Where to Dine in Abu Dhabi, UAE: Top Restaurants You Can’t Miss
(Last updated: 8th December, 2024)
Abu Dhabi, the shimmering capital of the UAE, is more than just a city of architectural marvels and luxury shopping — it’s a food lover’s paradise. Beneath the towering skyline and along the tranquil Corniche, the city’s culinary scene unfolds like a rich tapestry, weaving together Emirati traditions, Middle Eastern flavours, and global gastronomy. From lavish fine dining experiences in opulent hotels to bustling souks serving fragrant shawarma and saffron-infused sweets, every meal in Abu Dhabi tells a story.
1) Glo – Open-Air Elegance at Rosewood Abu Dhabi
rosewoodhotels.com/en/abu-dhabi/dining/glo
Price Range: AED 50–150 (£10-£32)
Hours: Sunday to Thursday: 12:00 pm to 1:00 am; Friday & Saturday: 12:00 pm to 2:00 am
Booking: Recommended
Dietary: Offers a variety of international dishes
Dress: Casual
Perched atop the Rosewood Abu Dhabi on Al Maryah Island, Glo offers an open-air lounge experience under the Arabian stars. The venue is renowned for its laid-back yet refined atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for evening relaxation. Guests can indulge in a range of refreshing cocktails and select wines while enjoying soft melodies in the background. The menu features a selection of international dishes, including salads, burgers, sandwiches, pasta, and pizzas.
Insider Tips:
Service Style: Attentive and professional; staff are known for their warm hospitality
Food Quality: Consistently high, with dishes crafted to complement the extensive beverage selection
Pro Tip: Consider purchasing a Pool Pass to enjoy daytime relaxation by the poolside, inclusive of food and beverage credit
2) Azura Panoramic Lounge – Elevated Elegance Overlooking the Corniche
azuraabudhabi.com
Price Range: Approximately AED 200–400 per person (£43–£86)
Hours: Monday–Thursday, Sunday: 6:00 PM–1:00 AM; Friday–Saturday: 6:00 PM–2:00 AM
Booking: Recommended
Dietary: Mediterranean-inspired menu with vegetarian options
Dress: Smart casual
Perched atop The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, Azura Panoramic Lounge spans three levels and 1,600 square metres, offering breathtaking views of the Abu Dhabi Corniche and the Arabian Gulf. The open-air setting provides a sophisticated ambiance, perfect for both relaxed afternoons and vibrant evenings. The menu features a Mediterranean-inspired selection, including fresh seafood, artisanal pizzas, and an array of handcrafted cocktails.
Insider Tips:
Service Style: Attentive and personalised; staff are known for their warm hospitality
Food Quality: Consistently high, with dishes that highlight fresh, seasonal ingredients
Pro Tip: Visit during sunset to experience the lounge's stunning views at their most enchanting; reservations are advisable to secure the best seating
3) Brick Rooftop Kitchen & Bar – Rustic Charm with City Views
marriott.com/en-us/dining/restaurant-bar/auhnl-aloft-abu-dhabi/6727246-brick-rooftop-kitchen-bar.mi
Price Range: Approximately AED 200–300 per person (£43–£65)
Hours: Daily: 5:00 PM–12:00 AM
Booking: Recommended
Dietary: Offers vegan specialties
Dress: Smart casual
Perched atop the Aloft Abu Dhabi, Brick Rooftop Kitchen & Bar offers a rustic yet contemporary dining experience. The menu features soulful oven-baked specialties, including artisanal pizzas and vegan options, all prepared in a traditional brick oven. Guests can enjoy panoramic city views, especially enchanting during sunset.
Insider Tips:
Service Style: Attentive and knowledgeable; staff are well-versed in menu offerings
Food Quality: Consistently high, with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Pro Tip: Arrive early to secure a spot on the terrace for the best sunset views
4) NURI Grill & Bar – Korean Culinary Excellence
nurigrillbar.com
Price Range: Approximately AED 250–400 per person (£54–£86)
Hours: 12:00 PM–11:00 PM
Booking: Recommended
Dietary: Korean cuisine with vegetarian options
Dress: Smart casual
NURI Grill & Bar brings the art of Korean grilling to Abu Dhabi, blending luscious cuts of steak with the elegance of omakase dining. The menu showcases a wide range of Korean culinary delights, including exceptional BBQ offerings and an array of traditional dishes. The ambiance is vibrant, complemented by a lively bar and karaoke facilities.
Insider Tips:
Service Style: Warm and engaging; staff provide detailed explanations of dishes
Food Quality: Exceptional, with premium cuts and authentic flavours
Pro Tip: Explore the omakase experience for a curated tasting journey
5) Beirut Sur Mer – Lebanese Coastal Flavours
instagram.com/beirutsurmer
Price Range: Approximately AED 150–300 per person (£32–£65)
Hours: 10:00 AM–01:00 AM
Booking: Essential
Dietary: Lebanese cuisine with ample vegetarian options
Dress: Smart casual
Located along the sandy shores of Mamsha, Saadiyat, Beirut Sur Mer offers a culinary escape to the Levant. The restaurant presents a modern take on traditional Lebanese dishes, emphasizing fresh seafood and mezze platters. Its beachfront setting provides a relaxed yet upscale atmosphere.
Insider Tips:
Service Style: Gracious and efficient; staff ensure a seamless dining experience
Food Quality: Authentic flavours with a modern twist, highlighting fresh ingredients
Pro Tip: Secure a reservation in advance to enjoy dining with ocean views
6) Kamoon – Authentic Middle Eastern Delights
Price Range: Approximately AED 150–250 per person (£32–£54)
Hours: 12:00 PM–00:o0 AM (Monday-Thursday); 12:00 PM–01:o0 AM (Friday-Sunday)
Booking: Recommended
Dietary: Middle Eastern cuisine with vegetarian options
Dress: Smart casual
Situated within the Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana, Kamoon offers a genuine taste of Middle Eastern cuisine. The menu features a variety of traditional dishes, including succulent grills and flavourful mezze, all served in a warm and inviting setting.“An authentic journey through Middle Eastern culinary traditions.” — OpenTable
Insider Tips:
Service Style: Friendly and attentive; staff are eager to recommend specialties.
Food Quality: High-quality ingredients prepared with traditional techniques.
Pro Tip: Try the mixed grill platter for a comprehensive sampling of signature dishes
7) Vendôme – An Opulent Feast for the Senses
emiratespalace.com/en/dining/vendome
Price Range: Approximately AED 350–550 per person (£75–£120)
Hours: Daily: 12:00 PM–3:00 PM, 7:00 PM–10:30 PM
Booking: Essential
Dietary: International buffet with vegetarian options
Dress: Smart casual
A decadent buffet dining experience at the grand Emirates Palace, where each dish feels like a work of art. Under the high arches and elegant chandeliers, a lavish spread of international flavours awaits: delicate sushi, robust roasted meats, and desserts fit for royalty. With a rotating selection of international delicacies and an impeccable attention to detail, every plate is a sensory indulgence.
Insider Tips:
Service Style: Attentive, super kind staff
Food Quality: Impeccable craftsmanship on every plate, where each dish is both a visual and culinary masterpiece
8) Oak Room – Timeless British Steakhouse Elegance
editionhotels.com
Price Range: Approximately AED 500+ per person (£108+)
Hours: Daily: 12:00 PM–10:00 PM
Booking: Recommended
Dietary: Classic steakhouse with vegetarian options
Dress: Smart casual
An elevated take on the British steakhouse, Oak Room is a feast for both the eyes and the appetite. Dark wood, deep leather, and soft lighting create an atmosphere of understated elegance. The focus here is on prime cuts of meat, from expertly grilled steaks to tender lamb chops, all complemented by timeless sides like truffle mash and charred vegetables.
Insider Tips:
Service Style: Immaculate, personalised – an experience from start to finish
Food Quality: Prime cuts cooked to perfection, with sides that elevate the classic steakhouse experience
Pro Tip: Try the signature Wagyu Tomahawk – a truly indulgent cut that showcases the restaurant's commitment to excellence
Abu Dhabi’s dining scene is a story of contrasts — where ancient spice routes meet modern gastronomy, and desert traditions blend seamlessly with global influences. Whether you’re dining under the stars at a rooftop lounge, indulging in lavish Emirati feasts, or exploring the city’s vibrant street food culture, every meal here tells a tale of heritage, innovation, and hospitality.
Beyond the Michelin stars and waterfront terraces, it’s the warmth of the service, the richness of the flavours, and the city’s relentless pursuit of culinary excellence that make Abu Dhabi a true foodie’s paradise.
Savour it all — this city was made for indulgence.