The Best Places To Eat & Drink In Abu Dhabi
CHIC
Finz
An unbeatable waterside setting, the finest ingredients and masterful work in the kitchen make this Abu Dhabi's premier seafood destination. On a unique wooden structure looking across to Al Maryah Island, Finz presents everything from Mediterranean fruits de mer to Asian-inspired tempura rolls and teriyaki salmon, all complemented by first-class service.
Visit ROTANA.COM
Paradiso
Paradiso deserves its coveted spot down on Yas Bay Waterfront. This Michelin-recognised Mediterranean sanctuary transports guests to a golden era of riviera living. The classic design by Milanese architects is complemented by a timeless Italian menu of pasta, pizza and seafood mains including a platter of grilled lobster, prawns, sea bass and calamari.
Visit PARADISOABUDHABI.COM
Soraya
This smart new addition to Yas Mall elevates the standard food-court offering into some special. Décor is tastefully eclectic, while the kitchen team takes inspiration from Persia, turning out high-end takes on staple fare – exquisitely grilled kababs for sharing are a speciality. The upshot is a contemporary-classic experience that feels both swanky and comfortingly cosy.
Visit SORAYARESTAURANT.COM
Zuma
The international Zuma group has brought its sleek Japanese dining concept to the Galleria on Al Maryah Island. Descend the softly lit staircase or take the glass elevator and you’ll have another decision to make: order from the main kitchen, the sushi counter or the robata grill? All three offer innovative yet well-established signatures, including miso-marinated black cod and corn-fed baby chicken. Watery views, a buzzy atmosphere and a short list of five signature cocktails complete the experience.
Visit ZUMARESTAURANT.COM
CONTEMPORARY
Erth
Erth stands alone in Abu Dhabi as the only Michelin-starred restaurant not within a hotel. Instead, it’s attached to Qasr Al Hosn fort – the emirate’s oldest stone building. The polished concrete that defines its interiors strikes a stark but sympathetic contrast to the history all around. The food too is similarly respectful of local tradition. Classic Emirati dishes are given alluring updates, taking their place alongside delicate international favourites like hamachi yellowtail carpaccio with loumi oil, pickled radish and nasturtium leaves.
Visit ERTHRESTAURANT.AE
3Fils
This Dubai favourite made its debut in Abu Dhabi in 2025, taking over three floors within the Edition hotel. Whether you’re on the roof terrace or soaking up the refined interiors, there are waterfront views to accompany the Japanese-influenced cuisine – look for A5 Wagyu truffle rolls and the unique ‘gyu grab’ that’s eaten by hand as a nod to Emirati heritage.
Visit 3FILS.COM
Daikan Izakaya
On the pier at Yas Bay Waterfront, Daikan is a ramen specialist that has evolved beyond its casual roots to offer a thoroughly contemporary izakaya experience. The fully licensed venue offers creative specialities, those signature ramens and bespoke cocktails in an industrial-chic setting with an old-school hip hop soundtrack.
Visit DAIKAN.AE
Origami
Another Dubai favourite has moved into Abu Dhabi, inhabiting a glass-sided building with a hallowed feel at Marsa Al Bateen Marina. What’s worshipped here is sushi: in Japanese-style surrounds, chefs present their specialities with a due sense of theatre. If you have the numbers, there’s an eight-seat private room for a truly up-close experience.
Visit EATORIGAMISUSHI.COM
Strawfire
Ross Shonhan, who came through the kitchens at Nobu and Zuma to make his own name in London with Bone Daddies, has brought the ancient Japanese culinary art of warayaki to Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental. The name offers more of a clue to what goes on here each evening: luxe ingredients from A5 wagyu to the finest fish are cooked in the flames of a straw fire. Interiors are suitably embellished, with the flames reappearing as soft golden drapery on the ceiling.
Visit MANDARINORIENTAL.COM
CLASSIC
Antonia
Named for chef-owner Simone Federici's grandmother, this Italian gem on Mamsha Al Saadiyat brings authentic Roman cuisine to the Abu Dhabi beachfront. Pizza by the slice is made with a proprietary 50-year-old sourdough passed down through the generations, fermented for 72 hours with rustic Italian flour. Handcrafted pastas are cooked al dente and served with olive oil-based sauces, while the retro black-and-white striped interior with pops of cherry red create an Amalfi-like atmosphere steps from Soul Beach.
Visit ANTONIARESTAURANT.COM
Almayass
This Lebanese-Armenian gem within the Galleria on Al Maryah Island has earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand for its masterful fusion of Mediterranean flavours. Starting in Beirut in the 1990s, the Alexandrian family have been updating generations-old recipes – the signature kibbeh karaz is a pleasing marriage of lamb and cherries. Circular velvet booths and rosy interiors create an inviting atmosphere, while the terrace offers sea views with the possibility of live guitar serenades.
Visit ALMAYASS.COM
Zali
Born in Bali and now to be found on Al Bateen's waterfront, this authentic Lebanese restaurant serves home-cooked dishes straight from chef Liza Maalouf's family kitchen. From traditional mudardara and kafta to innovative manteh reimagined as crispy sambousek pastries, Zali gives Lebanese warmth and hospitality a Mediterranean twist.
Visit ZALIRESTAURANT.COM
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CASUAL
Saddle House
The top destination within the Emirati-founded Saddle Group, Saddle House occupies a showcase glass building at Marsa Al Bateen Marina. The ocean views are even better from its outside tables but, wherever you end up, you can count on its talented chefs to nail its crowd-pleasing menu.
Visit SADDLEDUBAI.COM
Marmellata
Raj and Sebastian Dagstani’s pizzeria has become an Abu Dhabi institution. In fun surrounds at Mina Zayed Port, father and son turn out what might just be the emirate’s best pizza. The menu rotates, but there will always be five topping options to choose from – some classic, some offering a local twist you won’t find in Italy. Marmellata gets busy quickly each night, so head down early to grab a table.
Visit MARMELLATALOVE.COM
Mamafri
This pan-Asian sensation from Dubai opened its Abu Dhabi outpost in emerging Sheikha Fatima Park. Pared-back, quietly pink interiors are defined by a swirling, architectural wave. There’s also an outdoor space in which you can enjoy creative comfort dishes from bao buns and sandos to ramen.
Follow @LOVEMAMAFRI
Ozo
At tasteful locations in Al Qana and Al Bateen, Ozo puts a creative spin on some Japanese staples. Traditional tom yum soup gets a shrimp twist, while chicken yakitori is lifted by a signature teriyaki sauce, and skewered beef kushiyaki gets Ozo’s proprietary bulgogi sauce. Maki, sushi, nigiri and sashimi are all here too.
Visit OZORESTAURANT.COM
Napo Ristorante
This appealing trattoria in lively Al Bateen is all about the authentic flavours of Naples, served in a suitably Italian setting. Everything revolves around the wood-fired pizza open, though you’ll find pasta here too. From truffle rigatoni to a classic cacio e pepe, everything’s best enjoyed on the verdant patio terrace.
Visit PROPERFC.COM
Slice 45
Like any self-respecting contemporary pizzeria, Slice 45 focuses on quality ingredients and innovative toppings – we’ve noticed a drizzle of its spicy honey will enhance almost anything. Whatever your order, it’s best enjoyed oven-fresh on one of the chairs helpfully laid out in front of the hatch.
Follow @SLICEFOURTYFIVE
Mosaic Restaurant
At branches in Najda and Muroor, Mosaic draws crowds with its classic Lebanese menu. Charming service sets the vibe, and the kitchen makes good on the hospitality with some skilful takes on mezzes and mixed grills.
Visit MOSAICRESTAURANT.COM
Feels
Chefs and nutritionists came together to create the menu at this all-natural juice bar and kitchen in Mamsha Al Saadiyat. There’s still fun to be had here – alongside the protein pancakes and steel-cut oats, you’ll find chocolatey bites and maybe a vegan espresso mousse. But the statement order is the Abu Dhabi Sunset, a layered smoothie of peach, pineapple, strawberry, banana, coconut milk and maple syrup that deserves a beachfront setting.
Visit WEAREFEELS.COM
Swaikhat
The street grills of Bahrain are the inspiration for Swaikhat. This simple spot in Khalidya is set up for family-style feasting, with a well-crafted menu of charcoal-grilled tikka, smoky skewers and Gulf-style mezzes. For bold BBQ flavours, it’s hard to beat in Abu Dhabi.
Visit PROPERFC.COM
Pho 7
rom the eponymous pho and fresh spring rolls to banh mi and crispy tempura, you’ll find all of your Vietnamese favourites at this Khalifa City restaurant. Just bear in mind there’s only one way to finish here: an iced coffee – made strong and poured over condensed milk.
Visit PHO7UAE.COM
Aroy Dee
When they need a hit of fiery Thai food, locals know to go to Aroy Dee. At its Electra Street and Mushrif Mall outposts, chefs use carefully sourced Thai ingredients to create classic curries, stir-fries and other wok-fried plates.
Follow @AROY.DEE.ABUDHABI
Asyak Grill
Asyak Grill’s mixed platters are among the best examples of Persian cuisine in Abu Dhabi. They’re hearty too – the ‘Family Meal’ promises to sate up to 15 people. Just don’t ignore the seafood here – shrimp skewers are grilled over charcoal with house spices to wonderful effect.
Visit ASYAK-GRILL.COM
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COFFEE & CAFÉS
Espresso Lab
Emirati founder Ibrahim Al Mallouhi has made his roastery and café a true hub of contemporary coffee culture. Espresso Lab’s single-origin beans can be bought over the counter but first timers should stick around and let the team brew them something special
Visit THEESPRESSOLAB.COM
Alkalime
Wellness advocate Nagham Al Zahwali opened this café on Mamsha Al Saadiyat's pristine beachfront. Natural materials and a boho aesthetic help create a zen environment to match the feel-good menus. Whether you’re here to try Abu Dhabi’s only vegan croissant or just some cauliflower pizza, every meal starts with a detoxifying welcome drink of warm lemon water and sea salt.
Visit WEAREALKALIME.COM
Tashas
Light woods and a polished concrete floor set a gentle tone at the Al Bateen outpost of this popular South African café chain. It’s an airy space that works hard all day. A short breakfast menu includes Spanish poached eggs on toasted pita with za’atar. Later on, there’s a classic tapas menu, as well as sharing mains such as a seafood paella.
Visit TASHASCAFE.COM
Neighborhood Café & Bar
At any time of day, this modern café-bar within the Yas Creative Hub is an easy, restorative stop-in. Eggs, avo and açai bowls all feature on the breakfast menu, before giving way to salads, poke bowls and the signature NBHD burger later on. Notable desserts include death by chocolate and an orange pound cake with citrus glaze.
Visit NEIGHBORHOODCAFE.ME
MYSK
The floral arrangements adorning MYSK’s dedicated flower bar help to soften its bright, industrial setting on Saadiyat Island. Many come here for what they say is the best flat white in the area. You might fancy it for the masala eggs, the Vietnamese bao or the shawarma tacos too.
Follow @MYSK.AE
Creatures of Habit
This well-designed café hides among the stables of Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club. It’s worth keeping in mind not just for the unusual location but for the speciality coffee and the wholesome breakfast and all-day dining options.
Follow @COHCAFE
Local
Local is a hip concept. As well as a cutting-edge coffee bar and kitchen serving all-day breakfasts and sandwiches, its original location in Al Zeina also features a curated retail space, a dedicated sneaker laundry and a barbershop. At the time of writing, its second outpost in Mamsha is being transformed into a Scandi-style fine-dining restaurant called Blue.
Visit LOCALCO.AE
La Petite Coffee
This pared-back café sits within the cultural quarter’s Al Maqta’a museum. High-quality beans from Three Coffee are used throughout a long menu that spans V60s to iced cortados. The kitchen team has a talent for sweet treats like za’atar croissants and chocolate budini, though there are good savoury options here too. The original La Petite is another cool spot over in Al Ain.
Visit EATLAPETITE.COM
James Café
At locations in Al Reem Island and Al Qana, James elevates breakfast with innovative dishes like wagyu-infused shakshuka offered alongside perfectly buttery croissants. The all-day menus are worth noting here too, leaning as they do into classic French cuisine.
Visit JAMESABUDHABI.COM
Knead
Knead is an artisanal bakery and patisserie on Fatima Bint Mubarak Street. Open daily from 7am right through to 10pm, its fresh, handcrafted baked goods span flaky croissants to smooth cheesecakes.
Visit ORDER.KNEAD.AE
Barbassi
You’re in good hands at this Italian-style snack bar – it’s run by the father and son behind Marmellata (also on this list). Barbassi is a canteen-style eatery offering stuffed focaccia sandwiches, artisanal coffee and more in a friendly space.
Follow @BARBASSIBOOM
COCKTAILS
Abu Dhabi Edition
You could enjoy a full and varied evening without ever leaving this luxe hotel in Al Bateen Marina. We’d start on its leafy Alba Terrace, with an al fresco aperitivo. If you’re not dining at the Oak Room, where prime-grade steaks are the stars, there are small plates to be had at Alba. You could still stop by the Oak Room bar, though, and let one of its sommeliers lead you through its enticing by-the-glass list. Retire at last to the Library Bar, an intimate, art-lined space where talented staff turn out classic negronis and house specialities from a literary cocktail menu.
Visit EDITIONHOTELS.COM
Rosewood Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi’s waterfront Rosewood maintains the group’s global reputation for entertaining its guest in luxurious style. Pass through Dai Pai Dong’s Tea Room to reach Dragon’s Tooth, a speakeasy that channels the jazz spirit of 1920s Shanghai. This is the place to explore an Asian-inspired bar menu. There are surprises behind other doors in this building too: Hidden Bar is as secluded as the name suggests, but those who find it are rewarded with an impressive gin collection and house-infused vermouths. Glo, at least, is out in the open – it’s a laidback poolside spot for sundowners. Finally, there’s La Cava, where wine, whisky and cigars come out of the shadows.
Visit ROSEWOODHOTELS.COM
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