Villa Sélène savours dishes that celebrate simplicity, warmth, and timeless charm
It began on a golden evening, just as the sun cast its warm glow across the manicured greens of the golf course at Yas Links.
From the moment we stepped into Villa Sélène, it felt less like arriving at a restaurant and more like being welcomed into someone’s effortlessly elegant home; someone with a discerning eye, a love for beauty, and a Mediterranean soul.
The setting was undeniably charming: softly flickering candles, linen-draped tables, and a breeze that carried the scent of herbs and sea salt.
The views stretched out over the golf course, creating a serene canvas that only deepened the sense of escape.
We began with Fried Porcini; golden, crisp on the outside, yielding to earthy tenderness within.
The accompanying tzatziki was bright and refreshing, a gentle nod to Greece with each cooling bite. It was the kind of starter that hinted at what was to come: rustic flavours elevated with precision.
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Next came the Short Rib Moussaka Bites, which arrived like little parcels of indulgence.
Each one combined the richness of slow-braised beef with creamy béchamel and melted mozzarella, balanced by the soft bitterness of eggplant and the tang of tomato.
Every bite was layered, comforting, and evocative of long lunches in hidden village tavernas.
The Spicy Chorizo Flatbread followed, boasting a generous spread of tomato sauce and bubbling mozzarella crowned with veal chorizo and briny olives.
It had just the right kick; bold, hearty, and playful. It was food designed for conversation and laughter, for second glasses of wine and hands reaching across the table.
But the showstopper, undeniably, was the Angus Tenderloin with Truffle Mashed Potato. Cooked perfectly and rich with flavour, the tenderloin was melt-in-your-mouth tender.
The truffle mash added an aromatic silkiness—earthy and indulgent, without being overbearing. It was a dish that held your attention and lingered in memory.
For sides, we added Sweet Potato Fries, crisped to perfection and seasoned just enough to stand on their own. Simple. Satisfying.
Dessert arrived like a whispered secret: the Lava Cake. As the spoon cracked through its delicate shell, rich 70 per cent cacao flowed out, mingling with chocolate soil and the creamy coolness of dulce de leche ice cream.
Every element had a role; texture, temperature, and taste harmonizing to end the evening on the sweetest note.
Throughout it all, the service was intuitive and warm, as if the spirit of Sélène herself; gracious, attentive, and quietly present; guided the experience.
Villa Sélène is a world unto itself, where elegance is found in simplicity and every dish tells a story.
We left feeling nourished, not just by the food, but by the thoughtful ambiance, the Mediterranean grace, and the sense that we’d just been part of something quietly magical.
For further information, visit Viya Golf – Villa Sélène or call 054 990 4246
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