Abu Dhabi
This outpost of the Australian chain has open kitchens overlooking a dining area decked out in stainless steel and earthy wood colours. The eclectic…
Must-see restaurants in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
Amid a hilariously over-the-top re-creation of a Marrakshi riad interior, dripping with lanterns, archways and some dubious desert-panorama murals, dine…
Sheikh Zayed Mosque Area
Bord Eau at the Shangri-La Hotel is le restaurant for French fine dining in Abu Dhabi. The classic French fare (onion soup, foie gras, chateaubriand steak…
Abu Dhabi
This shawarma joint buzzes in the evening when takeaway orders come fast and thick. Standard beef or chicken versions, stuffed in fresh pita bread baked…
Abu Dhabi
This family-friendly cafe is beloved by foreign residents who come here for home-baked cakes, all-day breakfasts, soups, salads, toasted sandwiches and…
Abu Dhabi
The chintzy Edwardian style may seem a bit out of place but this UAE chain restaurant is an Emirati firm favourite for its big breakfast menu that jumps…
Al Bateen & Al Mushrif
This stylish South African transplant is all warm wood, earthy tones and jovial staff. The menu is big on creative salads utilising quinoa, roast…
Abu Dhabi
We think they're too heavy on the mayonnaise but many tout this as Abu Dhabi's best shawarma (meat sliced off a spit and stuffed in a pocket of pita-type…
Al Zahiyah & Al Maryah Island
Bright, elegant and airy, Cafe Milano opens directly onto a terrace where sparkling blue waters and city views grab the attention. The contemporary…
Al Zahiyah & Al Maryah Island
Billed as gourmet Indian fast food, the 'Pot' does yummy biryanis all spiked with plenty of cardamom – including raved-about gluten-free organic versions…
Abu Dhabi
Fuel up on falafel, fuul (mashed fava beans) and shawarma sandwiches or sit down for a char-grilled meat blow out with the full caboodle of Middle Eastern…
Marina Breakwater
The second branch of this much-loved restaurant – the original is downtown – has a desirable waterfront location with marina views, making it a standout…
Al Zahiyah & Al Maryah Island
The pastas and risottos are already something of a legend around the capital, and even the most seemingly simple dishes are packed with rich and deep…
Abu Dhabi
Aside from a few unusually spicy dishes and spring rolls stuffed with the local favourite hammour, the over-the-door promises of a Middle Eastern–Japanese…
Marco Pierre White Steakhouse & Grill
Sheikh Zayed Mosque Area
Carnivores only apply. A dramatic 'flame wall' gives the dining room a Dante-esque quality at this swanky pad, created by British celebrity chef Marco…
Abu Dhabi
Amid impeccable landscaping and a large staggered outdoor deck over the side of the pool, this is an undeniably beautiful spot by day or night. Downstairs…
Sheikh Zayed Mosque Area
Stylish Japanese dining with delicious, if a tad minimalist, dishes. Don’t miss the seared sesame yellow-tail starter or the delicate and decorative maki…
Abu Dhabi
This little slice of Paris is famous for its breakfasts but also makes healthy salads, bulging sandwiches and some of the best bread, croissants and…
Abu Dhabi
A step above most mall food court options, Jehangir's Kitchen serves up value for money Mughal cuisine. The vegetarian dishes steal the show: go for a…
Yas Island
Whether you're here for a traditional breakfast of chabab (cardamom-spiced pancakes) stuffed with caramelised onions and cheese or getting your fix of…
Abu Dhabi
We're here for the sushi and the starters rather than the mains, with lots of little flavoursome morsels to graze on. Order up a tuna tatare on wontons…
Al Zahiyah & Al Maryah Island
The bright red neon lights of Gad are a beacon for meals on the cheap. This Egyptian street-food chain (famed in its home country) is all about budget…
Marina Breakwater
Local families love this alcohol-free restaurant in the Khalidiya Palace for its traditional Middle Eastern menu. This is the place to try fish sayadiya …
Yas Island
Hailing from Saudi Arabia and best known for its exquisite date speciality shops, the cafe arm of Bateel is worth seeking out. Its largely organic…
Yas Island
With the tacky fake camel much loved by selfie-takers outside, this place looks like a total tourist-trap, but Emiratis rate the traditional dishes here…
Abu Dhabi
The perfect place to rest up after viewing the Louvre's globe-trotting collection, this contemporary, light-filled cafe, looking out to the sea, has a…
Al Bateen & Al Mushrif
This rather romantic, dimly lit restaurant replete with comfy leather seating, ruby-red rugs and gold accents sits snug at the back of the Dusit Thani's…
Marina Breakwater
It's all about the seafood at this classy beachfront restaurant with the dining areas exuding Scandinavian minimalist style; all blonde wood, taupe and a…
Al Bateen & Al Mushrif
A classic of the Abu Dhabi dining scene, everyone from big family groups to office workers having a business lunch pulls up a pew here. Get stuck into a…
Abu Dhabi
Industrial-chic meets comfy Victoriana at this welcoming deli-cafe where exposed piping, bare bulb lighting, chandeliers and chalkboards with ornate…
Abu Dhabi
Cosy dining, complete with tree sprouting in the middle of the restaurant and a mezzanine-level bar area. Concentrating on bistro-style cooking, dishes…
Sheikh Zayed Mosque Area
The faux 'Emirati house' set-up and fake camel plonked outside the front door may get your tour-group radar buzzing, but this place is actually a favoured…
Yas Island
Sit outside on the terrace at this good-value Middle Eastern restaurant for a casual evening meal of grilled kofta saj (meatballs in flatbread) or mezze…
Abu Dhabi
One of Lebanon's most popular fast-food chains, known for its manakeesh (baked flatbread with toppings like cheese and minced meat) but also dishing up…
Al Bateen & Al Mushrif
Where you come to tuck into rich classic curries and tandoor (clay-oven) dishes. The Pondicherry seafood curry of fish and shrimp is delicious. Top marks…
Abu Dhabi
It's not surprising this cafe is a popular pit-stop for office workers at lunch: it's one of Hamdan St's best bets for good coffee and has a menu…
Sheikh Zayed Mosque Area
If you need to put your feet up after visiting the Grand Mosque, this busy cafe inside the complex is the perfect pit-stop, serving up brunch and lunch…
Yas Island
Strictly gluten-free, this trendy bakery in the Al Muneer Beach development does breakfast all day (French toast, eggs Benedict, huevos rancheros), a host…
Abu Dhabi
If you're missing your pho (Vietnamese noodle soup), head here. Sure the broth isn't as complex and full-bodied as you'd get in a Hanôi canteen but it's…
Abu Dhabi
A devoted local following fills this cafe, one of the few public places where you can have a coffee or meal overlooking the sea. If you're walking or…
