Bab Al Qasr’s new F&B venue Fresh Basil – Pitch Black Dining is Abu Dhabi’s first dining in the dark restaurant concept.
Bab Al Qasr
Unveils
Abu Dhabi’s
First Dining In
The Dark Concept
Bab Al Qasr in Abu Dhabi has added an exciting new dining concept to their culinary portfolio – Dining in the Dark. The exclusive restaurant Fresh Basil – Pitch Black Dining promises a one-of-a-kind tailor-made experience, with a unique look that has been specially designed to assist guests with the transition from light to dark and known to unknown.
Each dining experience lasts up to 90 minutes, allowing diners sufficient time to adjust to their new surroundings. It starts with a warm arrival where diners are presented a welcome cocktail and canapes, with hosts explaining the concept and dining process in detail. They are then seated in the pitch-dark room by waiters who are equipped with night vision devices, and then served a three-course dinner. Electronic devices and other light-emitting objects such as smartwatches are also not allowed in the dining room. Without any distractions and the visual sense, the dining experience emphasises taste, mouthfeel, fragrance and sound. It also helps to promote the art of conversation as diners enjoy the meal together.
During the welcome, hosts will explain the dining concept and process over a welcome cocktail and canapes. 
Guests will then be led into the pitch-black room, where they will begin their unique dining adventure.
At the end of the meal is a ‘debriefing’ or ‘reveal’, where guests will be asked to meet the chef. As guests are not presented with the menu beforehand (though food allergies and preferences are noted), they are welcome to discuss and guess the food they ate, after which each course will be uncovered. The mystery menu has been carefully curated by Executive Chef Yvan Marclay and Head Chef Gayan Rupasinghe.
For some, the concept might seem daring or unusual, but it has been proven to be a unique, fun, risk-free and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The concept was implemented under the guidance of Bab Al Qasr Director of Food & Beverage Mr Elias Saad.
Guests in the pitch-dark room will be served by waiters who are equipped with night vision devices.
General Manager Mr Nemo Acimovic said, “We are happy to host such a unique and enriching dining approach as Fresh Basil – Pitch Black Dining. We can see that the concept is generating a buzz in the market already even during pre-opening phase.”
Fresh Basil – Pitch Black Dining is open for dinner from Mondays to Fridays, from 7.30pm to 10.00pm, and prices start from AED 249 per person. Reservations are recommended as each seating is limited to 20 guests every evening for a personalised experience.
For reservations, please call or WhatsApp +971 056 992 2078 or email restaurants@babalqasr.com.
