Best Restaurants in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi’s restaurant scene is quieter than Dubai’s but should not be underestimated. The city has a high concentration of excellent hotel restaurants, a strong Lebanese and Iranian dining tradition from longtime resident communities, and some genuinely outstanding Emirati-focused options. Below we cover the range by price and neighbourhood.

Budget and Casual (AED 20–70/person)

Hamdan Street (Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Street): The old commercial street in central Abu Dhabi is lined with affordable Iranian, Pakistani, and Lebanese restaurants. No names dominate — explore and look for busy places with handwritten specials.

Al Mrzab Restaurant, Hamdan Street: One of the few restaurants in Abu Dhabi specifically serving traditional Emirati food at approachable prices. Harees, machboos, and the daily fish special run AED 30–60 per person. Open for lunch and dinner.

Lebanese Flower, various locations: A long-established Lebanese chain with very good mezze and grills. Lunch combo menus are particularly good value — around AED 40–50 per person.

Sajway Restaurants: Emirati-owned quick-service chain serving saj flatbread wraps with various fillings. Good for a quick lunch, approximately AED 20–35.

Mid-Range (AED 80–200/person)

Li Beirut, Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche: Lebanese mezze and grills in a stylish setting. Excellent for a long mezze lunch — the fattoush, kebbeh, and grilled prawns are all good. Around AED 100–160 per person including soft drinks.

Marco Pierre White Steakhouse and Grill, Abu Dhabi Edition: A reliable British-style steakhouse concept with good cuts and classic sides. Around AED 180–250 per person for a full meal.

Crust at the Four Seasons Al Maryah Island: A modern Italian-influenced restaurant with excellent pasta and decent wine list. Around AED 150–200 per person.

Meylas: Contemporary Emirati restaurant in the Al Seef area. One of the most thoughtful takes on Gulf cuisine in the emirate — ingredients are locally sourced where possible. Around AED 120–180 per person.

Fine Dining (AED 250+/person)

Talea by Antonio Guida, Four Seasons Al Maryah Island: The Italian chef’s Abu Dhabi outpost. Refined pasta, seafood, and Italian classics in an elegant room overlooking Al Maryah Island. Around AED 400–500 per person with wine.

Hakkasan Abu Dhabi, Emirates Palace: The Cantonese fine dining restaurant inside the Emirates Palace setting. Excellent dim sum and Peking duck. Around AED 350–500 per person.

Nahaam, St. Regis Saadiyat Island: Arguably the best restaurant in Abu Dhabi for Emirati cuisine — locally sourced fish and seafood, heritage grains, and Gulf spices reinterpreted for fine dining. Approximately AED 300–450 per person. Reservations recommended.

Azura Panoramic Lounge, Intercontinental Abu Dhabi: Sunset cocktails and light bites on the 33rd floor with panoramic Corniche and Gulf views. A worthwhile splurge for a sunset drink — cocktails from approximately AED 60.

Brunch Culture

Abu Dhabi has its own Friday brunch culture, though it is slightly more restrained than Dubai’s.

Turquoiz at the Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri: Beach-view Friday brunch with seafood and Arabic stations. Approximately AED 350–450 per person with beverages.

Riviera at the Rosewood: Overlooking the canal with an extensive buffet and live stations. Around AED 300–400 with drinks.

Areas to Explore

• Khalidiyah district: Good concentration of Lebanese and Levantine restaurants in a less touristy setting
• Mina Port area: Fish market restaurants near the harbour — fresh catch grilled to order, approximately AED 60–80 per person
• Saadiyat Island: Higher-end options near the Louvre and beach resorts

For a broader overview of the city, read our Abu Dhabi travel guide.