With its futuristic skyline, glittering canals and sweeping Arabian Gulf coastlines, the UAE’s capital of Abu Dhabi is a fine place for a meal with a view. Restaurants spill onto terraces hugging azure waters or perch at lofty rooftop heights, for chic dinners with modern elegance. Whether feasting beneath a latticed canopy or beside an infinity pool, Abu Dhabi knows how to make a meal of it. These are our favourite spots for grand occasions, complete with skyscrapers, domes and seascapes – sure to be embedded into your core memories.
Azura Panoramic Lounge
Perched atop the St Regis Nation Towers, over three levels, the views at Azure are all about the Corniche. Expect panoramic water and skyline vistas from the upper deck and sleek lounge-like spaces with low lighting and chilled jazz flowing through the discreet speakers. The menu is a sophisticated international fusion with an emphasis on grilled meats from whole rainbow trout to lamb chops. Service is exceptional.
Ilios Restaurant & Beach Club
One of the more unique views in Abu Dhabi, Ilios has views of surfers as they carve on the longest man-made wave in the world, designed by surfing legend Kelly Slater. The restaurant and beach club is styled with upmarket cool decor – lots of wood and linen finishes, plush cabanas and loungers, and a huge infinity pool to watch the action with a drink before or after dinner.
Shower in the beach club facilities (complete with GHD hairdryers and fluffy towels), and then dine on the terrace overlooking the lagoon while tucking into Greek flavours, and fresh dishes – from fresh oysters, sushi and grilled octopus to sea bass, lamb chops, Wagyu and risotto. When twilight falls, Ilios transforms – the vibes shift to Ibizan‑style lounge with DJs spinning into the night.
Sontaya
Sontaya, meaning sunset in Thai, has the choice of dining in love-shack-style pavilions surrounded by water and nearby swaying date palms, or a smart indoor dining room at this southeast Asian-themed restaurant (located at the lavish St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort). Expect a beachside menu with Thai classics like tiger prawns, fragrant curries and papaya salad, plus a few Asian favourites – including spicy sambal, kong pho chicken and dainty baskets of dim sum.
The Beach House
A Hamptons villa meets the Gulf coast at this Mediterranean restaurant at the Park Hyatt – tables are sprawled out over a large patio facing the pristine Saadiyat Beach and the vibe is barefoot elegance. The Beach House serves grilled sea bass, mezze and flavourful fresh salads. All dishes are homemade with flair and prepared family style on colourful plates. Pair them with a range of refreshing drinks.
This foliage-draped place is Insta-friendly chic, with its poppy, neon-sign backdrop and gorgeous view of Al Maryah’s waterways. But it’s not all style over substance – dishes are brilliantly creative and use ingredients sourced from local farms. Order up anything from bao buns and wasabi lobster to sashimi, or try it all at the Saturday brunch. Every Tuesday brings the chance to indulge in happy hour priced bubbles and baos during four-hour slots.
Glo Bar
Rooftop glam meets tropical chill at Glo Bar at the Rosewood Abu Dhabi. Yes, it’s predominantly a bar, but the all-day dining menu is surprisingly good (including sushi, tacos, pizzas, burgers and salads). Enjoy it around a pool lit by illuminated umbrellas at night, with sweeping views of the city and Al Maryah’s waterfront. It has plush seating, with low fire pits and palm-trees for shade, plus a playlist of jazz and electro-soul.
Catch at Nation Riviera Beach Club
Come to this country club style spot for an ocean breeze and seafood artistry against Corniche sunsets. It’s located at the St Regis, with chic decor, floor-to-ceiling windows, crystal chandeliers and a lovely sun terrace that overlooks the blue waters of the Gulf. Order up everything from tuna tartare and tomahawk steak to oysters and wagyu carpaccio.
Stratos Revolving Lounge
Stratos, at Le Royal Méridien, is less ‘restaurant with a view’ and more ‘a view with a restaurant’. The whole dining room slowly revolves (thankfully, without you noticing until you look up and realise the scene has changed) giving you panoramic sights of the Corniche, marina, desert and downtown, all in one dinner. The menu focuses on smoky, charcoal-grilled steak (try the Sanchoku Wagyu), while seafood fans can order oysters and seafood platters. Stratos Friday supper clubs are the hot ticket, with an indulgent multi-course dinner menu.
Cyan Brasserie
Located on the 18th floor of the tilting Capital Gate tower, Cyan Brasserie has stunning views of the city out to the Corniche, but there’s more to this Hyatt hotel restaurant than Abu Dhabi scenes. The food is French meets Middle Eastern, with playful, beautifully presented dishes, especially the desserts – order a baklava cheesecake or habibi hot dog dessert (with a sweet bun, caramel cremeux with raspberry and mango). The decor is elegantly bold, yet laid back, with marble top tables, Moroccan-style patterned tiles, and bee hive-like windows with views of the city beyond. The open air terrace is the best spot for sundowners.
99 Sushi Bar
Perched on the waterside at The Galleria, Four Seasons Al Maryah Island, 99 Sushi Bar is a refined Michelin‑starred Japanese restaurant with premium sashimi (most of the fish is imported from Spain) and a stupendous view. Tuck in to impeccably fresh tuna, bluefin, and Wagyu sushi, all plated with artistry as you gaze at the calm waterfront from the terrace. There are tasting menus, business lunches and the service is precise. Book early to secure a table.
