You can’t get bored of dining out in the capital. But if you’re willing to splash the cash, you’re spoilt for choice with some of the best fine-dining restaurants in Abu Dhabi.
This city’s restaurant scene is a rich tapestry of different cuisines and flavours from Michelin-starred Oak Room at The EDITION and Marco’s New York Italian to creative Japanese eatery Zuma.
Eating out should be a treat, which is why sometimes it’s necessary to book a table at one of the best fine-dining restaurants in Abu Dhabi. Luckily, some of the best fine-dining restaurants in Abu Dhabi means that you’ll be well looked after. There are so many options when it comes to finding the best fine-dining restaurants in Abu Dhabi.
Across the capital, you’ll find everything from delicious small plates of fresh fish and sushi to easy classics such as succulent steaks, elegant Chinese food and can’t-go-wrong Mediterranean classics, topped off with beautiful views of the capital.
Ready to splash the cash and enjoy the delicious cuisines this city has to offer? Check out our list of some of the best fine-dining restaurants in Abu Dhabi below.
99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant
From the atmospheric bar to the immaculate plates of impossibly fresh sushi, everything about this Japanese restaurant is pure class. The 11-course Friday brunch is one of the best ways to spend an afternoon, making it one of the best fine-dining restaurants
Click here to read our review of 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant.
The Galleria Al Maryah Island, ucarecdn.com (02 672 3333).
Butcher & Still
This Prohibition-themed steakhouse is the very definition of the word cool. The 1930s theme is carried out to brilliant effect, and cuts of meats and sides are incredible.
Click here to read our review of Butcher & Still.
Four Seasons Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island, fourseasons.com (02 333 2444).
Byblos Sur Mer
Split across two floors and overlooking the picturesque marina, the award-winning Byblos Sur Mer oozes elegance. Everything from the mezze to the grills is outstanding, and as good as any you’ll find outside of Lebanon. There’s also a daily happy hour from 4pm to 7pm for early diners.
Click here to read our review of Byblos Sur Mer.
InterContinental Abu Dhabi, King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street, abudhabi.intercontinental.com (800 423 463).
Café Milano
Make no mistake, this Italian has the best pizza in the city, and some of the friendliest staff, too, plus super views out across the water.
The Saturday brunch focuses on a different region of Italy every week.
Click here for our review of Café Milano.
Four Seasons Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island, cafemilano.ae (02 333 2630).
Catch
Overlooking the white sands of the Corniche, this seafood restaurant has one of the most beautiful dining rooms in the city. Admire the tasteful, nautical-themed decorations as you enjoy pretty plates like maki rolls, pan-roasted sea bass and more.
Click here for our review of Catch.
Nation Riviera Beach Club, West Corniche, catchatthestregis.com (02 611 0909).
COYA
Among the most colourful and lively restaurants in the city. The signature Chilean sea bass never disappoints, and you can dance off the calories to the live band in the bar afterwards.
Click here for our review of COYA.
The Galleria Al Maryah Island, coyarestaurant.com (02 306 7000).
Circo
This classy Italian brings a real family feel to fine dining, and the colourful circus-themed decorations are lots of fun. The courgette parmigiana and butternut tortelli are a favourite with diners in the know.
Click here for our review of Circo.
InterContinental Abu Dhabi, King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud St, instagram.com/circoabudhabi (02 666 6888).
Dai Pai Dong
This moody Chinese restaurant offers a super selection of dim sum and mains, and a legendary hot pot brunch. Make sure you visit Dragon’s Tooth (its secret bar) while you’re here.
Click here for our review of Dai Pai Dong.
Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island, rosewoodhotels.com (02 813 5552).
Finz
This superb seafood restaurant is truly at its best when you can take to the decking and soak up the city views. The sharing platters are perfect if you’ve gathered with a gang of fish fans, and the catch of the day is always worth reeling into your order.
Click here for our review of Finz.
Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi, Al Zahiyah (02 697 9011).
Hakkasan
The stunning food is just as gorgeous as the venue, found inside the gold and glamourous Emirates Palace. It specialises in elegant Chinese food, and you’ll find some very creative dishes on the menu.
Click here for our review of Hakkasan.
Emirates Palace, West Corniche (02 690 7999).
JW Steakhouse
This classy venue has added a bit of fun to proceedings with its southern USA-style decorations. The cuts of meat are some of the very best in the city, and the jumbo crab cake and New York cheesecake are also delicious.
Click here for our review of JW Steakhouse.
Marriott Hotel Downtown Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street (02 304 7777).
KOI Abu Dhabi
A laid-back, stylish lounge serving an incredible selection of Japanese plates, including maki rolls, sashimi, teriyaki salmon, salads and more. You can sample a selection of the best dishes at the sophisticated Saturday night brunch.
Click here for our review of KOI Abu Dhabi.
The Collection at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi (02 678 3334).
LPM Restaurant & Bar
A modern and welcoming fine-dining experience. The menu is filled with Mediterranean classics inspired by France and Italy, and everything is made with ingredients of the highest possible quality. A consistently impressive experience.
Click here for our review of LPM Restaurant & Bar.
The Galleria Al Maryah Island (02 692 9600).
Li Beirut
This venue excels at taking traditional Lebanese recipes and giving them a contemporary twist. But be warned, the portions are huge. Take a
seat on the stunning outdoor terrace and enjoy gazing out over the Gulf.
Click here for our review of Li Beirut.
Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, West Corniche (02 811 5666).
Marco’s New York Italian
With a retro, hipster vibe, renowned bad-boy chef Marco Pierre White has created a casual and Insta-friendly fine-dining eatery. The pizzas, pastas and burgers are totally delicious and unpretentious.
Click here for our review of Marco’s New York Italian.
Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Khor Al Maqta (02 611 0909).
Martabaan by Hemant Oberoi
This Indian restaurant only opened in summer 2019, but it already has a stella reputation. Being able to watch the chefs working at the tandoor ovens in the open kitchen is one of the many highlights, while the slow-cooked lamb shank
is a work of art.
Click here for our review of Martabaan by Hemant Oberoi.
Emirates Palace, West Corniche (02 690 7999).
Namak by Kunal Kapor
Described as ‘Indian food with global footprints’, the menu here is certainly very special. Each and every dish from Masterchef India star Kunal Kapor is served with plenty of style and just the right amount of spice.
Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, Sultan Bin Zayed the First Street (02 698 8137).
OAK Room
This rock ’n’ roll steakhouse has charming staff, a cool vibe, excellent meats and a very popular weekend roast. It’s a high-end experience but with some very affordable options on the menu.
Click here for our review of OAK Room.
The Abu Dhabi EDITION, Al Bateen (02 208 0000).
Sontaya
Settings don’t come more idyllic than the one at this popular Thai-inspired restaurant. The extensive menu here traverses cuisines from South-East Asia, all of which are pulled off with aplomb.
Click here for our review of Sontaya.
The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi (02 498 8088).
Ray’s Grill
Dining here should be on the itinerary of every Abu Dhabi visitor. Not only do you get panoramic views from the 63rd floor, but the food is excellent too. The business lunch offers two quality courses for Dhs125, and you can’t beat the steak with pepper sauce followed by chocolate tart and peanut butter ice cream as a midday treat.
Click here for our review of Ray’s Grill.
Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, West Corniche (02 811 5666).
Tamba
Offering Indian-inspired cuisine with a contemporary twist, many of the dishes are served with theatrics like dry ice and sparklers
to add to the entertainment.
Click here for our review of Tamba.
The Hub at The Mall at The World Trade Center Abu Dhabi (02 672 8888).
TEAN
Not only does this beautiful Lebanese restaurant do classics like prawn fattoush, hummus, batata harra and shish taouk exceptionally well, it also has a gorgeous two-tiered patio area, just a few metres from the white sands of Saadiyat Beach.
Click here for our review of Tean.
Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island, Saadiyat Island (02 811 4444).
The Grill
While many of the city’s steakhouses are found Downtown, The Grill is perfectly located to cater to those who live in the off-island areas. The dining room is very glamorous, and highlights include
The Grill salad starter and rib-eye steak.
Click here for our review of The Grill.
Marriott Hotel Al Forsan, Khalifa City A (02 201 4131).
Villa Toscana
This stylish Italian exudes fancy date night vibes, and the Tuscan menu is full of classic dishes. The pastas are always lovely, and make sure you save room for one of the chocolate-heavy desserts.
Click here for our review of Villa Toscana.
The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, West Corniche (02 694 4553).
Zuma
When it comes to creative Japanese cooking, nowhere does it better than Zuma. This is where the classy and good-looking crowd in Abu Dhabi hang out, and the sushi, ramen, meats, salads
and basically everything else on the menu, is
total perfection.
Click here for our review of Zuma.
The Galleria Al Maryah Island (02 401 5900).
