Abu Dhabi – the capital of the United Arab Emirates – is home to over 200 nationalities, so the range of cuisines on offer is on another level. From beachside bites to fancy fine dining, here GRAZIA reveals the best restaurants in Abu Dhabi to satisfy all your culinary cravings.
Beirut Sur Mer
Abu Dhabi residents flock to this casual Lebanese restaurant to celebrate everything from special occasions to impressing visiting relatives, and it’s not hard to see why. The restaurant’s unique dishes, which are prepared tableside in front of diners, include crab moutabal and halawet el jibin with pistachio baklawa and Amarena cherry, and come served with sea views and an ocean breeze.
Jacques Chirac Street, Saadiyat Cultural District.
Benihana
Originating in New York City in 1964, Benihana is one of the most well-known Japanese teppanyaki steakhouses in the world. This international franchise offers an experience unlike any other with live cooking stations, interactive experiences and mouthwatering flavours. Head here for an exciting evening of traditional Japanese tastes and entertainment.
Beach Rotana, Abu Dhabi. To book click here.
Broadway
Enter a world of theatrical spectacle and let Broadway dazzle all of your senses. Literally. Relax in the cool, speakeasy-style eatery and savour dishes like beef Wellington, lobster melts and escargots as well as rich chocolate tarts with peanut butter and jelly ice cream, before making your way to the DMC Theatre on Broadway, where you can experience IMPOSSIBLE – a night of magic and mystery by the legendary Drummond Money-Coutts. The ultimate dinner and a show experience.
Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi. To book click here.
Buddha-Bar Beach
What’s better than sushi by the beach? Nope? Thought not. Combine that with an afternoon of relaxation, amazing music and vacation vibes and you have the delectable meal of dreams. So, if you’re looking for the epitome of opulence and comfort by the sea, Buddha-Bar Beach ticks all the boxes.
The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi. To book click here.
Cipriani
This UAE royal-approved spot is a must-visit in Abu Dhabi. Not only does it boast amazing views out across the Yas Marina, but this renowned Italian dining spot serves up some of the best Italian food outside of Italy. Three words? Vanilla Meringue cake. Worth the journey alone.
Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. To book click here.
Em Sherif Café
This globally renowned Arabic restaurant, which also has spots in Qatar, Monaco and London, is definitely one to visit. Offering Lebanese classics including hummus and fattoush as well as falafel, freshly baked zataar breads and mixed grills, it’s all about comfort classics with a Mediterranean twist.
W Corniche Rd, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi. To book call +971 2 691 9999.
Fouquet’s
Transport yourself to France thanks to the famous Fouquet’s restaurant, located at the Louvre Abu Dhabi. The dining spot boasts European dishes with a Middle Eastern twist, and must-haves include the pan-fried Omani prawns, Burgundy snails and for a sweet note, the crêpes Suzette. The perfect place for foodies and art buffs alike.
Louvre Abu Dhabi, Al Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi. To book click here.
Hakkasan
Hakkasan is a Michelin-star restaurant for a reason. Diners flock from all across the region and beyond to indulge in their signature Crispy Duck Salad and Chilean Seabass, all while enjoying its iconic dark blue and black interiors and topnotch staff. Head here for a date or a night out with friends.
Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi. To book click here.
LPM Restaurant & Bar
This Provençal-inspired bistro opened in Abu Dhabi seven years after its initial opening in Dubai. Renowned for its award-winning dishes, LPM is the perfect place to book for a special event or to while away a casual weekend with loved ones and seriously good food. Just be sure to save room for the iconic Tarte Tropézienne.
The Galleria Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi. To book click here.
Mykonos
Bringing Grecian dining to Abu Dhabi, the Mykonos restaurant is inspired by – you guessed it – the celeb favourite island of Mykonos. Not only are there classic Greek dishes including grilled calamari, feta-packed Greek salads and veggie moussaka, but you’ll also find some Lebanese, Italian and Japanese-inspired dishes including pastas, sushi and mezze.
Le Meridien, Abu Dhabi. To book click here.
Otoro
Brought to you by renowned Chef Akmal Anuar (the man behind 3Fils, Goldfish Sushi & Yakitori), Otoro does not disappoint. Picture innovative Japanese tastes, at an affordable price, with an on-show kitchen so you can watch each creation being made.
Al Qana, Abu Dhabi. To book click here.
Paradiso
At Paradiso, the focus is on Italian food, so the menu is brimming with dishes such as roast poussin, fritto misto, spaghetti and snails. Plus, you can soak up views of the sunset over Yas Bay while tucking into pizzas, pasta and one of the best Veal Alla Milanese we’ve ever tried.
Yas Bay Waterfront Pier 71, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. To book click here.
Zuma
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll already know all about Zuma. A globally-renowned dining spot for a reason, it seamlessly blends a party atmosphere with an incredible dining area and is a must-visit in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The truffle hotpot and signature chocolate fondant are must-tries.
The Galleria, Al Maryah Island. To book click here.
