Looking for the best restaurants with a view in Abu Dhabi? We might just be able to help. As the capital and second-most populated city of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi is bursting at the seams with exciting offerings for seasoned foodies, curious newbies, and diners who just want something filling at the end of a long day at the beach.
For those who love being high up from the ground, the city is home to an iconic skyline of buildings and skyscrapers, including the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, World Trade Centre Abu Dhabi, and Etihad Towers, to name but a few.
Situated just off the mainland and central West coast, on an island in the Arabian Gulf, the city is a hub of wealth, opulence, and glamour.
With a hot desert climate, and temperatures that soar between June and September, Abu Dhabi is the ultimate leisure destination. Endless white beaches, glistening turquoise waters, and vast sandy dunes stretch across the island, which boasts an impressive coastline of over 400 kilometres.
Regardless of your preferred way to pass the time when staying in Abu Dhabi, one thing you certainly will be doing is dining – and dining in style. A city which accounts for around two-thirds of the United Arab Emirates economy which is thought to be worth approximately $400 billion, Abu Dhabi does wealth and luxe, and it does it splendidly - particularly in its restaurant and fine dining scene.
On offer in Abu Dhabi is an extensive range of cuisines, reflecting the huge diversity of its population as a city. But at Squaremeal, when we make restaurant recommendations, we don’t only do so on the basis of the food on offer – we consider décor, atmosphere, and the setting within which you’ll find yourself when you dine.
With that in mind, we’ve compiled a guide to the best restaurants with a view in Abu Dhabi, so that you can taste exquisite foods in only the most spectacular surroundings.
Byblos sur Mer
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Stretching over two floors of the luxurious InterContinental Abu Dhabi, Byblos Sur Mer provides diners with both classy and sleek interiors, and exquisite views of the glistening marina from the exterior terrace. Serving an exceptional Lebanese menu, this restaurant offers both a feast for the eyes and the mouth. Choose from a wide selection of mezze, seasoned with authentic Lebanese flavours, as well as a mouth-watering range of salads, grilled meats, soups and – finally – traditional Lebanese desserts.
Where: InterContinental Abu Dhabi, King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, Al Saud Street, Abu Dhabi, 4171
Book Now: Byblos sur Mer
Al Meylas
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You’ll find Al Meylas on Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi, serving a vast range of foods from pastries at breakfast time, chicken shawarma or wagyu beef burger for lunch or dinner, and shisha until 2am. Part of the Abu Dhabi Four Seasons resort, in this venue you can expect immaculate service and food characteristic of the Four Seasons. Outdoor seating on Al Meylas’ terrace provides unmissable views of the city, and the opportunity to look out over the waterfront from comfortable and plush seating.
Where: Four Seasons, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, 3838
Book Now: Al Meylas
Brick Rooftop Kitchen and Bar
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On the 12th floor of Aloft Abu Dhabi, you’ll find Brick Rooftop Kitchen and Bar, a garden-themed terrace which offers beautiful views across Abu-Dhabi. Décor is warm-toned and rustic, with the piece-de-resistance being the restaurant’s two brick ovens (hence its name): Henry and Henrietta, in which all meals are cooked. With an extensive menu of classics with a twist, an additional entirely vegan menu, and an impressive selection of bespoke cocktails including the ‘Fairy Floss’, Brick Rooftop Kitchen and Bar is the ideal spot for an intimate yet sophisticated dinner looking out over Abu Dhabi.
Where: Aloft Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, P.O. Box 94943
Book now: Brick Rooftop Kitchen and Bar
Indigo Abu Dabhi
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Part of the Beach Rotana resort in Abu Dhabi, Indigo serves up an exciting selection of Indian cuisine. With a wide stretch of outdoor seating looking out onto the waterfront and the glass tower landscape ahead, Indigo provides splendid food in an idyllic setting. Offering classics like the chicken tikka and aloo gobhi, as well as more unexpected dishes like rosemary infused tiger prawns, Indigo should be one of your go-tos in Abu Dhabi. It also has a very extensive drinks menu, which you can make use of whilst you soak up the view.
Where: Beach Rotana, Hameem-Abu Dhabi Rd, Abu Dhabi, P.O. Box 45200
Book now: Indigo
Helipad Dinner at St Regis Abu Dhabi
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Possibly one of the most exclusive opportunities listed in this guide, the St Regis’ Abu Dhabi’s Helipad Dinner is the ultimate opulent dining location. Held only once a month for a lucky 20 diners, dinner on the St Regis’ private rooftop means a luxurious evening of drinks, canapes and cakes, served by a dedicated team of butlers, chefs, mixologists, and waiters. Sit back 225 metres above sea level and listen to a live saxophonist or violinist play for you whilst you watch the Arabian sun set across the Gulf.
Where: St Regis Hotel, Abu Dhabi Nation Tower, Corniche, PO Box 60476
Book now: Helipad Dinner at St Regis Hotel
Beach House Abu Dhabi
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Back on the ground now (but still providing spectacular views!), Beach House Abu Dhabi looks out over the coast, allowing diners to recline amidst a relaxing sea breeze. Offering a selection of luxurious Mediterranean cuisine, including seafood, antipasti, and pasta and risotto, the Beach House provides both peaceful views across the horizon, and an extensive menu with something for everyone – including a designated section for children! Try out Beach House Abu Dhabi and find yourself relaxing a stone’s throw away from the Persian Gulf whilst waiting for dinner to arrive.
Where: Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel And Villas, Saadiyat Island, PO Box 52007
Book now: Beach House
Buddha-Bar Beach
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For a more relaxed (but by no means less impressive) setting, head to the beachfront at Buddha-Bar Beach. Sitting just metres away from the water, you can indulge in an exciting menu of tacos, gyozas, dumplings, and sushi - perfect for sharing as you recline on the beach. The Buddha-Bar's blue and beige décor is sleek and sophisticated, creating a glamorous but relaxed beachside meal setting. Look out for the resident DJ, and frequent live music sessions, to add a little more spice to your evening.
Where: The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
Book now: Buddha-Bar Beach
Salt
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Conveniently located by Mushrif Central Park, you might be fooled into thinking that SALT is just another simple burger place. Make no mistake, SALT’s selection of sliders and sides are a delicious and creatively designed range, guaranteed to satisfy your carb cravings. Whilst you munch on your burger and fries (Cheeto flavour, anyone?), you can sit back and soak up the sunshine and scenery of Mushrif Park.
Where: Mushrif Central Park 8th Street, A.Mushrif, Abu Dhabi
Book now: Salt
Diablito
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You’ll find Diablito on the waterfront by the marina on Yas Island – a location which guarantees beautiful panoramic views. You don’t only come to Diablito for the location though – the wide range of Spanish dishes, including tapas and multiple paella variations, are incredibly enticing, and the foundation for an exciting and lively evening with loved ones by the light of the marina.
Where: Yas Marina, Yas Island Abu Dhabi, Building 6A
Book now: Diablito
Cyan Brasserie
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Sky high on the 18th floor of the Andaz Capital Gate, Cyan Brasserie offers Franco-Arab cuisine in an immaculately decorated interior, as well as on the roof terrace with striking views. Fusing French dishes with flavours of the Middle East, and also featuring a range of mezze dishes, Cyan Brasserie is the ideal spot to catch up with loved ones in a stylish and unique setting. There is also the opportunity to hire a private dining room for events, so the venue is ideal for a range of occasions.
Where: Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street Andaz Capital Gate, PO Box 95165
Book now: Cyan Brasserie
If you're looking for child-friendly dining in Abu-Dhabi, check out our Top 10 child-friendly restaurants in Abu Dhabi guide!
Words by: Cara Rogers