with the aromas and blends of cinnamon & drenched in syrup. The ice cream add a kick to the cake.

Acropolis Abu DhabiSiropiasta

Another dessert we ordered is Siropiasta a traditional Greek sweets with pistachio ice cream.

Throughout our dinner, we heard glasses broken, initially we thought either guest or waiter made mistake however shattered glass sound kept on few times, and the guests were dancing happily to the live band instead of worrying the shattered glass on the floor. Later on only we realize it was a Greek tradition.

It is said to be good spirits and fun. Some believe that breaking plates can ward off evil spirits or, at a wedding reception, bring good luck. Others just smash plates to show their appreciation for the band that’s accompanying their revelry. Breaking plates is also an act which implies abundance.

Acropolis Abu Dhabi

To end our dinner, Mr Kostas offered us a Greek coffee. Overall food were sumptuous, tavern style type instead of fine dining making guest comfortable & an experience of home for some. Guests are also welcome to dance & enjoy themselves.

The knowledgeable & friendly staff makes it a surplus as we were introduced to a variety of new Greek cuisine that we never tried before. Definitely, it’s Greek to us!

Acropolis Abu Dhabi

Le Méridien Abu Dhabi, Tourist Club Area, P.O. Box 46066
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

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About Tommy Ooi 509 Articles
Luxury Hotel Reviewer & Destination Blogger. Passionate for travel, exploring new culture & indulging divine food, Tommy has traveled to 42 countries & 140+ destinations.

1 Comment

  1. It looks very nice! Next time you visit a Greek restaurant ask for “Tsipouro” or “Raki” instead of Ouzo, it is much better!

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