Abu Dhabi is filled with districts teeming with bars and restaurant and Al Maryah Island is no different. It’s perhaps the area most densely-populated with Time Out award-winning venues, too.
So, read on for the pick of Al Maryah Island’s bars.
99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant
The food here is exemplary, however, that’s for another section – we’re here to talk about the bar. Once you enter the venue, past the glittering water feature outside, you’ll arrive at the lounge. The low-level lighting, blacks and golds and stylish décor give it a brilliant atmosphere. Make no mistake, this is a classy place. We recommend ordering a mixed drink and letting the skilled staff to their thing.
The Galleria at Al Maryah Island (02 672 3333).
Bentley Kitchen
A fairly large venue, you have a choice to make when you arrive – take a seat in the dining room and sample some top dishes, outside on the terrace, or in the bar. If it’s the latter, you’re in for a treat. Not only are the drinks always decent value, there are two happy hours to be had. So, if you’re here early evening you’re quids in, or if you’re out late and visiting after 11pm, you’ll get even more discounts. Can’t say fairer than that.
The Galleria at Al Maryah Island (02 626 2131).
Butcher & Still
We cannot deny it, we love this place. Excellent cuts of meat? Right up our street. Waiters that are intuitive and know exactly what they’re doing? More of that, please. Décor based on Prohibition-era 1930s Chicago, right down to a secret room based on Al Capone’s prison cell? Take our money right now.
Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island (02 333 2444).
Dragon’s Tooth
We’ve been known to wander into this kind-of-secret bar late at night after events, dinners, walks and, well, pretty much anything really. The dimly-lit venue is cosy and based on a bar in old Shanghai. The team behind the bar are experts at what they do, so watch as they work their mixology magic. The drinks will take some time to craft, but they’re worth the wait. We love the music in here, too.
Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island (02 813 5550).
Eclipse Terrace Lounge
A terrace bar at the Four Seasons that has quite stunning views of the waters surrounding Al Maryah Island and over towards Al Zahiya. It’s around the pool, so you can expect hotel guests in swimming costumes for company during the day, visitors, however, can expect some pretty good seafood and a quality selection of drinks. Visit when the sun is going down for a super way to end the day.
Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island (02 333 2444).
Glo
Another poolside terrace bar, this time at the Rosewood Abu Dhabi. The most striking thing about this bar is the huge metal trees that surround it. It’s another one that has some cool deals, especially during the ladies’ night.
Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island (02 813 5550).
Hidden Bar
This venue, inside Rosewood Abu Dhabi, is something of a, erm, hidden gem. Based at the back of the hotel, there’s a cool indoor area and an extensive menu of juniper-based drinks (the biggest in the capital, we believe). It gets busy with the post-work crowd, but the outdoor terrace is a lovely place to unwind.
Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island (02 813 5550).
La Cava
We’re staying in the Rosewood with this one (it has a few venues), but this time going underground into the hotel’s grape cellar. If grape and cheese are your thing, this is the place for you. It’s atmospheric, the staff know their onions, and the deals are great.
Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island (02 813 5550).
Loca Restaurant & Bar
A Mexican venue serving tasty food without pretentions. This is a party joint, basically (but one with good food). Try the long, joyous Friday brunch if you don’t believe us. Always busy, always good value, and always guaranteed to provide a good time.
The Galleria at Al Maryah Island (02 582 3639).
Pisco Lounge
COYA is a big hitter on the capital’s culinary scene, and Pisco Lounge, the bar attached to it, does nothing whatsoever to let the side down. Colourful décor, super music, excellent staff, top drinks and tasty bar snacks (obviously) are order of the day here.
The Galleria, Al Maryah Island (02 306 7000).
Roberto’s Club and Lounge
This is the only place on the island to stay open until 4am. And while the attached Italian restaurant is somewhat classical in its approach, the nightlife venue to one
The Galleria at Al Maryah Island (02 627 9009).
Zsa Zsa
A monochrome, and chrome, bedecked bar that takes inspiration from the legendary Hungarian film star Zsa Zsa Gabor, this is a classy spot for a drink. If you want a raucous vibe, head elsewhere. If you want to dress smartly and play James Bond, come here.
Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island (02 333 2444).
Zuma
The restaurant may take the spotlight, but the bar deserves your time, too. The central bar – made from thick, beautiful oak, is a talking point in itself. There’s good music, late-night opening and an effortless cool that some venues just can’t get close to.
Al Sowwah Square, Al Maryah Island (02 401 5900).
