Winner
Casa de Cuba
This Cuban-inspired bar is one of the three new venues that arrived at Yas Marina last year. With expertly-crafted mixed drinks, created by Dinos Constantinides, owner of Lost+Found in Cyprus (one of the world’s very best bars), it’s already improved the area no end. It’s decorated with floral patterns and foliage, and with a mix of funky tunes playing every night and regular sets from world-renowned DJs, it’s one of our new favourite places to dance the night away.
Yas Marina, Yas Island (056 742 7435).
Highly Commended
ANNEX
The Abu Dhabi EDITION has already established itself as one of the coolest hotels in the capital, and this is partly down to ANNEX, its incredible three-tier bar. While the bottom two floors host big parties and top DJs, the rooftop terrace features fire pits, comfy sofas and a well-stocked bar serving excellent mixed drinks (including some coffee-based concoctions they’re particularly proud of). The views over Al Bateen Marina are really something else, and as you take in the outline of Etihad Towers and gaze over the moored boats below, you’ll really feel like you’ve made it in life. An excellent, ambitious addition to the Abu Dhabi nightlife scene.
The Abu Dhabi EDITION, Al Bateen (02 208 0000).
The Lounge
Found at pretty new hotel Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island, The Lounge is spacious both inside and out. With marble-patterned tables and stylish gold dividers, there’s an intimate feel and a trendy, retro vibe that isn’t too flashy. But the mixed drinks are certainly some of the most extravagant in the capital, with some coming in delicate bird-shaped glasses (complete with a peacock feather as a tail), and anothers in Tiki-style goblets topped with brightly coloured flowers. If you haven’t bee to hotel yet, this is your reason.
Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island, Saadiyat Island (02 811 4342).
Nominees
Cuvee Bar
The signature bar and lounge at the Royal M Hotel & Resort Abu Dhabi has an impressive outdoor area that overlooks the huge infinity pool. Stretching out to the edge of the Gulf, this lagoon is scattered with floating cabana beds, each decorated with simple and classy white curtains. The interior is decorated with bold, printed wallpaper and cool furnishings and the menu contains a huge number of premium beverages, a modest collection of mixed drinks and a good selection of grape. It’s a lovely setting for a few quiet drinks.
Royal M Hotel & Resort Abu Dhabi, Al Bateen (02 444 5588).
Dahab
The dining space at this new Lebanese bar and restaurant is dripping with old-school elegance, while there’s also an expansive outdoor terrace that’s basically just made for sundowners. While the traditional Middle Eastern food is nothing short of excellent, there’s also live music nights every Thursday and Friday, where singer, dancers and DJs entertain the crowds. A classy night out.
Hilton Capital Grand Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street (02 667 4446).
Groovz
This late-night bar serves up tasty platters of bar bites and Asian food, and it also offers a range of great drinks deals. While it’s most atmospheric at night, it is open during the day, too and there’s two free drinks for ladies’ from 10pm every night and Dhs20 pints from noon until 10pm. Food is good (a mixture of classic bar bites and Filipino dishes), the staff are exceptionally friendly and helpful, and live music is a regular occurrence.
Novotel Abu Dhabi Al Bustan, Mina Street (050 544 7977).
Library Bar
Like the rest of The Abu Dhabi EDITION, Library bar is super stylish and understated. Located opposite rock ’n’ roll-themed steakhouse OAK Room, it’s the perfect place for a post-brunch tipple or pre-dinner beverage. With velvet armchairs and cool art covering the walls, the mixed drinks are put together with ease by the professional bar staff. There are also super snacks created by British chef Tom Aikens, and it’s the kind of place where you could easily spend hours and hours just chatting and trying the many different beverages.
The Abu Dhabi EDITION, Al Bateen (02 208 0000).
M Club & Lounge
This year two late-night spots have opened in the Al Bateen area. So if you’re not working your way through the three floors at ANNEX, you can head over to this slick late-night venue at Royal M Hotel & Resort. Open until 3am and with a well-stocked bar, it’s the ideal place to celebrate the start of the weekend. With a stunning setting by the Arabian Gulf, it’s a spot you need to check out.
Royal M Hotel & Resort Abu Dhabi, Al Bateen (02 444 5588).
Mr Miyagi’s
Famous for its quirky decorations, including tuk tuks, Japanese cherry blossom trees and colourful paper umbrellas, everything about this hangout is funky, a bit ‘out there’ and hugely good fun. Since opening for Formula 1 weekend last year, it has become a capital favourite. It’s packed every night of the week, particularly at weekends, and it seems that no-one can get enough of its karaoke sessions, dancers and good-value Thai dishes.
Yas Marina, Yas Island (050 797 0742).
The Scene
This British-inspired bar and restaurant has quickly gathered a good reputation. The Saturday roast has many fans, while the Wednesday ladies’ night deal offers a three-course meal and two hours of unlimited drinks for Dhs149. There’s always good offers on, and right now there’s a buy one, get one free deal on house beverages running from opening until closing, every day of the week.
Yas Marina, Yas Island (050 797 0331).
