Yas Island
California meets Afghanistan at this cafe charmer where almond butter and chia pancakes are offered alongside borani banjon (oven-baked aubergines with…
Must-see restaurants in Abu Dhabi
Marina Breakwater
A fine-dining Levantine feast awaits. Scoop up Lebanese mezze classics of moutabel (purée of aubergine mixed with tahini, yoghurt and olive oil) and…
Al Zahiyah & Al Maryah Island
The contemporary Peruvian cuisine with its flavour-fusion of Latin American and Asian is a tastebud sensation. Dig into the menu of sharing plates…
Al Zahiyah & Al Maryah Island
All cosy alcoves surrounding an open kitchen, Dai Pai Dong's award-winning Chinese is where Asian foodies chase Cantonese roasted duck, spicy braised…
Al Bateen & Al Mushrif
Housed in a three-floor villa, this cafe is run by a Lebanese arts enthusiast, Aida Mansour. Vast breakfast choices from avocado toast to shakshuka …
Abu Dhabi
Amid a cluster of Middle Eastern snack and grill outlets, a short walk from the Qasr Al Hosn, the Lebanese Flower is a local legend, attracting a…
Sheikh Zayed Mosque Area
Romantic and elegant, this place hums with appreciation for the complex cuisine of India, brought to the United Arab Emirates by a large expat community…
Marina Breakwater
Meaning 'old door lock', Mezlai delivers a rare chance to enjoy traditional Emirati cuisine in an upmarket and airy Bedouin-tent-inspired atmosphere. The…
Abu Dhabi
Open for breakfast on weekends and lunch and dinner otherwise, this restaurant, with its emphasis on sunny Mediterranean flavours (think slow-cooked…
Abu Dhabi
You can't beat the beachy atmosphere of this restaurant, surrounded by narrow water-feature canals and looking out towards the sand. The pan-Asian…
Yas Island
This restaurant-bar with its terrace opening out onto the reed-covered coastal dunes is one of the most pumping places on Yas Island. Order up a pumpkin…
Sheikh Zayed Mosque Area
Asia's multi-layered, spice-tinged flavours are presented amid a red-toned dining room replete with gorgeous Thai textile detailing. Malaysian, Thai and…
Al Zahiyah & Al Maryah Island
How good is this 1920s Chicago–inspired steakhouse at Four Seasons Abu Dhabi? We don't have enough space to tell you. American chef Marshall Roth sources…
Abu Dhabi
Book ahead for a table at this trendy pan-Latin restaurant-bar, an anchor of the dining and nightlife tower inside the World Trade Center Mall known as…
Abu Dhabi
Despite the mall location this is a classy, dim-lit joint that takes the flavours of the subcontinent and adds contemporary tweaks. Get stuck into masala…
Al Zahiyah & Al Maryah Island
The summit of Japanese cuisine in Abu Dhabi. Book ahead to enjoy the superb sushi and sashimi, the signature miso-marinated black cod or a hunk of meat…
Al Bateen & Al Mushrif
Named after the degree of 'lean' in Abu Dhabi's famous Capital Gate skyscraper, in which it's situated, this restaurant takes inspiration from the cookery…
Al Zahiyah & Al Maryah Island
Clear your calendar on Friday. The Four Seasons' breakfast spot is one of Abu Dhabi's most social, indulgent Friday brunch extravaganzas. The brunch…
Al Bateen & Al Mushrif
The United Arab Emirates is made up of a mere 10% Emiratis, and we'll be damned if you don't find nearly all of them sipping tea and savouring the…
Sheikh Zayed Mosque Area
High-class Levantine dining with tweaks on classics of the cuisine, five varieties of hummus and – rejoice fellow kibbeh fans – 10 varieties of kibbeh …
Abu Dhabi
They had us at the hammocks. We love this easy-breezy beach restaurant-bar with swings at the bar, hammocks and wood deck scattered with floor cushions…
Marina Breakwater
With a patio overlooking the Gulf, hospitable staff and a delicious seafood-focused blend of regional and international cuisine, it's not surprising…
Marina Breakwater
Quite the contrast to the marble-gold-overload of the rest of the Emirates Palace, Sayad serves the city's finest seafood in a striking aquamarine setting…
Al Zahiyah & Al Maryah Island
Amble down the jetty to this A-frame with terraces above the sea and enjoy some of the finest seafood in town. Whether chargrilled, steamed or baked, the…
Abu Dhabi
This aged, flamboyant gem, with fading decor, sports a sumptuous majlis (reception room) that has entertained princes and sheikhs over decades. The lunch…
Sheikh Zayed Mosque Area
With a beautiful waterfront setting, Barfly is a self-proclaimed supper club with a Far East–inspired menu, where dishes range from wok-seared sweet and…
Marina Breakwater
From the Emirates Palace grand entrance, walk through its gold-edged central dome to Le Café in the back lobby for cappuccino sprinkled with 24-karat gold…
Al Bateen & Al Mushrif
Born in Dubai at the hands of a female Emirati-Saudi partnership, the Salt food truck had people chasing it all over the UAE before permanently landing in…
Yas Island
The menu may be a choice of Italian (including a lot of signature dishes from world-famous Harry's Bar in Venice) or Asian-fusion but the view is…
Sheikh Zayed Mosque Area
Dark wood and neon announce that this is an Emirati restaurant for the 21st century. Classic Emirati plates of machboos (a casserole of meat or fish, rice…
Abu Dhabi
This upbeat joint at the Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi is a favourite for its tasty fare, which hopscotches from Japan to Singapore and China to Thailand…
Al Zahiyah & Al Maryah Island
Francophiles rejoice: be transported to the heart of Paris at this award-winning international chain serving up the eternal French classic of snails and…
Yas Island
With extra-large aquariums gracing the interior of this casual-dining restaurant, there's no doubting its speciality. Outdoor terrace tables are coveted…
Abu Dhabi
You might hear this small kiosk serving up booza (Middle Eastern ice cream) before you see it. Staff wield a giant wooden pestle, rhythmically beating…
Al Mina Modern Cuisine & Restaurant
Abu Dhabi
Most visitors steam on past this glass-fronted restaurant in the hunt for its more famous neighbour, Al Dhafra. That's a pity because the ambience here,…
Sheikh Zayed Mosque Area
Live dance shows provide the entertainment for one of the city's best Friday brunches. If that isn't enough sparkle for you, there are 27 live cheffing…
Abu Dhabi
In the World Trade Center Souk, with pleasant food-court-style seating, locally recommended Lebanese-leaning Tarbouche deals in mezze and an extensive…
Abu Dhabi
This snug little den near the Mina Fish Market is decked out with partitioned cushioned floor seating (no shoes please). It's the perfect place to try…
Abu Dhabi
The door name may not match that on the menu, but empty tables are as rare as hen's teeth in this simple family-friendly cafeteria that swoops through…
Al Zahiyah & Al Maryah Island
Beyond the gatekeeper and sleek glass doors lies a casual and lively spot to dig into fajitas, tacos and tamales from the vast Mexican menu. Sit outside…
