WINNER
Byblos Sur Mer
This fine dining restaurant serves up some of the best and most authentic Lebanese dishes imaginable. We love starting a meal here with some beautifully presented hot and cold mezze, before moving on to the amazing grilled meats and traditional mains. The views over the marina at the InterContinental Abu Dhabi are gorgeous, and generally a meal here is easily as lovely as any you’d find in the actual coastal town of Byblos Sur Mer in Lebanon.
InterContinental Abu Dhabi, King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud Street (800 423 463).
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Li Beirut
As last year’s winner in this category, the venue at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers impresses us every time we visit. The portions are huge, the mezze is varied and made with the most super ingredients money can buy, and enjoying it all out on the balcony whilst admiring the view of the private beach is an experience that’s hard to beat.
Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, Corniche West (02 811 5666).
TEAN
This is one of the latest high-end Middle Eastern restaurants to open in the capital, and it has already earned a brilliant reputation. Found at Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island, the outdoor terrace is just steps away from the perfect white beach. The dining room is clean and classy, while the food contains classics delivered with flair and attention to detail, plus some more inventive plates like the very pretty rose water crème brulee.
Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island, Saadiyat Island (02 811 4444).
NOMINEES
Almayass
With a bright and casual dining room and menu that blends Armenian and Levantine cuisine there’s plenty to savour at Almayass.
Daily 9am-11.45pm. Licensed. Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel and Resort, Corniche East (02 644 0440).
Dahab Restaurant and Lounge
Brimming with old-school elegance, Dahab’s interior oozes character, with gold frame-adorned walls, lines of stylish dining tables and chairs and an impressive outdoor terrace.
Daily 7pm-3am. Licensed. Hilton Capital Grand Abu Dhabi (02 667 4446).
Hooked
Hooked really does have one of the most idyllic locations in Abu Dhabi. Plus it’s one the very best places to relax and tuck into to some fantastic Levantine food.
Daily noon-4pm, 7pm-1am. Licensed. Zaya Nurai Island (02 506 6274).
Kahraman
There’s a lot going on in the dining room at Kahrama, from the floral art installation to eclectic Middle Eastern-inspired décor, and there’s just as much intrigue on the menu.
Daily 6.30pm-midnight. Licensed. Southern Sun Abu Dhabi Hotel (02 818 4888).
Mezlai
Mezlai is charming, resembling a giant majlis in the heart of the capital’s renowned Emirates Palace. There’s a mix of Levantine and Emirati cuisines on offer.
Daily 1pm-10.30pm. Licensed. Emirates Palace (02 690 7999).
Mijana
Mijana is relatively understated when compared to the rest of The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi. The food is great quality and reasonably priced too. It’s classic Levantine cuisine executed well.
Daily 5pm-1am. Licensed. The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal (02 818 8282).
Sambusek
Home to an inviting outdoor terrace where you can watch the sunset and order a Levantine feast. Sambusek is a real delight.
Daily noon-12.30pm. Licensed. Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island (02 813 5550).
