The festive season is one of the most heartwarming times of the year. A time for gathering, sharing stories, exchanging smiles and of course, indulging in great food. But when you’re planning your Christmas celebration, the venue matters just as much as the meal itself. You want a place that feels special without being over-the-top. A place where the lights are soft, the service is warm, and the food brings a genuine sense of comfort and joy.Enjoy a festive Christmas dinner at Mika, where holiday traditions meet Mediterranean soul. This cosy waterfront spot at Yas Marina has quietly become one of the top restaurants for special events in Abu Dhabi—and Christmas is when it truly shines.
What Makes Mika Perfect for the Festive Season?
Mika is not your usual festive restaurant. Instead, it celebrates the season through carefully crafted details like a seasonal menu that evolves with winter ingredients, candlelit tables that invite conversation, and a calm marina view that feels miles away from the festive rush.
It’s that blend of elegance and ease that makes Mika a standout choice for Christmas dining. Whether you’re planning a dinner for two, a family gathering, or an end-of-year catch-up with friends, the space adapts beautifully without losing its charm.
A Seasonal Menu with Mediterranean Warmth
At the heart of Mika’s festive experience is a menu that honours both the season and the soul of Mediterranean cuisine, making it a standout Mediterranean restaurant in Abu Dhabi. You won’t find overly rich or heavy dishes. Instead, expect balance, seasonal vegetables, slow-cooked meats, freshly made pastas, and thoughtful desserts that carry a story.
Chef Patron Mario Loi and his team have curated a festive menu that brings comfort and warmth. It’s elevated, yet familiar. Classic, but not predictable. And for those who appreciate authenticity, many of the dishes are inspired by family recipes and timeless techniques.
Here is a closer look at our festive menu:
For the Table – Warm Beginnings
Before the meal even begins, guests are welcomed with a thoughtful selection of appetisers to share.
- Mika’s house bread – A freshly baked mix of sourdough, 5-seed rye, focaccia, and green chilli bread, served with soffritto. Rustic, comforting, and the perfect start.
- Potato rösti topped with dressed crab, smoked salmon and a horseradish cream – festive, fresh and delicately balanced.
- Octopus skewers with romesco sauce – a Mediterranean nod with a smoky, slightly spicy twist.
- Oysters from Brittany – served simply with clamato and lemon to let their natural flavour shine. A true celebration dish.
Starters – Light Yet Luxurious
Guests can choose from two carefully crafted starters:
- Prawn cocktail, reimagined with crisp iceberg lettuce, avocado and a classic Marie Rose sauce—fresh, creamy, and nostalgic.
- Lemon ricotta tortellini served in a rich mushroom broth with a touch of truffle—a comforting and elegant vegetarian option.
Mains – A Heartwarming Centrepiece
This is where the menu really shines, offering three standout mains:
- Skate filet meunière with buttered ratte potatoes—delicate white fish cooked in the classic French style, bringing brightness and richness in equal measure.
- Roast duck breast, served with a crispy leg croquette, chestnuts and cauliflower purée—a seasonal showstopper perfect for those who love depth and texture.
- Saffron risotto with garden peas, burrata and toasted walnuts—creamy, fragrant and beautifully balanced between richness and freshness.
Desserts – A Sweet Ending Worth Celebrating
No festive meal is complete without dessert, and Mika’s options don’t disappoint:
- Caramel tart with crème fraîche and sea salt—sweet, silky, and just the right touch of savoury.
- Christmas trifle featuring strawberries, custard and whipped cream—a playful, nostalgic nod to traditional celebrations.
- Chocolate fondant paired with date ice cream—warm, indulgent and rich with Middle Eastern charm.
Thoughtful Service That Feels Like Home
Christmas dining is about more than just the food. It’s about how the evening makes you feel—and this is where Mika continues to set the bar. Recognised in the MICHELIN Guide for both food and service, Mika is known for creating a space where every guest feels genuinely welcomed.
From remembering returning guests to offering honest, personalised recommendations, the service at Mika is a reflection of Chef Mario’s passion for hospitality. It’s this kind of warm, attentive care that turns a dinner into a memorable evening.
So if you’re choosing among restaurants for this/the special event in Abu Dhabi, know that Mika brings both heart and precision to every table.
Intimate Gatherings, Big Memories
One of the standout features of Mika during Christmas is its adaptability. It’s not a loud, bustling dining hall. Instead, it’s intimate, ideal for those who want to actually hear each other speak, exchange gifts in peace, or simply enjoy good company in a beautiful setting.
What makes it even better is how well the Christmas offer at Mika caters to these quieter, more personal moments. Whether you’re planning a surprise dinner or a spontaneous festive treat, the set menu has something for everyone; thoughtful portions, seasonal flavours, and a pace that lets you savour each course.
It’s also perfect for those in-between moments like a shared dessert after a long week, a toast to the year gone by, or just a moment of stillness by the marina. That’s the power of dining at a place like Mika. It allows you to slow down. To really be present.
Why Mika Stands Out on Yas Island
Yas Island is known for its big attractions and flashy entertainment, but Mika offers something different. Tucked along the marina, it’s one of the few restaurants for special event in Abu Dhabi that combines location, flavour, and feeling all in one place.
For those exploring the best restaurant offers at Yas Island, Mika is often a delightful surprise.
A Festive Feast to Remember
The festive season is about slowing down, reconnecting, and celebrating with intention. And while Christmas lights and grand buffets have their place, there’s something deeply meaningful about choosing a restaurant that brings soul to the table.
Mika offers just that. With its signature dishes, personal service, and peaceful setting, it’s not just a place to eat—it’s a place to feel.
