Restaurants & Food

Are oysters, shrimp and sashimi available, and are all restaurants open at Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, in September?

Seafood selection at Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island can vary in September: one recent guest found no shrimp, crayfish or oysters at dinner, while guests the previous year reported oysters, shrimp and sashimi. Both main restaurants were usually open for dinner, but only one sometimes operated at lunch.

1 source · 3 days ago

Can all-inclusive hotel guests in the UAE request off-menu cocktails or custom drink recipes?

At some UAE all-inclusive hotels, bartenders may make an off-menu cocktail if the ingredients are available, sometimes substituting fruit or another component. Address hotels are reported to offer All Inclusive, with premium drinks available for an extra charge.

1 source · 4 days ago

Is ice cream included in all-inclusive packages at UAE resorts, and where can you get it?

Yes, at most UAE all-inclusive resorts vanilla, chocolate and strawberry ice cream plus fruit popsicles are included and served at the pool and beach bars; soft-serve ice cream at the lobby bar usually costs extra.

1 source · 6 days ago

How good is the food and drinks at all-inclusive hotels in the UAE?

Food at all-inclusive UAE resorts tends to be repetitive (chicken, beef, mackerel-type fish, tongue served daily for breakfast/lunch/dinner), but the beach and service make up for it. Bar cocktails are often watered down — better drinks come from the main restaurant.

2 sources · 8 days ago

Until what time is alcohol included in all-inclusive UAE hotels and what drinks are covered?

Most UAE all-inclusive hotels serve alcohol roughly from 11:00 to 23:00-24:00; locally produced beer, wine and spirits are included, while premium imported brands usually cost extra.

1 source · 14 days ago

What food and drinks are included at beach and pool bars on an all-inclusive stay in UAE hotels?

At the hotel discussed, all-inclusive covers package drinks plus snacks such as crisps, nuts and ice cream; other food is charged separately. The pool and beach bars open at 11:00, and unused vouchers can be redeemed at the seaside bar.

1 source · 16 days ago

What alcoholic drinks are included in an all-inclusive hotel package in the UAE, and which brands cost extra?

UAE all-inclusive packages can include imported beers such as Greenberg, Black Devil, Löwenbräu Helles, Paderborner and Beaks, plus standard spirits. Recognisable labels including Corona, Bacardi, Jim Beam and Sierra are usually charged separately.

1 source · 17 days ago

Is the hotel's main buffet restaurant good, or is it better to book an à la carte restaurant (like Aja) at UAE all-inclusive resorts?

Guest reviews are positive: the main restaurant's mushroom cream soup got praise, and the à la carte restaurant Aja stood out for fresh sushi rolls, excellent salmon, and friendly service.

1 source · 21 days ago

Is dinner buffet-style or à la carte with half-board meal plans at St. Regis and Sofitel resorts in the UAE?

In 2025 the East restaurant at Sofitel served HB dinner as a buffet, but in 2026 travelers report the concept may have changed — confirm the meal format when booking, as some hotels have switched to à la carte menus.

1 source · 21 days ago

What alcohol is included in All Inclusive hotel packages in the UAE?

Standard All Inclusive usually covers local spirits and canned beer, with unlimited soft drinks. Ultra All Inclusive adds imported alcohol, Corona beer, up to 12 hours of bar access, and restaurant reservations.

1 source · 26 days ago

Do all-inclusive resorts in the UAE limit food/drinks or charge extra at restaurants?

At most UAE all-inclusive resorts, food is served buffet-style with no extra charges or dish limits, and bar drinks are original brands (no local substitutes).

1 source · 27 days ago

How do meal vouchers work at all-inclusive hotels in the UAE?

Breakfast is included for everyone without a voucher, but lunch and dinner each require one voucher per day — unused vouchers don't expire and can be used later, even to order special menu items like lobster or seafood platters (with a top-up if needed).

1 source · 8 days ago

What to expect from all-inclusive dining at UAE resort hotels (quality issues to watch for)?

Even 5-star UAE resorts can disappoint on all-inclusive food: limited fish/fruit selection, watered-down drinks, no coffee/tea at dinner, and dirty tableware are common complaints — quality varies a lot between hotels.

1 source · 10 days ago

What to do if the food or breakfast buffet at your UAE hotel is bad?

If your UAE hotel's food disappoints, complain directly to guest relations — even at big chains like Fairmont, staff often fix it fast, sometimes within the same day. Choice usually improves on Fridays when local guests arrive.

1 source · 13 days ago

Which Fujairah beach resort has better food, and do the hotel restaurants serve fish and seafood regularly?

Recent guest feedback suggests that one of the compared Fujairah beach resorts now has stronger food than Al Bahar Hotel & Resort, with fish served at both breakfast and dinner and seafood appearing more often. Al Bahar still gets better marks for pool and beach bar cocktails.

1 source · 36 days ago

Do Rixos resorts in the UAE serve alcoholic champagne, and what beer and mocktail options are usually available?

Guest reports suggest that some Rixos resorts in the UAE may initially serve non-alcoholic sparkling drinks, but alcoholic options are available if you ask. Drinks are commonly served by the glass, while a full champagne bottle can usually be brought and opened on request.

1 source · 9 days ago

Are there beach and pool bars serving alcohol in UAE resorts, and how much do drinks usually cost?

Travelers report that there are at least 2 bars on the beach and also a pool bar serving alcoholic cocktails. Alcohol is available, but exact drink prices were not specified in the chat.

1 source · 6 days ago

What food and drinks can you expect at a UAE hotel buffet: smoked salmon for breakfast, steaks and tartare for dinner, plus alcohol, fruit, and seafood?

Guest reports suggest a generous buffet setup: steaks and salmon/tuna tartare at dinner, meat dishes like lamb goulash at lunch, a large breakfast spread, and drinks including canned Amstel beer and basic cocktails. Fruit commonly includes melon, watermelon, pear, kiwi, and apples, while papaya and passion fruit may not always be available.

1 source · 3 days ago

Which restaurants are worth booking at Le Meridien and RIU Dubai—Italian, Asian, or the main buffet?

Recent feedback says the Italian restaurant and the main buffet are both strong choices at Le Meridien. At RIU Dubai, travelers liked both the Italian and Asian restaurants, with reservations made through the RIU app.

1 source · 4 days ago

What drinks and desserts are usually included at UAE beach hotels: are soft drinks, juice, tea/coffee, and ice cream available?

Guest feedback suggests that UAE beach hotels often include soft drinks such as Schweppes, Cola, Fanta, and Sprite, plus still water, tea, coffee, and juice. However, juice may not be served on the beach, and ice cream is not always available depending on current stock.

1 source · 12 days ago

What can you expect at a hotel dinner buffet in the UAE — are there seafood, meat, desserts, and kid-friendly options?

Recent feedback suggests hotel dinner buffets in the UAE are generally plentiful, with meat, fish, seafood, desserts, and simple kid-friendly food. Fruit selection tends to be more limited, usually watermelon and melon, with occasional dragon fruit, passion fruit, and plums.

1 source · 41 days ago

What food, fruit and juice selection can you expect at all-inclusive hotels in the UAE?

Food at UAE all-inclusive hotels is generally considered adequate rather than extensive: fruit selection is often limited to watermelon and melon, and juices are usually packaged with a small variety. Dinner can still include substantial items such as beef steaks, roast turkey, chicken skewers, pizza and pasta.

1 source · 8 days ago

Where to have lunch at Ajman Hotel, and does the beach bar serve snacks?

Guests say food at Ajman Hotel is generally very good, with Cabini bar by the family pool standing out for lunch. The beach bar appears to offer snacks, and the lemon-cream risotto near the family pool gets a special mention.

1 source · 2 days ago

What ice cream and drinks are available at the restaurant and pool bar in a UAE resort hotel?

The restaurant offers tray-served ice cream with about 6 flavors and no obvious limit, while the pool bar serves cone ice cream. The pool bar may also have burgers and non-alcoholic cocktails, but drink selection can be quite basic in alcohol-free hotels.

1 source · 42 days ago

What is the hotel buffet food like in UAE — quality and variety?

The hotel buffet is consistent: grilled meats, fish, rice/potato/pasta sides, vegetables, fruits, and desserts. Quality is stable but not exceptional.

1 source · 39 days ago

Which restaurants are open in summer at UAE resort hotels — buffet only or à la carte options?

In summer, most à la carte restaurants at UAE resort hotels close. Only the main buffet restaurant stays open daily; the Italian restaurant (L'Olivo) operates Thursday to Saturday only.

1 source · 40 days ago

What's included in All Inclusive at UAE hotels — ice cream, alcohol, sweets: all day or limited hours?

Standard All Inclusive covers beer and cocktails all day, ice cream from 4–5 PM. The Lobby Bar serves sweets until 6 PM. Ultra All Inclusive adds all-day ice cream and premium spirits.

1 source · 48 days ago

Is the food quality good at St. Regis UAE — buffet review

Food quality at St. Regis UAE gets mixed to negative reviews: meat is often overcooked and oversalted, dinner buffet is limited. Breakfasts are acceptable, pizza and fruit are the safest dinner options.

1 source · 17 days ago

Is the food good at Rixos hotels in UAE — is it worth it for all-inclusive dining?

Food at Rixos UAE gets mixed reviews — large variety but average quality. Park Hyatt and St. Regis Saadiyat are better options for dining.

1 source · 6 days ago

Is the salmon at UAE hotel buffets good?

Hotel buffet salmon in UAE is often disappointing in taste and freshness, but Saturday brunch salmon tends to be noticeably better. Red fish is generally available in good quantity.

1 source · 4 days ago

What are hotel meal plans like in UAE — all-inclusive, half board, or à la carte?

UAE hotels offer various meal plans: all-inclusive with daily rotating buffets, half board with dinners at the main restaurant, and à la carte with individually prepared dishes and generous portions.

1 source · 34 days ago

What drinks are included with breakfast, lunch and dinner at UAE hotel restaurants?

Breakfast typically includes all drinks; dinner includes coffee, tea, and water. Lunch likely follows the same policy as dinner.

1 source · 10 days ago

What food is included in hotel buffet in UAE — what's on the menu?

Hotel buffets in UAE typically include chicken, beef, lamb, fish, sushi, pasta, salads, vegetables, fruits, and fresh pastries. Breakfast and dinner are buffet-style; lunch may be à la carte.

1 source · 6 days ago

What food is served at UAE hotel beach restaurants — menu options and discounts?

Hotel beach restaurant waiters in green trousers take orders directly at sunbeds. The menu includes pizza, burgers, steaks, ribs, salads and pasta — large portions, with a 30% discount off the menu price.

1 source · 4 days ago

What drinks and breakfast are included free at a hotel restaurant in UAE?

Free drinks include coffee, tea, apple and orange juice, detox drinks, and water. Breakfast buffet features eggs cooked to order, yogurts, smoothies, porridge, cheeses, cold cuts, pastries, and fruit.

1 source · 5 days ago

What is the hotel buffet like in UAE — what's included at breakfast and dinner?

The hotel buffet is varied and filling: fish, meat, chicken, Indian dishes, desserts. The head chef personally oversees service and can prepare dishes on request.

1 source · 6 days ago

How does all-inclusive food and alcohol work at UAE hotels?

Breakfast at L'Olivo restaurant features a buffet plus à la carte options, fresh juices, and complimentary champagne. Track restaurant schedule changes via WhatsApp notifications from the hotel.

1 source · 10 days ago

Fairmont vs Saray hotel UAE — which is better for food and restaurants?

Fairmont has the edge on dining: more restaurant options for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and both restaurants open simultaneously during busy periods. Saray is comparable but offers less variety.

1 source · 4 days ago

How do à la carte restaurants work at all-inclusive hotels in UAE?

À la carte restaurants at the hotel are paid separately. The all-inclusive package covers dinner at one main restaurant only; lunches can be added for AED 115. Most menu items are included, except Australian beef fillet and a seafood dish.

1 source · 12 days ago

What is the buffet food like at UAE hotels — are there seafood options and variety?

Buffet quality varies by season: in winter expect plenty of seafood (sushi rolls, grilled salmon, squid, lamb), while summer menus are noticeably reduced — though room rates are roughly half the price.

1 source · 42 days ago

Is hotel breakfast in UAE a buffet or menu-based?

Some UAE hotels serve breakfast from a menu rather than a buffet: ordered dishes are brought to the table, followed by a trolley with additional snacks and appetizers. Menus may only be in English or Arabic — Google Translate works well.

1 source · 46 days ago

What drinks are included with half board (HB) dinner at UAE hotels?

With half board in UAE hotels, typically only water is included at dinner, though some hotels offer cocktails by the pool and at dinner — always confirm with your specific hotel.

1 source · 3 days ago