If there’s one thing Yas Island knows how to do, it’s throw a party — and when Formula 1 season hits, the island basically drinks an espresso, puts on its fanciest shoes, and says, “Let’s go full throttle.” This December, as the roar of engines takes over the Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Plaza Hotels is transforming itself into the neighbourhood you want to live in… at least for four glorious days of food, music, and festival energy.
From 4 to 7 December, the Plaza becomes a culinary carnival — six signature dining destinations + a buzzing Central Plaza = peak race-weekend chaos (the good kind). Think bold flavours, live performances, Champagne spritzes, and enough entertainment to make you forget you promised yourself an early night.
Ministry of Crab at Stills — Go Big or Go Lagoon-Sized
Making its Abu Dhabi debut, the legendary Ministry of Crab arrives at Stills like a celebrity entering the paddock. We’re talking massive Sri Lankan lagoon crabs, cooked tableside, dripping with pepper, garlic, and drama.
Add Veuve Clicquot, tropical jazz, Sri Lankan drummers, and a Coastal Mixology Lab… and suddenly Colombo’s culinary theatre has teleported itself straight to Yas Island.
This is not dinner. This is a delicious spectacle.
Carnistore at Y Bar — Meat Lovers, Start Your Engines
They’re back! CarniStore, the UAE’s cult-favourite butcher and smokehouse, returns for Year Two — and this time they’re cooking like they’re qualifying for pole position.
Expect the holy trinity of comfort food:
- Wagyu burgers
- Smoked brisket tacos
- Reuben sandwiches, ribs, nachos, sliders…
Plus, the Chivas Oak Aging Cocktail Lab is shaking things up with barrel-aged masterpieces using 18- and 25-year expressions.
Y Bar basically becomes the pit stop you’ll never want to leave.
Chef Barbasso at Filini Garden — Pizza Acrobatics + Al Fresco Italiano
At Filini Garden, Italy is not just served… it flies through the air.
Chef Pasqualino Barbasso, two-time Pizza Acrobatics World Champion (yes, that’s a thing and yes, it’s awesome), brings the dough-tossing circus to Yas Island.
While he spins pizza like a superhero, you enjoy Neapolitan pies, fresh antipasti, and Italian wines.
Malfy Gin handles the bar — think refreshing, citrusy cocktails perfect for breezy evenings under the stars.
It’s pure la dolce vita, but with F1 engines humming nearby.
Asado Steakhouse at Amerigos — South American Fire Meets Yas Island Energy
Amerigos turns up the heat with Chef Enzo Neri’s Asado Steakhouse — an open-flame fiesta featuring empanadas, provoleta, and perfectly grilled aged cuts.
Expect flamenco guitars, lively percussion, and a whole lot of meat-loving joy.
If you’ve ever wanted a mini-trip to Buenos Aires without leaving Abu Dhabi — this is the moment.
The Indian Duke at Rangoli — Royal India Meets Street-Style Swagger
Welcome to The Indian Duke, a flavour journey inspired by a rebellious Rajasthani duke who traded palace life for spice-filled adventures.
The menu?
- Slow-cooked curries
- Charcoal-kissed kebabs
- Street favourites with a contemporary twist
The star? The roaming beverage cart where you choose your spice infusions like an actual maharaja of mixology.
Rangoli turns every bite into a postcard from India — bold, colourful, unforgettable.
Belgian Beer Café — The Race Weekend Beer Garden
If comfort food is your love language, Belgian Beer Café is your soulmate.
Expect:
- Moules-frites
- Beef Carbonnade
- Bratwursts sizzling on the grill
Pair that with draughts and Trappist ales like Leffe, Chimay, and Delirium, and you’ve basically recreated Brussels… but with better weather.
Central Plaza — The Soul of Yas Plaza Hotels
This is where everyone eventually ends up — the Central Plaza, a glowing open-air heart pulsing with soulful house, jazz, and acoustic performances.
Grab a Chivas cocktail or a glass of Champagne, sink into the lounge seating, nibble on curated bites, and just… vibe. It’s relaxed, refined, and ridiculously fun — the perfect reset between high-speed action and high-flavour indulgence.
From colossal crabs and pizza acrobatics to flame-kissed steaks, royal Indian feasts, and soulful open-air nights, Yas Plaza Hotels delivers a race-weekend celebration that’s bigger, bolder, and tastier than ever.
Contact
Phone: 02 656 2512
