Known for its lavish hotels, premier shopping destinations, and iconic attractions like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi also boasts a thriving culinary scene. From casual cafes to Michelin-starred dining rooms, Abu Dhabi’s restaurants cater to all tastes and budgets. This article highlights the best restaurants in Abu Dhabi that should be on any food lover’s list.
List of Best Restaurants in Abu Dhabi
| 1. Villa Toscana | 6. Finz Restaurant |
| 2. Hakkasan | 7. Prego’s Restaurant |
| 3. Belgian Cafe Yas Island | 8. Zahrat Lebnan |
| 4. Punjab Grill | 9. Cyan Brasserie |
| 5. Li Beirut Restaurant |
1. Villa Toscana
Villa Toscana is the place to go for real Italian food. Its exposed brick walls and wood-beamed ceilings make diners feel like they are in the hills of Tuscany. You can start your dinner with arugula, parmesan cheese, and prosciutto salad. Then, try some of the restaurant’s specialties, like hand-made gnocchi in a rich bolognese sauce or wood-fired pizzas with creative toppings.
Put some panna cotta or tiramisu in your freezer for a sweet finish. The service at Villa Toscana is polite but not overbearing, and the wine list is very long. It’s a cozy and elegant place to eat Italian food.
Quick Facts
- Luxury Italian dining
- Valet Parking Available
- Extensive wine list
- Vegan Options
- Table booking recommended
Contact No: +97126944553
Address: The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, Al Khubeirah, Abu Dhabi
2. Hakkasan
The popular Hakkasan restaurant group brought its modern Cantonese cuisine concept to Abu Dhabi in 2019. Sleek and sultry, the waterfront Hakkasan location instantly became one of the trendiest tables in town. Hakkasan puts contemporary spins on classic Chinese dishes like Peking duck with caviar and wagyu beef rib with honey and black pepper glaze.
Small plates like dim sum and robata-grilled skewers allow you to taste a variety of items across Hakkasan’s menu. For the full experience, opt for the tasting menu with expertly paired wines or cocktails. With stunning views of the water and city skyline, Hakkasan melds fine dining with a chic, lively atmosphere.
Quick Facts
- Trendy atmosphere
- Wifi
- Romantic Dining
- Cocktail program and tasting menus
- Waterfront views
Contact No: +97126907739
Address: Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Al Ras Al Akhdar, Abu Dhabi
3. Belgian Cafe Yas Island
For Belgian classics with a side of Formula 1 spirit, check out Belgian Cafe Yas Island. Conveniently located next to the Yas Marina Circuit, Belgian Cafe brings a taste of Europe to Abu Dhabi. Indulge in traditional Belgian dishes like moules frites, carbonnade flamande beef stew, and mega-sized platters of seafood and meat.
Save room for Belgian waffles, chocolate mousse, or an imported Belgian beer. With race car decor and screens playing past Grand Prix, Belgian Cafe offers a high-octane dining experience celebrating Belgium’s rich culinary and motorsport legacy. Whether visiting on a race weekend or not, Belgian Cafe delivers hearty comfort fare in a casual sports bar setting.
Quick Facts
- Casual sports bar vibe
- Belgian comfort foods like moules frites
- Selection of imported Belgian beers
- Outdoor seating
Contact No: +97126562406
Address: Radisson Blu Hotel – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
4. Punjab Grill
Punjab Grill, one of the best restaurants in Abu Dhabi, serves northern Indian food. Punjab Grill, led by famous restaurateur Jiggs Kalra, serves attractively prepared Indian cuisine. Start with chaats, sweet, spicy, and tangy snacks.
Rich curries, aromatic biryanis, and clay-oven-fresh tandoori meats and shellfish make great main courses. Enjoy naan, basmati rice, and lassi yogurt to balance the spiciness. Punjab Grill is Abu Dhabi’s #1 Indian restaurant due to its polished yet welcoming atmosphere, soft lighting, handcrafted furnishings, and custom-made cocktails.
Quick Facts
- Home Delivery
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Desserts and Bakes
- Best for Desi Food
Contact No: +97124499839
Address: Venetian Village, Al Maqtaa, Abu Dhabi
5. Li Beirut Restaurant
Lebanese cuisine shines at Li Beirut, an award-winning restaurant helmed by celebrated Lebanese chef Fadi Rida. Tucked away in a charming townhouse, Li Beirut’s interior evokes old Beirut with mosaic tiles, arched doorways, and an olive tree in the center. Start with hot and cold mezze dips and salads before trying mains ranging from shawarma wraps to mixed grills with juicy lamb kofta and chicken.
Vegetarians delight in stuffed grape leaves, labneh cheese, and vegetable-centric dishes. Complete the Lebanese feast with sweet finales of rosewater pudding or Arabic ice cream. Offering Lebanon’s culinary treasures in a romantic, homespun setting, Li Beirut ranks among the top restaurants in Abu Dhabi for savoring the vibrant tastes of the Levant.
Quick Facts
- Charming, romantic townhouse setting
- Olive tree centerpiece
- Seaview
- Valet Parking Available
Contact No: +97128115666
Address: Corniche Road West – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
6. Finz Restaurant
For the freshest seafood in Abu Dhabi, head to Finz at the Beach Rotana Hotel. With stunning panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf, Finz offers one of the most scenic settings to enjoy the fruits of the sea. Indulge in oysters, prawns, lobster, and an array of local fish prepared grilled, baked, or fried.
Seafood stew and paella provide tasty one-pot options, while the sushi bar turns out artistically crafted sashimi and rolls. With a relaxed yet refined ambiance and attentive service, Finz gives classic seafood an upscale, contemporary treatment. After your meal, take a sunset stroll along the beach just steps away.
Quick Facts
- Beachfront location
- Open kitchen
- Walking distance to the sandy beach
- Luxury Dining
Contact No: +97126979000
Address: 10th St- Beach Rotana, Abu Dhabi
7. Prego’s Restaurant
At Prego’s, families can enjoy Italian favorites in a casual setting. Prego at the Eastern Mangroves Hotel serves pasta, pizza, and garlic bread for kids and adults. This restaurant offers amazing vegetarian and vegan options. Prego’s laid-back vibe makes it one of Abu Dhabi’s greatest sources for Italian with a smile, whether sitting al fresco overlooking the mangroves or in the lively, modern dining room.
Quick Facts
- Takeaway Available
- Home Delivery
- Indoor Seating
- Valet Parking Available
Contact No: +97126979000
Address: 10th St – Al Zahiyah – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
8. Zahrat Lebnan
For authentic Lebanese cuisine, Zahrat Lebnan services some of the best in Abu Dhabi. Tucked away on Hamdan Street, this understated eatery brings the vibrant flavors of Lebanon to the UAE capital.
Zahrat Lebnan is particularly famous for its Khashkash kebabs featuring ground meat with onions and parsley and Shish Taouk grilled chicken skewers marinated in garlic and lemon. Round out your meal with traditional mezze, fresh Arabic salads, and hot bread right from the oven. Unfussy decor lets the food take center stage at Zahrat Lebnan, where Lebanese staples start fresh, fast, and full of flavor.
Quick Facts
- Traditional Arabic salads and breads
- Quick counter service
- Affordable pricing
Contact No: +97126424208
Address: Mussafah Shabiya, Abu Dhabi
9. Cyan Brasserie
Take in stunning city views as you savor French-Arabic fusion at Cyan Brasserie. Located on the 18th floor of the gravity-defying Capital Gate building, Cyan offers a unique Abu Dhabi dining experience courtesy of the sloped skyscraper design. The cuisine matches the one-of-a-kind surroundings, blending classic French techniques with Middle Eastern spices across steaks, seafood, and salads.
Savor the scene from the airy dining room or outdoor terrace overlooking Abu Dhabi’s dramatic skyline. From the stellar views to the culinary mash-up of European refinement and Arabic vibrancy, Cyan delivers a singular, must-try dining destination.
Quick Facts
- Indoor and outdoor seating
- French cuisine with Arabic influences
- Full Bar Available
- Afternoon Tea
Contact No: +971565448158
Address: Andaz Capital Gate, Embassies District, Abu Dhabi
Conclusion
From rustic Italian to contemporary Indian, Abu Dhabi’s dining scene as highlighted by Omni Floor impressively represents the world’s cuisines. Foodies flocking to the UAE capital are spoiled for choice, with restaurants like Villa Toscana, Hakkasan, Belgian Cafe Yas Island, Punjab Grill, and Li Beirut topping every must-try list. Whether planning a romantic date night or casual meal with friends, these 9 best restaurants in Abu Dhabi deliver memorable dining experiences.
