What better way to see in the new year than with a belly full of brilliant food? There are loads of dinners and events going on throughout the city, and you can find full listings here.
For those who want to look no further, here is a random selection of places offering a great night out, accompanied by a feed, this December 31.
Aqua
If ending the year with a sumptuous ocean feast is what you’re after then Aqua is the place to be this December. On New Year’s Eve you can unwind in the stylish restaurant with a lavish buffet of seafood featuring lobster, oysters, caviar and even a whole tuna, too. An unlimited beverage package is also on offer for Dhs100 so you can toast to a New Year with your nearest and dearest friends and family.
Dhs755 (food), Dhs355 (kids), plus Dhs200 for beverage package. 8pm-midnight. Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island (02 813 5520).
Azura Panoramic Lounge
This venue, which has incredible views over the Corniche from next to The St. Regis Abu Dhabi’s pool, is offering a buffet of Mediterranean food as well as unlimited drinks. This is a great place to watch the lights twinkle over Abu Dhabi’s coastline and is a prime spot to see fireworks along the beautiful stretch of the capital.
Dhs490 (house beverages). 7pm-3am. The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, Corniche West (02 694 4553).
Bord Eau
You’re supposed to start the year as you mean to go on, and if you’re planning on eating lots of food from fine-dining establishments in Abu Dhabi, the New Year’s Eve dinner at Bord Eau is the perfect option of you. The French restaurant, which was previously named Time Out Abu Dhabi’s Best Restaurant of the Year, will be serving up an eight-course menu followed by entertainment.
Dhs999 (set menu), Dhs1,459 (with grape pairing). 7pm onwards. Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi (02 509 8555).
BBQ Al Qasr
This beautiful beachside spot is offering a fantastic seven-course set menu paired with soft drinks or with a bottle of bubbly. The venue has incredible views of New Year’s Eve fireworks. The hotel’s other restaurants (Sayad, Mezzaluna and Le Vendome) will also be offering culinary experiences on the night, and there’s a gala dinner at the hotel’s Palace Terrace, from Dhs2,762.
Dhs1,250 (soft drinks and one glass of bubbly), Dhs1,450 (one bottle of bubbly per couple). 7pm-midnight. Emirates Palace, West Corniche (02 690 7999).
Café 302
Start the New Year’s Eve celebrations off with a lavish three-course dinner at this former Time Out award-winning café. The delicious-sounding menu features shrimp and fennel bisque soup to start, the choice between a herb marinated T-bone steak or pan-seared sea bass with a sweet potato purée for mains and the meal is ended with a classic tiramisu cake. If you’re plant-based, don’t worry about feeling left out as there’s also a three-course vegan set menu on offer. It’s the perfect way to start the night before dancing away until the early hours at one of Abu Dhabi’s many New Year parties.
Dhs99 (soft drinks), Dhs175 (for two with soft drinks). 7pm-10.30pm. Al Maha Arjaan by Rotana, Fatima Bint Mubarak Street (02 610 6666).
Cafe Milano
Celebrate New Year at this charming Italian restaurant on Al Maryah Island. The wide open terrace offers stunning views of the Abu Dhabi skyline, and the dining room is both stylish and welcoming. In honour of the special occasion, restaurant general manager Paolo Falchi has created a delicious four-course dinner filled with authentic specialties, while the night also features live entertainment and a toast as the clock strikes midnight.
Dhs890 (indoor), Dhs990 (outdoor), Dhs445 (kids aged six to 12). 7pm onwards. Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island (02 333 2222).
Choice Cut
Carnivores, this New Year’s Eve dinner has your name all over. If you’re looking for a juicy steak to welcome in 2020 with then book your table at Choice Cut. The modern steakhouse is offering a five-course fine dining meal with house beverages for Dhs260. Plus there’s no need to leave the kids behind as there’s a special three-course children’s menu for Dhs90. Fancy continuing the party? Head to Waves Bar for post-dinner drinks and a countdown into the new year.
Dhs260 (house beverages), Dhs90 (kids’ menu). 7pm onwards. Novotel Abu Dhabi Al Bustan Hotel, Al Mushrif (02 501 6088).
Dai Pai Dong
If you’re looking to end the year with a top notch gastronomic experience then Dai Pai Dong is one of the places to be for New Year’s Eve. The elegant Chinese restaurant is pulling out all the stops with a huge range of Asian delicacies including freshly steamed dim sum, Peking duck, live cooking stations and more. Plus, with fireworks set to bring some colour the night’s sky at midnight on Al Maryah Island you’ll be hard pushed to find a better spot to watch when the clock strikes midnight.
Dhs388 inside, Dhs488 outside. 8pm-midnight. Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island (02 813 5520).
D’Capital Steakhouse
This dark, moody and ambient steakhouse at Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi is offering up a classy, sophisticated New Year’s Eve special this year. If you’re looking to see in the decade with a slightly more up market fare, head to D’Capital Steakhouse in… da… capital (see what we did there?). Throughout the evening you’ll be able to sit down and tackle a huge, five-course menu and the best bit is that it won’t blow your 2020 budget, with prices for the evening starting from Dhs260.
From Dhs260 (soft drinks). 7pm onwards. Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, Al Mushrif (02 698 8137).
Filini Garden
See in the 2020s with a 1920s-themed bash at this thoroughly swanky, happening spot on Yas Island. It’s a Great Gatsby-themed party this year, with all of the golden shimmer and stunning attire you’d expect from a party befitting the great man himself, and thankfully there’s not a swimming pool in sight. Tuck into a six-course Italian meal, then party the night away to see in the new decade. You can even book a VIP experience featuring two bottles of premium drinks and views out over the Yas Links golf course.
Dhs495 (soft drinks), Dhs715 (grape), Dhs895 (sparkling), Dhs2,000 (VIP package). 8pm onwards. Radisson Blu Abu Dhabi, Yas Island (02 656 2000).
Finz
Don’t be surprised if you notice a green light flashing in the distance of the easy, breezy seafood destination at Beach Rotana, as it’s throwing a special Great Gatsby-themed party, and you’re invited to be one of Gatsby’s guests. For a minimum spend of Dhs800 per person for a specially-crafted à la carte menu, you can expect to tuck into a whole load of freshly-caught seafood while taking in the views of the scenic sea and dazzling skyline. Oh, and be sure not to forget to dress to impress, this is a Gatsby sort of New Year’s Eve dinner, after all.
Dhs800 (minimum spend). 6pm-11.30pm. Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi, Al Zahiya (02 697 9011).
Ginger
Head down with the little ones in tow and get ready to tuck into some tasty treats. The family-friendly spot is serving up a fantastic dinner buffet with a range of international dishes from live cooking stations. Explore the extensive selection of dishes prepared by the master chefs and if you’ve still got room for dessert you can top off the experience with a trip to the sweet section to try cakes, pastries, fruit platters and more. It promises to be a fun night for all with a live DJ setting the tone for the New Year.
Dhs329 (soft drinks), Dhs449 (select house beverages), Dhs199 (kids six-12 years old). 7pm-2am. Park Rotana, Khalifa Park area (02 657 3333).
La Cava
Head down the spiral staircase to this incredibly stylish restaurant and grape cellar and prepare for some cosy New Year’s Eve celebrations with friends in style. With live entertainment from Milan (he’s a saxophonist) providing a soothing soundtrack, you can tuck into a stacked selection of cheese, caviar, cold cuts and homemade breads accompanied by free-flowing beverages and bubbly. Once the feast is over you can head to the promenade on Al Maryah Island to watch the fireworks display as 2019 draws to a spectacular close and 2020 begins.
Dhs987. From 8pm. Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island (02 813 5520).
Market Kitchen
Off to see some 24 karat magic in the air at Abu Dhabi’s big Resolution by Night New Year’s Eve do? You bet we’re talking about Bruno Mars, and if you’re up for a special table-sharing dinner just before heading to see the global superstar, Market Kitchen has the dinner right up your alley. Taking place from 5pm until 6.30pm for a special price, take on a list of dishes and free flowing beverages. Have more time to spare? There will also be special New Year’s Eve brunch from 8pm until 11pm.
Dhs250 (soft drinks), Dhs399 (house beverages), Dhs499 (bubbly). Pre-concert prices: Dhs199 (soft drinks), Dhs299 (house beverages), Dhs399 (bubbly). 5pm-6.30pm, 8pm-11pm. Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khalifa Street (800 101 101).
MAZI
Experience a Greek New Year with this fabulous restaurant, that has its first international outpost here in Abu Dhabi. In the run-up to midnight you’ll enjoy a delicious sharing menu of Greek classics with accompaniment from a pianist playing festive tunes. A great option for groups.
Dhs850 (sharing Greek menu with unlimited beverages), Dhs195 (kids aged six-12), free (under sixes). 7pm-midnight. The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi (02 498 8888).
Pepper
Indecisive members in your party? There’s an impressive buffet spread at this international restaurant that will appeal to everyone you’re dining with this New Year’s Eve. There’s a huge variety of dishes on the pan-Arabic buffet with a mixture of Indian, South Asian and Mediterranean cuisine as well as live cooking stations, making sure there’s a bit of theatre involved too. With so much choice whatever you’re looking for you’re sure to be happy.
Dhs139 (one with one soft drink), Dhs229 (house beverages). 7pm onwards. Novotel Abu Dhabi Al Bustan Hotel, Al Mushrif (02 501 6083).
Tamba
You can indulge in a 13-course set menu at this award-winning Indian restaurant.
Dhs399++ (soft drinks), Dhs599++ (house beverages), extra Dhs399++ for a bottle of bubbly. Tue Dec 31, 8.30pm onwards. The Hub, WTC Abu Dhabi (02 672 8888).
Teatro
Ring in the New Year with a gala buffet dinner at this chic spot. The restaurant has a diverse menu which offers a bit of everything, and whatever takes your fancy, you’ll find it here. Make your way through different stations including the sushi bar, an oyster and caviar station, risotto on wheels, a Peking duck corner, a raclette station and a carvery – to name a few. You can wash everything down with free-flowing sparkling, signature mixed drinks and other select house beverages. Its ambience is stylish, yet easy-going making it a top place to spend the last day of 2019.
Dhs399 (soft drinks), Dhs549 (select house beverages). 8pm-1am. Park Rotana, Khalifa Park area (02 657 3333).
Turtle Bay Bar and Grill
Take a trip to Saadiyat Island to bring in the New Year where you can celebrate to start of 2020 in picturesque surroundings. Turtle Bay Bar and Grill’s special set menu is packed with six courses of delicious dishes all selected by expert chefs. The whole culinary experience also includes free-flowing bubbly and premium beverages as the clock strikes closer to midnight. Plus access to the after-party at Nasma Beachfront Bar from midnight into the wee small hours is included in the package.
Dhs1,950 per person. 8pm-midnight. Saadiyat Rotana Resort and Villas, Saadiyat Island (02 697 0000).
Urban Kitchen
New Year’s Eve is always a time best spent with friends, family and miscellaneous loved ones. And Dusit Thani’s Urban Kitchen takes Auld Lang Syne very seriously, with a huge celebratory dinner package taking place from 7.30pm through until the very second 2020 arrives. The gala dinner at Urban Kitchen offers dishes from around the world, including the “best of the Western and Eastern culinary world”. You’ll get a free drink on arrival, and there are three different packages on offer.
Dhs260 (soft drinks), Dhs420 (house drinks), Dhs600 (bubbly). 7.30pm-midnight. Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, Al Mushrif (02 698 8137).
