Miral, Abu Dhabi’s leading curator of magnetic experiences, announced today that Paradiso, Hunter & Barrel, Akiba Dori and The Lighthouse have joined the exciting new F&B line-up at Yas Bay’s Waterfront on Yas Island, the Emirate’s iconic upcoming waterfront destination. The new restaurants will be located at the soon-to-open pier set within the Yas Bay Waterfront, which will house 20 F&B brands and five leisure and entertainment attractions, all overlooking the stunning waters of the Arabian Gulf.

Clement Bontemps, Executive Director of Asset Management, Miral, said: “We are excited to announce our partnership with these exceptional brands and hospitality companies. Each concept brings a unique flavor and experience to Abu Dhabi and Yas Island, and they are the perfect complement to the growing and diverse offering you will find at Yas Bay’s waterfront- set to be the perfect destination for culinary exploration on Yas Island.”

Originating in Cannes, Paradiso is a globally renowned Mediterranean restaurant helmed by Nicole Rubi, the woman behind La Petite Maison and Michelin star Chef Pierre Gagnaire, and is brought to the region by Barrière Group. Following the success of Fouquet’s restaurant in Abu Dhabi, Paradiso will bring a unique Mediterranean ‘dolce vita’ flavor to Abu Dhabi and Yas Island.

“Paradiso combines the passion and freedom of taste. We trust that Nicole’s great ideas and classic Gagnaire twists, combined with simplicity and excellence, is exactly what today’s culinary world needs”, says Julien Huel, Senior Vice President Strategy & Development, Barrière Group. “Paradiso is a refreshing new face on Yas Island. The atmosphere and menu are full of truth, full of life, and its chefs are the most simplistic, generous and passionate of adventurers; Barrière Group is thrilled to work closely with Miral on this vibrant leisure and entertainment development at the beating heart of the new Yas Bay Waterfront, and we cannot wait to bring a taste of the Mediterranean to the UAE”.

Hunter and Barrel is an award-winning high-end casual dining restaurant and lounge concept born in Australia and operated by Seagrass Boutique Hospitality Group. Renowned for its hunt, gather and fire-inspired culinary fundamentals, and exquisite array of charcoal roasted meats and vegetables.

Rob De Villiers, Middle East Managing Director for Seagrass BHG, said, “We aim to bring the “Hunt” to the Yas Bay community. We are excited to share our exceptional charcoal roasted dishes and tender cuts of beef with the greater Yas Island residents and visitors”.

Critically acclaimed Japanese street-food concept, Akiba Dori, is another great addition that will offer Japanese street-food favorites and house the first and only Tokyo-style Neapolitan Pizzeria in Abu Dhabi. Taking inspiration from Tokyo’s neon-filled district, Akihabara, the venue boasts distinct styling and vibrant interiors throughout with main features including an arcade, café, bar and pizzeria, all tied together with a modern storefront aesthetic. Diners will be able to choose from a selection of redefined Japanese dishes, sharing-style appetizers, and a unique pizza experience that is set in a lively, neon-filled atmosphere.

Samer Hamadeh, Founder of Akiba Dori, said: “Opening Akiba Dori in Abu Dhabi has always been one of our goals, right from the start. We have been working tirelessly and passionately to make this project a reality over the last year and it’s all coming together now. Our aim is to continue to fulfill our promise of offering some of the best Japanese street-food and pizza in town. We did this successfully in Dubai, we are now coming for Abu Dhabi”.

The homegrown restaurant brand with a diverse offering, The Lighthouse, is another unique concept that includes a retail gifting store, catering service, a podcast, and an event activation element that sits at the heart of its experiential ethos.  The breakfast, lunch and dinner menus will boast a fresh interpretation of Mediterranean-inspired soul food classics and pastries, in addition to new dishes exclusive to this location.

Hashem Montasser, co-founder and owner-operator, The Lighthouse, said: “We are very much looking forward to opening our third location in Q4 this year, and our first foray into Abu Dhabi with a 100-cover licensed restaurant at Yas Bay Waterfront that will also include a Chef’s Table, bakery, retail concept store and activation space. Strong performance in our Dubai Design District and Mall of the Emirates outlets have allowed us to accelerate our expansion plans and increase our footprint across the UAE, despite the headwinds caused by the pandemic.”

Miral recently announced several world-class brands that will be situated within the pier on Yas Bay’s Waterfront, including Siddharta Lounge, Bushra, Asia Asia, Zeera, The Central, Lock, Stock & Barrel, and La Carnita, nearly completing the pier line-up with the last two units held in reserve for one of a kind concepts.

Positioned as Abu Dhabi’s premier waterfront destination, Yas Bay, only a 5-minute drive from Yas Island’s attractions, will feature three distinct areas: The Waterfront; Residences at Yas Bay; and Yas Creative Hub, across 14 million square feet. Yas Bay Waterfront is part of Miral’s AED 4 billion investment in the overall AED 12 billion masterplan of Yas Bay. Once complete, Yas Bay is set to attract 15,000 future residents and over 10,000 business professionals.