Took a look at these ten romantic restaurants in Abu Dhabi

HIGHLY COMMENDED

BBQ Al Qasr
In 2018 we named this gorgeous venue our Best Outdoor Restaurant, and with a spot on the beach at Emirates Palace, it’s an ideal place to charm your loved one. The prime steaks are outstanding and it’s without a doubt one of the best date-night venues in the country. A visit to Emirates Palace is always a special occasion, and this might just be the most impressive venue in the hotel.
Emirates Palace, West Corniche (02 690 7999).

Hakkasan

If you haven’t been to Hakkasan yet, then you probably need to sort that out as soon as possible. The Cantonese dishes are on another level of deliciousness, with each plate full of fresh ingredients and delicate flavours. The healthy menus, gluten-free options and vegetarian dishes are all impressive, but we think there’s nothing better than the supreme dim sum platter. With a slick, dimly lit dining room and a gorgeous terrace overlooking Etihad Towers, this is a place to take someone you want to impress.
Emirates Palace, West Corniche (02 690 7999).

NOMINEES

Buddha-Bar Beach
It might be best known for its outdoor, beachside terrace, but everything screams ‘romance’ here, from the walk through the hotel’s grounds to the atmospheric entrance to the venue and the sophisticated indoor dining rooms and bars. We must admit, the outdoor space is pretty special, though.
The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi (02 498 8888).

Finz

There aren’t many more romantic things in our book than ordering a dozen oysters and a bottle of fizz to enjoy while watching pretty lights twinkle over shimmering waters below. At Finz, that’s exactly what you can do any night of the week. A truly charming restaurant.
Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi, Al Zahiya (02 697 9011).

KOI Abu Dhabi

Saadiyat Island is a pretty special place, but there are some venues on it that make it all the more romantic. KOI is one of those. A Japanese bar and restaurant that serves delicious food in a swanky, sophisticated space. We love it.

The Collection at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi (02 678 3334).

Mare Mare

An aptly named Italian restaurant by the sea on Saadiyat Island. With lots of seafood on the menu to emphasise the location even more, we love the food here and the setting makes it even better. Take a seat overlooking the beach as the sun sets and you’ll see why.

Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort (02 811 4444).

Ray’s Grill

Perched high up at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, this place has a cool, calm dining room and a menu of classy meat dishes and seafood. Service is excellent and the view is spectacular. Anyone you bring is bound to be impressed. Unless they’re vegan, presumaby
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Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, West Corniche (02 811 5666).

Stratos

Another steakhouse makes it onto the Best Romantic shortlist. Are steaks romantic? We seem to think so. Or maybe it’s the views, as this is another place with superb vistas across the capital – this time from a revolving restaurant. Now that is fancy.
Le Royal Méridien, Sheikh Khalifa Street (02 695 0490).

Zuma

A classic venue that has cemented itself right at the top of most categories in the five years it’s been open in the capital. Great for lunch, dinner, drinks and brunch, there’s nothing Zuma doesn’t do well. And if you suggest it for a date night, we guarantee it will go down as well as the restaurant’s very best sushi.
Al Maryah Island (02 401 5900).