Khalidiya - Abu Dhabi's new food destination

New restaurants opening in fancy hotels is all well and good, but what's more exciting is when an area of town independently starts to develop a reputation for its eating spots. We recently heard word that if you wander down to the Corniche end of Khalidiya, among the tall buildings and narrow streets, you'll find a clutch of restaurants and cafes - some new, some well established - that are helping to generate a real buzz about the place. So, we decided to explore further. 1. APi CAE Gourmet Let's begin this eating tour at APi CAE Gourmet (www.apicae.com, 02 666 8909), the Italian restaurant that opened a couple of months back in Block A of Khalidiya Towers, because there is much to like here; the staff are friendly, the spacious room has a modern feel and it's full of light. A counter at the front displays different types of freshly baked bread as well as tarts, pizzas, cakes and pastries and there are also salads and Mediterranean-style main courses on offer. Last week, we perched on a stool and really enjoyed a slice of turkey and smoked cheese pizza (Dh10) and we've since heard people raving about the insalata di zucca (pumpkin and feta salad) and the tiramisu. Gergana Konova, the co-founder of APi CAE, describes the area as "very nice and up and coming" and says: "We chose the location due to its proximity to the Corniche. The area itself is very respectable and we were able to secure valet parking. There is also a lot of residential and company buildings here as well." 2. Cafe Lazzaro If you leave APi CAE and turn left when you walk out the door (heading towards the Corniche), then a few strides down the street you'll come to Cafe Lazzaro (02 639 0929). Now, let's not get carried away; the interior does feel a bit dated and the blueberry muffin that we tried certainly wasn't the best in town. However, the chairs are comfy, there are plenty of newspapers and magazines lying around and it's a decent enough place to stop for a cup of coffee. Note that among the soup, salad, pasta and fish dishes on the menu there's also the rather more unusual option of a whole lamb stuffed with rice, yours for Dh950. If that doesn't strike your fancy - and in truth there are more exciting places to eat along this strip - then meander onwards until you come to a mini junction. If you're facing towards the Corniche, Mama Care will be on your left and the National Bank of Abu Dhabi will be in front of you, on the right. Take a left on to Street 3. 3. Saudi Cuisine VIP Head down the road and you'll soon chance upon Saudi Cuisine VIP (02 665 5355). If you've visited the original Saudi Kitchen on Defence Road, then you'll probably be pleased to hear that the food and prices are the same, it's just the decor that's had a bit of a makeover (hence the VIP in the title, we fancy). Note that while the menu is relatively short (heavy on the meat and rice), the portions are beyond generous. 4. Shish Shawerma For something a little lighter, Shish Shawerma (02 650 5576) is well worth a visit. We're clearly not the only ones that think so; this trendy looking shawarma joint gets so busy in the evenings that residents of Corniche Towers often find themselves struggling to find a parking spot. The shiny black and orange decor, cranked-up music and quirky packaging mean that a visit here is fun; we advise leaving your diet at the door. The National