Winner
COYA Abu Dhabi
This very cool and funky Peruvian restaurant was always going to take some beating. It was our Best Americas winner last year as well, and as it has continued to produce beautiful ceviches, tasty tacos and so many more fantastic dishes throughout this year. So, we thought it would be a crime to take the title away from it. If you haven’t tried it yet we urge you to sort that out as soon as possible, whether it’s for a day out at the super Friday brunch, or a few nibbles watching the sun set.
The Galleria Al Maryah Island (02 306 7000).
Highly commended
Amerigos Bar & Restaurant
This chilled Mexican restaurant had a revamp in late 2019 and the result is a more colourful and modern dining room, plus more vegan and vegetarian options on the menu. The classics like fajitas, nachos and enchiladas are all done flawlessly, with lots of sauces and toppings to add to the fun. The baja fish tacos are just one of our go-to dishes here, and we challenge you to find a more satisfying bite or creamier guac anywhere in the city.
Park Inn Abu Dhabi Yas Island (02 656 2412).
Loca Restaurant & Bar
This lively bar and restaurant is filled to capacity every Wednesday evening due to the mega-popular ladies’ night, but it also offers a fabulous menu of Mexican dishes. The traditional plates like burritos, fajitas and nachos are served in generous portions, while the guacamole is prepared and customised to your taste at the table. If you want to convince yourself you’re being healthy then try the shrimp tostada salad, which has to be the least boring salad in the whole world.
The Galleria Al Maryah Island (02 582 3639).
Nominees
Burro Blanco
Reminiscent of something you’d find in California, Burro Blanco is one of the go-to places for great Mexican food. We’ll never tire of the amazing burritos, avocado fritas or crispy tacos, all served out of window in an unassuming restaurant in the heart of the city. We love it, and pass the hot sauce please.
Zayed the First Street, Khalidyah (02 309 3911).
Chamas
There’s something instantly satisfying about the smell of sizzling steak and the chefs at Chamas are experts at cooking meat. The Brazilian-inspired churrascaria serves meat, meat and more meat from giant skewers all served in a sophisticated but laid back venue. What more could you want?
InterContinental Abu Dhabi, King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud Street, Al Bateen (02 666 6888).
Dusk
You’ll be hard pushed to find a more picturesque setting than this charming Mexican restaurant on Zaya Nurai Island, with its panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf. When not distracted by the turquoise waters you can get stuck into fajitas, tacos, quesadillas and all the rest. Just don’t forget the guacamole.
Zaya Nurai Island (02 506 6274).
El Sombrero
If Old El Paso designed restaurants that’s pretty much what El Sombrero looks like, and we love all the Mexican décor dotted across the laid-back venue. You can never go wrong with the chips and guacamole, and with a host of main courses covering all the bases you won’t leave hungry here.
Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel and Resort, Corniche East (02 697 0224).
Market Kitchen
Stylish, sophisticated yet surprisingly laid-back, we make no secret of our love for Market Kitchen. Plus, who doesn’t love a venue with a giant tree in the middle of the dining room? The cool restaurant has a varied menu that covers all the great American dishes you would expect and we’re big fans.
Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khalifa Street (02 674 2020).
Ola Brasil
Ok, it’s not the most central location (at a golf club next to the airport) but it’s a destination that’s well worth the journey. Serving up Brazilian churrascaria including chicken, beef and seafood, plus a huge salad bar packed with everything from coleslaw to sushi, this stylish yet informal restaurant is a real crowd pleaser.
Daily noon-3pm, 6pm-midnight. Al Ghazal Golf Club (02 575 8040).
