Bored of beans on toast on your sofa? Of course you are. But fret not, as we’re here to offer you some dining inspo this week.
Time Out has once again been out and about this week tucking into the tastiest eats in town so we can let you know the best places to go and what to expect when you get there. We review everything anonymously too, so you can be sure that we’re telling you the truth (for more on the review process click here).
Here’s where to head this week. For more reviews click here.
January 2022
Silk & Spice
This cool Japanese restaurant has reopened in Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers. Go for colourful décor, ace service and to try signature dishes like the wagyu sando and grilled miso black cod.
Read the full review here.
December 2021
Marco Pierre White Steakhouse & Grill
If you have a craving for a proper steak, this top spot in the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr hotel is a meat-lover’s dream where you can try different cuts paired with memorable sides.
Read the full review here.
Fresh Basil Dining in the Dark
This is like no restaurant you’ve been to before because you’re dining completely in the dark on a menu that you’ll discover with every mouthful.
Read the full review here.
Black Tap
This New York craft burger spot has a new beachside home in Abu Dhabi, serving up the iconic burgers, messy fries and Instagrammable CrazyShakes.
Read the full review here.
November 2021
Raclette Brasserie & Café
Have a craving for some fancy French fare? This Mamsha Al Saadiyat promises splendid ocean views, a glamorous inside and French cuisine.
Read the full review here.
Aroy Dee Thai Restaurant
Looking to spice up your life? This charming Thai spot brings the fire in more ways than one at this (not so) secret gem downtown.
Read the full review here.
Diablito
Take a spin to the Mediterranean without ever leaving Yas Island at this fun bar and restaurant. Pizza, paella, pintxos and plenty of offers are waiting.
Read the full review here.
October 2021
Graphos Social Kitchen
Graphos Social Kitchen is one of three eateries at Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, and we don’t mean it lightly when we say that it serves a whole world of dishes, with live cooking stations to boot. Come famished for the buffet where you can tuck into everything from sushi to falafel. An à la carte menu is also available. Dig in.
Read the full review here.
NIRI Restaurant and Bar
This Japanese restaurant is another one of Mamsha Al Saadiyat’s latest foodie destinations. The Instagrammable location by the beach makes it perfect at any hour while a quick pre-dinner walk on the promenade allows diners to tuck into another small plate or dessert. You’ll want to sample a bit of everything from the sushi to the yakitori.
Read the full review here.
Seven Dawgs
Got a hankering for a hot dog? Hit up Seven Dawgs where you can choose from seven, yes, seven delicious varieties, as well as sides and drinks. The trendy Fatima Bint Mubarak Park spot has a fun vibe thanks to the skaters and roller-bladers cruising in the park.
Read the full review here.
September 2021
Beirut Sur Mer
You’ll be spoiled for choice at Beirut Sur Mer (serious, the menu is seven packed pages of tempting eats). But whatever you choose to stick your fork in, you won’t go wrong. Not yet left for dinner? Head straight here.
Read the full review here.
TEN 11 Beach
Bursting at the seams. Vibes, cute plates, photogenic frames left, right and centre. You name it, this numerically-named newcomer has it in (buckets and) spades. The pretty outdoor terrace, with views of the Saadiyat sands, is positively going to bang in winter. Watch (and get to) this space.
Read the full review here.
August 2021
Cafe Milano
This place is pricey, but you get what you pay for. Slices of ‘za are first-rate and the La Scala, loaded with bresaola and peppery rocket, is leagues ahead of much of what we’ve smapled in recent times.
Read the full review here.
Cho Gao Marina Walk
Pan-Asain eats give the palette plenty of touching points at Cho Gao Marina Walk – and we’re big fans. And we’re not alone. Book up ahead of time because the excellent plates draw in the masses.
Read the full review here.
Cipriani
High-end Italian doesn’t come much more lofty than the hearty fare on offer at Cipriani. A massive name on the dining scene, this joint excels in the classics. If it’s pizza or pasta tonight, this is your top pick.
Read the full review here.
Finz
The clue’s in the name as to the specials coming from the Finz kitchen. The yacht club décor gives no doubt for those still not landing the answer, and if seafood is your jam you’ll soon be hooked.
Read the full review here.
Keki Japanese Bakery
Anyone after a cute café in Abu Dhabi should make a beeline for Keki Japanese Bakery. The Al Bateen spot boasts Instagrammable interiors, a cozy atmosphere and a scrumptious breakfast menu. You’ll be drawn in by the scent of the pastries baking, but don’t let them distract you from the Japanese cheesecakes or seasonal açaí bowls.
Read the full review here.
Martabaan by Hermant Oberoi
This palatial spot (it’s located in the heart of Emirates Palace) marries luxe surround to equally glam plates. Sea views help underscore this place’s regal credentials.
Read the full review here.
Marco’s New York Italian
Pizza, pasta and everything between gets the New York treatment here, and when the burgers tower as high as the Empire State Building (figuratively speaking of course) you can be certain that belt buckle is going to pull a little tighter when it’s time to settle the bill.
Read the full review here.
Moksh
People are sitting down at Moksh for the Insta-worthy scenes, but they’re returning for the impactful flavours whipped up by the chefs manning the kitchen. The vibrancy of these eats needs to be sampled. Soon.
Read the full review here.
Namak
Indian cuisine done right is hard to top, and Namak has a winning recipe on their hands. Plump for the juicy katifi prawns beautifully wrapped in crisp pastry. They are simply a must-have. Excellent.
Read the full review here.
Social
The colour green always resonates with us gastronomes, so lunch in a greenhouse was always going to be rooted on solid ground. Social’s modern riffs on firm favourites gives it an unexpected menu, but one you’ll want to explore again and again.
Read the full review here.
UDN
The very first udon noodle joint in the capital – and one that will take some beating. Those noodles are wriggly-worm levels of fat, and those who haven’t yet slurp their way through a bowl are missing out on all the fun the early birds are having.
Read the full review here.
July 2021
The Chippy
This little takeaway-styled joint in Al Seef and Reem Island goes a long way to satisfy those cravings for a good auld box of UK fish and chips. But even if you aren’t a Brit, angle yourself around the salt and vinegar, stat.
Read more here.
Sola Restaurant & Bar
Make sure to bring a fully charged phone to this chic café. Chefs are serving up Insta-tastic gourmet grub, and even if you aren’t a like-chaser, the menu is a real treat.
Read more here.
Dolci & Capricci
Looking for a no-fuss Italian restaurant serving up delicious, quality food – complete with a robot that takes your order? (Yes, you read that right.) Then Dolci & Capricci is the spot. It’s the right kind of quirky and has something whether you want a quick coffee, breakfast, lunch or dinner. And dessert, definitely dessert.
Read the full review here.
June 2021
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Enjoy an experience as well as a moreish meal at this Peruvian restaurant which will have you queuing for another ticket to the show (all will become clear) just as soon as you’ve settled the bill.
Read more here.
Kingston 21
This Jamaican joint oozes Caribbean vibes (durr) and goes a long way to plugging not only a space in the local food circuit, but also your stomach.
Read the full review here.
Alkalime
Zen vibes, clean eating, peaceful shores. Not sold? Check out our full verdict to discover what has us making a beeline for the restaurant’s inviting hammocks post-nosh.
Read the full review here.
Benjarong
More like Benja-right (sorry, couldn’t resist). This classic Thai menu packs more punch than an angry Mike Tyson, so get yourself ringside sharpish.
Read the full review here.
May 2021
Sole
This restaurant may as well be in an elevator. It’s uplifting, effortless Italian fare built around favourites of fresh pasta and blistering-crust pizza. Bellissimo.
Read the full review here.
Pizza Di Rocco
A banging pizza joint that’s much-loved for delivery, Pizza Di Rocco is well-worth visiting for dine-in too. The menu has more than 30 pizzas on the line-up and they’re all fully-loaded with super-slim, crispy crusts. But what’s the must-order pie? We’ve got the lowdown.
Read the full review here.
Brunch & Cake
You’ll have heard of – if not seen – this one due to the massive noise surrounding it social media. The Barcelona-born Brunch & Cake has now set-up shop in Abu Dhabi with its Instatastic desserts and gigantic breakfasts (not to mention its photogenic mains). But does it live up to the hype?
Read the full review here.
April 2021
Montauk Boutique Café and Restaurant
Montauk Boutique Café and Restaurant in gastronome central Al Bateen is made for #food, with a photogenic line-up of carefully crafted mains, and of course, its star attraction, the desserts. Want to know what we’re on about and why you should go?
Read the full review here.
March 2021
Cyan Brasserie
This chic French-Arabic brasserie blew our socks off on our last visit with its juicy lobster rolls and Chilean sea bass. Our advice? Bring an extra pair.
Read the full review here.
Rainforest Café
Abu Dhabi’s dining scene can be a bit of a jungle, and despite plenty of local wildlife joining the party at Rainforest Café, you’re sure to get more than your fair share of the feast.
Read the full review here.
February 2021
Ritaj
Small venues often ship mighty meals, and Ritaj is no exception. Its fuss-free, but big on authentic Hyderabadi eats.
Read the full review here.
The Garden by Bay View
An idyllic setting is paired with top eats at The Garden, and this al fresco dining experience deserves to shoot to the top of any to-try list. Hook the catch of the day for a treat out in the open air.
Read the full review here.
Blue Grill Steakhouse
Thick, juicy steaks don’t take much selling – particularly when they taste as good as they do at Blue Grill Steakhouse. Those hankering for prime cuts that fill you up to the corners should make a move soon.
Read the full review here.
Madang Korean Restaurant
There’s lots to love about Korean cuisine, and while Japanese, Thai and Chinese food has enjoyed more airtime, Korean food is high on our hit list.Madang Korean Restaurant has built a solid reputation in the city, known for delivering authentic Korean food without pretence. Want to know what to order?
Read the full review here.
January 2021
Sushi Story
Japanese food might be a mainstay on Abu Dhabi’s dining scene, but that doesn’t mean we ever turn down the chance to dig into sushi or slurp down ramen whenever we can. We’ve seen sushi pop up on menus all over town, as venues embrace the Japanese staple and try to put their own unique spin on it – from deep frying it to dousing it in hot sauce and Cheetos (yes, you read that last bit correctly). At Sushi Story, the clue is in the name, with the titular dish the star of the show.
Read the full review here.
Grills@Chill’O
For many years Grills@Chill’O has been a popular bar and restaurant attracting people for a bite or some sundowners with views out to the Arabian Gulf. Giving the place a spruce up and a new look, the venue recently underwent a renovation and we must say, from first impressions alone they’ve done a great job. Spread over two floors, overlooking the Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche’s pool, the venue has been given a new breath of life. Want to know more?
Read the full review here.
December 2020
Alba Terrace
At this gorgeous outdoor terrace you can soak up the sun, relax and enjoy the cooler weather, with loads of greenery around that makes it feel like a back garden and not a fancy restaurant. It’s a very Mediterranean setting, which is befitting of the menu. Don’t miss breakfast, top marks must go to the chefs for making a simple bagel look so attractive, while the French toast is pretty epic.
Read the full review here.
