Pappas Taverna - A Great Greek Restaurant on Yas Island

If you're looking for a good Greek meal, Pappas Taverna at the W Abu Dhabi is where you want to be. With stunning, white-washed interiors and impeccable attention to detail, this spot is perfect for a laid-back but well-executed dining experience, whether you're in the mood for fresh seafood or creative twists on classic Greek dishes.

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You absolutely must start with the tarama (salata) (AED65)! It  arrives beautifully presented, the delicate mousse is made from carp roe, topped with fresh flowers and served with warm, grilled garlic bread. The creamy texture of the mousse is balanced just right, neither too overpowering nor too subtle. Be warned, it’s the kind of dish that you could easily eat a lot of and you need to pace yourself!

The charred octopus (AED140) is an absolute standout. Cooked sous-vide for 6 hours, the octopus is tender and perfectly charred, resting on a bed of Santorini-style yellow fava beans and capers. The balance of flavours here is fantastic, with a subtle sweetness coming through from the red pepper.

If you love feta … like LOVE feta, the zucchini kebab with beetroot yogurt dressing (AED50) might be the dish for you. It definitely looks stunning, but the feta in this dish dominates so you’d have to really be a cheese lover not to feel too much of its power. 

We all love saganaki for its comfort food factor and Pappas’ version is no exception.  The saganaki shrimp (AED105) is a rich stew with cubes of kefalograviera cheese that packs a punch through the sauce. The shrimp are plump and firm and the sauce perfect for a dip into with the gorgeous  fresh bread. This is big enough to share, allowing you to order more things from the menu to really get your Greek fix!

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Fish lovers will enjoy the stuffed sole rolls (AED180): they’re an absolute joy, both in terms of presentation and flavour. The fish is light and delicate and the spinach and feta filling is reminiscent of a traditional spanakopita, both comforting and excitingly diverse in taste. This is a great choice if you’re looking to eat light.

Is it even dinner without pasta? The lobster pasta (AED180) is a winner. The portion is huge, the lobster is rich and robust, and the linguine is cooked to perfection. The tomato-based sauce has the depth and heartiness of a classic Greek dish, while the presentation is once again top-notch, making even a bowl of pasta look stunning. It’s the kind of dish that feels like it’s been handed down through generations, with a nostalgic, homey vibe.

To end on a sweet note, the galaktobureko (AED50), a custard tart, is a must-try. The pastry is soft and delicate, well balanced between sweetness and texture, and the firm custard filling is rich without being overly sweet, while the cherry gel topping cuts through the richness beautifully. If custard isn’t your jam, try the portokalopita (AED55), an orange sponge cake soaked in sticky syrup, bursting with flavours. The fresh orange slices give it a nice citrus kick, - it’s a crowd-pleaser with a warm, comforting feel. 

The drinks menu is extensive and cocktails start at AED65, mocktails from AED50 and wines starting from AED280 for a bottle. 

While Pappas has an element of casual dining, it’s more upscale than you might expect, which is reflected in the pricing. Though, with the portions being so generous, dishes could be shared. Next time we’d order one tarama, one octopus, one lobster pasta and one dessert, this would set you back AED360 per head with a bottle of wine, and we think it’s well worth that! 

We’d recommend this for a relaxed dinner with friends or a low-key date night. 

Where: W Hotel, Yas Island

Bookings: 02 656 0000 or email: wabudhabi.dining@whotels.com

Timing:

Dinner 6PM – 11PM daily (closed Tuesday)

Lunch: 12PM - 3.30PM Saturday and 1PM - 3.30PM Sunday