41 Of The Best Restaurants in Abu Dhabi
From authentic Italian at Cipriani to Peruvian fusion at Coya, Bazaar Arabia shares a list of the best restaurants in Abu Dhabi
Looking for a comprehensive list of the best restaurants In Abu Dhabi? Bazaar Arabia shares our favourites here… (Also on the hunt for the best restaurants in Dubai? Click here to read more.)
What better way to explore UAE’s capital than visiting some of the best eateries in town? From award-winning restaurants like Hakkasan and Zuma to favourites like BBQ Al Qasr and Oak Room, Bazaar Arabia has curated the ultimate guide when it comes to dining out with friends and family.
Here, we share 41 of the best restaurants in Abu Dhabi.
41 Of The Best Restaurants in Abu Dhabi
Indian
Martabaan
Globally acclaimed Master Chef, Hemant Oberoi introduces beloved yet forgotten taste of traditional Indian classics with his own revolutionary twist. Surround yourself with an ambience of opulence ad dine like an aristocrat, as Martabaan serves you their vision of contemporary classic Indian dining.
Location: Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
Punjab Grill
Enjoy hearty Northern Indian specialties with a modern flair and great service at Punjab Grill. It’s a great spot to visit in their winter with a waterfront location and a terrace. We recommend the saffron prawns and mutton biryani.
Location: The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Al Rawdah, Abu Dhabi.
For bookings call 02 449 9839
For bookings and reservations, please contact 02 690 7999 or visit mandarinoriental.com
Italian
Villa Toscana
Villa Toscana will take you on a trip to Tuscany with its Italian villa-inspired interiors and top-quality delicacies by chef-patron. Known for their cozy yet luxurious feel and mouthwatering signature dishes like the Homemade Tagliolini Pasta and Grilled Veal Chop, you won’t be disappointed.
Location: The St. Regis, Abu Dhabi
For bookings and reservations, please contact 02 694 4553 or visit villatoscana-abudhabi.com
Amici
Looking for the perfect Italian restaurant to take your loved ones? Don’t worry; we have got you covered. Amici is the go-to spot for a casual evening with friends and family. From the bespoke wooden interiors to the close proximity to Yas Marina Circuit, we highly recommend visiting this spot.
Location: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
For bookings and reservations, please contact 02 656 0600 or visit marriott.com
Cipriani
A romantic getaway overlooking the entire Yas Marina is the famous International franchise, Cipriani. Known as one of the best Italian restaurants in the world, this spot never fails to amaze us with its chic, stylish interiors and wide menu selection. From their Instagrammable Vanilla Meringue cake to their classic Steak Carpaccio that has been part of the menu since 1950, the options are endless.
Location: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
For bookings and reservations, please contact 02 657 5400 or visit Ciprianiyasisland.com
Café Milano
This restaurant at the Four Seasons a must-visit. The authentic Italian creations by Chef Delfino Chiarello and his team – especially the homemade pastas- coupled with the fabulous of the Abu Dhabi city skyline, are bound to leave you completely fulfilled.
Talea by Antonia Guida
A family oriented cuisine, Talea by Antonia Guida pays an homage to the saying “cucina di familia”. With an expertise in homemade pasta and pizza dough, it’s absolutely one that needs to be on your list.
Location: Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
French
Fouquet’s
Take a quick virtual trip to the Champs-Élysées at world-renowned Fouquet’s restaurant at the Louvre Abu Dhabi. The restaurant features European dishes with a Middle Eastern touch. Try out the pan-fried Omani prawns, roasted sea scallops with fregola, pear and parmesan, black truffle tortiglioni, and for those with a sweet tooth, order the profiteroles – a French classic.
Location: Louvre Abu Dhabi, Al Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi.
For bookings and reservations, please contact 02 205 4200 or visit hotelsbarriere.com
La Petite Maison Restaurant & Bar Abu Dhabi
The chic Provençal-inspired bistro made its way to Abu Dhabi in October 2017, seven years after the renowned restaurant’s first UAE venue opened in Dubai. Known for calming pastel hue interiors and award-winning dishes, LPM Restaurant & Bar Abu Dhabi is one of the best spots for a special occasion or even a weekend dinner out with friends and family. Bazaar Arabia’s favourites include Sea Bass Carpaccio, Rib-eye steak, and warm Chocolate Mousse.
Location: The Galleria Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi
For bookings and reservations, please contact 02 692 9600 or visit lpmrestaurants.com
Les Dangereux
Les Dangereux was one of 2023’s most anticipated restaurants openings and for good reason, their extravagant 15 course meal is a treat for the eyes as they serve a visually striking blends of French and Arabic cuisine.
Location: Mamsha, Al Saadiyat Island
For bookings and reservations, please contact 052 677 2947 or visit eatapp.co
Arabic
Li Beirut
Li Beirut is a contemporary dining spot that you must visit when in Abu Dhabi. Located in Conrad Abu Dhabi, this super cute spot offers a unique combination of both traditional and modern Lebanese dishes with hints of International flavours. Overlooking the Corniche, this restaurant is a great place to spend some quality time with your loved ones while enjoying the sunset. Bazaar Arabia recommends the classic Fattoush Salad and Stuffed Vine Leaves.
Location: Conrad Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi
For bookings and reservations, please contact 02 811 5666 or visit hilton.com
Em Sherif Cafe
Taking the traditional Arabic flavours and transforming them into unique dishes for a more elevated experience this Lebanese restaurant has taken the world with it’s cuisine. Having opened in Quatar, Monaco and London, don’t miss out on their delicious mezze options like hummus and fattoush, along with classic main course dishes such as the shish tawook, and more.
Location: W Corniche Rd, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi
For bookings and reservations, please contact 2 691 9999 or visit emsherif-cafe.com
Byblos Sur Mer
Byblos Sur Mer is a great place to get some fresh air while indulging in traditional Arabic cuisine. From the clear ocean views to the award-winning dishes, Byblos Sur Mer is the go-to place for a casual lunch with friends.
Location: InterContinental, Abu Dhabi
For bookings and reservations, please contact 02 666 6888 or visit abudhabi.intercontinental.com
tashas
Known as one of the most Instagrammable spots in Abu Dhabi, tashas is a must-visit to indulge in an array of Middle Eastern and International delights. Located in the heart of Al Bateen Marina, the eccentric location is an excellent spot for a meal or even a casual coffee with friends.
Location: Marsa Al Bateen Marina, Abu Dhabi
For bookings and reservations, please contact 02 445 0890 or visit tashascafe.com
Beirut Sur Mer
Take a trip to Beirut by visiting this super rustic and bespoke restaurant in Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi. From the colourful decor to the breathtaking views of the Ocean, we love everything about this restaurant. And that’s not all; the Middle-Eastern spot is super close to the iconic Louvre museum, making Beirut Sur Mer even more special.
Location: Cultural District, Abu Dhabi
For bookings and reservations, please contact 054 395 4000 or visit beirutsurmer.com
Chinese
Hakkasan
From their signature Crispy Duck Salad to the Chilean seabass, Hakkasan’s menu is filled with dishes that infused Chinese flavours into international cuisine. Whether it’s a special occasion or an evening out with your loved ones, this is a must-visit for everyone in the capital.
Location: Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi
For bookings and reservations, please contact 02 690 7739 or visit hakkasan.com
Dai Pai Dong
The perfect combination of luxury, quality, and authenticity lies in one of the most popular Chinese restaurants in Abu Dhabi, Dai Pai Pong. Known for its chic interiors and expansive food options, this is a great spot to spend your weekend with friends and family. From a separate vegan special menu to hot pot options, Dai Pai Pong ensures there is something for everyone.
Location: Rosewood, Abu Dhabi
For bookings and reservations, please contact 02 813 5588 or visit rosewoodhotels.com
Shang Palace
Indulge in an array of hand-crafted dishes at Shang Palace Abu Dhabi. The popular restaurant combines traditional flavours with a modern touch to ensure all visitors have a unique and fulfilling experience. We recommend trying the signature Roasted Beijing Duck.
Location: Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi
For bookings and reservations, please contact 02 509 8555, or visit shangri-la.com
BB Social Dining
From their delicious dim sum to their edamame hummus, every single dish here, no matter how simple or complicated, impresses. Spread over three floors, and conveniently positioned in Dubai’s financial district.
Li Jiang
This is undoubtedly one of the best Asian restaurants in Abu Dhabi. Li Jiang excels in intertwining a memorable culinary experience with an equally memorable ambiance, with outdoor area serving up some of the best views of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Highlight dishes include fragrant soups, hand-pulled noodles, curries, sushi, stir-fries, seafood and more.
Thai
Silk & Spice
Silk & Spice brings the authentic taste of Thailand through an amalgamation of flamboyant flavours and rich textures. With an assortment of crowd favourites like Thai Green Curry, Pad Thai, Mango Sago, this place stays true to its name making it the go to place for Thai cuisine in Abu Dhabi.
Location: Corniche Road East, Capital Plaza Complex
For bookings and reservations, please contact 02 813 7777 or visit sofitelabudhabicorniche.com
Japanese
Zuma
Located in The Galleria Al Maryah Island, the renowned Japanese restaurant is known for its spectacular dining options, contemporary interiors and outstanding service. With over 15 international franchises, this popular spot is definitely one of the best in town. We recommend the truffle hotpot and the signature chocolate fondant, a must-try for anyone visiting.
Location: The Galleria, Al Maryah Island
For bookings and reservations, please contact 02 401 5900 or visit zumarestaurant.com.
99 Sushi Bar
We have 99 reasons to love this soulful Japanese offering by brothers Pedro and Fernando de León. First launched in Spain back in 2017, this popular franchise offers some of the best Japanese Cuisine in town. From its intimate lounge to the breathtaking views from the terrace, we love everything about 99 Sushi Bar. Bazaar Arabia’s top picks include the grilled scallops, the range of sushi, sashimi and temaki, and the ever popular tiger prawn tempura.
Location: Four Seasons Hotel, Abu Dhabi
For bookings and reservations, please contact 02 401 5900 or visit 99sushibar.com
Benihana
Originally launched in 1964 in NYC, Benihana is one of the most famous Japanese Teppanyaki Steakhouses globally. The live cooking stations and exotic ingredients make this International franchise an experience like no other. Visit the Abu Dhabi location for an outing filled with authentic Japanese delicacies and entertainment.
Location: Beach Rotana, Abu Dhabi
For bookings and reservations, please contact 02 697 9011 or visit rotana.com
Buddha-Bar Beach
What better way to spend some quality time with your loved ones than relax on the beach enjoying some delicious sushi? Buddha-Bar offers visitors the ideal combination of luxury and comfort with its widespread menu and spectacular live music.
Location: The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi
For bookings and reservations, please contact 02 498 8888 or visit buddhabarbeachabudhabi.com​
Ba:TE by WAWA Dining
A feast for your senses, Ba:TE by WAWA Dining, presents a harmony of natural ingredients with culinary expertise. Heralding in a new age of Asian cuisine with their ‘JAKO’ concept, the restaurant offers a fusion of Japanese and Korean dishes that you wont forget.
Location: Eastern Mangrove
For bookings and reservations, please contact 02 632 5272 or visit bate.ae
Seafood
Catch
If you are a seafood lover looking for a new spot to try out in Abu Dhabi, Catch at St. Regis is it. Take a journey through the sea with their contemporary take on seafood dishes such as sturgeon caviar, oysters, sushi and crab. It’s a great place for groups as they have sharing plates.
Location: The St. Regis Abu Dhabi.
For reservations, please contact 02 694 4553 or visit catchatthestregis.com
Finz
Finz is nothing short of a beach-side haven with picturesque views, an open-air patio, and a top-quality seafood menu. Located in the popular hotel Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi, this spot definitely caters to all your seafood cravings.
Location: Beach Rotana, Abu Dhabi
For bookings and reservations, please contact 02 697 9350 or visit rotana.restaurant
Fishmarket
Located in the renowned InterContinental hotel Abu Dhabi, Fishmarket offers visitors with an exceptional gastronomic ambiance where you can choose your preferred fish cooked to your liking. If that isn’t enough to get you excited, the restaurant is also one of the most aesthetically pleasing spots as it faces a private beach.
Location: InterContinental, Abu Dhabi
For bookings and reservations, please contact 056 990 8317 or visit intercontinental.com
Mediteranean
Paradiso
Soak in the gorgeous Mediterranean ambience with an amazing view of the sunset over Yas Bay. Mediterranean cuisine is at the centre of this restaurant, and diners can expect everything from snails and roast poussin to fritto misto, pizza and pasta.
Location: Yas Bay Waterfront Pier 71, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.
For reservations, visit paradisoabudhabi.com
Mykonos
Situated on the golden sands of Le Meridien Abu Dhabi, overlooking the glittering waters of the Arabian Gulf, Mykonos is a step away from it all. Inspired by the energy of Mykonos Island, the home of sea, sand and sun renowned for it’s fresh fish taverns on the coast.
Location: Le Meridien, Abu Dhabi
For bookings and reservations, please contact 050 785 2320 or visit marriott.com
Alba Terrace
Step into a scene that whisks you into the Mediterranean with lush green foliage surrounded by clear blue pools of water and plush wooden furniture for a perfect escape. With delicious continental dishes you can enjoy Terrace wood-fired pizzas and sip Signature Spritz drinks for an experience to be savoured and cherished.
Location: The Abu Dhabi EDITION, Al Bateen Marina, Abu Dhabi
For bookings and reservations please call 9712-2080-000 or visit albaterrace.com
MAZI
At their core, MAZI celebrates the Greek traditions by following the meaning of ‘mazi’, together. It’s the best restaurant to take your friends and family and enjoy each others presence. Dishes that have vibrant flavours of Greece but with a modernized twist is what they serve.
Location: The St. Regis Resorts
For bookings and reservations please call 02 498 8955 or visit maziabudhabi.com
Brasserie
Penelope’s
Step into a contemporary bar of elegance and style to let loose and taste a fusion of an American take on Mediteranean dishes for a combination of raw seafood, French roasts and Italian pasta for a groovy night out. This Jazz Bar is bound to give you an international buzz.
Location: Yas Island, Yas Marina, Abu Dhabi
For bookings and reservations please call 52 221 0097 or visit penelopes.ae
Broadway
If you and your date are looking to have a night of dining paired with entertainment, head to Broadway. Located at the stunning Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, the American brasserie is known for serving elevated comfort food and live entertainment, as its name suggests. From escargots and beef wellington to decadent chocolate tarts with peanut butter and jelly ice cream, they have something for every palate. Currently, they have a specially curated dinner menu with a show by renowned magician and mentalist, Drummond Money-Coutts for Valentine’s Day.
Location: Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, West Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi
For bookings and reservations please call 02 690 7999 or visit mandarinoriental.com
For the Meat Lovers…
Nusr-Et
Wildly popular on social media for his salt-sprinkling skills, Turkish chef Nusret Gökçe opens a restaurant that includes some of the best meats that are equally impressive. The steak cuts have attracted the attention of A-list celebrities like Messi, Leonardo Di Caprio, and others.
Location: The Galleria Level 1, Abu Dhabi
For bookings and reservations, please contact 02 679 9949 or visit nusr-et.com
Oak Room
Situated in one of Abu Dhabi’s most aesthetically pleasing hotels, The EDITION, Oak Room is one of the most famous steakhouses in the country. The award-winning spot has a stylish wooden brown interior theme and a specially curated menu with top-quality meat products. Their signature 18 Hour Braised Short Rib is a must-try.
Location: EDITION Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi
For bookings and reservations, please contact 02 208 0000 or visit oakroomabudhabi.com
Asador Aranda
From smokey grills to slow cooking in a clay oven, Asador does everything to improve the texture of foods and their succulence to enhance the flavour and preserve the nutritional qualities of the produce. Using only natural ingredients, real and responsible food to enhance the palate with a unique way of cooking.
Location: The Galleria Mall, Abu Dhabi
For bookings and reservations, please contact 02 681 4444 or visit asadordearanda.ae ​
The Grill
In the mood for steak and desert, then what better place to than The Grill. Not only do they serve various cuts of meat, but also a variety of seafood options. Any food enthusiast would love this restaurants elegant ambience and its open style kitchen, The Grill will be your next go-to place.
Location: Marriott Hotel Al Forsan
For bookings and reservations, please contact 02 201 4131 or visit morecravings.com
Fusion
Coya
Coya Abu Dhabi offers more than just a regular dining experience with its lively ambiance, chic interiors, and exotic flavours that make this the perfect place for a special evening out. Bazaar Arabia recommends the Classic Sea Bass and Grilled T-Bone Steak.
Location: Four Seasons Hotel, Abu Dhabi
For bookings and reservations, please contact 02 306 7000 or visit coyarestaurant.com.
Market Kitchen
With dishes curated from some of the worlds finest food markets, Market Kitchen Abu Dhabi, crafts innovative dishes from classics. Featuring their best hitters – crispy tuna sashimi to soy glazed beef short ribs – this restaurant promises market freshness and top quality ingredients in their food
Location: Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi
For bookings and reservations, please contact 800 101101 or visit marketkitchenabudhabi.com
Lead image courtesy of Instagram/@taleauae
This article was originally published in February, 2023. It was updated and republished by Falah Gulzar on 16, January, 2024. It was updated and republished by Jida Elfghi on 22, March, 2024