Restaurant Awards 2011

Ushna

1

© ITP Images

View slideshow

• 
• Picture 1 of 2
• 

Given the myriad of dirt-cheap curry houses in the city, it can be hard to justify spending three or four times more at one of the city’s high-end Indian restaurants. Not so at Ushna. The setting is modern and attractive (book well in advance for a spot on the terrace and a view of the Grand Mosque), the service is spot-on and the food happens to be some of the best in the city – Indian or otherwise.

Click here for more information.

By Time Out Abu Dhabi staff
Time Out Abu Dhabi, 4 October 2011

• Share | |
• E-mail:
• 
• Print:
• 

User reviews:

Posted by: Mekhail Majzub on 17 Jan ' 13 at 07:23

Average food, decor average, over stuffed with people, prices on higher end, over all experience not impressed at all.

Posted by: Liz on 10 Nov ' 12 at 12:53

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Went for dinner with friends & were very impressed with the excellent service & food. I usually never eat Indian but the flavors of every dish we ordered were more than enough to change my mind!

Posted by: vivek on 02 May ' 12 at 02:38

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Posted by: Ahmed Al Shorouqi on 20 Dec ' 11 at 10:57

I'm a regular customer to Ushna and it's one of the best Indian Rests in town. Decent décor, excellent service and most importantly Perfect Indian food.
I've tried so hard to find a better Indian rest in Abu Dhabi but i dont think it gets any better.

Posted by: Robert Bates on 18 Dec ' 11 at 16:43

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Wonderful

Posted by: Mohammed R on 12 Dec ' 11 at 03:43

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Brunch served
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Fantastic

Posted by: Yvonne Wallace on 10 Dec ' 11 at 16:00

My husband and i visited Ushna yesterday after having tried a few other Indian restaurants, we where really looking forward to this as it has great reviews.....first of all the no child policy? Now don't get me wrong we have 3 children of oue own(grown up now) so I have no problem with well behaved children in restaurants, but a No Child Policy should be what it says, on arrival first thing we saw....high chairs...mmmm? On sitting down we where surrounded by children, so unless we where in a different Ushna I just don't get it.
On to the food....it was ok, wine....VERY expensive....Atmosphere...NIL! Would we go back......Children or not NO! Will stick with other Indian restaurants in the city at a much more reasonable price and better food

Posted by: MANI on 29 Oct ' 11 at 04:38

Awesum i love the ambience and food,realy very authentic.

Posted by: Jim Wallis on 09 Oct ' 11 at 10:45

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Simply the best Indian in town!

Posted by: Terry Barnes on 29 Aug ' 11 at 04:48

I have a really fantasic meal last night. The food and service were both amazing! This is one of the best restauratns in this city and they always deliver a great experience.

Posted by: karunesh on 26 Aug ' 11 at 11:06

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

Well I had heard/read good things about the restaurant but it was a disappointment going there. the kebabs i had very extremely poor. (except the prawns which were good). food maybe good for Eurpean palate but it is definetly not the real stuff. It is shown here as a moderatly priced restaurant but it is as expensive as any restaurant in a five star hotel. JUST NOT WORTH IT!

Posted by: Jon Willis on 25 Aug ' 11 at 13:12

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

I am a curry fan, but I had a forgetful experience last time at Ushna, the quality of food has gone down drastically. i guess they have changes their manager. 40 minutes to get our main course in a not so busy restaurant and to top it up, the grilled fish was smelly. i guess I should stick to Indigo or teatro for my Indian meals.

Posted by: elizabeth on 20 Jul ' 11 at 19:50

i would rather say tats the place 2 dine in middle east great expereince keep up the same work ushna cheers

Posted by: Roxanne on 10 Jul ' 11 at 06:50

This restaurant is absoutley fantastic. The food, the service, wine list, staff, ambience...one of my favourite places. I'll be going back again and again, no wonder this place wins awards!

And the best bit? No children! I don't care if they are well behaved or even mute, evening restaurants where alcohol is being consumed is a place for adults only.

Only wish more restaurants would follow Ushna's example!

Posted by: Dappodan1 on 10 Jun ' 11 at 11:54

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

No child policy- like these people were never children. Then people wonder about misbehaved children when places like these promote leaving the kids at home with a powerless maid.

Being of Indian/Pakistani origin the food is not as authentic or as good as everyone makes out, its the unknown unkown, unless you have tasted authentic Punjabi North Indian cuisine you simply do not have a comparison except your own restricted palette.

I will leave all the noveau foodies to swoon and fawn to those who know better Avoid. got to Indigo or the Spectrum on One in dubai for a real taste of Punjab

Posted by: George Rice on 22 May ' 11 at 08:12

Absolutely Excellent. Nobody can top ushna perfect, perfect, perfect everything

Posted by: Savita on 31 Mar ' 11 at 13:27

• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

I went with my husband on a Thrusday. As expected it was almost full hence could not check out the outdoor seating. The indoor was pleasant but the loud music did not justify the ambiance. The music was loud fusion and unrelated to anything ethnic.
The food was well prepared and excellent quality, but the menu had very few options for vegetarians.

Posted by: Victoria Townsend on 18 Mar ' 11 at 07:18

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Edited by TimeOutAbuDhabi.com

@ KT - Quote "Kids also disturb passengers while travelling but how many airlines have a no kid policy?" Funny you should say that as some are now considering it. It's not the only place to eat in town, nor is it the only Indian cuisine restaurant in town. Get over it!

Posted by: Peter Jones on 24 Feb ' 11 at 13:39

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Business lunch
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Well done to Chef Amrish for winning Chef of the Year!!!

It goes to proove this restaurant serves the BEST food in the City.

Posted by: Caren on 25 Jan ' 11 at 16:21

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

I have been to Ushna 4 times now, with different memebers of my family as guests.
The food is amazing!!!!!!! The service is a little slow when very busy but in whole good. We always come back to this restaurant as its not hit & miss, but consistently good. LOVE IT!

Posted by: Frank Venison on 14 Nov ' 10 at 08:25

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Business lunch
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Well done on the award - A worthy winner!

A true gem of a restaurant, much better than the Ushna in Dubai.

Posted by: Robert Bates on 04 Nov ' 10 at 05:37

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

What a restaurant!!! Great food and service in an amazing setting.

Posted by: uttam silwal on 03 Nov ' 10 at 11:25

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

beautiful place 7 star service and mouthwatering food. theres very few place in the world where we can found this muchhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!

Posted by: Tulika Bhattacharya on 26 Oct ' 10 at 18:46

Great place to be.. i have been there almost 6 times now. Fabulous food and very very efficient service... the terrace facing the mosque is as beautiful... i loved the hanging chairs.. only disappointment this time was the cranky kids.. such a fancy place should have some kids policy in the interest of serious diners...

Posted by: Asmani on 22 Oct ' 10 at 19:57

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

what a evening i had with my girl friend,was sitting in their propably the best terrace in abudhabi,when i left the place i left with my fiancee,no kids around,calm relaxed ambience,place for couples amd buissness people i guess,,well best ever food i tasted in abudhabi,,keep up the speed and service accuracy,still i felt the place a bit expensive for me,but the value made up for it

Posted by: Heather on 08 Oct ' 10 at 10:58

The food is absolutely amazing. I've lived in Abu DHabi for just 6 weeks now, and already been to Ushna 3 times. I LOVE it and would recommend it to everyone!

Posted by: LE on 13 Aug ' 10 at 16:45

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

I've been to this restaurant twice, can't say this is a great restaurant but so-so type food but I must appreciate good interior decoration and food is also decorated well. They may want to focus on the taste & price as well.

Recently, my friend tried visiting with his family and they advised him of "NO CHILD" policy ! Its funny to hear that because some people rated this restaurant as "family friendly" !!!

Posted by: Elvira on 23 Jun ' 10 at 10:34

As I was reading through all the reviews, I was rather bemused to see that the vast majority of "negative" feedback (with the exception of one) pertained to the restaurant's "No Child" policy.

I have not yet been to the place myself, but am thouroughly curious and may just pop in at some point, as all the pejorative criticism is rarely aimed at the food...

I do not have any children myself yet, but that is not to say that I do not love them dearly, much in the contrary, or that i have no experience in dealing with them ( I have been an au pair for many years). However, I am quite happy that there is a venue where I can go and eat in peace, without having to endure the loud screams and persistent tantrums of misbehaving little ones!! Of course, there are also very well behaved children. My nieces and nephews are models of good manners whenever we are out. Sadly though, nowadays, it is a common custom to let the child "express itself" which loosely translated means: let them do whatever they please, at whichever octave they choose fit. And this has on more than one occasion completely ruined my meal...
Now, as there is a multitude of other restaurants which accept children, I do not really see what all the fuss is about. If you cannot be sure that your toddler won't have a screaming fit in between two courses, if you cannot be absolutely certain that he/she will not start prodding and poking the customers sitting next to your table, or throw around the olives in an attempt to see whether or not they can aim for your glass of sparkling water, I suggest one chooses a venue where staff - and customers- are more lenient towards rowdy little madams or sirs. As it is- thank you for giving us a quiet peace of haven!!

Posted by: KT on 12 Jun ' 10 at 06:45

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

Normally when I go to resturants with my kid the staff compliments her and say things like "how cute". This was a first time I heard "Sorry No kids allowed".

This policy is understandable at a night club or bar but at a normal hotel for dinner. Their management needs to become more children friendly as normally people want to attract kids as they become future clientele thats why you see kids meal / toys etc in many places.

Kids also disturb passengers while travelling but how many airlines have a no kid policy?

Posted by: Pooja on 01 Jun ' 10 at 07:34

I didn't quite understand the restaurant policy...You cannot dine in with your child, if your child is below 3 years of age...isn't this disgusting!!!

Posted by: Patrick Vaillancourt on 20 Mar ' 10 at 11:11

Family friendly: NO!

My family and I were denied entry because of my 1 year old daughter... Before this incident, we went many times to this restaurant and were known by the manager... This time they stopped us like we were unwanted guests!

The UAE governement should severely penalise restaurants that prctice this "Children Policy"!

Even if this rule were removed, I would never go back to this restaurant after the way I was treated lately!

Captain Vaillancourt

Posted by: Bloom on 20 Mar ' 10 at 09:55

Well i had been there so many times and every time good service and the reservation was handled very well by the Indian hostess.

Posted by: lara fernandes on 23 Jan ' 10 at 03:01

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

I have been to this recently as i wanted to get away from dubai, just for a change you know.
I have read the review of this restaurant and was quite interested to visit, quite controversial with the comments.
I have to say the restaurant gave a diiferent impression at first sight the people look presentable, esply the manager. short but cute.
the food was amazing with flavours of real india.
also my friend had been there and they got a voucher for 50% discount on fine wines ie buy wine for 500 and above you get discount the next visit on premium wines.
i found this restaurant have a good deal with wine, food and service a whole package.

after a while at the end of our meal they opened the french windows in front of my table and then it looked like a paradise with view of the sea.

I look forward to go there again, please say hi to me if u see me there

Posted by: Mike Coyne on 16 Jan ' 10 at 10:53

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

A great venue, overlooking the Grand Mosque and the water, a very romantic setting.
The staff are always friendly and eager to please, we have visited this restaurant many times and will continue to do so.
A good wine selection, I highly recommend the "Dead Arm Shiraz"
The BEST Indian cuisine we have ever had.

Posted by: Dalia Abdulwahab on 14 Jan ' 10 at 10:09

What a DISAPPOINTENT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Such good food reviews with such bad attitude. i was denied reservation for dinner because I have an 11 Months old baby. I never thought i would EVER hear such an excuse from any restaurant in tonw. Bit it seems that there is a 1st for everything. Most, if not all, restauants try their best to accommodate families with young children. I am not taking my children to a night club ..it is a restaurant for God's sake.
I consider this to be discrimination against families with young children. No one should be penialized for having children !!!!

I am no longer interested to try their food even if it was offered for FREE, let aside paying for it. Thank you but no thanks ....

Posted by: Sridhar on 01 Jan ' 10 at 20:23

• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

I was here on 1st Jan 2010 for dinner, Its definitely one of the best Indian restaurants.

Biryani was ultimate,Very soft, Made like traditional Dum covered with dow even for a vegitarian biryani.
Quality was great
They definitely take care of the customer.
Cradle sofa / Sofa that swings.
Wines are good.
Location is perfect.


Very few Vegetarian dishes (only 3)
I couldn't find Hyd biryani
No signatory dish.
Waiters are good in hospitality/socialising, but lack professional knowledge.
Very bad Muzak taste / Rather you will no notice that there is music running, it goes into noise, not attractive.
Pretty bulky glasses, after eating biryani, could not hold the glass.
Dress code of smart casuals is not strictly abided

Price is definitely on higher side (25-40%)compared to other 4 star hotels.

Posted by: Hilda on 01 Nov ' 09 at 08:06

I went to Ushna last night and must say it is one of the best restaurants in the UAE. Nice terrace overlooking the Mosque and fantastic hospitality. Waiters are smart and sharp, and the manager, Sasi is fantastic, and a great sommelier and cocktaill master. The cocktail I had, "Fallin" was one of the best I've had. The Lamb biryani and especially the prawn curry were brilliant. Overall, it was a very pleasant, memorable dining experience. It's not easy on the wallet, so would reserve this for special occassions!

Posted by: Ian Street on 01 Oct ' 09 at 15:26

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

This is the best restaurant in Abu Dhabi. The owners make you feel so at home and relaxed they cannot do enough for you.
Try the Jumbo Prawns, they are the best kept secret of this restaurant-stunning!!! Succulent taste and spiced just right. Try the lamb pattis too.

Main courses are all fab and if you cant find a dish you like-ask, and the chef will make what you like.

Everyone I have taken has been very, very impressed...well done Micky, great choice of both staff and location.

Best Regards,

Ian Street

Posted by: Denise East on 22 Sep ' 09 at 14:54

Fantastic... great service and excellent food everytime

Posted by: simran on 09 Sep ' 09 at 22:17

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

best place in abudhabi to dine. professional staff with friendly service and smiling faces.

Posted by: SREYA SEN on 08 Sep ' 09 at 15:00

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Selecting a venue to celebrate anniversary is a difficult task, however USHNA was impressive. A quite, cosy restaurant by the water away from the busy noise of the city.Their swing like seating arrangement suited the Indian theme very perfectly.However, corresponding to the prices, the portions of the meals are relatively less. But the warm welcoming staff, the ambience and the view of the waters compensated. The evening began with a complimentary aloo samosa chaat from USHNA to which we added selection of 2 cocktails Mantra and Mango Cocotini combined with a lamb tikka starter. Followed by the main course which was jhinga biriyani, murg makhani and Nan.Somehow i felt something was lacking to leave behind a mark on our taste buds. However, this was so filling that having sweet dish was no way on our charts, but they could not have let us gone without it, therefore another complimentary chocolate fudge was offered.I would recommend it to couples specially considering the terrace seating.
The bill for two
lamb tikka - Dhs.45.00
Cocktails - Dhs.38 + Dhs.40
Murg Makhani - Dhs.65.00
Jhinga Biriyani - Dhs.95.00
Nan - Dhs.12 each
Total of Dhs.332.00

Posted by: J Park on 26 Aug ' 09 at 10:30

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

I really think the food & service cant be bettered as an Indian this is honestly the best food i have tasted for many years.

i will be back soon

Posted by: D on 22 Aug ' 09 at 14:09

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

best restaurent in abudhabi for food,beverage product knowledge and service.....owo

Posted by: mahim on 22 Aug ' 09 at 13:59

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

ushna an amazing indian restaurant i have seen i have been .A good combination of indian spices gives the food mouth watering taste a 7 star fine dining service from the waiting staff with friendly smile is out of imagination.theres no daubt to say ushna is the best indian restaurent all over UAE if we need real indian food we have to go ushna.............

Posted by: Mariam on 17 Aug ' 09 at 06:57

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

Great ambience. Food was sub par. Appetiser was tasteless, murgh makhani was just ok. Ashas is far better.
would not recommend

Posted by: Gurdeep on 14 Aug ' 09 at 12:14

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

Food was quite possibly the worst Indian food I've ever tasted.
We ordered starters: Amritsari Machli (fried hammour) in batter and main course: Gobi Sabzi (Caulifllower) and Murg Makhani (Chicken) accompanied with paratha and nan breads. Drinks service was very attentive, not missing an opportunity to refill your glass. Waiting staff were OK, after service a piece of fish fell off my plate, it remained there and when main course plate was delivered it was still ignored. Minor, i hear you say? Well let me tell you about the food, I'm of Indian origin and I've been to Indian restaurants across the globe, this was quite clearly one of the most non-genuine eateries I have managed to stumle across. The starters were quite frankly tasteless, the batter mix was piping hot, the spices in the batter mix appeared to have tno taste and the texture was equally uninviting. I managed to eat the lot as I was just plain simple hungry. I received the main courses and my wife and I just looked at each other in utter surprise when we tasted the murg makhani, this was quite simply pieces of tandoor chicken tossed into a bowl of Heinz's best cream of tomato soup - I kid you not! The dish had no flavour, no spice and wasn't even attempting to associate itself with India - apart from the name! No spices, no chilli - really bland. We switched to the Gobi Sabzi, this was just average. Edible, but no pzazz, no look at me I'm tasty, just a plain as they come cauliflower dressed in turmeric. The gobi was some I could have quite easily knocked up at home, actually our Filipino home helper has cooked better gobi than the one we tasted last night (she's only been here 3 months!). All in all, service was reasonably pleasant, ambience was great, I'd just never go back.

Posted by: Senthil kumar on 16 Jul ' 09 at 13:24

An amazing food great experience 100% hospitality right from the enterance..thats the place to wine and dine...

Posted by: An unforgettable dining experience, the service team done a marvellous job! on 02 Jul ' 09 at 05:01

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Family friendly
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Posted by: tausit on 11 Jun ' 09 at 12:43

great service n food wil be back soon tank u so much for wonderful eveing

Posted by: Jake Wells on 08 Jun ' 09 at 05:33

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Food is absolutely great

Posted by: Amitabh Gurav on 08 Jun ' 09 at 05:19

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Business lunch
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Very authentic!

Posted by: Cheng on 07 Jun ' 09 at 10:30

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Delicious food and drinks... Went there for dinner last week and loved the tandoor prawns - super tender and tasty!
Decor's elegantly understated.
Will definitely be back soon

Posted by: Arvind Arora on 04 Jun ' 09 at 05:36

Awesum location !!! ... Great Service, well groomed staff & above all.. Amazing coktails.

Posted by: Shirley on 31 May ' 09 at 13:14

One of the best tasting Indian Cuisines that I have tasted in a long while. The ambiance lends to a lingering meal.

Posted by: Cheng on 12 Apr ' 09 at 11:18

One of my favourites since it opened! Great food with very relaxed terrace ambience

Posted by: Mark James on 19 Mar ' 09 at 07:31

Well what can i say wow. Great food fantastic design .