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. Head here for Parmesan-crusted turbot fillet served with quinoa in a velvety fish velouté, charcoaled oysters and beetroot risotto, or keep things simple with the catch of the day served grilled, pan-seared, steamed or poached.

There's a handful of non-fish dishes and one lonely vegetarian option if you're with a party including some non-seafood fans. Reservations essential.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Marina Breakwater attractions

1. Emirates Palace

0.1 MILES

What the Burj Khalifa in Dubai is to the vertical, the Emirates Palace is to the horizontal, with audacious domed gatehouses and flying ramps to the foyer…

2. Founder's Memorial

0.44 MILES

After six years of planning and construction, this memorial celebrating the life and achievements of Sheikh Zayed, the founder of the United Arab Emirates…

3. Observation Deck at 300

0.47 MILES

Ride the lift to the 74th floor (your ears may pop along the way) for panoramic views looking down on the skyscrapers and coastline below. The '300'…

4. Sky Tower

0.98 MILES

Marina Mall's observation tower has traditionally been the budget way to get 360-degree aerial views of the city, costing just the price of a coffee from…

5. Marina Eye

0.98 MILES

This observation big wheel sits rather incongruously in the Marina Mall car park but with its capsules reaching up to 60m at its highest point, it's a…

6. Corniche – Al Khalidiyah

1.07 MILES

When idling on a sunlounger, swimming in the sea or strolling under a canopy of trees, it's hard to believe that the Corniche was a dhow-loading bay for…

7. Abu Dhabi Heritage Village

1.31 MILES

Although looking a bit worn and tired, this reconstructed village is one of the few places to get an insight into the pre-oil era of the United Arab…

8. Al Khalidiyah Garden

1.33 MILES

This garden is a good place for people-watching. Once the sun goes down Al Khalidiyah's paths are prime territory for strollers and joggers, while its…