When you walk into Mika, nestled along the breezy promenade of Yas Marina, you don’t expect fanfare. There’s no loud signage. Instead, you’re welcomed with the warm aroma of slow-roasted tomatoes, a gentle clink of wine glasses, and a genuine smile from Chef Patron Mario Loi. But this quiet confidence is exactly what has taken Mika from a local favourite to one of the biggest culinary success stories at the Time Out Restaurant Awards 2025 in Abu Dhabi.
For those who’ve been dining here since the beginning, Mika’s recent win at the awards felt personal. It wasn’t just another restaurant winning a trophy—it was a story of passion, persistence, and a deep-rooted love for good food and people.
A Marina Dream That Grew Into a Movement
When Mika opened its doors in Yas Marina, it brought something different: a European soul served with Middle Eastern warmth.
Chef Mario didn’t start out trying to impress award judges. He focused on quality ingredients, traditional Mediterranean techniques, and plates that carried a personal story. There was no pressure to be grand—only a mission to be real. And that authenticity is what made Mika quietly special from day one.
From the first spoonful of their rich seafood risotto to the very last bite of tiramisu, diners felt connected—not just to the dish, but to a story. This emotional connection is rare, and it’s what helped Mika steadily build a loyal following.
The Build-Up to Recognition
Recognition didn’t come overnight. Mika first turned heads when it earned a Bib Gourmand in the MICHELIN Guide Abu Dhabi 2025, celebrating high-quality meals at reasonable prices. It was a turning point—proof that thoughtful, unpretentious cooking had a real place in Abu Dhabi’s fine dining scene.
But it was the Time Out Restaurant Awards 2025 in Abu Dhabi that cemented Mika’s reputation as a leader in the capital’s food evolution. These awards, known for spotlighting both high-end and hidden gems, reflect the city’s growing appetite for authenticity over appearance.
The panel, made up of anonymous reviewers and seasoned food writers, were not just won over by Mika’s dishes—but also by the energy in the room. The staff remembered faces, the service felt effortless, and the menu was both comforting and surprising in all the right ways.
Setting the Bar for Yas Island and Beyond
Winning at Time Out meant more than a plaque on the wall. It meant that a restaurant outside the typical luxury circuit could rise to the top. Mika’s presence at Yas Marina gave Yas Island something fresh—an alternative to high-concept eateries or overly polished chains.
Mika’s award proves that food doesn’t have to be overly complex or expensive to be remarkable. In fact, its charm lies in its restraint. While other spots focus on theatrics, Mika sticks to the basics: flavour, balance, and consistency.This is why it’s now listed as the best European restaurant in Abu Dhabi & Restaurant of the Year 2025, with many food lovers calling it their go-to for everything from first dates to casual family dinners.
Winning Restaurant of the Year
The moment Mika was announced as restaurant of the year, there was applause not just in the awards hall, but across social media, WhatsApp groups, and dining tables throughout the capital. It was a win that felt earned, not engineered.
Why? Because Mika represents something many diners are quietly craving: a place where hospitality is human, not rehearsed. Where you don’t need a dress code to enjoy a plate of expertly seared fish or handmade pasta. Where the chef might personally walk over to check if you liked the special.
Mika has shown that being the restaurant of the year isn’t about grandeur—it’s about grounded excellence. And this approach is influencing other local chefs to take risks, focus on quality, and stay true to their roots.
What’s Next for Mika?
With the Time Out award now part of its growing list of accolades, Mika continues to focus on what it does best—crafting heartfelt Mediterranean dishes with quality ingredients and exceptional care. Chef Mario Loi, known for his warm, hands-on approach to hospitality, remains committed to the values that first put Mika on the map: seasonal cooking, thoughtful service, and an experience that feels personal from the moment guests walk in.
Rather than chasing trends, Mika is staying rooted in its original vision. The team continues to refine its menu in line with seasonal availability and maintains a dining atmosphere that’s both relaxed and elegant—just as it’s always been.
A Celebration for the Community
At its heart, Mika’s Time Out win isn’t just a restaurant story—it’s a community one. Locals who supported Mika from day one now see it as a symbol of Abu Dhabi’s growing food culture. Tourists who discover it leave with more than just a great meal—they carry a memory.
As Abu Dhabi continues to make its mark on the global culinary map, it’s restaurants like Mika that are defining what the city truly tastes like: thoughtful, inclusive, elegant without being intimidating.
And if that’s the future of dining in the capital, it’s looking delicious.
