Here is a map of all the featured restaurants in Abu Dhabi.
1. Nusr-Et Steakhouse aka. Salt Bae's restaurant
Let's begin the list with a bang with Salt Bae's new restaurant launch in Abu Dhabi - Nusr-Et. If you are not sure who Salt Bae is, he is this guy sprinkling salt off his elbow. Sexy. Nusret Gökçe is his real name, and this Internet sensation Turkey chef even met the King a few days back. Enjoy an expensive cut of tender sirloin steak at this steakhouse, but seats aren't guaranteed when Salt Bae is getting more and more famous by the day.
Before Salt Bae got famous, Nusr-Et was already the leading restaurant representing steakhouse culture in Turkey. It serves delicious meat in a homelike atmosphere and won diners over with its simple formula: great food, great atmosphere and a great experience!
Good for: Sirloin steaks and pilgrimage destination
Nusr-Et
The Galleria, Al Maryah Island
Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
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| Photo credits: No. Fifty Seven Instagram |
2. No. Fifty Seven Boutique Café
Commonly seen at the trendiest Abu Dhabi festivals, this popular café has undoubtedly risen to the top ranks of the café scene in this Emirati city. No. Fifty Seven is best for its drool-worthy Son of a Chick burgers, its tasty salads and ice-cream cones. No promises that you won't fall head over heels for the Kinfolk-sque decor, or that you won't join its cult following.
Good for: Breakfast and brunches
No. Fifty Seven Boutique Café
Building Two, Al Marasy, Al Bateen Harbour
Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
3. Al Sayyad Marine Restaurant and Grills مطعم الصياد البحري
When I head back to the Abu Dhabi, I would re-visit Al Sayyad Marine Restaurant again in a heartbeat! And every single time that I visit Abu Dhabi. Seriously, this place has the best grilled seafood in the world. Just do yourself a favour and check out this place, you won't regret it!
Good for: Grilled seafood
Al Sayyad Marine Restaurant and Grills مطعم الصياد البحري
31st St, Port Zayed, Al Mina
Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
(Next to Fish Market, see map)
4. Shish Shawerma
In Abu Dhabi, Shish Shawerma is the place to get your shawerma fix, where they indulge you with tasty and fresh ingredients. Some say it is the best place for shawermas, I'd leave it to you to find out if that's true for you, but for me, yes. It was super delicious, a little messy to eat, but I scoffed it all down in record time! A chicken shawerma goes for 10 dirhams.Good for: Shawerma
Shish Shawerma
Corniche Road West, Street 2, Al Khalidiya، Behind Corniche Towers
Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
5. Cheesecake Factory
Cheesecake Factory is not unique to Abu Dhabi. But if you're not lucky enough to live in a country with this amazing cheese-crazy chain, drop by this restaurant at Yas Mall to enjoy some of the best pastas and cheese-stuffed dishes. The Fettuccini Alfredo with Chicken was da bomb, with cheesy fragrance and olive oil wrapped around every bit of pasta, this was dearly missed when it was swept clean. Don't miss out their signature side - the Stuffed Mushrooms is an absolute must-order!
Good for: Dinner, pastas and cheesy sides
Cheesecake Factory
Level 1, Yas Mall, Yas Island - أبو ظبي
6. Burgerchi
Two words: Simply burgerporn. Forget mediocre McDonalds, go straight for Burgerchi. This barely half a year joint provides the city-goers a new place to satisfy their cravings for juicy meat patty sandwiched between hot toasty buttery buns... oh, and the oozing cheese, bacon, and sauce, bring them on the table!
Famous for: Burgers with beetroot buns, 1971 Classic Chicken Burgers
Burgerchi
Juma Matar Al Mazrouei Building, Khalidiya Street
Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
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| Photo credits: Rosewood Hotel |
7. Dai Pai Dong - Rosewood
Dai Pai Dong, whose name draws inspiration from streetside food market stalls in olden China and presentday Hong Kong, showcases modern interpretations of classic Chinese dishes. Nestled between Rosewood Abu Dhabi and The Galleria Mall, Dai Pai Dong has a plethora of Cantonese dishes and is a must-visit in Abu Dhabi’s growing dining scene. What is little known of Dai Pai Dong is that right beside the restaurant is a speakeasy bar that is quite well-concealed.
Good for: Cantonese dishes and a night away in a speakeasy bar
Dai Pai Dong
Rosewood, Al Maryah Island
Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
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| Photo credits: Koi Restaurant & Lounge |
8. Koi Restaurant & Lounge
At Koi Restaurant & Lounge, their inventive menu is inspired by traditional Japanese cooking methods but also infused with modern California accents. Koi is named one of the best restaurants in Abu Dhabi time and again, so if you are looking for a restaurant that would certainly perform in the taste department, you know where to go.
Good for: Important occasions
Koi Restaurant & Lounge
The Collection, Saadiyat
Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
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| Photo credits: svweb |
9. Stratos - Revolving Lounge Bar & Grill
You can strike off two things off your bucket list at Stratos. First, being in a revolving restaurant, and second, having some kickass cocktails while enjoying the stunning sunset. What's more, their plush seats and swanky atmosphere will put you in a good mood instantly.
Good for: Cocktails and sunset watching
Stratos - Revolving Lounge Bar & Grill
Sheikh Khalifa Street
Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
10. Hakkasan
With 12 restaurants under this name across global destinations, Hakkasan has an impressive repertoire of classic and clever dishes whipped up by their talented team of chefs. Afternoon Dimsum is available from 3pm until 6pm daily with a selection of dim sum and dessert with a choice of Taiwanese or Chinese tea at 98 dirhams per person. Since Emirates Palace Hotel is the perfect afternoon stroll location, why not go for Hakkasan?
Good for: Afternoon dimsum brunch and gorgeous desserts
Hakkasan
Emirates Palace Hotel
West Corniche Road - Ras Al Akhdar
Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
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| Photo credits: Jumeirah Hotel |
11. Nahaam
This funky and modern restaurant has an impressive array of International menus depending on which day you decide to pamper yourself at Nahaam. Commended to be the best brunch in Abu Dhabi, choose from a sea of delicious favourites, from sandwiches and burgers to salads and shakes. You get a pretty sleek view of the pool at Jumeirah, and I reckon that's a pretty good deal!
Good for: A good pampering time
Nahaam
Jumeirah Etihad Towers Corniche Road
1. Tori No Su
Jumeirah is a stellar, multi-award winning luxury hotel that has jaw-dropping interiors... so there is little surprise that two of its restaurants are alongside one another on this list right? Tori No Su is a high-end Japanese restaurant helmed by the talented kaiseki chef, Takashi Ando. From the spicy tuna maki to king crabs, you can either opt for the luxurious omakase tables or go a la carte.
Good for: Japanese omakase
Tori No Su
Jumeirah At Etihad Towers Corniche Road
1. Tarbouche al Basha
For something a little from the upmarket restaurants, Tarbouche al Basha is nestled right in the middle of The Souk Central. This Levantine restaurant has its own loyal following, and people swear by their falafels, shawarma, and naan pizza. Pro tip: their rooftop opens from 5 in the afternoon, and thereafter you will be able to enjoy the stunning view of the World Trade Center. They even provide home delivery, so if you have an ABDB address, you know you can take the lazy (but yummy) option.
Good for: Arabian breakfasts, falafel, naan pizza
Tarbouche al Basha
The Souk Central Market
Hamdan Street, Khalidiya
Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
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| Photo credits: Zuma Abu Dhabi Facebook |
14. Zuma
There is no stopping of a successful restaurant chain. Zuma has sprouted in 11 international city locations under two decades. Why is this Japanese restaurant so widely adored? With no compromise on quality, this izakaya style of dining, tantalizing sushi and amazing desserts encourage diners to share their food in a classy yet laidback atmosphere. Zuma's consistent delivery has earned itself a good reputation in the culinary world in Abu Dhabi.
Good for: Sushi, cocktails, desserts - especially the banana cake
Zuma
Sowwah Square, Al Maryah Island
Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
Everybody loves eggs! And I don't mean Gudetama. Egg Shack Cafe has taken their craze for eggs up another notch and has an entire menu dedicated for it. Power up your breakfasts at Egg Shack Cafe. It will make you very happy.
Good for: Breakfasts, and specifically, egg waffles
Egg Shack Cafe
Next to Wurood Flower Cordination
Near Abu Dhabi Media, Old Airport Road Al Mushrif
Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
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| Photo credits: FindSalt Instagram |
16. Salt (Not related to Salt Bae)
Salt is something different. It is a food truck, and this means one thing: it is elusive. This nomadic restaurant providing delicious gourmet staples on-the-go at shifting locations around the UAE is hard to catch, and perhaps it will do you good to follow them on Instagram @findSalt. This element of fun makes munching on their burgers and ice-cream much more interesting.
Good for: Burgers, Lotus Softies
Salt Burger
Mushrif Central Park
Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
When craving for Asian cuisine, go to trusty Cho Gao. Cho Gao means 'rice market' in Vietnamese, but you will get much more than just rice, or Vietnamese food. There is a huge variety of Asian cuisines available, including Thai, Indonesia, Chinese and Japanese. If you happen to drop by on Wednesday evening, you can savor sharing platters of divine dim sum and sushi including house grape beverages for 160 dirhams per pax.
Good for: Cho Gao Pillows
Cho Gao Restaurant & Lounge
Crowne Plaza Hotel
Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Street (Hamdan Street)
Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Street (Hamdan Street)
18. Bu Shanab Restaurant
If you can't get enough of shawarmas, and are looking for more places to try your luck at finding the best - get yourself to Bu Shanab Restaurant. A worthy contender with their well-loved shanabz meat and chicken doner, all presented in a triangle waffle shaped bread drizzled with an appetizing sauce. Have they won your heart yet?
Good for: Shawarmas
Bu Shanab Restaurant
Bin Moosa Building,
Al Khalidiya
Opp Huda Butchery
Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
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| Photo credits: Ushna Instagram 19. Ushna |
One of the very best Indian restaurants with a sophisticated, modern setting, get ready to be wowed by Ushna's food, service and amazing views. Begin your meal with a light samobosa, followed by some sharing dishes tandoori jhinga, lamb korma and chicken tikka masala, and of course naan. At night, you get to see a glowing Grand Sheikh Zayed Mosque in the distance too.
Good for: Lamb korma, samobosa, chicken tikka masala
Ushna
Ground Level, Souk Qaryat Al Beri, Bain Al Jessrain, Al Maqtaa,
Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
20. Leopold's of London
At award-winning cafe Leopold's of London hidden in Nations Galleria, indulge in an afternoon tea. Their extensive collection is organized in the Leopold’s Tea Library which houses more than 70 types of tea collected globally. Whichever way you like it, this place is so lovely for cake and coffee too.
Good for: Afternoon tea
Leopold's of London
Al Falah Street
Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
21. Almaz by Momo
Almaz by Momo is yet another impressive Levantian restaurant with a mix of Mediterranean and Moroccan influences. With the culinary team headed by the award-winning Chef Mohamed Ourad, there is little surprise that Almaz by Momo is heavily sought after by diners. Other than teasing your tastebuds, the decor in Almaz by Momo is drop-dead gorgeous!
Good for: Moroccan cuisine
Almaz by Momo
The Galleria, Al Maryah Island
Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
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| Photo credits: Mahiblog |
22. LIMO
The latest addition to the culinary scene in Abu Dhabi is LIMO, a Peruvian restaurant within the premises of Bab al-Qasr Hotel. This restaurant is a unique blend of Arabesque style and offering classic Arabian hospitality on the Corniche in Abu Dhabi. Don't miss out their Fish & chips style battered fried seafood with tartar sauce and the amazing Beef Anticucho, juicy skewers of beef tenderloin with pureed mashed potatoes and smoked anticuchera sauce.
Good for: Beef Anticucho and desserts
LIMO
Bab al-Qasr Hotel
West Corniche
Bonus! Skylite Rooftop Lounge
When the day closes, unwind and relax at one of the Emirates's most glamorous rooftop bar lounges, Skylite Rooftop Lounge. Bob your head to the best music, drinks and company.
Skylite Rooftop Lounge
Viceroy Abu Dhabi, 9th Floor, Yas Marina Circuit
Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
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