Khayal Restaurant

Khayal Restaurant offers an inviting international dining experience in Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi. Situated within the prestigious Marriott Hotel Al Forsan, this popular all-day dining venue serves a global spread of flavors for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Guests can expect outstanding food varieties, friendly service, and a great ambience that makes every visit memorable. Whether you are staying at the hotel, living in nearby areas, or exploring Abu Dhabi Island and Internal Islands City, Khayal provides a convenient and comfortable setting for any meal.

From early morning buffets to à la carte selections, the restaurant consistently earns high praise. With a solid 4.3-star rating from over 670 reviews, diners frequently highlight the generous variety, attentive staff, and vibrant atmosphere. The culinary team prepares dishes across international cuisines, including Asian, Indian, Arabic, Italian, and French-inspired creations, ensuring there is something for every palate.

Dining Options & Concepts

The restaurant operates in distinct service periods, offering distinct experiences throughout the day. Whether you prefer a hearty breakfast, a leisurely lunch, or an elegant dinner, the kitchen and service staff are ready to welcome you.

• Breakfast Buffet (6:30 AM – 11:00 AM): Start the day with a full international buffet featuring egg stations, fresh pastries, fruits, hot dishes, and Arabic favorites.
• Lunch Service (12:30 PM – 3:30 PM): Enjoy an extensive spread of salads, mains, and desserts, with live cooking stations adding flair.
• Dinner Service (6:30 PM – 10:30 PM): The evening buffet transforms with themed nights such as Seafood Night, bringing in fresh catches and global specialties.
• Weekend Brunches (Sat–Sun 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM): Weekend afternoons feature indulgent brunch setups, often highlighted by guests in reviews for their lavish presentation.

Seafood Night & Themed Evenings

One of the signature experiences at Khayal is the Seafood Night, which has drawn enthusiastic feedback online. Diners can explore an oceanic bounty of oysters, prawns, mussels, crabs, and sustainable fish, prepared in multiple styles ranging from grilled and fried to aromatic Middle Eastern spices. The live cooking counters allow guests to request personalized plates, while the raw bar satisfies sushi and sashimi lovers. Other themed evenings spotlight cuisines like Latin America, with a buffet that transports taste buds to Bogota and Rio, accompanied by live Latino music.

Iftar & Ramadan Gatherings

During the holy month, Khayal becomes a preferred destination for Iftar. Reviewers mention very large setups with stations representing global cuisines, along with abundant dates, nuts, cheeses, and traditional Ramadan drinks. The thoughtful layout ensures a smooth flow despite high demand, and families appreciate the warm, inclusive environment.

Location & Ambience

Khayal is located on 12th Street inside Marriott Hotel Al Forsan, Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The venue benefits from the hotel’s elegant design, featuring comfortable seating suitable for couples, families, and larger groups. Floor-to-ceiling windows bring in natural light during the day, while evening lighting creates a more intimate mood. The restaurant also offers outdoor seating when the weather permits, allowing diners to enjoy the landscaped surroundings of the Al Forsan International Sports Resort.

Being part of the Marriott Al Forsan complex gives guests the advantage of exploring other dining venues on the same property — from The Grill steakhouse to the Appaloosa Sports Bar — but Khayal stands out as the go-to choice for all-day dining and generous buffets.

Menu Highlights & Pricing

With a reported price range of AED 100–250 per person, Khayal offers competitive value for an upscale buffet experience in Abu Dhabi. The menu changes regularly to incorporate seasonal ingredients, but guest favorites consistently include the fresh salad bar, eggs Benedict at breakfast, sushi during dinner, and the dessert counter’s international sweets. An à la carte menu is also available for those who prefer to order individual dishes rather than the full buffet.

Diners can explore the latest menu through the hotel’s website, where PDF documents and links to OpenTable provide additional details on pricing and special promotions. It is always recommended to book a table in advance, especially during weekends, public holidays, and Ramadan evenings when the restaurant sees the highest footfall.

Serving Abu Dhabi Island and Internal Islands City & Khalifa City

Khayal Restaurant serves Abu Dhabi Island and Internal Islands City as well as the broader Abu Dhabi Emirate. Its location in Khalifa City makes it easily accessible for residents of Al Raha, Al Shamkha, and Mohammed Bin Zayed City, and it is a short drive from Abu Dhabi International Airport. Ample parking is available at the hotel, and valet service is provided. The restaurant offers dine-in, takeout, and no-contact delivery options, with reservations accepted through OpenTable and directly via phone at +971 2 201 4131.

Why Visitors Keep Coming Back

• Wide Variety: Few restaurants in the area match the breadth of Khayal’s buffet, spanning multiple continents.
• Consistent Quality: Even at high volume, the kitchen maintains flavor and freshness, as highlighted by repeat guests.
• Attentive Staff: Server Jithu and others are regularly named in reviews for their personalized care and quick service.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: The layout accommodates children and large gatherings without feeling crowded.
• Special Events: From Butcher’s Feast at The Grill to festive Iftar spreads, the dining team frequently introduces limited-time offerings.