Winner
Buddha-Bar Beach
If you want to enjoy amazing views, tasty pan-Asian dishes and generally just join the cool crowd for a night, there’s really nowhere better to go than this picturesque beach restaurant on Saadiyat Island. All of the dishes are presented with artistic flourishes, and they almost look too good to eat. But you won’t be able to resist tucking into the sushi, stir-fries and dumplings for very long. Everything from the stylish staff to the produce used is flawless.
The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi (02 498 8888).
Highly commended
Cho Gao Marina Walk
This vast restaurant boasts a cool Asian-themed interior and wide terrace overlooking the marina. It’s busy on any night of the week, and no more so than for the Thursday night brunch, which offers endless plates of tasty nibbles like sushi, wasabi prawns, beef rendang and more. The full menu contains everything from various types of tempura to stir-fried tofu and broccoli in oyster sauce. It’s all full of flavour and absolutely delightful.
InterContinental Abu Dhabi, King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud Street (800 423 463).
Pachaylen
With a spot right by the beautiful Eastern Mangroves and a glamorous gold dining room, this Thai restaurant certainly scores highly when it comes to the setting. But the food is exceptional too, with the perfectly cooked chicken satay, crunchy papaya salad and hearty crab cakes standing out as just some of the many highlights on the extensive menu. Whether you want classics like green curry or something more creative, you’ll find it all.
Anantara Eastern Mangroves Abu Dhabi Hotel (02 656 1000).
Nominees
Barfly by Buddha-Bar
If there was an award for location and interior design then this incredibly stylish venue would be the one to beat. On the shores of the Grand Canal this effortlessly cool restaurant serves up amazing plates of Asian dishes that look as good as they taste, in an ambiance that’s hard to find elsewhere. Don’t forget to check out the views from the terrace, you’ll thank us later.
Venetian Village, The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, Khor Al Maqta (02 404 1951).
Benjarong
Being a Thai hotel chain you’d expect that a Benjarong would be one of the best places to get Thai food in the city, and it undoubtedly is. The elegant restaurant serves up vibrant dishes packed with great spices and ingredients in a chilled atmosphere with fantastic staff. It’s a real gem of a place.
Dusit Thai Abu Dhabi, Sultan Bin Zayed The First Street (02 698 8137)
Cho Gao
With a stylish interior that’s instantly recognisable, there’s a lot to love about Cho Gao. Its convenient downtown location, top service and fantastic food make it a brilliant place to tuck into a variety of pan-Asian dishes and unwind as a little escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi, Hamdan Street (02 616 6149).
Hoi An
This swish restaurant is a world away from the roadside cafes in its namesake city but eating great food in inviting surroundings is equally as appealing as travel. Serving up steaming bowls of pho, wok fried specialties and spring rolls, in a beautiful setting, it doesn’t get much better than a meal at this top Asian restaurant.
Shangri-La Hotel Abu Dhabi, Qaryat Al Beri (02 509 8555).
Li Jiang
If it’s a classy restaurant with spectacular views you’re after then you’re in the right place. With an elegant setting and view of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque this venue is a class act, and when there are amazing plates of Asian dishes from laksa and green curry to satay and dim sum on offer, too, it quickly becomes a favourite.
The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal (02 818 8282).
Mr Miyagi’s
There’s so much to say about this vibrant venue we don’t know where to start. The décor is bright and vibrant (like a Bangkok restaurant), the atmosphere is electric (especially on weekends) and the food is top notch too. Basically, all the bases are covered for a great meal or a night out, or both, it’s always a great time at Miyagi’s.
Yas Marina, Yas Island (02 565 1150).
Sontaya
This classy venue is impressively elegant and picturesque, with incredible views of the ocean and a perfect spot at the heart of the St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort. On the outdoor terrace or beautiful dining room you can tuck into top quality Asian dishes and watch the waves crash in the distance while you feast. We love this place.
The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi (02 498 8008).
