The best restaurants in Abu Dhabi

For a taste of luxury Cantonese cuisine, Hakkasan stands out as one of the best restaurants in Abu Dhabi. Hakkasan is the global go-to for anyone in search of Cantonese fine dining in opulent surroundings, and the Abu Dhabi location lives up to the brand's famous high standards. Signature offerings include the supreme dim sum with gold leaf har gau and Wagyu beef black garlic dumplings, plus the intriguing jasmine tea smoked Wagyu beef ribs. Enjoy elegant dishes alongside creative cocktails in a traditional, elegant dining spot that brings a touch of contemporary flair.

A jewel adorning the shores of Burj Lake, Thiptara evokes the mystery and intrigue of Thailand like never before. An elegant and intimate space, it serves traditional Royal Thai cuisine with an emphasis on Bangkok-style seafood.

An award-winning lifestyle steakhouse inspired by unmatched quality and serves premium aged meat cuts from the farms of US, Australia and Ireland. The chic restaurant features an open plan show kitchen adjacent to a private lounge area for enjoying pre and post cocktails in a smoke-free setting. The restaurant has also unveiled a separate “Private Dining” section tastefully crafted for an exclusive dining experience where luxury, space and privacy comes second to none.

The Fishmarket is a stunning little seafood restaurant, nestled by the sea, with a huge central counter that displays all the fresh seafood on ice. There's no menu here - let your server know what you want and you'll get dishes back tailored to your likes. Then sit back and relax on the water's edge. 

Named for the word that describes the poetic lyrics that begin Lebanese folk songs, Mijana embodies the theatrical side of contemporary Arabic cuisine. Here, you will discover a place where old meets new and tradition touches mondernity. Surrounded by frosted glass, it transforms chefs into silhouettes as they prepare Lebanese and regional dishes. Live music, shisha and traditional tea complete the experience.

For a sophisticated over-water dining experience where the seafood is incredibly fresh and the outlook memorably scenic, try our signature restaurant Finz, a venue where fashion meets finesse. You can stroll along the shores of the bay to this magical seaside restaurant where our chefs will take you on a culinary journey to the Mediterranean. Savour dishes made from local, freshly-caught seafood influenced by North African flavours and enjoy a unique ambiance of soothing music and stunning views.

Immerse yourself in a world of aromatic modern Indian cuisine at Indigo where expert chefs have perfected the art of twisting classic dishes, appealing to traditional tastes and the modern palette. From contemporary favorites such as biryani, kebabs and chaat to our delectable signature dish, the Sikhandari Raan – a sumptuous pot-roasted leg of baby lamb – you will experience exciting new flavours with a comforting familiarity. 

An imaginative, healthy lifestyle restaurant open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Market's relaxed and interactive style blurs the boundaries of traditional and al fresco dining with an appreciation of being health conscious, with new and delicious flavours, that offers very unique experiences.

Another restaurant hitting our Cantonese cravings is Dai Pai Dong, with its modern take on traditional food. You'll find popular classics like kung pao chicken and Sichuan pork on the menu, but no dining spot could be classed as one of the best restaurants in Abu Dhabi without a bit of excitement. Guests can feast on Cantonese-style barbecue meats or the lamb which adopts spices like coriander, chilli and cumin for that familar Cantonese warmth. Serving up all you can eat dim sum at lunch, hot pots on Friday nights and a weekend Cantonese brunch - Dai Pai Dong pulls out all the stops.

Meaning sunset in Thai, Sontaya, is the place to be if you like the sound of dinner with a waterfront view of the Arabian Gulf. The team serve up Thai food and dim sum plates including the likes of chicken money bags, wok fried calamari and the signature Sontaya spring roll stuffed with shrimp, crab and squid. For main courses, the Singaporean wok fried XO lobster is a must try. Meanwhile, the sunset glimmers off the still pools and the Arabian Sea, making Sontaya arguably the most romantic restaurant in the city.

Found in the heart of Abu Dhabi's luxurious new retail and commerce centre, Zuma showcases a twist on traditional Japanese cuisine with its robata grill, producing plates with authentic flavours but unique, exciting combinations. Guests can start off with freshly prepared nigri or sashimi, before trying out the maki rolls, and lots of signature dishes from the grill. Or, just leave it to the experts and plump for one of the many tasting menus.

Are you a sushi-lover? If you are (and who isn't?) then 99 Sushi Bar is one of the best places to eat in Abu Dhabi to get your sushi fix. The restaurant oozes grandeur with its low-lighting, velvet seating and intricate tiling. The luxury of this spot is not just down to the interiors thanks to head chef Gerado Renart's ethos of fresh ingredients and traditional cooking techniques. The crispy tiger prawn tempura is a must-try as it is paired with a secret, homemade spicy sauce, but to be honest, you can't go wrong anywhere on this menu. If the options are overwhelming, opt for the tasting menu.

This beachfront spot on Saadiyat Island makes a romantic, luxurious location for brunch, lunch or dinner. The concept behind Buddha-Bar Beach is one where the flavours of the east and the west combine for a gastronomic experience like no other. On the menu, guests will find signatures like crispy lobster dumplings, classic sea bass ceviche, and Wagyu striploin with a chalaquita salsa. While the robata grill showcases some great meat courses, you have to save room for dessert and indulge in the mille feuille - a chocolate cremeux, caramelised banana with peanut, a sesame crunch, all finished off with a scoop of salted caramel ice cream.

What makes Li Beirut a fantastic choice if you're going out for dinner in Abu Dhabi is its combination of traditional and contemporary Lebanese cuisine and culture. It's outside terrace offers gorgeous views of the sea where you can relax and enjoy feasts of authentic cold and hot mezze to share among friends. Diners are then treated to classic grilled meats such as spicy minced lamb kebabs and the signature chargrilled seafood mixed grill, served on a sizzling hot plate. Tradition follows into the desserts with the pistachio milk pudding and the cheese and cream filled kunafa - sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

It's all about easy-going elegance at Tashas - the food is uncomplicated, but this is quality comfort food done well. Classic, full breakfasts, indulgent brioche french toast and all your eggy breakfast favourites are served until 6pm so you don't have to rush out of bed, and the evening menu switches to quesadillas, sandwiches, burgers, and even toasted croissants. With larger plates like fillet steak, salmon teriyaki and lemon chicken also available, Tashas ensures to meet every craving and every appetite.

COYA brings an immersive dining experience to Abu Dhabi with Latin American art on the walls, tribal beats on the stereo, and a taste of colourful Peruvian cuisine. While executive chef Benjamin Wan showcases his talent with complex and bold flavours, each plate is kept simple in its execution and presentation. Indulge in classic Peruvian ceviche, tacos, or larger plates of grilled chicken, beef or lamb. For the full experience, try out the tasting menu of signature dishes ending with the purple corn colada - passion fruit, berries and a citrus orange shortbread.

Mare Mare on Saadiyat Island, delivers great, classic Italian cooking and stunning views of the Gulf; the open-air terrace is the perfect spot for enjoying the extensive wine list or one of the signature Italian-inspired cocktails. Start off with creamy burrata, before moving onto braised duck tagliatelle or freshly baked pizzas. Desserts are clever too, like the flourless chocolate sponge pizza, which combines a dark chocolate ganache, hazelnut mousse and chocolate sauce for an indulgent end to the meal.

Presenter of Masterchef India, Kunal Kapur, delivers his talents to Abu Dhabi with this fine Indian restaurant. Kapur isn't afraid to get creative with classic dishes, as shown by the likes of tandoori sea bass with strawberry chutney. A saag dish is served with Italian cheese, whilst chicken tikka is served with tacos for a Mexican twist. The menu is an incredible combination of classical Indian elements and exciting global flavours; respecting tradition rather than rendering them unrecognisable.

All-day dining at the St. Regis hotel will never be a disappointment thanks to this Mediterranean-inspired eatery. With panoramic views of the ocean, the indoor and outdoor dining areas are both peaceful and elegant. Burrata and tuna tartare make popular picks for the starters, while the likes of dukkah crusted lamb rack with smoked aubergine and a mint jus are sure to impress for your main course. The final showstopper is the carefully-crafted chocolate sphere, salted cocoa crumble, cake and cherry compote, all drizzled with a hot manjari chocolate sauce - the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.