Anybody that’s toured the fine eateries on offer in the capital city knows one thing: we have some of the best outdoor dining venues the Middle East has to offer.
From splendid beach views to fun-packed patios or even chilled out bars, there’s no shortage of choice when it comes to eating in the sun. In fact, there are so many to choose from we thought we’d lend a helping hand and give you a rundown of some of the best we’ve been to. All you need to do is book yourself a table
Lunch spots
Revel in a poolside retreat
Nahaam is the poolside venue at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers and the perfect al fresco location. The menu is varied with a great mix of sandwiches, pizzas, salads, sushi and burgers. It’s a very modern establishment and the only downside to the great poolside view is you’ll have to fight hard to resist the urge to dive in.
Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, Ras Al Akhdar (02 811 5555).
Enjoy bustling ambiance
Kick back, sample a Belgian brew or two and enjoy the lively atmosphere at the Belgian Café. Be warned, though, it gets very busy so book or arrive early and settle in for a fun, easy-going evening with some pretty decent food to tide you over. We suggest grabbing a place outside where there’s a large terraced area with its own bar.
InterContinental Abu Dhabi, Al Bateen (02 666 6888).
Captivating views of the marina
Still one of the newer kids on the culinary block, Nolu’s café has made quite an impression on the restaurant scene with its wonderful marriage of Afghan cuisine and Middle Eastern culture all firmly rooted around family, tradition and hospitality. Situated in the plaza of Al Bandar with stunning views of the marina.
Al Bandar, Al Raha Beach (02 557 9500).
The Corniche as it should be
Check out Le Boulanger’s (the Breakwater Road branch) outdoor patio overlooking the Corniche waters for some of the most spectacular, breathtaking views in the city. It’s jaw-dropping but it’s also not a particularly well-kept secret because the place is always packed, so get there early if you want a good spot. The crowd is usually made up of groups of families and friends, snacking, drinking juice and smoking shisha.
Ras Al Akhdar (02 681 8194).
Hit the pub
A classic haunt for expats, the Captain’s Arms serves up great pub food, a wide range of beverages and you can rightfully expect loads of banter too. The outside area is right next to the likes of the NRG sports bar and Pappagallo. Lively and good fun.
Le Méridien Abu Dhabi, Tourist Club Area (02 644 6666).
Friendly surroundings
Another establishment based in Le Méridien, Pappagallo serves up hearty Italian fare and while the interior is welcoming and surprisingly elegant, most diners opt to sit outside in the garden. As the weather continues to be bearable we suggest dining al fresco too with some friends and a nice slab of doughy pizza.
Le Méridien Abu Dhabi Tourist Club Area (02 644 6666).
Chill at the beach
A winner of numerous TOAD awards in the past Prego’s is a rock solid bet for great food (its pizzas are probably some of the finest in the city) and a warm, passionate atmosphere. The staff are friendly and attentive. The real hit here is the outside area, though, as it’s big and overlooks the hotel’s beach. A beautiful relaxed spot even though it’s always busy.
Beach Rotana, Tourist Club Area (02 697 9000).
Luxury
Enjoy the beach breeze
Set between the pool and the beach, Breeze Lounge not only looks great but feels both stylish and relaxed at the same time. They’ve also just introduced a new tapas menu we recommend you try along with some tasty Spanish beverages. Breeze Lounge is open every Thursday and Friday from 4pm. This venue will melt away the stress of the working week and what better backdrop than the Emirates Palace, especially at night.
Emirates Palace Hotel, Ras Al Akhdar (02 690 7920).
Be chic by the sea
Pretty much all of Sea Lounge is outdoors and it usually closes down over the summer, so get here now before it gets stiflingly hot. It’s a great venue, they serve tasty burgers and it’s a chic spot to pretend you’re living the high life in Monte Carlo itself. Get a group of friends together to enjoy an afternoon session or drinks to end your night. Live DJs set the scene while you sip your blend and stare at the sunset.
Monte-Carlo Beach Club, Saadiyat Island (02 656 3500).
Pretend you’re on holiday
Beach House manages to cater for all occasions, whether it be a quick bite, a romantic dinner, a casual drink or a business meeting – but if you want a stunning restaurant that offers a beautiful view of the ocean then make sure you book a table outside. The décor is dominated by timber and seaside trinkets and the menu is mainly tapas-based, including some of the best seared tuna we’ve had in the city. If you don’t wish to eat then sit upstairs at the bar and enjoy both the view and the pleasant breeze.
Park Hyatt Hotel and Villas, Saadiyat Island (02 407 1234).
Listen to the waves
Turquoiz, as the name suggests, embodies the blue ocean that can be viewed from the large sunset terrace at The St Regis. Essentially a beachfront spot, this vibrant venue is set apart from the hotel as a rustic series of buildings strung out along the sand. Serving a selection of seafood, light meals and snacks, the seafood pasta is delicious and we also love their take on fish and chips. This place is all about sand, sun, sea and serenity and is the best spot for absolute beachfront dining.
The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Island (02 498 8888).
Gaze at the Grand Mosque
Effortlessly stylish and slick, Pearls & Caviar boasts memorable views overlooking the Grand Mosque. Take advantage of sitting outside on the terrace while you can and enjoy creative cuisine featuring seafood with a Mediterranean twist. Pearls & Caviar also do a fantastic brunch (which won a TOAD award last year) so we suggest you try it to sample everything from mini burgers and risotto to creative blends. It’s best for innovative cuisine and partying at the bar.
Shangri-La Hotel Qaryat Al Beri, Bain Al Jessrain (02 509 8777).
Be hip in the marina
The Yacht Club is still a real favourite with the people of the city. It’s essentially a mix of a bar, restaurant and lounge. Take a seat on the beautiful terrace and sip a creative mixed drink while watching the yachts
bob in the nearby marina. The food needs a bit of work but the drinks menu is endless. It’s one of most suave spots in town, so dress up and enjoy the view. Perfect for after brunch drinks or Wednesday for ladies’ night.
InterContinental, Al Bateen (02 666 6888).
Visit a new al fresco spot
Newly-opened restaurant Scott’s will impress you as soon as you walk through the door. The opulent décor is spread over two floors and includes a very chic bar and seating that looks out onto the terrace which, although open all day, is intended for people to lounge around in as opposed to dine in. With the capacity to seat nearly 100 guests, the lower floor is split up between indoor and outdoor seating. Standout dishes are the seared scallops and shellfish bisque.
Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, Corniche Road East (02 811 5555).
Shisha Spots
Kick back
Just off to the side of Marina Mall is Mirage Marine. Inside it is cavernous yet airy, with white furnishings helping to brighten the place. The outside is spacious with large tables to accommodate big friendly groups of friends and family out for a bite to eat and perhaps a spot of shisha overlooking the calm waters and Emirates Palace in the near distance. The atmosphere both inside and outside is extremely chilled. The shisha is good and the food is great, particularly the stuffed vine leaves and the shanklish.
Marina Village, Ras Al Akhdar (02 645 0912).
Sample different snacks
What could be better than sitting by the beach, sipping a nice cool beverage – possibly with a shisha pipe in hand – enjoying the evening air? How about throwing some tasty tapas bites into the picture? Beachcomber serves up smooth shisha and a small menu from Bravo restaurant and bar upstairs. With the nice weather this place fills up fast, especially on days when there’s a beach volleyball tournament, so show up early, get comfy and settle in for a long evening of shooting the breeze.
Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort, Al Markaziyah (02 677 3333).
Eat great food
Undeniably an Abu Dhabi institution, most people flock to Lebanese Flower for the excellent grills. But if you can’t resist a smoke of shisha with your shawarma, make sure you hit the Defence Road branch and sit in the fun and vibrant outdoor garden area. The playful Arabic music, coloured lights and enthusiastic staff make this fun and lively branch a great spot to visit.
Defence Road (02 642 4208).
Cool down with a breeze
Pool bar by day, shisha spot by night, Chill O’ is nestled in the middle of the five towers that make up the Capital Plaza complex which houses the Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche. While there isn’t a huge amount in the way of a view, there is a glorious breeze thanks to the wind moving through the small gaps between the closely-built towers. This venue is still pretty quiet in the evenings, and service can sometimes be a little slack because of that, but chances are you will be there to chill out and it really won’t matter all that much. Their bar food is decent if you get peckish and the shisha is pretty fancy.
Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche, Al Markaziyah (02 813 7777).
Marvel at the view
It’s all about the view at this spot by the pool at the Hiltonia Beach Club. Try to secure a seat at the edge near the beach for a spectacular vista of the Corniche stretching all the way down. The lights of the buildings glowing in the evening make a beautiful backdrop for a fine shisha and a few beverages of an evening. The food, unfortunately, leaves a bit to be desired so have an early dinner and then head straight here to secure your seats and let the evening drift by.
Hiltonia Beach Club, Hilton Abu Dhabi, Corniche Road (02 681 1900).
Escape from it all
Nestled between the pool and Pearls & Caviar, Ess Lounge is a fun new little bar at the Shangri-La. A few tables and chairs are scattered artfully across the grass just in front of the beach and with a glorious view of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque across Maqtaa Creek. Considering it’s completely outdoors, this is a remarkably intimate venue and is a great spot to enjoy those precious few months when the weather is simply perfect for being outside. A simple beverages menu and a selection of bites and snacks will have you returning as often as you can, as will the excellent shisha.
Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Bain Al Jessrain (02 509 8777).
Soak up a bit of history
A bit of a grandfather in the shisha café scene, Layali Zaman on the Corniche used to overlook the water – until some land was reclaimed from the sea and the Corniche was extended. Now it stands serenely, like the turret of a sunken castle, surrounded by a park and carpark, but still draws a loyal crowd of an evening. The very relaxed atmosphere often extends to the service, but this is not the place to come if you are in a hurry. They often show a selection of football matches on big screens and there is live music on occasion. Decent food, too.
Corniche Road (02 627 7745).
Lounge on the rooftop
Winner of Best Budget in the 2012 TOAD Restaurant Awards, Tarbouche is the whole package – great food, friendly service, excellent shisha, a buzzing atmosphere and you can spend an evening among the rooftops of downtown when you sit upstairs on the terrace. The pomegranate salad is a particular winner, as is the hummus Beiruti, and make sure you order the special naan-style bread to mop everything up with.
The Souk Central Market, Al Markaziyah (02 628 2220).
Old favourites
Dine with wildlife
Relax with the birds at trendy eatery Al Fanr. Located at Manarat Al Saadiyat, this is a prime location for any visitor on Saadiyat Island to unwind in. The garden is surrounded by trees, and the area is lined with little waterways that add to the serene ambiance of the venue. Enjoy one of the city’s best camel burgers here.
Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island (02 657 5888).
Chill out in the garden
Unwind under the stars at Stills. The laid back garden setting, great menu and excellent service have throngs of people heading to this venue on most evenings. This is a great spot to take your mates and enjoy pleasant conversation in a relaxed atmosphere. A reservation is wise as you are not always guaranteed a spot outdoors.
Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island, Yas Island (02 656 3053).
Head to the veranda
Abdul Wahab is an upscale Lebanese restaurant with a great menu, which can be enjoyed thoroughly on their veranda deck. Overlooking the Grand Mosque, visitors can relish in one of the city’s most iconic views, whether during the day or the evening.
Souk Qaryat Al Beri, Bain Al Jessrain (02 558 1616).
Find seclusion
Hidden from view, Waves in Al Bateen has a staunchly loyal crowd of regulars, who never seem to miss an opportunity to dine outside when the weather is nice. The reason is clear; the food is phenomenal and the service is very friendly. We particularly love the grilled meats and chicken. Being off the main road gives the venue a nice secluded feel.
Marina Al Bateen Resort, Al Bateen (056 608 9944).
Feast with city dwellers
Speciale is a little venue just off the Corniche that is very popular with city dwellers on the weekends and it is open till the wee hours. They have a pleasant garden area surrounded by trees and they make an excellent grilled chicken sandwich. The service is friendly and the general mood very relaxed and laid back.
Al Khalidiyah, Corniche (02 665 2394).
Let the kids run wild!
Open just across the road from Marina Mall, Havana Café does excellent versions of Lebanese dishes, as well as a very decent weekend buffet. They have a large outdoor section, overlooking the Abu Dhabi skyline,
a view even more spectacular at night. Parents can enjoy the sights while children run around in the garden, complete with slides, swings and other fun amenities.
Corniche Road West (02 681 0044).
Take in the Corniche
Just off the main entrance to the Corniche public beach, Saj2go has a large outdoor area with views of the water and the city. Visitors can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and take a nice stroll along the boardwalk when they are done. The menu serves a range of saj wraps and the prices are reasonable.
Corniche (02 658 1171).
Listen to the roar of engines
Located in one of the city’s most iconic hotels, upmarket eatery Atayeb is replete with a gorgeous terrace for visitors to enjoy. Serving up delectable dishes of Middle Eastern grills and other traditional Arabic dishes, you can savour the regional tastes while taking in the spectacular views of the boats nestling in the marina and the race track on Yas Island. Try their lamb-filled shish barak.
Yas Viceroy, Yas Island (02 656 0600).
Embrace local culture
Mezlai is the Emirati restaurant situated inside Emirates Palace. The food is plentiful and portions are huge but the real reason to visit here is to check out their peaceful outside eating area, head for their huge Bedouin-style tents. It’s a relaxing spot to take in lunch, but the food might not be to all tastes.
Emirates Palace, Ras Al Akhdar (02 690 7999).
Great views
Take to the seas
Situated in the marina at Al Bandar, Ornina is a funky tapas joint which has some of the most breathtaking views in the city. We recommended sitting outside at the back of this eatery. The terrace is literally above the water and you can take in the view of Yas Island and watch people head out kayaking and sailing while you enjoy your food. They do a relatively cheap à la carte brunch on a Friday worth checking out as well.
Al Bandar, Al Raha Beach (02 556 6090).
Nautical but nice
Finz in the Beach Rotana has been dishing out great food for years, and the already very airy dining area has a fantastic outdoor seating area attached to it, with views of the hotel’s beach to keep you company as you tuck into dishes including grilled barramundi with violet mashed potatoes.
Beach Rotana, Tourist Club Area (02 697 9000).
Feel on top of the world
The terrace of Relax@12 bar at Aloft hotel is on the 12th floor and affords an incredible view over the Al Safraat area of Abu Dhabi, which includes ADNEC and the incredible, leaning Hyatt Capital Gate building. Beautiful vistas aside, this is a funky venue with great music nightly and regular events and drinks deals. The food is pretty good, too.
Aloft Abu Dhabi, Al Safraat (02 654 5138).
Enjoy the garden
Vasco’s has a very pleasant garden seating area that is just by the sea on the Corniche. Tucked away from the busy city streets, the area is quiet and the service at this venue is excellent. Visitors should sample the goodies at the salad bar and try the spicy black dahl.
Hilton Abu Dhabi, Corniche Road (02 681 1900).
Drink under blue palm trees
Surely one of the city’s most colourful al fresco dining sports, B-Lounge in the Sheraton has comfy chairs, a raised, stepped seating area, a fire and lots of tasty snacks and a huge selection of blends. For a relaxed night out, this chill-out lounge is worthy of your dirhams.
Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort, Al Markaziyah (02 677 3333).
Try Lebanese-inspired al fresco
Head to the Fairmont for one of the best al fresco locations in the city. Cedar Lounge is the hotel’s Lebanese restaurant, and the outside bar area has a fantastic terrace with comfy seating, a huge, walled waterfall on one side and is surrounded by pools of water. Nearby there’s some much appreciated garden greenery as well. It’s another good spot for shisha, but you might find the food to be hit and miss.
Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Bain Al Jessrain (02 654 3223).
Minimalist style, great views
The funky Japanese in the Qaryat Al Beri, Sho Cho, continues its minimalist, hip white décor scheme outside, with once again fantastic views of the Grand Mosque and the creek. The terrace is the perfect place to hang out at the weekend and they hold many parties and club nights here as well. Check out their House Master Night on March 28 and their ’80s and ’90s night on March 29.
Souk Qaryat Al Beri, Bain Al Jessrain (02 558 1117).
Dine in a romantic setting
Sontaya at the St Regis on Saadiyat was crowned our most romantic restaurant at the TOAD Restaurant Awards last November and its outdoor area was a very big reason they walked off with that gong. Sontaya is surrounded by pools and palm trees and Chinese lanterns are lit at night and gently drift by on the water. With just the sound of the waves from Saadiyat to keep you company, it’s one of the most peaceful
places to eat outside in the city.
The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Island (02 498 8888).
Curry favour with friends
There’s a bit of a theme running through this feature: you can take in great views of the Grand Mosque at many of the restaurants in this city and one of the nicest ways to take it all in is at upmarket (and regular TOAD award winner) Ushna. Their al fresco area isn’t the biggest, and the amount of people strolling past the tables can be slightly off putting, but the food and proximity to the Mosque make it still an essential place to dine out before the weather gets too hot.
Souk Qaryat Al Beri, Bain Al Jessrain (02 558 1769).
