Abu Dhabi is home to a multitude of sensational places to eat.

From Michelin-starred restaurants serving gourmet treats to street food stalls offering quick bites for when you’re out exploring, there’s something to please every craving and appetite, and suit all budgets and occasions. Intimate dining destinations perfect for romantic evenings, laid-back venues ideal for casual family dinners, fast food spots for meals on the go and friendly eateries offering authentic delicacies and traditional favourites - it’s all on the menu. While providing fuel for beach fun, theme park thrills, desert adventures and cultural discoveries, you’ve also got the excuse of being on holiday to let your hair down and indulge in a smorgasbord of flavours. With this in mind, here’s a taste of some of the best places to eat in Abu Dhabi. We hope you’re hungry!

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Gourmet Dining

It’s no surprise a destination renowned for luxury and opulence also delivers when it comes to world-class gourmet restaurants. Innovative Emirati dishes, as well as exquisite cuisines from across the globe can be enjoyed in fine dining venues which include a number with Michelin-stars. Among them are 99 Sushi Bar, on Al Maryah Island, where you can discover contemporary Japanese dishes, and Erth, in Al Hosn, offering modern Emirati fare. Sublime Italian cuisine awaits at Talea by Antonio Guida, at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental Hotel, which also holds a Michelin star, as does Hakkasan, at the same location, serving Chinese creations. A number of Abu Dhabi restaurants have also gained Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition for quality food and good value. These include t’azal, cooking up creative Mediterranean cuisine, Emirati eaterie Al Mrzab, Lebanese venue Beirut Sur Mer, Otoro, offering contemporary Japanese food, and Oii, for its Mediterranean menu.

Street Feasts

If you want to experience as many of Abu Dhabi’s phenomenal attractions as possible, you might find yourself needing to refuel on the go. If this is the case, you’re in luck as the capital of the United Arab Emirates has a plethora of fabulous street food venues to choose from. As well as global fast food favourites, you will also be able to tuck into a variety of tantalising traditional snacks. Among the delights on offer are pizzas at Antonia, on Saadiyat Island, epic Japanese eats at Akiba Dori, on Yas Island, amazing Thai treats at Bua Thai Cafe, also on Yas Island, and spicy delights at India palace, with a number of locations to choose from. Emirati street food to discover includes shawarma, which consists of juicy slices of roasted meat wrapped in a pitta, and Luqaimat, a scrumptious sweet speciality of deep fried dough ball coated in date syrup and sesame seeds.

Cheap Eats

Dining out in Abu Dhabi can be expensive. However, with so many restaurants, cafes, diners and eateries to choose from, you’ll also find a wealth of budget-friendly venues where you can fill your stomach without emptying your wallet. Affordable Far Eastern flavours can be enjoyed at Vietnamese Pho, on Al Reem Island, while the cheap and tasty fish dishes at Dampa Seafood Grill are sure to float your boat. Bargain traditional bites can be enjoyed at Bait El Khetyar, or head to Kopitiam by Chandy’s for spicy Malaysian food that won’t break the bank. Abu Dhabi’s vast shopping malls also offer plenty of inexpensive mealtime options with extensive food courts featuring cuisines from near and far, as well as a choice of international fast food restaurants. Alternatively, seek out authentic eats that won’t burn a hole in your pocket amongst the stalls of one of the emirate’s bustling souks.

Local Delicacies

You can’t visit Abu Dhabi without sampling some of the wonderful traditional dishes on the menus of Emirati restaurants right across this exceptional destination. Blending Arabic, Persian, Indian and Mediterranean influences, the cuisine of Abu Dhabi delivers flavours, fragrances and textures that will leave a lasting impression on your taste buds. Khuzi, the UAE’s national dish, is a must for meat eaters, made with roasted lamb, raisins and nuts. Lovers of comfort food should try thareed, a slow-cooked beef stew, while machboos features lamb, chicken or shrimp with rice, dried lime, onions and spices. Chabab is a popular breakfast treat. Similar to pancakes, they are usually covered in sweet date syrup and are a perfect way to start the day. Authentic Emirati fare can be enjoyed at a myriad of restaurants, with Al Derwaza, Al Fanar Restaurants & Cafe, Al Mabeet, BBQ Al Qasr and Cyan Brasserie to name but a few.

Food Festivals

Any true foodies planning a holiday in Abu Dhabi should time their visit to coincide with one of the destination’s spectacular food festivals. One staple on the gastronomic calendar is Abu Dhabi Culinary Season. Launched in 2019, this annual festival takes place over six weeks from October to December. Highlights include exclusive dining events and a chef’s table dinner series, which features an esteemed line-up of culinary masters tasked with creating gourmet multi-course menus across various venues. The festival also showcases local culinary talent and offers unique gastronomic experiences, one of which, Food Forward, sees prestigious international chefs join the best Emirati chefs for a sensational culinary collaboration. For a laid-back, family-friendly food extravaganza, the three-day Taste of Abu Dhabi festival may be more your thing. The event features fare from acclaimed local restaurants, as well as culinary masterclasses, stalls, music and a kids zone with bouncy castles, kids cooking classes and more.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Abu Dhabi to discover the sensational culinary scene is completely up to. Gastronomic delights are on the menu all year round, with dining destinations to please every palate and dishes to delight the pickiest of eaters. If you wish to sample the enticing festival fare, Abu Dhabi Culinary Season, Food Forward and Taste of Abu Dhabi events usually take place during the autumn/winter months between October and December. Despite the chilly weather in the UK during this period, Abu Dhabi is blessed with invigorating sunshine. Even during these cooler months you’ll enjoy warm daytime temperatures of around 24°C, with only the occasional rainfall. As well as enjoying a feast of flavours, you’ll have ideal weather for water sports, outdoor activities and beach days. If you choose to visit during the summer, you’ll find temperatures soaring to 45°C. You’ll still be able to dine in complete comfort, however, with air conditioning in restaurants and other indoor entertainment venues.

“For a holiday of unbelievable epicurean proportions you can’t beat Abu Dhabi.

“An absolute food lover’s paradise, there’s no end to the enticing dining destinations to choose from.

“You’ll find everything from innovative fine dining restaurants to speedy street food stalls, and have the chance to devour divine dishes from all around the world, including India, Italy, Britain, America, Mexico, Japan, China, Thailand and even authentic Emirati cuisine.

“Juicy steaks, succulent seafood, spicy curries, perfect pasta, tantalising tacos and sublime sushi are all among the fare on offer. You can feast on sensational vegan and vegetarian delights and indulge in incredible desserts.

“When you’ve had your fill of the scrumptious food Abu Dhabi has to offer, maybe you’ll have time to discover some of the exhilarating activities and attractions that await or be able to enjoy desert outings, beach days, water park fun and theme park thrills.”

Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island

Discover the fun-filled delights of Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island with an unforgettable stay at this sublime waterfront sanctuary. Sun-drenched days await beside the glistening palm-lined swimming pool, while a kids club, fitness centre and a spa are among other appealing features. You’ll be treated to an assortment of irresistible dishes in the inviting restaurants, have the chance to embrace theme park thrills at the nearby attractions and enjoy restful nights in your plush living space.

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InterContinental Abu Dhabi

Live the high life during your Abu Dhabi holiday in a 5-star haven of opulence that delivers luxury in abundance. You’ll feast on delicious cuisine in award-winning dining destinations and rest easy in sumptuous accommodation where you’ll feel right at home. Carefree moments can be spent lazing on the hotel’s private beach, playing tennis or taking a dip in the pool, while children can discover the splash pool and kids play area.

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Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi

A taste of Arabian extravagance awaits on the shores of Marina Island at this towering 5-star hotel. Features such as swimming pools, a state-of-the art fitness centre, an elegant spa and pristine beach provide options for leisure and relaxation, while a children’s club ensures little ones are not forgotten. You’ll find inspiring culinary creations in the enticing dining venues and can unwind and revive your senses in the comfort of your exquisite room or suite.

Check out the Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi