Abu Dhabi Restaurant Guide

Where to eat in Abu Dhabi?

Be warned that this article will not only answer the question above, but it will also make you hungry and probably book a vacation in Dubai with a culinary tour to Abu Dhabi. We have already written about the best restaurants in Dubai, and now it's time for the capital of the United Arab Emirates – Abu Dhabi. This city is not only the cultural capital of the UAE, but also home to many traditional dishes and a pioneer in combining Emirati traditions with influences from around the world. Once you find out what to see in Abu Dhabi and see all the major attractions, you will of course need to eat something. This is where the Abu Dhabi culinary guide comes in handy.

Local and international cuisines in Abu Dhabi form a coherent whole, accessible to every tourist. From exquisite restaurants to international cuisine and cheap street food with delicious spices. Abu Dhabi's Arabic cuisine has a strong influence on the taste buds of its residents, but influences from the rest of the Middle East, India, and the world's most popular dishes create a unique map of flavors on the restaurant scene in the capital of the United Arab Emirates. Discover all the best places and decide for yourself where you want to eat.

What are the best restaurants in Abu Dhabi? TOP 20 list

• Mazaj Bab Al Bahr – Arabic cuisine at the 5-star Fairmont Bab Al Bahr hotel, which takes the culinary experience to a higher level.
• Antonia trattoria – an authentic Italian restaurant with delicious Roman-style pizza just before the entrance to Yas Island.
• Mamafri Abu Dhabi – an inconspicuous restaurant near the Corniche with luxurious Asian food and excellent shrimp.
• Pho Mo – a small local restaurant in Galleria Mall with Vietnamese cuisine is poetry for the taste buds and the best Vietnamese restaurant in town.
• THE OBA – the best Turkish restaurant in Abu Dhabi with aromatic dishes straight from the Bosphorus.
• Ilios Restaurant – a Mediterranean restaurant on Al Hidayriyyat Island, valued for its atmosphere and the highest quality ingredients.
• Kopitiam by Chandy's – cheap and great Malaysian cuisine, something for every budget and every taste.
• Flavors Grill Abu Dhabi – if you fancy grilled meat, you won't find better anywhere else in the country.

• Society Abu Dhabi – a relaxing atmosphere and beautiful views of Saadiyat Island combined with delicious dishes are the recipe for a successful meal.
• Mosaic Restaurant – this Lebanese restaurant in the city center brings together the best flavors of the Middle East and offers them to its customers at really reasonable prices.
• Steak Chef Restaurant – delicious steaks and burgers right next to Corniche Beach. It's the perfect place for a late lunch after a day of sightseeing and sunbathing.
• Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant Abu Dhabi – after visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, you must visit this restaurant to try authentic Emirati cuisine at its best.
• Maté Abu Dhabi – an Argentine restaurant near Saadiyat Beach with classic empanadas and other specialties from this South American country.
• Aslee Hindee – Asian fusion cuisine? There's no better place!
• Finz Restaurant – the best seafood with great views from the restaurant tables. A delight for the eyes and the palate!
• Swiss Butter - Novotel Al Bustan – beef, chicken, and salmon topped with their secret Swiss butter sauce will keep you dreaming at night. Guaranteed.
• Antonia - Mamsha Al Saadiyat – Italian cuisine at its best on the paradise island of Al Saadiyat guarantees delicious pasta right by the beach.
• 3Fils – a highly regarded Japanese restaurant, praised for the highest quality ingredients and phenomenal service.
• Moksh Indian Restaurant Abu Dhabi – this restaurant with contemporary Indian cuisine will allow you to experience India at its best in terms of aroma.
• Cello SOL Restaurant Abu Dhabi – we recommend this place for lunch, because their coffee + dish or snack set is heaven in your mouth!

Of course, there are many more phenomenal restaurants in Abu Dhabi, but it would be difficult to fit them all into one list. We have recommended the best restaurants in Abu Dhabi, but we also recommend our offer of accommodation in Dubai in private apartments and Guide to Dubai, from which you will learn many useful things before traveling to the United Arab Emirates.

Where to find cheap food in Abu Dhabi?

You've already learned about the best places to eat in Abu Dhabi, so now let's focus on good and cheap food. Contrary to popular belief, food in the United Arab Emirates is not expensive – of course, you will find places with high prices, but you can also eat delicious dishes for much less than in Europe in Abu Dhabi or Dubai. You can buy local UAE dishes or South Asian cuisine (India, Pakistan) cheaply. Where can you eat well on a budget? The previously mentioned Kopitiam by Chandy's for phenomenal Malaysian cuisine, Bonna Anne for flavors straight from Ethiopia, Lahmajoon for dishes straight from Armenia, Mamas La Mesa Restaurant Abu Dhabi, where you can try Filipino favorites, and Bait El Khetyar -Najdah for typical Emirati cuisine. Read also the list of TOP 10 cheap restaurants in Dubai.

Are there restaurants with sea views in Abu Dhabi?

Yes, in Abu Dhabi you will find plenty of restaurants with sea views, especially along the Corniche promenade and on luxury islands such as Saadiyat, offering spectacular views of the Persian Gulf and the city skyline, both in luxury hotels and more casual venues. These restaurants for tourists in Abu Dhabi are not only frequented by them, as locals also love this kind of atmosphere, which is a good indicator of quality. Among the most recommended local restaurants with sea views are: Catch at St. Regis, SAL Saadiyat Island, and West Bay Lounge.

Restaurants in Abu Dhabi shopping malls

As we all know, shopping and hunting for the best bargains always makes you hungry. That's when it's good to eat something delicious. What's good to eat in restaurants in Abu Dhabi's shopping malls? The best Turkish cuisine can be found at Bosporus Turkish Cuisine in Abu Dhabi Mall, and in the same place you can also try great Italian cuisine at Il Forno. At Marina Mall, you will be delighted by the decor and taste of Somewhere Marina Mall, and you can enjoy European flavors at Bosnian House, which is well-known throughout the UAE.

Fine dining in Abu Dhabi

Are there any fine dining restaurants in Abu Dhabi? Yes, you will find places here where dining and gastronomy in Abu Dhabi are an unforgettable experience. But what is fine dining anyway? Fine dining is a luxurious and formal category of gastronomy, which means the highest quality ingredients, complex and artistically presented dishes, and impeccable, ceremonial service. So let's explore the fine dining venues in Abu Dhabi: COYA Abu Dhabi, Finz Restaurant, Steak Chef Restaurant, Jones Social Abu Dhabi, and The Directors' Club, to name a few.

Where to eat in Abu Dhabi – summary

As you can see, Abu Dhabi has places to eat and restaurants for every taste, every budget, and everyone. For fans of discovering new flavors, there is no better place than the Abu Dhabi restaurant scene. I hope that after reading this article, you are already booking your flight, writing down a list of things to see in Abu Dhabi, and getting ready for an unforgettable vacation.

Questions and answers (FAQ)

• Is there Arabic and international cuisine in Abu Dhabi?

Yes, in Abu Dhabi you will find both rich traditional Arabic (Emirati) cuisine and a huge selection of international cuisine from around the world (Lebanese, Indian, Iranian, and others) . The city offers restaurants serving local dishes such as Khuzi and Madrooba, alongside cuisine from every corner of the globe, satisfying a variety of tastes and appealing to tourists from all over the world.

• Which restaurants in Abu Dhabi are recommended for tourists?

In Abu Dhabi, the restaurants we most often recommend to tourists are: Antonia trattoria, Kopitiam by Chandy's, Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant Abu Dhabi, Swiss Butter - Novotel Al Bustan, and Mazaj Bab Al Bahr. In each of them, you will eat delicious dishes and leave 100% satisfied with your visit.

• What are the best places for dinner in Abu Dhabi?

The best places for dinner in Abu Dhabi are: Marina for lively views and restaurants, Corniche for walks and meals by the beach, Rabdan/Al Maqta for cultural hotels, and for a luxurious experience, we recommend Coya, Zuma, Nusr-Et, and 99 Sushi Bar. If you're looking for authentic cuisine, try Lebanese (e.g., Zahrat Lebnan) or the national dish, Khuzi (roasted lamb).