Abu Dhabi is a beautiful city full of scenic views and charming venues which means finding a romantic spot is never too difficult. In fact, the capital is full of romantic restaurants for couple’s to enjoy.
From alfresco dining on the beach to cosy candle-lit tables in a swoon-worthy room, there are plenty of stunning places to sweep your loved one off their feet. To help you pick, here is our very own curated list of the most romantic restaurants in Abu Dhabi…
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).
Buddha-Bar Beach
It might be best known for its outdoor, beachside terrace, but everything screams ‘romance’ here, from the walk through the hotel’s grounds to the atmospheric entrance to the venue and the sophisticated indoor dining rooms and bars. We must admit, the outdoor space is pretty special, though.
The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi (02 498 8888).
Finz
There aren’t many more romantic things in our book than ordering a dozen oysters and a bottle of fizz to enjoy while watching pretty lights twinkle over shimmering waters below. At Finz, that’s exactly what you can do any night of the week. A truly charming restaurant.
Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi, Al Zahiya (02 697 9011).
KOI Abu Dhabi
Saadiyat Island is a pretty special place, but there are some venues on it that make it all the more romantic. KOI is one of those, a Japanese bar and restaurant that serves delicious food in a swanky, sophisticated space. We love it.
The Collection at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi (02 678 3334).
Mare Mare
An aptly named Italian restaurant by the sea on Saadiyat Island. With lots of seafood on the menu to emphasise the location even more, we love the food here and the setting makes it even better. Take a seat overlooking the beach as the sun sets and you’ll see why.
Jumeirah Saadiyat Island Resort (02 811 4444).
Ray’s Grill
Perched high up Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, this steakhouse has a cool, calm dining room and a menu of classy meat dishes and seafood. Service is excellent and the view over the city is spectacular. Anyone you bring here is bound to be impressed. Unless they’re vegan, probably.
Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, West Corniche (02 811 5666).
Sontaya
The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, is a hotel that really makes the most of its beachfront setting, and as a result pan-Asian restaurant Sontaya – winner of Time Out’s most romantic restaurant award 2019 – is the perfect spot for creating that romantic feeling. The dining room is light and airy, while the picturesque terrace features tables sitting over bright blue pools, almost floating like water lillies. The menu features all the best dishes from across South East Asia, and we could happily munch on the nibbles like fish cakes and chicken satay, plus the excellent mains like yellow prawn curry and roasted duck, every day of the week.
The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi (02 498 8088).
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).
Zuma
A classic venue that has cemented itself right at the top of most categories in the five years it’s been open in the capital. Great for lunch, dinner, drinks and brunch, there’s nothing Zuma doesn’t do well. And if you suggest it for a date night, we guarantee it will go down as well as the ferstaurant’s very best sushi.
Al Maryah Island (02 401 5900).
