As the commercial and cultural hub of the UAE, Abu Dhabi has a vibrant food scene. It offers countless options for authentic Emirati cuisine as well as international flavours brought by the diverse expat community. With so much to choose from, picking a restaurant for a delightful meal is challenging. For this reason, we’ve shortlisted the top restaurants in Abu Dhabi, keeping different budgets in mind.
For Affordable Soul Food
To start our list, we have restaurants for people looking for a hearty meal that’s also easy on the wallet. Abu Dhabi has plenty of affordable dining options. Check below the top five.
1. Bonna Annee
Bonna Annee Restaurant offers pocket-friendly full-course meals from Ethiopian cuisine. The focus here is on the food itself, presented in a simple setting.
Newcomers should try the chef’s special, a platter of stews and side dishes served on Injera (Ethiopian spongy flatbread). You can also try Kitfo and Gored Gored at Bonna Annee as their speciality dishes.
Address
Opposite Old Blood Bank Building, Near Gad Restaurant, Behind Salam Street Tourist Club Area, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Opening Hours
Daily from 10:00 am – 11:30 pm
Cost for two people
AED 70
Phone
+971 2 491 2128
Rating
4.5
2. Rashid Al Zaabi Mandi
Rashid Al Zaabi Mandi is renowned for its mastery of Yemeni cuisine, particularly its famous Chicken Mandi. This beloved dish is a staple not only in the UAE but all over the Arabian Peninsula. Guests can enjoy their meals in cosy, private cabins known as ‘baithaks’, which create an authentic atmosphere reminiscent of traditional Arabian dining.
Also, the speciality dishes include the delectable Mutton Mandi, King Fish Mandi and Chicken Madhbi.
Address
Opposite Navy Gate, Salam Street, Tourist Club, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Opening Hours
Daily from 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
Cost for two people
AED 35
Phone
+971 50 836 9597
Rating
4.1
3. Kabab Jan
Kabab Jan Restaurant is one of the top restaurants in Abu Dhabi, inviting you to explore the diverse culinary landscape of Pakistan, Afghanistan and India. Their menu features a fresh-off-the-grill barbeque and other traditional dishes, each imbued with the rich flavours of South Asia.
With ample seating and a dedicated family hall, Kabab Jan provides a comfortable atmosphere for families to enjoy their meals together. Highlights of the menu include Shinwari Pulao Platter and a diverse array of mouthwatering kebabs.
Address
Al Falah Street, Al Danah Zone 1, Near Habib Bank AG Zurich, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Opening Hours
Daily from 6:00 pm – 11:30 pm
Cost for two people
AED 50
Phone
+971 2 445 4454
Rating
4.9
4. High Range Restaurant
High Range Restaurant primarily offers authentic South Indian comfort food at affordable prices. Vegetarians will have an amazing time with many dishes to choose from. However, the restaurant also offers meat dishes with signature South Indian spices and chutneys.
The specialty dishes at High Range Restaurant include their Kappa Curry, Bone Marrow Soup, Biryani, and Porotta.
Address
Najda Street, Near National Hospital, Al Danah Zone 1, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Opening Hours
Daily from 6:00 am – 12:30 pm
Cost for two people
AED 65
Phone
+971 2 553 4700
Rating
4.4
5. Shawarma Street
Shawarma Street is a popular restaurant chain in Abu Dhabi that serves all kinds of shawarma, the famous Levantine dish. With its traditional Arabic cuisine presented in a modern style, Shawarma Street offers a delightful dining experience on a budget. Their menu also has many Middle Eastern and American cuisine options for customers who appreciate variety.
Address
9th Street Salam Opposite Etisalat, Near National Hospital, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Opening Hours
Daily from 10:00 am – 2:00 am
Cost for two people
AED 75
Phone
+971 2 666 8085
Rating
3.8
For Casual Dining
Now, let’s move to our top five restaurants in Abu Dhabi for a comfortable and relaxed dining experience. These restaurants are in the middle range when it comes to price. They offer a more upscale experience compared to fast food chains.
1. Famous Dave’s Barbecue
As one of the top restaurants in Abu Dhabi Mall, Famous Dave’s Restaurant offers a taste of American smokehouse tradition for barbecue enthusiasts. This renowned chain is known for its award-winning slow-cooked meats and signature sauces. In short, Famous Dave’s Barbecue offers a one-of-a-kind all-American dining experience.
Address
Level 3, Abu Dhabi Mall, Tourist Club Area (Al Zahiyah), Abu Dhabi, UAE
Opening Hours
Daily from 10:00 am – 2:00 am
Cost for two people
AED 285
Phone
+971 2 658 7863
Rating
4.3
2. Bosnian Hut
Abu Dhabi residents and visitors alike can enjoy a culinary experience straight from the heart of the Balkans. It is a family-friendly restaurant that offers private cabins for women seeking a more intimate dining experience.
Specialising in Bosnian cuisine, Bosnian Hut has staples like ćevapi, grilled minced meat, served in Somun flatbread with onions and creamy kajmak. Also, don’t miss the Trilece, a popular Bosnian dessert, perfect for ending your meal on a sweet note.
Address
923, Hazza Bin Zayed, The First Street, Al Danah Zone 1, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Opening Hours
Daily from 10:00 am – 3:00 am
Cost for two people
AED 115
Phone
+971 4 211 8000
Rating
4.4
3. Dampa Seafood Grill
Dampa Seafood Grill brings the Filipino communal dining experience straight to the UAE. As one of the best seafood restaurants in Abu Dhabi, fresh seafood is a speciality displayed for you to choose from and cooked to your liking. The display showcases an impressive selection of seafood, including shrimp, crabs, mussels and fish, all sourced daily to ensure the highest quality.
Also, the restaurant features a unique dining style where seafood is served on a large platter. This allows guests to indulge in a feast that’s meant to be shared.
Address
Fatma Bint Mubarak Street, Al Danah Zone 1, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Opening Hours
Daily from 12:00 pm – 11:30 pm
Cost for two people
AED 136
Phone
+971 2 622 0096
Rating
4.1
4. Saudi Kitchen
Those looking to explore other Arabian cuisines can head down to the Saudi Kitchen in Mushrif Mall. This themed restaurant is adorned with traditional Saudi decor, including Arabic calligraphy, cultural artwork and artefacts.
The sitting areas resemble Bedouin tents. In this traditional style, cushions are on the floor, often arranged along the walls and around a central table. You will feel the whole Saudi experience.
Address
151, Al Nahyan Al Laqeen Street, opposite Mushrif Mall, Al Mushrif, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Opening Hours
Daily from 12:00 pm – 12:30 am
Cost for two people
AED 170
Phone
+971 2 665 5355
Rating
4.8
5. Via Delhi
Living up to its name, Via Delhi takes you on a food adventure through the lively streets of India’s capital. They focus on the lesser-known flavours of Indian food that will broaden the understanding of even the most experienced connoisseurs.
With a casual and lively atmosphere, the restaurant is perfect for quick bites as well as family meals. The lassi and chai at Via Delhi are crowd favourites, completing the experience with authentic Indian beverages.
Address
Al Salam Street, Al Danah, Zone 1, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Opening Hours
Daily from 8:00 am – 11:00 pm
Cost for two people
AED 110
Phone
+971 55 965 6168
Rating
4.2
For Fine Dining
Finally, here are our five best restaurants in Abu Dhabi for a more luxury-seeking crowd. Fine dining is synonymous with an elegant ambience and impeccable service.
Additionally, you can expect high-quality ingredients, beautifully presented dishes, and a memorable dining experience.
Note that these places need reservations; sometimes, your slots need to be booked months in advance. There is also a dress code applicable to the fine dining restaurants in Abu Dhabi.
1. Hakkasan
Hakkasan, located at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, is a Michelin-starred restaurant offering high-end Cantonese cuisine. As you step into the dimly lit, stylish interior, you’re greeted by a refined atmosphere perfect for intimate dinners or special occasions. For a more relaxed setting, the outdoor terrace offers stunning views of Abu Dhabi’s skyline.
Known for its refined dining experience, the restaurant features signature dishes like crispy Peking duck with caviar and a diverse dim sum menu.
Address
Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Al Ras Al Akhdar, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Opening Hours
Daily from 6:00 pm – 11:30 pm
Cost for two people
AED 550
Phone
+971 2 690 7739
Rating
4.7
2. COYA
COYA Restaurant presents an innovative take on Peruvian cuisine. The restaurant’s rich decor, inspired by Latin American heritage, sets the scene for an extraordinary culinary experience. Additionally, the Pisco Bar and the live music performances add to the lively atmosphere of the restaurant.
The menu at COYA focuses on keeping the essence of traditional Peruvian dishes alive while incorporating exciting global influences.
Address
Four Seasons Al Maryah Island Hotel, Abu Dhabi Global Market Street, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Opening Hours
- Lunch: Monday to Friday from 12.00 pm – 4:00 pm | Saturday to Sunday from 12.30 pm – 4:00 pm
- Dinner: Monday to Thursday from 6.30 pm – 11 pm | Friday from 6:30 pm to 12:00 am | Saturday from 7:00 pm – 12:00 am | Sunday from 7:00 pm to 10:30 pm
Cost for two people
AED 550
Phone
+971 2 306 7000
Rating
4.1
3. Dai Pai Dong
Dai Pai Dong at Rosewood Hotel offers a contemporary take on classic Cantonese cuisine. As one of the best Chinese restaurants in Abu Dhabi, the theme is also reflected in the ambience, which captures the essence of Chinese cultural richness. Guests can indulge in homemade noodles, dim sum, and barbecued meats in a warm, culturally rich atmosphere.
This restaurant offers private dining rooms for intimate gatherings and unique experiences like the Wok Hei Brunch and Yum Cha Dim Sum Brunch. Nonetheless, Dai Pai Dong provides a dining journey inspired by Hong Kong’s vibrant food scene. It’s a perfect spot for everything from casual lunches to relaxing dinners.
Address
Level B3, Galleria Shopping Mall, Al Maryah Street, Rosewood, Abu Dhabi Global Market Square, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Opening Hours
Daily from 12:00 pm – 12:00 am
Cost for two people
AED 330
Phone
+971 2 813 5588
Rating
4.3
4. Zuma
Zuma is one of the best restaurants in Abu Dhabi and is located at The Galleria on Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi. Guests can enjoy their meal in a stylish, waterfront setting with a warm, inviting atmosphere. Also, the bar and lounge section of the restaurant offers a dynamic dining experience which evolves from day to night.
They have garnered a worldwide reputation for their take on the Japanese Izakaya concept. The dishes are categorised into ‘raw’ and ‘robata’ sections.
The raw section showcases a curated selection of sushi, featuring traditional sashimi choices like salmon, red snapper and sea urchin. Whereas, the Robata grill produces signature dishes like the restaurant’s revered spicy beef tenderloin.
Address
Galleria Shopping Mall, Al Maryah Street, Rosewood, Abu Dhabi Global Market Square, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Opening Hours
Lunch: Monday to Thursday from 12:00 pm to 03:30 pm | Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 pm to 04:00 pm
Dinner: Sunday to Thursday from 7:00 pm to 12:00 am | Friday and Saturday from 7:00 pm to 01:00 am
Cost for two people
AED 600
Phone
+971 2 401 5900
Rating
4.9
5. Talea by Antonio Guida
Talea by Antonio Guida offers a unique take on Italian cuisine, celebrating ‘Cucina di Famiglia’ or family-style cooking. The restaurant is designed to evoke intimacy and grandeur, with bold colours and contemporary decor. Moreover, the open kitchen design allows diners to witness the artistry behind each dish, adding an interactive element to the dining experience.
This Michelin-starred restaurant showcases Chef Antonio Guida’s modern take on classic Italian dishes cherished by households throughout Italy.
Address
Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Al Ras Al Akhdar, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Opening Hours
- Lunch: Tuesday to Sunday from 12:30 – 03:00 pm | Closed on Monday
- Dinner: Tuesday to Sunday from 06:30 – 11:00 pm | Closed on Monday
Cost for two people
AED 395
Phone
+971 2 690 7999
Rating
4.1
FAQs
The most popular foods in Abu Dhabi include traditional Arabic dishes such as:
– Machboos: A rice dish with meat (often chicken or lamb) and flavoured with spices.
– Al Harees: A wheat and meat dish traditionally cooked in a clay pot.
– Shawarma: Grilled meat (usually chicken or lamb) wrapped in flatbread with garlic sauce and vegetables.
– Dates: A staple fruit used in various desserts and snacks.
– Luqaimat: Deep-fried dough balls dipped in date syrup, popular as a dessert.
Yes, eating in Abu Dhabi can be expensive, especially in upscale restaurants and hotels. However, there are also more affordable options available, such as local eateries and markets, where you can find reasonably priced meals.
One of the traditional Emirati dishes is Machboos, a seasoned rice dish typically served with meat (such as chicken, lamb, or fish) and flavored with spices like saffron, cinnamon, and dried lime.
The emirate’s dining scene invites you to explore a world of flavours that is nothing short of extraordinary. The best restaurants in Abu Dhabi create memorable experiences with their unique settings and delicious dishes.
Besides, if you’re residing in Dubai, don’t miss dining out at the best fine-dining restaurants in Dubai.
