Best Restaurants for Authentic Arabic Cuisine in Abu Dhabi

arabic restaurant

Known for its vibrant culinary scenes and dining experiences, Abu Dhabi offers a variety of international cuisines, with Arabic cuisine standing out. From delicious rice dishes and tender meats to mouthwatering kunafas, the options for an Arabic restaurant Abu Dhabi are diverse and satisfy every craving.

Let’s discover our top picks for the best Arabic restaurants in Abu Dhabi, offering authentic flavours and a wonderful ambience.

Arabic cuisine served at an Arabic restaurant in Abu Dhabi

List of Top Arabic Restaurants in Abu Dhabi

The Arabic restaurants in Abu Dhabi combine traditional tastes with modern techniques to represent the country’s culture and rich flavours. Know more about these restaurants and pick your favourite.

1. Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant

Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant is an authentic Arabic restaurant in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. In 2022, it received a Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition for offering high-quality and value-driven dining experiences, which continued in 2023. 

Situated near Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, it provides a pleasant atmosphere and cultural ambience through its seating and decor. The restaurant specialises in Arabic and halal cuisines, offering all the meals from breakfast to dinner.

Top Dishes

  • Uzi Lamb
  • Shrimps Machboos
  • Kingfish Biryani
  • Grilled Salmon Steak
  • Al Khayma Mixed Seafood Platter
  • Al Khayma Half Charcoal Chicken

Location

Souq Al Jami, Near Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Contact Details

+971-50-606-1239

Opening Hours

Monday to Sunday: 09:00 am to 10:00 pm

Average Price for Two

AED 210

Rating

4.9

Atmosphere and ambience at Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant

2. Shurfa Bay Restaurant

Located in Corniche Abu Dhabi, Shurfa Bay Restaurant offers modern Levantine cuisine and a Shisha Lounge. It specialises in Middle Eastern cuisine and provides a luxurious and unforgettable experience. 

It offers an enchanting ambience through a beautiful indoor area, breathtaking sea views in the outdoor area and a lavish decor.

Top Dishes

  • Shish Tawouk
  • Mixed Grill
  • Lamb Chops
  • Sujik and Cheese
  • Smoked Chicken
  • Umm Ali

Location

343 King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street, Al Bateen

Contact Details

+971-50-952-5254

Opening Hours

Monday to Sunday: 08:00 am to 03:00 am

Average Price for Two

AED 220

Rating

4.8

Food served in an outdoor area at Shurfa Bay Restaurant

3. Saudi Kitchen

Saudi Kitchen is another top-rated Arabic restaurant in Abu Dhabi. It serves rich, flavourful dishes and offers a feel of Gulf heritage through the flavours from across the Arabian Peninsula. The restaurant has 12 branches all over the Emirates, providing a welcoming ambience and warm hospitality at each location.

Top Dishes

  • Bukhari
  • Mandi
  • Hashi
  • Sobreem
  • Seafood Hamisa
  • Saudi Kitchen Kunafa

Location

Opposite Mushrif Mall, Al Mushrif

Contact Details

  • Phone: +97126655355
  • Email: info@saudicuisineuae.ae 

Opening Hours

Monday to Sunday: 12:00 pm to 01:00 am

Average Price for Two

AED 80

Rating

4.8

Ambience at Saudi Kitchen, an Arabic Restaurant Abu Dhabi

4. Derwandi Restaurant

Located in the heart of the city, Derwandi is one of the top Lebanese restaurants in Abu Dhabi. It specialises in traditional Arabic cuisine and offers exceptional banquets, catering and hosting experiences. 

The restaurant enriches Lebanese cuisine by adopting historical flavours with a twist. During the day, Derwandi provides a vivid and colourful ambience, while after sunset, it is a warm and cosy setting.

Top Dishes

  • Dawood Basha
  • Chicken with Freekeh
  • Kharouf Mehchi
  • Grilled Prawns
  • Seabass
  • Knafetna

Location

Al Ahkam Street, Corniche Road, Next to Radisson Blu Hotel, Al Bateen

Contact Details

+971-2-639-0023 | +971-58-853-9633

Opening Hours

  • Monday to Thursday: 08:00 am to 12:30 am
  • Friday to Sunday: 08:00 am to 01:00 am

Average Price for Two

AED 290

Rating

4.1

Derwandi, arabic-restaurant-abu-dhabi

5. Dandana Gourmet Restaurant

Dandana Gourmet Restaurant serves Middle Eastern food with a blend of Syrian and Lebanese flavours. It also offers healthy options based on the customers’ dietary preferences. The restaurant provides both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages alongside mouthwatering delicacies. 

Customers can also find a children’s play area, a no-smoking zone, and a globally inspired area for cigars and shisha. The restaurant features a specially designed bar and screens live football matches and other sports events on the terrace.

Top Dishes

  • Kebbah Al-Seikh Platter
  • Dandana Kebab Skewer
  • Beef Lokum
  • Grilled Lamb Shank
  • Cordon Blue
  • Dandana Seafood Selection

Location

Contact Details

  • Al Zeina
    • Reservation: +971-2-583-7777 | +971-50-309-0032
    • Delivery: +971-2-582-2223 | +971-50-551-8604
    • Email: info@dandana.ae 
  • Al Wahda: 
    • Phone: +971-2-643-3030 / +971-50-606-8500
    • Email: alwahda@dandana.ae 

Opening Hours

Monday to Sunday: 08:00 am to 02:00 am

Average Price for Two

AED 90

Rating

4.0

arabic restaurant

6. Ornina Arabian Lounge

Ornina Arabian Lounge provides a traditional Arabic and Moroccan dining experience, serving the genuine tastes and flavours of the Middle East. Its menu includes a variety of delicacies such as grills, kebabs, Moroccan tagines and Arabic delights.

The restaurant offers an ambience filled with Arabian vibes through mesmerising sunset and sea views, lighting and music. Ornina Arabian Lounge also arranges special events like parties, corporate lunches and leisure dinners. Additionally, the restaurant hosts events such as ladies’ night, Arabian night and more.

Top Dishes

  • Couscous with Lamb
  • Pastilla Seafood
  • Moroccan Chicken Tagine
  • Ornina Mixed Grills
  • Grilled Jumbo Shrimps
  • Umm Ali

Location

Al Bandar, Al Raha Beach

Contact Details

  • Phone: +971-50-696-9312
  • Email:  info@orninalounge.com 

Opening Hours

  • Sunday to Thursday: 04:00 pm to 02:00 am
  • Friday: 02:00 pm to 03:00 am
  • Saturday: 04:00 pm to 03:00 am

Average Price for Two

AED 370

Rating

4.0

Sunset view at Ornina Arabian Lounge, an Arabic Restaurant Abu Dhabi

7. Bushra by Buddha-Bar

It is also one of the popular Arabic restaurants in Abu Dhabi. Bushra by Buddha-Bar offers a gourmet adventure created by an award-winning celebrity chef. It combines Middle Eastern traditions with North African convergence and a modern twist. Its open kitchen, elegant decor, ambient lighting and music create a vibrant environment.

Top Dishes

  • Farouj Mousahab
  • Beef Tikka
  • Green Chicken Tawook
  • Grilled Mix Seafood
  • Slow-cooked Lamb Shank with Freekeh
  • Royal Couscous

Location

The Pier, Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island

Contact Details

  • Phone: +971-50-601-1195
  • Email: info@capitalmotion.com 

Opening Hours

Monday to Sunday: 01:00 pm to 02:00 am

Average Price for Two

AED 460

Rating

3.8

FAQs

1. What Is the Famous Dish in Abu Dhabi?

The famous dishes in Abu Dhabi include Machboos, Shawarma, Lokma, Harees, Kunafa, and more. You can check out the best restaurants in Abu Dhabi to try these dishes.

2. Can I Find Healthy Food in Abu Dhabi?

Yes! You can find healthy food restaurants in Abu Dhabi. These restaurants offer delicious and balanced meals for a healthy lifestyle.

The Arabic restaurants in Abu Dhabi offer authentic flavours with a vibrant and welcoming ambience. You can explore these restaurants and spend quality time with your family and friends.

If you are maintaining a vegetarian lifestyle, you can visit the best vegan restaurants in Abu Dhabi. Keep following Property Finder Blogs to discover more dining options and fun activities in Abu Dhabi and other Emirates.

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