GALA Restaurant

In the vibrant Al Zahiyah district of Abu Dhabi, GALA Restaurant brings a new level of sophistication to Indian cuisine. Located inside the Century Hotel Apartments on Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street, this dining destination has quickly become a favorite among both residents and visitors looking for an elevated culinary experience. With a remarkable 4.8 rating from 580 reviews, the restaurant consistently delivers dishes that blend traditional Indian flavors with modern, gourmet presentation. The moment you step inside, the elegant yet cozy ambiance sets the tone for a meal that is as much about the atmosphere as it is about the food. Comfortable seating, attentive staff, and an aroma of carefully roasted spices invite you to settle in and explore a menu that goes far beyond the ordinary.

GALA Restaurant is known for offering a dining experience where every detail is thoughtfully curated. From the moment you are welcomed with a complimentary basket of crackers and a signature amuse-bouche like a delicate mango sphere, you realize this is a place that values creativity. The culinary team, praised in reviews for their deep knowledge of the menu, guides you through a selection of innovative dishes that honor the subcontinent's rich gastronomic heritage while embracing global techniques.

Our Culinary Philosophy & Signature Dishes

The kitchen at GALA Restaurant operates on a philosophy of blending authenticity with innovation. The menu is a vibrant tapestry of Indian gourmet cooking, where classic recipes are reimagined with precision and flair. This is evident in every dish that leaves the pass, from the tandoor section to the dessert counter. The chefs source high-quality ingredients to ensure that each spice, protein, and vegetable shines in its own right.

• Pesto Paneer Tikka: A standout starter that fuses Italian basil pesto with the traditional Indian cottage cheese, charred to perfection in the tandoor for a smoky, herbaceous bite.
• Margarita Kulcha: A playful twist on flatbread, stuffed with mozzarella and kissed with tomato, capturing the essence of a classic pizza in a pillowy, wood-fired bread.
• Rasmalai Tres Leches: A dessert that bridges East and West, combining the spongy, milky sweetness of rasmalai with the creamy, soaked richness of a Latin American tres leches cake.
• Gulab Jamun: A traditional favorite executed with finesse, featuring soft, milk-solid dumplings soaked in rose-scented sugar syrup, often served warm to melt in your mouth.

Menu Highlights & Refined Flavors

Exploring the menu reveals a deep respect for regional Indian cooking while leaving room for exciting experimentation. The chefs demonstrate a particular talent for tandoor specialties, slow-cooking and grilling dishes to create complex layers of flavor. Curry lovers will find a range of options, from rich, slow-simmered butter chicken to more adventurous offerings that highlight specific spice blends. Regulars often praise the consistent quality and beautiful plating that makes each dish a visual treat before it is even tasted.

The Tandoor & Grill Experience

The tandoor oven is the heart of the kitchen, producing breads and grilled items with a characteristic smokiness that you cannot replicate on a standard grill. The paneer tikka varieties are a must-try for vegetarians, while meat lovers appreciate the succulent chicken and lamb preparations. Each item is marinated meticulously, allowing the yogurt and spice mixture to tenderize and infuse the ingredients over several hours.

Curations of Curry

The curry section is a journey through India's diverse culinary regions. From the creamy, tomato-based gravies of the north to the coconut-infused and chili-forward styles of the south, the menu offers a balanced selection. The use of freshly ground spices ensures that each curry has a distinct personality, whether it is a mild, nutty korma or a robust, peppery Chettinad preparation.

The Ambiance & Dining Experience

Located within the Century Hotel Apartments, GALA Restaurant provides an environment that is both chic and welcoming. The interior design emphasizes comfort without sacrificing elegance, making it suitable for a variety of occasions. Soft lighting, well-spaced tables, and a calming color palette create a relaxed setting for a romantic dinner, a business lunch, or a family gathering. The noise levels are carefully managed, allowing for easy conversation, which is a detail that many diners have come to appreciate.

The front-of-house team plays a crucial role in the dining experience. Staff members are frequently highlighted in guest testimonials for their friendliness and extensive menu knowledge. They are adept at reading the table and providing recommendations based on personal preferences, whether you are a seasoned connoisseur of Indian food or a first-time explorer. This personalized service transforms a simple meal into a memorable event.

Convenient Services & Modern Dining

Understanding the needs of today's diners, GALA Restaurant has embraced a variety of service models to make gourmet food accessible beyond its four walls. Patrons can enjoy the full experience through dine-in service, or opt for the convenience of curbside pickup and no-contact delivery. These options are supported by a partnership with online ordering platforms, making it simple to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home. This flexibility has made it a popular choice for busy professionals and families looking to elevate their everyday meals without compromising on quality.

Prime Location in Al Zahiyah

The restaurant enjoys a strategic and accessible location in Al Zahiyah, one of Abu Dhabi's most dynamic districts. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street is a major thoroughfare, making the Century Hotel Apartments a well-known landmark for taxi and ride-hailing services. Being situated in a hotel adds a layer of convenience for international visitors staying on the property or nearby, who can enjoy a world-class meal just an elevator ride away. Ample parking options in the surrounding area further add to the accessibility for those driving in from other parts of the city.

Why Customers Choose GALA Restaurant

With a 4.8-star rating from nearly six hundred reviewers, GALA Restaurant has secured its place as a top-tier Indian dining destination in Abu Dhabi. The value proposition is particularly strong, with a reported price range of AED 50–100 per person, offering an outstanding gourmet experience without an extravagant price tag. Repeat guests cite the consistency of the food, where dishes taste just as phenomenal on a tenth visit as they did on the first, as a key reason for their loyalty. The combination of a sophisticated setting, flawless service, and a menu that surprises and delights makes every visit feel like a special occasion.