Gandofly Seafood Restaurant

Gandofly Seafood Restaurant, situated on Defence Road in Abu Dhabi, is a celebrated destination for fresh, high-quality seafood in the Emirati capital. Known widely as "مطعم جندوفلي للمأكولات البحرية شارع الدفاع," the restaurant has earned a stellar reputation among locals and visitors alike. With a remarkable 4.8-star rating on Google Maps drawn from more than 17,700 reviews, Gandofly stands out as one of the most popular and highly recommended seafood spots in the area. The restaurant offers a comprehensive dining experience that includes dine-in, drive-in, and contactless delivery services, catering to a variety of customer preferences.

The menu at Gandofly Seafood Restaurant focuses on a rich selection of oceanic flavors, presented in an atmosphere that guests consistently describe as welcoming and vibrant. Patrons frequently comment that the food is "ausgezeichnet" (excellent) and the service is "perfekt" (perfect), highlighting a team that is both polite and kind. The price level is moderate, with per-person costs reported to range between 50 and 150 AED, making it an accessible choice for families, groups, and solo diners seeking a satisfying seafood meal without breaking the bank.

Menu Highlights at Gandofly Seafood Restaurant

The culinary offerings at Gandofly Seafood Restaurant are designed to showcase the best of the sea. Based on the popular items highlighted by the restaurant and customer favorites, the menu features a variety of flavorful and visually impressive dishes. The emphasis is on freshness and generous portions, with many plates designed for sharing.

Sayadiyah Seafood Rice

This spiced rice and seafood dish is a standout favorite, capturing the essence of Arabic coastal cuisine. Tender fish or shrimp is layered over fragrant, seasoned rice, creating a comforting and aromatic meal that keeps guests returning.

Assorted Seafood on Ice

For those who want to select their own catch, the assorted seafood on ice display is a major draw. Diners can choose from a variety of fresh fish, prawns, lobsters, and more, which are then prepared to their liking. It’s a hands-on experience that guarantees peak freshness.

Paella and Grilled Specialties

Photos and reviews mention a vibrant, saffron-infused paella loaded with shellfish and squid. The kitchen also excels with grilled items, including perfectly charred squid and whole fish, often accompanied by zesty chimichurri sauce.

Soups and Starters

A rich seafood soup is a recurring favorite in customer reviews, described as hearty and deeply flavorful. Other starters include various mezze-style dips and fresh salads that complement the main courses.

The Dining Experience

Gandofly Seafood Restaurant on Defence Road provides a multi-faceted dining experience. Guests can opt for a traditional dine-in meal where the aroma of grilled seafood fills the air, or they can take advantage of the convenient drive-in service for a quick pick-up. For those preferring to eat at home, the contactless delivery option ensures that food arrives safely and promptly. Online ordering is also available, adding an extra layer of convenience.

The atmosphere is frequently described as lively and family-friendly. The interior is spacious enough to accommodate large groups, and the staff is noted for their attentive and warm service. Whether it's a casual dinner, a family gathering, or a meal during the "fest des fastenbrechens" (iftar feast), the restaurant adapts its service to meet the occasion. Reviewers who dined there before noted the team responded warmly with, "Vielen Dank für Ihre wunderbare Bewertung!" (Thank you for your wonderful review), showing a management that genuinely cares about guest satisfaction.

Customer Reviews & Ratings

With a 4.8-star rating on Google Maps based on over 17,700 reviews, Gandofly Seafood Restaurant has clearly earned the trust and admiration of a vast customer base. Google Maps reviewers consistently mention the exceptional quality of the food and the high standard of service. A recurring theme is that the meal is "immer den Preis wert" (always worth the price), suggesting that guests feel they receive excellent value.

One reviewer succinctly captured the general sentiment by stating: "Das Essen ist ausgezeichnet und das Personal inkl. Service perfekt" (The food is excellent and the staff including service is perfect). Another enthusiastic guest declared: "Unglaublich gutes Essen! Ich kann es nur empfehlen" (Incredibly good food! I can only recommend it). Positive comments also highlight the polite and kind crew, with one recent visitor describing the crew as "very polite and kind" and the overall offering as "highly recommended." Popular specific items mentioned across reviews include the seafood soup, paella, squid, and chicken soup, indicating a diverse menu that extends beyond just seafood.

Gandofly Seafood Restaurant in Abu Dhabi's Defence Road Area

The restaurant is located on Defence Road (شارع الدفاع), one of Abu Dhabi's prominent thoroughfares. This location makes it easily accessible from various parts of the city. Based on the reported location data, the address corresponds to the F9HJ+23 area of Abu Dhabi. The neighborhood is a bustling commercial and residential zone, making the restaurant a convenient stop for both residents and those travelling through the area.

Gandofly operates extensive hours, serving customers from 09:00 AM until 03:00 AM the following morning. This broad window allows guests to enjoy a late lunch, a relaxed dinner, or even a late-night seafood feast. Parking is available in the vicinity, and the restaurant's layout is wheelchair accessible, ensuring a comfortable visit for all guests.

Common Questions

What are Gandofly Seafood Restaurant's most popular dishes?

Customer favorites include the Sayadiyah Seafood Rice, the assorted fresh seafood on ice, and the paella. Grilled squid and seafood soup are also highly praised in Google Maps reviews.

Does Gandofly Seafood Restaurant offer delivery?

Yes, the restaurant provides contactless delivery. Online ordering is also available, allowing customers to enjoy meals from the comfort of their homes.

What are the operating hours of Gandofly on Defence Road?

Gandofly Seafood Restaurant is open daily from 09:00 AM to 03:00 AM, providing ample opportunity for lunch, dinner, and late-night dining.

Is Gandofly Seafood Restaurant expensive?

The price range is approximately 50–150 AED per person, offering a moderate price point for the quality and quantity of seafood served.

Can I dine in at the Defence Road location?

Absolutely. The restaurant welcomes dine-in guests and also features a convenient drive-in service if you prefer to pick up your food without leaving your car.

Is there a way to choose my own seafood at the restaurant?

Yes, a popular feature is the assorted seafood on ice display, where you can personally select the fish or shellfish you would like the kitchen to prepare for you.

Does Gandofly accept credit cards?

For information on specific payment methods like credit cards, it's best to contact the restaurant directly at +971 2 491 1501.