The Forge at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi: An Ode to Meat and Culinary Art
In the heart of the sumptuous Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi lies a destination worth the trip on its own: The Forge. Far from being just a restaurant, it's a true gastronomic jewel where every detail celebrates the art of meat in a refined and contemporary setting. Inspired by the work of a blacksmith, The Forge subtly blends strength and precision, tradition and modernity. In a hushed atmosphere, with noble materials and creative lighting, the venue promises a unique sensory experience, where flavors ignite to the rhythm of an open kitchen. This bold culinary scene is what we explored during a superb dinner.
The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi: An Oriental Palace Facing the Grand Mosque
The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal captivates with its sumptuous atmosphere and spectacular setting. Surrounded by lush gardens and bordered by a private beach, the hotel offers a breathtaking view of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, visible from the majestic entrance that evokes a Venetian palace. With palm trees, fountains, and a vast sparkling pool, every detail celebrates luxury in an oriental style. The elegantly decorated rooms extend this refined experience, as do the restaurants, which serve a varied and carefully crafted cuisine. It's in this enchanting setting that we came to discover their restaurant, The Forge.
A Culinary Stage Inspired by the Art of Forging
The design of The Forge restaurant is directly inspired by its name: a tribute to the artisanal and meticulous process of forging a steak knife. This theme is subtly translated into a contemporary and elegant architecture, combining noble materials and clean lines. The play of soft lighting, dark and deep tones, and metallic details create a hushed, almost theatrical ambiance where every meal becomes a performance. The heart of the place, its open kitchen, offers a direct view of the flames searing the meats with precision: a visual spectacle that perfectly embodies the spirit of mastery and authenticity driving The Forge.
The restaurant's concept goes far beyond a simple steakhouse. A true gastronomic destination, The Forge offers a refined culinary experience that blends tradition and innovation. While exceptional meats from around the world are the stars of the menu, seafood also holds a place of honor, bringing balance and sophistication to the whole. Each dish can be personalized with a variety of side dishes and homemade sauces, and paired with carefully selected wines. The Forge doesn't just serve food, it tells a story: one of fire, metal, and taste—designed to delight the most discerning palates in a setting that is both modern and meaningful.
Our Gourmet Journey
Our dinner at The Forge was a true gastronomic journey, marked by elegantly composed plates and perfectly mastered flavors. To start, we shared a creamy burrata, elevated by a blackberry sauce, fresh figs, and heirloom cherry tomatoes, all highlighted with basil leaves grown onsite in the restaurant's vertical farm. A starter that was fresh, creative, and delicately sweet and savory. We then tasted the Forge Salad, a beautiful balance of textures and colors: crunchy greens, carrots, beets, radishes, grilled pumpkin, and puffed quinoa, all enhanced by a fruity orange and mango vinaigrette. A vegetal interlude as aesthetic as it was flavorful.
For the main courses, we chose perfectly executed classics. The Australian Wagyu beef tenderloin, tender and juicy, was cooked to perfection and served with a red wine sauce full of character. On the side, garlic and chive mashed potatoes added smoothness and indulgence, while a fresh, crunchy coleslaw completed the plate. The other dish, the Chef Burger, was a comfort food masterpiece: ribs braised for 48 hours to melting tenderness, nestled in a brioche bun with caramelized onions, cheddar, a flavorful barbecue sauce, and incredibly crispy triple-cooked fries.
To conclude this feast, we gave in to two desserts. First, a vanilla crème brûlée, surprisingly made without baking, with a silky and delicate texture. Then, the Ritz-Carlton's signature cake, a rich and refined creation combining chocolate sponge cake, smooth ganache, orange peel, and a touch of Grand Marnier, for a finale that was both intense and elegant.
My Opinion
I was charmed by The Forge, which fits perfectly into the refined world of The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi with a strong concept, a well-crafted ambiance, and cuisine that is both generous and elegant. I particularly appreciated the care given to the presentation of the dishes, the quality of the ingredients, and the creativity of the pairings. Every part of the meal was a pleasant surprise, combining freshness, balance, and indulgence. It's a place I highly recommend to those who enjoy sophisticated dinners in a chic and intimate atmosphere.
Practical Information
A big thank you to The Forge for the invitation to discover their venue. Of course, I remain free in my opinions in this article!
