Looking to have a lovely meal out in Abu Dhabi? Yas Bay Waterfront is calling your name. But there are so many spots to choose from when deciding where to eat at Yas Bay – we wouldn’t blame you if you need a hand.
If you haven’t been to Yas Bay Waterfront yet, what are you waiting for? It seems like the whole city is there lately, and it’s no mystery why. The new development on Yas Island features a gorgeous pier, ocean views and loads of new restaurants to try.
Head to Yas Bay any evening and you’ll see families, couples, pet-owners and people from across the city enjoying the al fresco vibes. Waterfront Weekends have also brought live music to Yas Bay every weekend. But where to eat at Yas Bay? Here are the top spots.
Asia Asia
Looking for pan-Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine in a glamorous setting? If you’re wondering where to eat at Yas Bay, Asia Asia serves up “oriental fusion” with aromatic ingredients. We’re eyeing the kung pao shrimp and Thai red curry, to start. You can also head there for drinks. Asia Asia originally hails from Dubai, where it’s a consistent Time Out Dubai favourite.
Click here for the Time Out Dubai review of Asia Asia in Dubai Marina.
Open Sun-Thu 6pm-1am; Fri-Sat 2pm-1am. Yas Bay Waterfront reservations@asia-asiaabudhabi.com, abudhabi.asia-asia.com (02 235 8663).
Akiba Dori
Akiba Dori is arguably the most playful spot at Yas Bay Waterfront. With neon lighting and urban décor, it serves up a modern take on Japanese street food, creative drinks, and one of a kind Tokyo-style Neapolitan pizzas. If you’re considering where to eat at Yas Bay, Akiba Dori could be the non-traditional Japanese experience you didn’t know you needed.
Open noon-midnight. Yas Bay Waterfront (04 770 7949).
Central
Bowling, burgers, arcade games and more. Sound good? If you’re wondering where to eat at Yas Bay, there’s a massive list of options on the menu. There are pizzas, “monster” burgers, tacos, poke bowls, salads and desserts. We’re eyeing the PB&J French toast, s’mores and caramel sticky buns, too. Drinks include monster milkshakes, smoothies, lemonades, hops, grapes and bubbly. Loads of fun, in short.
Click here to read more about Central opening.
Open Mon-Thu 4pm-midnight; Fri-Sun noon-3am. Licensed. Yas Bay Waterfront instagram.com/central_uae.
Drop Coffee
If you’re wondering where to eat at Yas Bay, you might not immediately think of Drop Coffee, which is better known for its artisanal brews. However, the Yas Bay location is launching the brand’s first-ever food menu with breakfast, mains and all-day dining. The menu is designed in collaboration with the award-winning Chef Reif Othman: the man behind Reif Kushiyaki, Tero by Reif and Reif at Time Out Market Dubai. Yeah, we’re sold.
Click here to read more about Drop Coffee opening at Yas Bay.
Opening Mon Mar 7. Yas Bay Waterfront instagram.com/wearedropcoffee.
Emmy Squared
A pizzeria from Brooklyn just landed in Abu Dhabi, and it looks great. Emmy Squared serves up Detroit-style pizza with fluffy dough, crispy bottoms, cheese frico crust and signature sauce stripes. There are loads of toppings to try, too. Not a fan of pizza? There are other classic American dishes, such as sandwiches and an award-winning burger to try. It’s the restaurant’s first international location.
Click here for our first look at Emmy Squared.
Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, emmysquaredpizza.com.
La Carnita
Mexican street food sound good? La Carnita is designed by street style artists and is the spot to enjoy tacos, churros, run through a mixtape, and wash it all down with a fresh mixed drink or hops. Phew. Art and music come together at this special spot, which is a big factor if you’re wondering where to eat at Yas Bay.
Yas Bay Waterfront (050 185 8068).
Lock Stock & Barrel
Lock Stock & Barrel, AKA LSB has been buzzing pretty much since it opened and it’s not hard to see why. If you’re wondering where to eat at Yas Bay Waterfront with a spot on the terrace, loud tunes and a drink in hand, LSB is your place. Just be sure to book a table in advance, particularly if you want an outdoor view. This party bar is almost always packed, as it should be.
Sun-Thu 2am-4pm; Fri 2am-1pm. Yas Bay Waterfront (02 235 8659).
Paradiso
Wondering where to eat at Yas Bay? Dreaming about a trip to Cannes to tuck into some exquisite French food? Paradiso Nicole et Pierre is open at the Yas Bay Waterfront and is helmed by the triple Michelin star Chef Pierre Gagnaire and chef Nicole Rubi, who is the genius behind La Petite Maison, which has outposts in Dubai and in the capital at The Galleria. C’est magnifique.
Click here to read more about Paradiso opening in Abu Dhabi.
Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, paradisoabudhabi.com (050 437 2869).
The Lighthouse
Wondering where to eat at Yas Bay? The Lighthouse is more than a restaurant, with boutique shopping and a design space from D3 in Dubai. The Lighthouse serves up a mix of Mediterranean plates including pizza, pasta and fresh salads.
Click here to read more about The Lighthouse at Yas Bay Waterfront.
Open Mon-Fri 8am-midnight; Sat-Sun 8am-1am. Yas Bay Waterfront (02 236 7831).
Trilogy by Buddha-Bar
Aptly named, The Trilogy by Buddha-Bar is a unique dining concept serving up music and entertainment across three venues: Siddharta Lounge, Bushra and Zeera. Siddharta Lounge is already a much-loved spot in Dubai and Muscat and the Yas Bay location is a rooftop where attendees can tuck into Mediterranean and Asian bites and mixed drinks with a view of the Arabian Gulf. Bushra and Zeera are two brand-new concepts serving sharing-style menus. Michelin-starred chef Greg Malouf heads up Bushra, where traditional Middle Eastern dishes are served in unique ways. Zeera is a casual, chic Indian restaurant that combines traditional Indian recipes with global ingredients. Not sure where to eat at Yas Bay? The Trilogy is a good place to start.
Click here to read the full Time Out review of Siddharta Lounge.
Timings vary. Yas Bay Waterfront (050 601 1194) (800 6996).
Still hungry for more? Check out the best restaurants in Mamsha Al Saadiyat.
