Sand & Koal

Perched along the pristine shores of Al Ras Al Akhdar within the legendary Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Sand & Koal offers one of Abu Dhabi’s most exclusive beachfront dining experiences. The restaurant is renowned for its breathtaking sunset views, refined open-air atmosphere, and a menu that celebrates premium grilled specialties and fresh seafood. With a reported price point of AED 500+ per person, it caters to discerning guests seeking both culinary excellence and a spectacular ambience.

Every table faces the Arabian Gulf, allowing gentle sea breezes and panoramic vistas to complement each course. The relaxed yet stylish setting makes it equally suited to romantic evenings, celebratory gatherings, and unhurried sundowner cocktails. A dedicated culinary team works with seasonal ingredients to craft plates that balance bold, smoky flavors with delicate presentation, ensuring that every visit feels like a special occasion.

Services & Facilities

Sand & Koal delivers a full-service fine dining experience anchored by live-fire cooking. The kitchen specializes in premium cuts of meat, market-fresh fish, and inventive side dishes prepared over an open grill. The venue’s design seamlessly blends contemporary elegance with natural textures, creating an inviting indoor-outdoor flow that takes full advantage of the beachfront location.

• Beachfront fine dining with unobstructed sunset views over the Arabian Gulf
• Open-fire grill specialties featuring Kobe beef, fresh seafood, and seasonal produce
• Curated wine and cocktail list designed to pair with grilled and smoked dishes
• Sunset cocktail service in a dedicated lounge area
• Private dining options for intimate celebrations and corporate events
• Dedicated valet and concierge service through Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental

What We Offer

The menu highlights the kitchen’s mastery of flame-kissed cuisine. Guests can expect signature dishes that elevate simple ingredients through precise technique and premium sourcing. The experience often begins with artisan bread and house-made accompaniments, setting the stage for the courses to follow.

Signature Grill Selections

Land and sea meet at the grill, with a standout Kobe beef offering that guests praise for its marbling and depth of flavor. A rotating selection of whole fish, lobster, and prawns arrives fresh daily, seasoned simply to let the natural sweetness shine. Vegetarian options, such as grilled halloumi and seasonal vegetable platters, are executed with equal care.

Desserts & Sweet Endings

Pastry chefs craft decadent finales that contrast with the smoky main courses. The chocolate dessert has earned particular mention in reviews, featuring layers of dark chocolate mousse, caramel crunch, and an accompanying sorbet that cleanses the palate. Other offerings might include flambéed tropical fruits or a classic crème brûlée with a crackling sugar lid.

Why Customers Choose Us

Guest feedback consistently highlights three pillars of the Sand & Koal experience. First, the location is unmatched—diners describe the beachfront setting as “absolutely stunning” and the sunset views as a highlight of their stay in the capital. Second, the service team earns praise for being “very attentive and warm,” with staff members remembered for anticipating needs before they arise. Third, the live entertainment element, including a fire show that unfolds against the evening sky, adds a layer of spectacle that transforms dinner into a night to remember.

Patrons also value the sense of escape that comes from dining within the Mandarin Oriental’s secluded grounds. The privacy, combined with world-class hospitality standards, makes the restaurant a favored choice for anniversaries, proposals, and milestone birthdays. Reviewers have noted that the team pays close attention to special requests, often arranging personalized touches with advance notice.

Serving Abu Dhabi & Abu Dhabi Emirate

Although it feels like a hidden retreat, Sand & Koal sits within easy reach of Abu Dhabi island and the surrounding emirate. Its placement inside Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental means guests can pair their meal with a stroll through the hotel’s opulent gardens, a visit to the Emirates Palace Fountain, or an evening at the Breeze Lounge. The central location draws both international travelers staying in nearby luxury properties and residents seeking a memorable night out.

Business visitors attending conferences at the hotel or in the city center often book tables for client dinners, appreciating the privacy and impressive backdrop. The restaurant’s reputation extends beyond the borders of the emirate, attracting diners from Dubai and the wider UAE who make the drive specifically to experience the grill and the sunset over Al Ras Al Akhdar.

Hours, Location & Directions

At the time of research, Sand & Koal is listed as temporarily closed. When operational, standard dinner hours typically begin in the early evening to capture the sunset and continue into the late night. Guests are strongly encouraged to confirm current timings directly with Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental and to secure reservations well in advance, particularly during cooler months when alfresco tables are in highest demand.

The restaurant is located at F878+CR - Al Ras Al Akhdar, within the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental complex in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The hotel’s main entrance is on Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, and clear valet signage guides vehicles to the resort. Upon arrival, hotel staff can direct guests through the landscaped gardens to the beachside dining area. Complimentary valet parking is customarily provided for restaurant patrons. For navigation, using the hotel name in ride-hailing or GPS applications will bring guests to the correct entrance, after which branded buggies may be available for the final short ride to the beach.