Abu Dhabi has not been coy about its intention to attract foodies of the world to the emirate, which is already home to a number of world-class restaurant brands.
But the major flex when it comes to fine-dining is – of course – steak, and it is a niche where Abu Dhabi has set out its global stall with typical gusto. Whether it is at stylish rooftop restaurants, Brazilian grills or waterside diners, meat eaters in Abu Dhabi are true steak connoisseurs and whether you are visiting or a resident, get ready to be spoiled for choice (cuts).
Given the popularity of these restaurants, we’d recommend booking well in advance, especially on weekends. These are our favourite places to enjoy a steak in Abu Dhabi.
1. The Steak Room at Mamsha Al Saadiyat
From tenderloin to tomahawk, the Steak Room has been one of Abu Dhabi’s hottest spots since Mamsha Al Saadiyat opened in 2022. Still a relatively newish development on Saadiyat Island, Mamsha is a picturesque spot for strolling, swimming and eating on a cool evening, and the Steak Room offers a range of cuts, including tenderloin rossini and short ribs, as well as an eclectic range of starters, from brisket empanadas to wagyu sando.
2. Butcher & Still at Four Seasons Hotel, Al Maryah Island
Drawing its inspiration from the classic 1920s Chicago steakhouse, Butcher & Still serves prime cuts of American beef and channels a Prohibition-era vibe with a decent range of drinks. Its interior also draws from the roaring twenties, with wood floors and leather couches. It doesn’t just look like a speakeasy, it actually has a hidden bar on site for those looking for a quiet place to unwind.
3. Nusr‑Et Steakhouse at The Galleria, Al Maryah Island
If you like your meat with a side of flamboyant table service, the Nusr-Et Steakhouse has a varied meaty menu that covers everything from steaks to Wagyu burgers and, of course, Turkish sausage. This latter option is in homage to its celebrity founder, Nusret Gökçe. This is a perfect spot for a celebration, especially if you’re in search of the full ‘Salt Bae’ experience.
4. Marco Pierre White Steakhouse & Grill at Fairmont Bab Al Bahr
An oldie but a goodie in Abu Dhabi is Marco Pierre White’s Steakhouse and Grill at the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr. As well as delicacies like oysters, foie gras and caviar, Pierre White’s UAE bastion does a fine line in Wagyu striploin. Note that this venue does not allow children under 13 which, given the white table cloths and luxury vibe, is probably best for everyone.
5. The Grill at Marriott Hotel Al Forsan
This slick and modern steakhouse in Al Forsan has a chic vibe and a food and drinks menu to match, with classic cuts and seafood, an excellent range of refreshing beverages, and a wonderful curved terrace that is a perfect spot on a cool evening. The Grill is fine dining as you’d expect it, with plenty of photogenic small plates for the most devoted foodie.
6. Oak Room at the Abu Dhabi EDITION, Al Bateen Marina
Oak Room regularly ranks as a beloved steak house in Abu Dhabi amongst residents and tourists and for good reason. As well as an award-winning sommelier in Mike Spasov, this British steakhouse also has a meat sommelier, Alejandro de la Fuente, if you want to get granular about your cuts (and who doesn’t?).
7. The Foundry at Southern Sun Hotel
Primarily known as a brunch spot, the Foundry switches from a classy all-you-can-eat buffet to a stylish a la carte steakhouse in the evening hours. Alongside cuts from Argentina to Australia, this multi-award winning restaurant has all the other classics such as oysters and foie gras. It has a dazzling array of drinks courtesy of a team of mixologists.
8. Director’s Club at WB Abu Dhabi
Another venue that regularly tops rankings in Abu Dhabi, Director’s Club actually describes itself as ‘a meatery’ where charcoal ovens and aged cuts are paired with elegant cocktails and a vast drinks list. The decor is all low light, exposed brick, leather banquettes and polished brass, making this an excellent romantic option or place to sit with friends and have fun.
9. Entrecôte Café de Paris at YAS Mall
Steak doesn’t always have to be glitz and glam – something that the French know better than anyone. Just as it is perfectly acceptable to quaff bubbles just for the sake of it or wolf down a dozen oysters served on a paper plate for lunch, sitting down to an entrecote with peppercorn sauce and fries in a Parisian bistro is drama free and a great budget-friendly option. Entrecôte Café de Paris at Yas Mall is very much in that spirit and we love them for it.
10. Maté
This popular restaurant in the Park Hyatt brings together the culinary styles of Argentina and Lebanon with South American cuts of meat cooked on charcoal and paired with the superlative spices, vegetables and mezza of the Levant. A relatively new venue on Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island, Maté is high-end fine dining and makes no apology for it.
11. Ray's Grill
Situated on the picturesque 63rd floor of Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Towers, Michelin-selected Ray's Grill offers cuts of world-famous cattle breeds sourced from producers in Australia, Argentina and the USA. If you’re looking for a location that will impress out-of-town guests – or anyone, really – the panoramic views alone are enough to make Ray’s Grill a standout choice.
12. Swiss Butter
Keep it simple at Swiss Butter, where the menu is centred on its three specialties: beef filet or ribeye, chicken breast or salmon, all three smothered in the outlet's famous – and secret – sauce. With branches in the UK and Spain, as well as in Riyadh and Beirut, Swiss Butter is unpretentious and hassle free. It also has a no reservations policy, so you might have to wait.
