Solenn Review: Mediterranean Charm and Standout Wagyu Lasagne at Abu Dhabi’s New Eatery

First Impressions

The Arcades at Al Khail Square buzzes on a Friday evening, with visitors wandering between cafés, yet Solenn feels unusually quiet when we step inside, allowing us to pick any table we like. The interior mixes colourful sofas and chairs with terracotta walls and pale pink tables, creating a warm, relaxed atmosphere that resembles a comfortable living room. Tall arched windows frame the equestrian grounds, giving window seats a pleasant view of the horses and riders while diners eat. Chef Gregoire once described his vision for Solenn as “a beautiful springtime in the South of France, there’s great music outside and an amazing fragrance of lemon trees, and you just chill over a long lunch”. The setting lives up to that idea, making it easy to unwind.

Menu and Tasting Notes

The menu is broad, covering breakfast items such as eggs, sandwiches and filo pastries baked to order, as well as bowls, bakery goods and manakish. Although we visited for dinner, the sheer number of choices made picking a main course a little overwhelming. We started with the mocktails Solenn Passion (Dh39) and Blanc Lychee (Dh38), both refreshing after coming in from the heat. The first course was the burrata “Puglia” illusion (Dh95), a dish Chef Gregoire recommends. It adapts one of his signature plates, featuring a delicate tomato shell made from white chocolate and cocoa butter that encloses a tomato salad and locally produced burrata; the creaminess is complemented by a subtle sweetness from the shell. Moving to mains, we selected the marrow melt Wagyu burger (Dh160), the whole sea bass (Dh220), the truffle Wagyu lasagne (Dh85) and, after some urging from the server, the Solenn baby chicken (Dh135). Staff noted that the lasagne sells out regularly, and its generous portion and rich flavour quickly made it a table favourite, raising the standard for the other dishes. The sea bass impressed despite my usual reluctance toward seafood; its tenderness and vivid presentation were served with two sauces—mis​o beurre blanc and curry—offering contrasting tastes. The Wagyu burger fell short of expectations; neither of us felt the Dh160 price was justified, as the patty seemed small and the accompanying fries made it feel out of place alongside the rest of the menu. The baby chicken fared better, although by the time we reached it we were already quite full.

Desserts and Overall Verdict

For dessert we tried the caramel millefeuille (Dh55), which blends baklava with crunchy vanilla pastry and cinnamon‑infused caramel cream, served alongside vanilla ice cream. The alternative, the noisette velours (Dh65), leans heavier on chocolate, pairing sponge with mousses and hazelnut crunch for texture, and is finished with vanilla ice cream and a light milk‑chocolate spray. By this stage we were already satisfied, so the modest portion sizes were welcome; the millefeuille proved the less sweet of the two, while the noisette velours satisfied anyone craving a sugary finish. Regarding the standout dish, the truffle Wagyu lasagne royale stood out with its distinct layers that let each ingredient shine, and the Wagyu beef’s rich flavour was evident in every bite. Large enough to share, it also delivered better value than several of the higher‑priced mains. The restaurant also gives a sense of pricing: a three‑course meal can range from Dh178 to Dh547. At the top end are the beef carpaccio “truffle vinaigrette” (Dh120), the solo meuniere “Turkish Riveira” (Dh355) and the luxe mango (Dh72). For those looking to spend less, the black lime hummus (Dh48), the crispy chicken burger (Dh75) and the caramel millefeuille (Dh55) provide more economical choices. Taking the whole experience into account, Solenn provides an easygoing spot for an unhurried meal with friends or family, thanks to its comfortable seating and the outlook over the equestrian area. The extensive menu could do with a sharper focus, and some offerings represent better value than others, yet the lasagne and the sea bass give clear reasons to come back.

Visitor Information

Solenn is situated at The Arcades in Al Khail Square, within the grounds of the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club. Opening hours are Monday to Thursday from 8 am to 10 pm, and Friday to Sunday from 8 am until midnight. Reservations can be made by telephoning 54 328 9899. Finally, it should be noted that this visit was arranged at the restaurant’s invitation.