Add a waterfront setting, a Spanish Bellini on arrival, plenty of seafood, and a paella dramatic enough to deserve its own entrance, and you’ve got Sábado Social at Marcella.
Tucked into Yas Bay Waterfront, the new Saturday brunch brings Mallorca beach club energy, rustic Mediterranean charm, and a seriously good spread to the capital.
A Little Slice of Mallorca in Yas Bay
From the moment guests arrive, Marcella feels like a quaint Spanish escape. The big central bar anchors the cosy space, while the open kitchen adds a touch of theatre to the rustic, Tuscan-villa-inspired interior. Outside, views stretch across Yas Bay, completing the Spanish beach club feel.
The atmosphere is just as inviting, with house and jazz tunes providing a soundtrack that can suit both a lively catch-up and a more leisurely afternoon.
There’s also a live singer bringing all the hits, adding an extra burst of energy as the afternoon rolls on. The service is attentive without being overbearing, and the dress code sits nicely in that sweet spot where casual and smart both work.
Freshly baked sourdough with brown butter arrives first, followed by Gordal olives, a deceptively simple start that gets things off to a very good beginning.
Seafood, Tapas and a Paella Showstopper
The Raw Bar & Ceviche course is made for seafood lovers. The yellowfin tuna tostada is a standout, subtle yet packed with flavour, while the meaty snapper tiradito is another winner.
Then come the tapas. Light-market vegetable croquettes are joined by lamb barbacoa with salsa verde, delivering the perfect spicy kick and everything you could want in a taco.
But the main event is undoubtedly the paella de mariscos. Brought out by the chef in theatrical fashion, the generous pan is loaded with crab bisque, prawns, squid and mussels. It’s wonderfully flavoured, beautifully presented, and quite simply the dish everyone will be talking about.
Save Room for Something Sweet
Dessert finishes things on a high. The orange and citrus cake is a beauty, while the Basque cheesecake is the sort of indulgent finale that would make its creator Santiago Rivera very proud.
With three hours of food, free-flowing drinks and that glorious Yas Bay backdrop, Sábado Social is a rather lovely way to spend a Saturday afternoon.
Packages start at AED 259 per person for non-alcoholic, AED 350 for Classic, and AED 450 for Champagne, with Laurent-Perrier Brut included in the top-tier package.
Add a glass of fizz, good company, live music, and Marcella’s Mediterranean charm, and Saturday suddenly looks desirable.
To book your table, visit Sábado Social Brunch | Marcella Abu Dhabi.
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