Knowing where to go for a romantic night out will always stand you in good stead. And Abu Dhabi is full of fantastic restaurants that tick all the right boxes for a memorable evening. Whether you’re after a quiet restaurant where you can hear the ocean or a sky-high spot with a city view, you’re covered in the capital.
Ready for a special night with your sweetheart? Here are the most romantic spots for an Abu Dhabi date night.
Beach House
If you’re looking to make an impression on a date, you can’t go wrong with Beach House. This sundowner spot on Saadiyat Island puts you in front of some of the city’s most romantic views, including one of the best views of the sunset we’ve ever seen. You’ll be able to hear the ocean while you nibble on some incredible dishes (we’re especially fans of the dirty mellow rice, which is perfect for sharing). Your list of spots for an ideal Abu Dhabi date night isn’t complete without Beach House.
Open daily, 12.30pm to 11pm. Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas, Saadiyat Island (02 407 1138).
Fouquet’s
Find this place at the architectural marvel that is Louvre Abu Dhabi, and while you don’t need to visit the museum itself to go to the restaurant, a wander around the artefacts and works of art is bound to work up an appetite as well as showing off your sophisticated side. The restaurant is the UAE outpost of one of Paris’ most famous and decorated, with a menu from the esteemed chef Pierre Gagniere. You cannot go wrong by choosing this place for an Abu Dhabi date night.
Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island (02 205 4200).
BBQ Al Qasr
Last year 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 there’s one thing Hakkasan guarantees it is consistency, with the standards set ridiculously high. You also get to pay the capital’s Emirates Palace a visit when you come here, as well as having the chance to hang out at the fantastic terrace bar before or after your meal. The Cantonese dishes are full of fresh ingredients and delicate flavours and are presented beautifully. With a slick, dimly lit dining room and delicious food, there are few better venues for Abu Dhabi date night.
Emirates Palace, West Corniche (02 690 7999).
La Salle
Another fine-dining French venue on Saadiyat Island, La Salle is an intimate setting for a great meal. This may be a high-end restaurant but it is certainly not stuffy, with the interiors an example of keeping things simple and classy. Food comes from Provence and its coast in particular, with the kitchen using only the finest ingredients, from the oils and vinegars to the seafood and vegetables. The setting, in the pretty Saadiyat Beach Club, is another reason to visit, as the island has one of the most incredible coastlines in the UAE.
Saadiyat Beach Club, Saadiyat Island (02 656 3535).
Ray’s Bar
Looking for the ultimate spot for a date in Abu Dhabi? Ray’s Bar at Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers is the ultimate spot for a drink or a bite with your sweetheart. With stunning views from the 62nd floor, this bar treats its patrons to some of the best views in the city. Be sure to book in advance, seats by the window are in high demand.
Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, West Corniche (02 811 5666).
Sontaya
Another venue on Saadiyat Island, but this one is a little different. It’s pan-Asian and not French, which is something, but it’s also a pretty pagoda-like structure that sits over the water at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, making it quite unlike anything else in the capital. If you can get a seat outside, when it’s cool, you’ll feel immersed in your surroundings and have incredible views of the beach and Arabian Gulf. This is a special restaurant, especially for Abu Dhabi date night.
The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi (02 498 8088).
Zuma
No-one is going to complain if you take them to Zuma for an Abu Dhabi date night. That’s just a fact. The Japanese restaurant is one of the very best places in the country, if not the best, and serves flawless food every time. The setting is brilliant, once you get to the restaurant you’ll head down the stairs into a dining room and bar that has wonderful views of the water outside thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows and of the chefs at work at the sushi bar and robata grill. A truly brilliant experience.
Al Maryah Island (02 401 5900).
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).
