Khayal Restaurant

Khayal is the restaurant at the Marriott Al Forsan in Abu Dhabi, operating across a well-regarded breakfast buffet and a dinner programme that has built its reputation around a seafood-forward menu. The breakfast is notably comprehensive - Indian, Chinese, continental, and Arabic stations, each staffed with live cooking - and runs with an efficiency that keeps the quality high even when the room is full. Dinner is where the kitchen shows its range. The lobster is a signature and arrives cooked with genuine care. The grills - steak, fish, and mixed platters - are well-executed, and the oyster and mussel selection adds depth. The Pad Thai and other Asian-influenced dishes hold their own alongside the seafood, and the overall quality of ingredients is high. The setting is pleasant, with an outdoor terrace that benefits from clear night skies and a relaxed atmosphere. The team is notably warm and builds rapport with returning guests quickly. Birthdays and celebrations are handled with complimentary cakes, songs, and personal touches that feel genuine. The chefs engage directly with diners, explaining dishes and taking feedback, which adds a personal dimension to the meal. The overall operation is well-managed and consistent.