Abu Dhabi’s restaurant scene is far more diverse than you might expect, spanning budget-friendly cafes and polished Michelin-starred restaurants.
While many of the most exceptional restaurants are inside the capital’s top hotels, a new raft of great places to eat out are starting to pop up in malls, newer neighbourhoods and on beachfronts.
Traditionally, expat influence meant Indian and Lebanese cuisines have been well-represented in Abu Dhabi, and that’s certainly still the case, with both canteen-style and high-end restaurants serving authentic feasts. Meanwhile Emirati chefs are really coming into their own in the capital, with both local cafes and fine-dining openings giving visitors the chance to sample the region’s flavours. These are just some of Abu Dhabi’s best restaurants.
1. Beirut Sur Mer
From the food and the service to the outstanding views, Beirut Sur Mer is definitely one of Abu Dhabi’s top restaurants. As the name suggests, it’s classic Lebanese cuisine, but comes with an extra focus on fresh seafood, so you can expect Levantine-style jumbo prawns, fish and lobster alongside the mezze, mixed grills and fresh salads. Indoors is beautiful with its bright murals and hanging plants, but it’s the views from the terrace that are most memorable, as the restaurant spills out onto the sands of Soul Beach at Mamsha Al Saadiyat. Book well in advance, as this Saadiyat spot is always busy.
2. Hakkasan
Abu Dhabi has four Michelin-starred restaurants, and two of them are housed inside the iconic Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental Hotel, including the sensational Cantonese restaurant Hakkasan. This dark, dramatically atmospheric restaurant with its signature carved wooden screens and deep blue lighting is one of the capital’s most romantic places to eat out. Book a table in an intimate corner, share mouthwatering menu classics such as Peking Duck with Caviar, Grilled Black Cod or Softshell Crab, then head out onto the long open-air terrace for drinks under the night sky. The service is as polished and elegant as you’d expect from this fine-dining hotspot. Whether you need to celebrate a milestone or impress a date, Hakkasan is the perfect pick for a special night out.
3. Erth
One of Abu Dhabi’s most interesting restaurants, Erth (meaning ‘legacy’) is a modern Emirati restaurant that pays homage to the country’s heritage as well as its cuisine. Housed at the Qasr Al Hosn cultural site, Erth’s interiors use a traditional majlis design, with raised clay floors and cushioned seating, while the materials are inspired by the local environment. Ingredients are sourced from farms in Abu Dhabi and further afield across the Emirates.
The menu’s best dishes are traditional with a contemporary twist, such as the Farid-Inspired Ravioli, Emirati Ghee Chicken Salona and Arabian Sea Lobster Biriyani. Finish off a unique meal with a date cake made with sweet Liwa dates, batheeta cream and caramel sauce. The restaurant boasts a Michelin star and is a genuinely memorable place to get a taste of Emirati cuisine and culture.
4. Bosporus
Abu Dhabi’s malls all offer a good range of cheap-to-mid range eateries, often with sprawling food courts and very reasonable prices. Most places are chains you’d probably choose for convenience when out shopping rather than a destination meal, however. Bosporus Turkish restaurant, which you can find in Abu Dhabi Mall and Yas Mall, is the exception to the rule. This lively, authentic spot is great for casual lunches (think loaded Turkish flatbreads, freshly chopped salads and succulent doner wraps) or leisurely evening meals, with a feast of grilled meats, seafood, stews and rice. Both locations are spacious and elegant, with plenty of outdoor seating for when the weather permits, as well as lovely views.
5. India Palace
With its focus on warm, rich Mughal-inspired dishes, India Palace is comfortably one of the best Indian restaurants in Abu Dhabi, with several popular branches across the capital – including in Mussafah, Al Shahama and Al Mushrif. Customers rave about the consistently attentive and warm service and it’s known for being a great spot for families. The extensive menus covers everything from Dahi Puri and Aloo Tiki Chaat for appetisers, through to chargrilled kebabs, creamy curries, spicy biryanis and a buttery array of authentic breads. The signature desserts include a beautifully presented guava kulfi. The prices at this down-to-earth chain are also very affordable, making it a definite go-to anytime you’re in the mood for a hearty Indian meal.
6. Let’s
An unexpected delight in Khalifa City, Let’s is led by an Emirati chef, whose local influences are evident across the modern cafe’s menu. From the Bougatsa Feta Honey to the Chicken Saloona Risotto, the casual East-meets-West dishes have proved a big hit since it opened. The cafe is famous for its beautiful afternoon teas, served on elegant flora china and treating diners to an array of delicate sweet and savoury treats. Even if you don’t have time to sit in, it’s worth dropping by to pick up some of their freshly baked croissants or other pastries from the counter.
7. Abu Dhabi Dates Market
While Abu Dhabi may not really be a place for bustling food market experiences, the one exception is the dates market near Zayed Port. There are several stalls and wholesalers clustered here, and a lively hum of trade. Both local and imported varieties are sold, so you can sample the goods and debate which country’s varieties really are the best. A great place for snacking, stocking up, or picking up gift boxes as souvenirs to bring back home.
Set in Al Maryah Island’s glamorous Rosewood Hotel, BB Social Dining originated in Dubai, where it became renowned for its playful decor, pan-Asian dishes and generally upbeat, quirky style. There’s a lot going on at BB (a play on ‘habibi’), where you can order everything from dimsum and bao to barbecued meats and seafood or even a full roast dinner on Sundays. Brunch is held on Saturdays and there are ‘Bubbles and Baos’ happy hours on Thursdays and Sundays. Expect a fun-loving, foodie crowd.
