Bord Eau

Fine French dining with outstanding service 15 Reviews

1

© ITP Images

View slideshow

• 
• Picture 1 of 2
• 

From the moment you’re greeted with a glass of complimentary bubbly, to the point where your waiter sweeps the leftover crumbs from the white tablecloth, Bord Eau delivers an impressive French fine dining experience. Service is outstanding, managing to be warm and formal at the same time, and waiters know the menu and drinks list inside out, able to make well-judged recommendations from both. Bord Eau offers phenomenal tasting menus that include all sorts of French delicacies, or you can choose from the à la carte, which has select gourmet seafood, meat and vegetarian options.

We began our meal by sharing a lavishly presented appetiser of octopus, which was served slightly charred on a bed of crisp lettuce with an intense, sweet celeriac puree. Each element of the plateful contrasted sharply with the others, and it was a delicious start to the meal. A small, complimentary glass of olive consommé arrived next as a palate cleanser, and then we were served our main courses, 12-hour cooked Quercy lamb, and French turbot. We were fully expecting to be wowed, and both meals did arrive beautifully prepared, except for the fact that both the meat and the fish were just a tiny bit dry – particularly surprising since the lamb had been slow-cooked. It was the side dish of white truffle oil mashed potato that ended up really stealing the show – a rich and creamy whip that had an incredible depth of flavour.

All in all it was a terrific if not flawless meal. And the atmosphere? Maqta Creek views and a very romantic terrace made the experience a memorable one. Its reputation as one of the capital’s best-loved restaurants is certainly deserved.

The bill (for two)
French turbot Dhs188
Quercy lamb Dhs168
Palamos octopus Dhs94
Total (excluding service) Dhs450

By Time Out Abu Dhabi staff
Time Out Abu Dhabi, 7 June 2011

• Previous reviews
  • 01 November,2012- reviewed by Time Out staff
  • 14 August,2012- reviewed by Elest Ali
  • 11 May,2011- reviewed by Time Out Abu Dhabi staff
  • 28 April,2010- reviewed by Time Out Abu Dhabi staff
  • 16 December,2009- reviewed by Time Out Abu Dhabi staff
  • 30 December,2008- reviewed by Time Out Abu Dhabi staff

• Share | |
• E-mail:
• 
• Print:
• 

Time Out reviews restaurants anonymously and pays for meals. Of course, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or independence of user reviews.

User reviews:

Posted by: Sylvain on 08 Sep ' 12 at 09:37

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

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

The Bord d'Eau is a true gastronomic restaurant. I am French, have experienced Michelin star(s) awarded restaurants in France and the quality of the food, service and ambience is of a comparable level.
Not only was the food fabulous but the dishes my pregnant wife chose were adapted so she could eat -almost anyhting- she wanted.
I strongly recommend a “Traditional” 4 or 5 Courses Blind Tasting Menu, along with the wine pairing. It will give you a great overview of the menu and give you the opportunity to try more dishes than you would by choosing 3 courses on the menu.

The prices can be "frightning" but I assure you the experience is worth the money. In France it is -almost- impossible to find such a good restaurant for the same budget.

Posted by: Tony on 03 Aug ' 12 at 12:43

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

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

This really is one of the top restaurants in Abu Dhabi. My wife and I tried it this week for our wedding anniversary and we were treated very well. We were presented with a cake at the end of the meal. A nice touch. The service was attentive without being intrusive. The menu is not extensive, but it does not need to be. There is something for everyone. The grape list is extensive however, with a broad selection to suit all tastes and budgets. I had the duck which was perfectly cooked and presented. My wife opted for the beef tenderloin and stated that it was better than anything that she had eaten from the top steakhouses in Abu Dhabi. One of our side dishes was mashed potatoes with white truffle oil. YUM! We decided to forgo the starters in order to have a dessert. We clearly made a good decision. I had the chocolate souffle which was just perfect. My wife had the chocolate extravaganza, which is chocolate is various forms. Fantastic! We are already planning our next visit. Save up and go.

Posted by: GKWOFLuOtDt on 23 Apr ' 11 at 15:06

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Brunch served
• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

Edited by TimeOutAbuDhabi.com

IJWTS wow! Why can't I think of thnigs like that?

Posted by: Abbas on 24 Jan ' 11 at 17:14

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

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

I really Injoyed my time with my wife , it was a good experience for us the service was amazing and the food is really good as fine dining , I was very happy because some staff are speaking good frensh including chef , the lady explend the menu in french for my wife and she really aprecciated , of course i will come back to this wonderful restaurant.

Posted by: Elliott on 05 Dec ' 10 at 06:09

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Business lunch
• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

We decided to try the restaurant following its award of Time Out Abu Dhabi 2010 Best Restaurant.

I can only assume, the judges have not eaten elsewhere in AD, as this certainly would not have gained my vote.

The staff while knowledgeable, are prone to mistakes; pouring water into wine was irritating but the deal breaker was my wife being served a tasting menu sized meal, the chief in fairness, realised his error and came to the table to apologise and took meal to be replaced, leaving me to sit a wait while my food became cold. No complimentary glass of wine or discount was offered. Not good enough!

The quality meal was good but in no way was it superior to numerous other restaurants in AD. Also, just because the menu is written in French that doesn’t make it French cuisine.

Décor wise the restaurant is pleasing but to bright and open for that special romantic intimate feel. Outdoors, sitting on the balcony is fine you have great views of the Grand Mosque but you share it with guests from the lobby partitioned by only a plant pot..

With a little focus this could be a great restaurant and worth a visit to form your own opinion. However I probably would not return, instead I will opt for a snug booth at the Mombasa Grill.

Posted by: private on 18 Nov ' 10 at 17:46

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

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

EXCELENT

Posted by: Sami Helou on 04 Nov ' 10 at 09:14

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

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

I have waited for 30mins. for my food and the staff seems carrying the whole world.. she cant even smile! the ambience is good but overall is failed!

Posted by: Alex on 27 Oct ' 10 at 10:25

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

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

One of the best diner of my life!
To recommend absolutely: the raviol scallop > Amazing!!

Posted by: Amin on 12 Sep ' 10 at 09:57

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

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

The overall was ok, I called to book a table but when we arrived they said that I didn't, then they give us a table in a very bad spot and that shouldn't be acceptable in a high class restaurant’s.

Food was great but it was very little as they should provide us with the main dish to our table then we can fill as we need not have to wait one hour for it then eat again in another place later.

The location and the view is really nice.

also they should avoid having party’s inside as too much people on the same table well make noise.

Posted by: Adri Grobler on 26 Jun ' 10 at 04:40

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

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

Bord Eau was the perfect choice for our 10 year wedding anniversary dinner. The staff members were warm, welcoming and knowledgeable. Service was excellent. The food is divine and well presented. A big thank you and thumbs up to the Bord Eau team.

We can recommend the tasting menu with wine pairing. Delightful.

Posted by: fred on 14 Feb ' 10 at 21:51

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

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

it was such a moment that i ever had in my life . i dine with my friend it was so wonderful food and service .i do not even have word to explain about it .
thanks for bord eau team .

Posted by: john roy on 02 Feb ' 10 at 23:33

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

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

what i like is staff is so friendly and knowledgeable . i believe this is the one restaurant where i ever had such unforgeable experience in my life .
thanks a lot bord eau team .

Posted by: Gourmet John on 08 Jul ' 09 at 03:24

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

we went with my wife last week and what a disappointment it was. Nobody really care of us. but the food overall good

Posted by: Carol on 10 May ' 09 at 08:01

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

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

My husband & I had a delicious meal at Bord Eau and found the food to be cooked to perfection. We both enjoyed fois gras to start and I had chicken for mani which actually tasted of chicken, which is rare over here! The waiter was very helpful in recommending wine and dessert and we had a really enjoyable evening.

Posted by: Gourmet George on 05 Feb ' 09 at 11:48

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

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

Fantastic. Book a limo from town and make it a really special occassion.