Best Restaurants in Abu Dhabi

10 curated venues

Abu Dhabi's dining scene is shaped by its hotels and waterfronts, and the city's strongest restaurants reflect that geography. Saadiyat Island delivers the polished beach-club brunch at SAL, where French-leaning plates land alongside crystal-clear water and a heated pool. Yas Bay is the destination for serious Korean BBQ at NURI Grill & Bar, with cuts grilled tableside in a hotel setting designed for an evening out. The Corniche and the marina cover the rest of the spectrum, from the seafood and sushi terrace at Catch at the St. Regis to the contemporary Japanese plates at Ba:TE looking out over the mangroves.

What sets the top end of the city apart is range. Glow at the Aloft is a poolside all-day venue with generous portions and a relaxed sports-bar vibe in the evenings. Ergon Deli & Café at the Erth Hotel turns Greek pantry staples into a charming brunch spot, and Bella Vita by Labelle covers solid Italian across mushroom soup, burrata salads and grilled mains. Madang at the Holiday Inn brings authentic Korean alongside NURI's more polished format, Pho 7 is the city's reliable bowl of Vietnamese pho, and Art Lounge rounds out the list with a more design-led lounge format.

Most of the standouts here sit inside hotels, so booking ahead is straightforward and parking is rarely an issue. Friday and Saturday brunches at the Saadiyat and Corniche venues fill up fastest, and the marina and Yas Bay terraces are at their best from October through April when outdoor seating is comfortable into the evening.

Top Picks

Glow - Poolside Sports Bar

5.0·1831 reviews·$$$

Glow is the poolside restaurant and sports bar at the Aloft Abu Dhabi, a casual all-day venue built around a clean, well-kept pool area with a laid-back atmosphere that suits both families and solo travellers. The format is simple: order from the bar or your lounger, eat poolside or at the bar terrace, and watch sport on the jumbo screen in the evening. A 100 AED day pass for non-hotel guests is fully redeemable on food and drinks, which makes this one of the better-value pool day options in the city. The menu covers the casual poolside register without overreaching. The wagyu burger draws specific praise for its quality, the fajitas and chicken quesadillas are reliable, and the club sandwich and salads work well as lighter options. Smoothies are fresh and well-blended, and the cocktail list - the strawberry daiquiri in particular - is stronger than expected for a pool bar. Fruit platters make a good shared option for families. The team creates a genuinely welcoming atmosphere. Staff are quick to set up loungers, towels, and ice water on arrival, and the pool-bar service maintains an easy rhythm throughout the day - attentive without hovering. The setting is tranquil enough for a relaxing afternoon but has enough energy to sustain an evening watching sport. The kitchen closes around 23:00, so plan dinner accordingly.

Catch at St. Regis

5.0·1702 reviews·$$$$

Catch is the seafood and sushi restaurant at the St. Regis Abu Dhabi, a refined dining room with an outdoor terrace that opens onto the hotel's beachfront garden. The sushi programme is the standout: an open kitchen where chefs prepare each piece to order, with fresh wasabi ground tableside - a detail that signals the level of care throughout the menu. The tempura prawn roll is a popular entry point, the spicy tuna delivers genuine heat and freshness, and the crab salad balances richness with precision. Beyond sushi, the seafood platter is generously composed and competitively priced for the quality, the miso black cod has the depth and glaze it demands, and the wagyu beef tacos work as a surprisingly effective crossover dish. The coffemisu dessert is an inventive closer worth saving room for. The wine list and cocktail programme are well-matched to the seafood focus. The terrace is the preferred setting - a garden view with beach beyond that works for both daytime lunches and evening celebrations. The team is notably polished: servers explain dishes and recommend pairings with genuine knowledge, pacing is well-judged with appropriate breaks between courses, and the restaurant handles occasions - birthdays, anniversaries - with thoughtful personal touches. The overall experience operates at a level that draws guests back multiple times in a single stay.

NURI Grill & Bar

5.0·864 reviews·$$$$

NURI Grill & Bar is a Korean BBQ restaurant operating within a five-star hotel setting, offering a polished take on the Korean grill format with quality meat cuts and attentive tableside service. The restaurant combines the interactive appeal of Korean BBQ with the refinement and service standards of upscale hotel dining. The meat quality is the centrepiece - well-marbled cuts grilled to order with staff assisting at the table to ensure optimal cooking. The side dishes (banchan) are fresh and well-balanced, providing the traditional counterpoint to the rich grilled proteins. The presentation is stylish and the overall dining experience feels elevated without losing the casual, social energy that makes Korean BBQ enjoyable. Service is friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely helpful, with staff guiding guests through the grilling process and menu with care. The restaurant has positioned itself as a more refined alternative to the city's casual Korean BBQ options, and the brunch format offers a particularly strong value proposition for those looking for a classy weekend dining experience.

Ba:TE

5.0·645 reviews·$$$

Ba:TE is a contemporary Japanese restaurant set on the Abu Dhabi marina with views over the mangroves and water that make the outdoor terrace the preferred setting, particularly at sunset. The restaurant delivers a polished Japanese dining experience that balances authenticity with creative presentation in a cosy, intimate atmosphere. The sushi is fresh and carefully prepared, the ramen is rich and satisfying, and the fried calamari is a reliable starter. The wagyu gyoza and short ribs from the Sakura brunch menu draw specific praise. The menu is broad enough for exploration across visits, with tacos, tapas-style small plates, and vegan options adding range. The overall quality of ingredients is high, and the presentation is considered without being fussy. Service is notably professional and warm, with staff who take time to explain dishes in detail and guide ordering with genuine knowledge. The atmosphere feels refined but relaxed - suitable for date nights and group dinners alike. The mangrove and marina views from the outdoor terrace add a natural dimension that indoor Japanese restaurants lack. The restaurant has built a following among both Abu Dhabi residents and visitors from Dubai who make the trip specifically.

SAL Saadiyat Island

5.0·505 reviews·$$$$

SAL is a beach club on Saadiyat Island that has positioned itself as one of the most attractive pool-and-beach venues in Abu Dhabi. The setting is striking - a heated pool overlooking the Gulf, stylish sun loungers, and a design sensibility that photographs beautifully and feels equally good in person. The food and drinks programme operates at a higher level than most beach clubs attempt. Cocktails are creative and well-crafted, the food is fresh and flavourful, and the overall quality justifies the premium positioning. The drinks are a particular strength, with a bar team that takes its work seriously. Service consistently draws the strongest praise. Staff are kind, attentive, and genuinely helpful, creating an atmosphere where guests feel looked after throughout their visit. The overall vibe is relaxed, stylish, and sociable - a beach club that delivers on both atmosphere and substance. For anyone looking for a premium pool day in Abu Dhabi, this is one of the strongest options on Saadiyat Island.

Ergon Deli & Café Abu Dhabi

5.0·351 reviews·$$$

Ergon Deli and Cafe is a Greek-inspired cafe and deli at the Erth Hotel Abu Dhabi, a charming space with a wonderful atmosphere and food that has drawn returning visitors multiple times in a single stay. The menu covers Mediterranean and Greek-influenced dishes with fresh ingredients, honest preparation, and flavours that feel genuine. The cafe format is relaxed and welcoming, with a setting that works equally well for a quick coffee, a leisurely breakfast, or a casual dinner. The quality is consistent across visits, and the overall value is fair. Service is fantastic and personal, with staff who create a warm atmosphere and remember returning guests. The cafe has built a devoted following among hotel guests and Abu Dhabi residents looking for something with character and charm.

Bella Vita Restaurant by Labelle

5.0·315 reviews·$$$

Bella Vita Restaurant by Labelle is an Italian restaurant in Abu Dhabi offering a menu that spans from mushroom soup and burrata salad to quality grilled steaks. The kitchen produces well-prepared Italian-influenced dishes with good ingredients, and the overall dining experience is comfortable and satisfying. The menu covers a range that accommodates different appetites, from light salads to substantial grilled mains. The food is consistently praised for quality and flavour, with staff offering confident recommendations that guide ordering well. Service is excellent and friendly, with a team that creates a welcoming atmosphere and handles the dining experience with genuine care.

Madang Korean Restaurant Holiday Inn

5.0·299 reviews·$$$

Madang Korean Restaurant at the Holiday Inn is the second Abu Dhabi outpost of the well-regarded Madang brand, offering the same authentic Korean dining experience in a hotel setting. The Korean BBQ format translates well, with quality meat cuts grilled tableside and a full complement of banchan side dishes. The menu covers Korean classics - BBQ, bibimbap, fried chicken, noodles, and bingsu - with the same commitment to authenticity that has built the brand's reputation at the Al Ghazal Golf Club location. The portions are generous and the flavours are genuinely Korean. Service is welcoming and helpful, with staff who guide guests through the Korean BBQ format naturally. The Holiday Inn location makes this a convenient option for hotel guests and visitors to the area.

Pho 7 Vietnamese Restaurant

5.0·284 reviews·$$$

Pho 7 is a Vietnamese restaurant in Abu Dhabi that delivers authentic Vietnamese flavours with care and consistency. The pho is the signature - rich, aromatic broth with fresh herbs and properly prepared noodles. The broader menu covers Vietnamese classics with genuine authenticity. The setting is comfortable and unpretentious, with a focus on the food rather than the decor. Portions are generous and the pricing is fair for the quality. Service is friendly and efficient, with a team that delivers food quickly without sacrificing quality. The restaurant has built a loyal following among Vietnamese food enthusiasts in the city.

Art Lounge

5.0·261 reviews·$$$

Art Lounge is a contemporary lounge and restaurant in Abu Dhabi that combines art-inspired decor with a sophisticated dining and drinks experience. The setting is visually striking and creates an atmosphere that suits social gatherings and occasion dining. The food programme covers international flavours with creative presentation, and the cocktail list is well-curated and attractively served. The overall experience is designed for aesthetic enjoyment as much as culinary satisfaction. Service is attentive and professional, with a team that maintains the lounge's refined atmosphere while keeping guests comfortable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best restaurant in Abu Dhabi?

Catch at the St. Regis is the strongest all-rounder, with fresh seafood, a sushi programme and an outdoor terrace opening onto the beachfront. For Korean BBQ, NURI Grill & Bar at Yas Bay is the city's most polished option, and SAL on Saadiyat Island leads the beach-club category.

Where are the best restaurants in Abu Dhabi located?

The strongest dining clusters are on Saadiyat Island, home to SAL, at Yas Bay where NURI Grill & Bar sits, along the Corniche and St. Regis beachfront for Catch and Glow at the Aloft, and around the marina for Ba:TE. Most top venues sit inside hotels, which makes booking and parking straightforward.

How much do restaurants in Abu Dhabi cost?

Mid-range hotel restaurants such as Glow, Ba:TE, Ergon Deli & Café, Bella Vita and Pho 7 sit in the upper-mid bracket, with mains typically in the AED 90 to 180 range. Destination venues like Catch at St. Regis, NURI Grill & Bar and SAL Saadiyat Island are higher-end, where a full dinner with drinks usually starts around AED 350 per person.

What are the best beachfront restaurants in Abu Dhabi?

SAL on Saadiyat Island is the headline beach-club venue, with French-leaning food, a heated pool and access to one of the best stretches of sand in the emirate. Catch at the St. Regis offers a more refined seafood-focused option with a terrace that opens straight onto the hotel beach.

Where can I find authentic Asian food in Abu Dhabi?

NURI Grill & Bar at Yas Bay and Madang at the Holiday Inn cover Korean BBQ at two different price points, both grilling cuts at the table. Ba:TE on the marina is the pick for contemporary Japanese with sushi and a view, and Pho 7 delivers a consistent bowl of authentic Vietnamese pho for a more casual meal.