Abu Dhabi is Abu Dhabi pairs grand Emirati landmarks with global fine dining — Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Corniche, and Yas Island. Eat Emirati machboos and luqaimat alongside Levantine, Indian, and Michelin tables. We've organized 14 restaurants across 5 categories. Each entry includes prices, hours, local tips, and a Google Maps link so you can plan straight from the page.
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Mezlai
Emirates Palace, Al Ras Al Akhdar · Emirati & Traditional
Authentic Emirati cooking — machboos, harees, luqaimat, and karak — at Mezlai, Al Fanar, Al Mrzab, Meylas, and Wadi Luqaimat
Mezlai
Mezlai — Emirates Palace · Emirates Palace, Al Ras Al Akhdar
1
#1
MUST TRY
Camel sirloin, machboos with lamb, saffron-and-rosewater desserts, dates and gahwa
The flagship Emirati fine-dining restaurant inside the Emirates Palace, designed to evoke an airy Bedouin tent. The menu reimagines Arabian staples — camel, dates, za'atar — with refined touches of saffron, rosewater, and wild oregano. It's the place to try Emirati cuisine elevated to a special-occasion level, with views over the palace grounds.
$95-190
(AED 350-700)
13:00-22:30 (open daily)
Local tip: The camel dishes and the machboos are the signature orders, and the desserts lean on cardamom and saffron. It's a splurge, so reserve ahead and dress smart-casual. Come for the full Emirates Palace experience — arrive early to walk the grand lobby and grounds. No alcohol is served here, in keeping with the traditional concept.
Laham tray (slow-cooked mutton on machboos), harees, saloona, luqaimat
Styled like a 1960s Emirati village — lanterns, old radios, courtyard seating — Al Fanar serves nostalgic, home-style Emirati food to a mostly local crowd. Machboos, harees, saloona stew, and sweet luqaimat are the heart of the menu, finished with karak tea. A reliable, atmospheric introduction to Emirati cooking that isn't fine-dining priced.
$25-55
(AED 90-200)
08:00-24:00 (varies by branch)
Local tip: The Laham tray (slow-cooked mutton over spiced machboos rice) is the dish to share, and the luqaimat with date syrup is the classic dessert. The heritage decor makes it a fun cultural stop. Branches across the city, including Yas Mall — handy to combine with a Yas Island day. Family-friendly and no alcohol.
A Michelin Bib Gourmand Emirati restaurant with cozy, majlis-style floor seating that locals return to for honest home cooking. Famous for its machboos and mandi (slow-cooked spiced rice with tender meat) and for hot khanfaroush, a saffron-cardamom Emirati treat. Unpretentious, well-priced, and genuinely traditional.
$15-40
(AED 55-150)
12:00-24:00 (open daily)
Local tip: Order the machboos or mandi and try the khanfaroush while it's hot. The majlis seating is part of the experience — you'll often sit on cushions on the floor. It's a local favorite rather than a tourist showpiece, so it feels authentic. Great value for the quality; cash and cards both work. No alcohol.
A hip, retro-styled Emirati restaurant founded by young Emirati entrepreneur Shaikha Al Kaabi, who started it as a food truck to keep traditional cooking alive. The menu spans home-style Emirati dishes built for sharing — machboos, balaleet, chebab — in a warm, design-forward space that draws a young local crowd.
$15-40
(AED 55-150)
09:00-23:00 (open daily)
Local tip: Go for the sharing platters and don't miss balaleet (sweet-savory vermicelli with egg) and chebab (saffron pancakes), especially at breakfast. It's casual and modern rather than heritage-themed, with a great story behind it. In Al Muneera by the waterfront. Family-friendly, no alcohol, and good for a relaxed lunch.
Mezze, charcoal grills, and fresh bread — Li Beirut, Beirut Sur Mer, and Lebanese Flower, a long-running local institution
Li Beirut
Li Beirut — Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers · Conrad Etihad Towers, West Corniche
5
#1
MUST TRY
Hot and cold mezze, charcoal grills, fattoush, baklava
One of Abu Dhabi's most acclaimed Lebanese restaurants, in the Conrad Etihad Towers with harbour views and red, art-lined interiors. The kitchen does classic Lebanese — generous hot and cold mezze through to charcoal grills — with polished presentation and modern touches. Featured in the MICHELIN Guide and widely rated the city's best Lebanese table.
$80-160
(AED 300-600)
19:00-24:00 (closed Sun-Mon; check current days)
Local tip: Build a meal from the mezze (hummus, mutabbal, fattoush, kibbeh) and add a mixed grill to share. It's an upscale, special-occasion Lebanese restaurant rather than a casual one — reserve ahead, especially for a window table. Licensed, so wine and arak are available. Smart-casual dress.
A breezy waterfront Lebanese restaurant at Al Bandar marina serving generous mezze, charcoal grills, and fresh seafood with a relaxed, family-friendly vibe. Outdoor marina seating makes it a pleasant cooler-weather dinner spot, with the full range of Levantine classics done well.
$30-65
(AED 110-240)
12:00-24:00 (open daily)
Local tip: Order a spread of cold and hot mezze for the table and a mixed grill or grilled fish. The marina terrace is lovely from November to March; ask for outdoor seating. Good for groups and families. A more casual, mid-priced alternative to the hotel fine-dining Lebanese spots.
Lebanese Flower Restaurant · Al Khalidiya / multiple locations
7
#3
MUST TRY
Rotisserie chicken with garlic sauce, shawarma, hummus, fresh juices
A long-running, much-loved Abu Dhabi institution famous citywide for its rotisserie chicken with intense garlic sauce (toum), shawarma, and mezze at honest prices. Often packed, fast, and consistently good — a genuine local favorite that's been feeding Abu Dhabi for decades across several branches.
$10-30
(AED 35-110)
07:00-01:00 (open daily)
Local tip: The grilled/rotisserie chicken with garlic sauce and the shawarma are the must-orders, plus fresh juice. It's casual and budget-friendly — great for a quick, satisfying meal or takeaway. Expect a busy, no-frills atmosphere. No alcohol; cash and cards both fine. A reliable everyday eat for travelers.
From award-winning North Indian to legendary value canteens — Ushna, Zeera by Buddha-Bar, and the famous Punjabi Zaika
Ushna
Ushna — Souk Qaryat Al Beri · Souk Qaryat Al Beri (near Sheikh Zayed Mosque)
8
#1
MUST TRY
North Indian curries, tandoori platters, butter chicken, biryani
An award-winning North Indian restaurant in Souk Qaryat Al Beri, open since 2005 and a repeat winner of local 'best Indian' awards. The kitchen blends classical North Indian cooking with a contemporary touch, and the terrace looks across the water toward the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque — a memorable backdrop, especially at dusk.
Local tip: Sit on the outdoor terrace for the Grand Mosque view (gorgeous at sunset and when floodlit) and order tandoori dishes and a rich curry to share. It's upscale-casual — reserve for a terrace table at peak times. Conveniently close to the Mosque, so it pairs perfectly with an evening visit there. Licensed venue.
Zeera by Buddha-Bar · Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island
9
#2
MUST TRY
Modern Indian small plates, tandoori, signature curries
A vibrant, contemporary Indian restaurant on the Yas Bay Waterfront, bringing the Buddha-Bar style — moody lighting, music, beachfront views — to a modern Indian menu. Traditional dishes get a stylish, modern twist in a buzzy setting that suits a lively night out on Yas Island.
$40-80
(AED 150-300)
18:00-02:00 (varies; check current hours)
Local tip: Come for atmosphere as much as the food — the Yas Bay waterfront setting and the buzzy Buddha-Bar vibe are the draw. Order modern Indian small plates and a signature curry. It's pricier and more scene-driven than a neighborhood curry house. Great to combine with a Yas Island evening. Licensed.
Butter chicken, dal makhani, tandoori, fresh naan, thali
A no-frills, hugely popular Punjabi restaurant beloved for hearty North Indian food at canteen prices. Butter chicken, dal makhani, sizzling tandoori, and stacks of fresh naan come fast and generous to a constant crowd. It's exactly the kind of honest, value-packed Indian eat the city's large South Asian community relies on.
$8-22
(AED 30-80)
11:00-24:00 (open daily)
Local tip: Go for the butter chicken, dal makhani, and tandoori with naan — comfort food done right and very cheap. It's casual and often busy, so expect a quick, lively meal rather than a refined one. Vegetarian options are plentiful. No alcohol; cash and cards fine. A great-value everyday option.
Destination restaurants at Emirates Palace and Al Maryah — Michelin-starred Hakkasan and the Peruvian-Japanese COYA
Hakkasan
Hakkasan — Emirates Palace · Emirates Palace, Al Ras Al Akhdar
11
#1
MUST TRY
Peking duck, dim sum (Sat lunch), Chilean sea bass with honey
A Michelin-starred modern Cantonese restaurant inside the Emirates Palace, awarded a star in the MICHELIN Guide's Abu Dhabi debut. Carved wood screens and a blue glass bar set the scene for refined Cantonese classics — Peking duck, honey-glazed sea bass, and a celebrated Saturday-lunch dim sum.
$110-250
(AED 400-900)
18:00-24:00 (dim sum Sat lunch; check current hours)
Local tip: Book the Saturday lunch for the dim sum, or come in the evening for Peking duck and the signature sea bass. It's high-end fine dining, so reserve ahead and dress smart. The Emirates Palace setting makes it an occasion. Licensed, with an extensive drinks list. Worth it for a special dinner.
COYA Abu Dhabi — Four Seasons Al Maryah · Four Seasons Hotel, Al Maryah Island
12
#2
MUST TRY
Ceviche, anticuchos (grilled skewers), Peruvian-Japanese small plates
A vibrant, design-rich Peruvian restaurant in the Four Seasons on Al Maryah Island, where the kitchen weaves Latin American traditions with Japanese and Chinese influences. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the waterfront and skyline, and the colorful, Incan-inspired interior makes it one of the city's most stylish dining rooms.
$95-200
(AED 350-750)
18:00-01:00 (open daily; check current hours)
Local tip: Order a spread of ceviches and anticuchos (grilled skewers) to share, Latin-style. It's lively and scene-driven as well as a serious kitchen, with a popular bar — great for a glamorous night out. Reserve ahead, especially for a window table. On Al Maryah Island near the city center. Licensed.
Luqaimat with date syrup, chebab pancakes, karak chai, balaleet
A bright, family-friendly Emirati café specializing in the sweet side of the cuisine — golden luqaimat dumplings drizzled in date syrup and sesame, and chebab (saffron-and-cardamom Emirati pancakes). A cheerful spot to taste the Emirati dessert-and-karak ritual without a full sit-down meal.
$5-18
(AED 18-65)
09:00-23:00 (varies by branch)
Local tip: Order luqaimat (the classic Emirati dessert) and a chebab plate with a glass of karak chai for the full experience. It's a casual sweets-and-tea café, perfect for a snack break or a light, fun introduction to Emirati flavors. Cheap and family-friendly. No alcohol; cash and cards both fine.
Arabic breakfast, manakish, fresh juices, cakes and coffee
A homey, multi-level café in a converted villa in Al Mushrif, a longtime local favorite for all-day breakfasts, Levantine-leaning light meals, fresh juices, and cakes. The cozy, art-filled rooms and relaxed pace make it a pleasant escape from the city's glossier venues — a genuine neighborhood spot.
$10-28
(AED 35-100)
07:30-23:00 (open daily)
Local tip: Come for a leisurely Arabic breakfast or weekend brunch, manakish, and a good coffee. The villa setting is charming and unhurried — a nice contrast to mall and hotel dining. Popular with locals and expats, so weekends can be busy. No alcohol. A relaxed daytime stop rather than a dinner destination.
Shawarma, Lebanese, and an Indian thali + luqaimat; mall food courts.
Mid-Range
$50-110/day
An Emirati dinner (Mezlai/Al Fanar) + a Corniche seafood lunch + souk eats.
Luxury
$200+/day
Michelin dining (Hakkasan/COYA) + Emirates Palace high tea + a desert-camp banquet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about food and restaurants in Abu Dhabi.
What Emirati dishes should I try in Abu Dhabi?
Start with machboos (spiced rice with meat or fish, AED 50-150), harees (a slow-cooked wheat-and-meat porridge), and mandi (tender spiced meat over rice). For dessert, luqaimat — crisp dumplings in date syrup (AED 20-50) — and chebab (saffron pancakes) are essential, washed down with karak chai or gahwa (Arabic coffee with dates). Authentic Emirati food is harder to find than international cuisine, so seek out Mezlai, Al Fanar, Al Mrzab, or Meylas.
Where do I find the most authentic Emirati food?
Mezlai at the Emirates Palace is the refined, special-occasion choice. Al Fanar recreates a 1960s Emirati village with home-style machboos and luqaimat at moderate prices. Al Mrzab (a Michelin Bib Gourmand spot) does excellent machboos and mandi in majlis-style floor seating, and Meylas — founded by a young Emirati to preserve the cuisine — is the hip, casual favorite in Al Muneera. Wadi Luqaimat is the place for the sweet side: luqaimat, chebab, and karak.
Can I drink alcohol with my meal?
Only in licensed venues, which in Abu Dhabi means almost exclusively hotel restaurants and bars. Fine-dining spots like Li Beirut, Hakkasan, COYA, Ushna, and Zeera by Buddha-Bar are licensed and serve wine, cocktails, and spirits. Standalone Emirati, Indian, and Lebanese restaurants in the city (Al Fanar, Al Mrzab, Lebanese Flower, Punjabi Zaika) generally do not serve alcohol. Alcohol is expensive (a beer can be AED 40-60), and the legal drinking age is 21. Never drink in public or drive after drinking.
Is the food scene good for vegetarians?
Excellent. The large Indian and Levantine cultures mean abundant vegetarian options — dal, paneer, falafel, hummus, mutabbal, tabbouleh, fattoush, and grilled vegetables are everywhere and clearly available. Punjabi Zaika and Ushna have deep vegetarian menus, and Lebanese mezze is naturally veg-friendly. Vegan dining has grown with dedicated cafés. Traditional Emirati cuisine is meat-heavy, but luqaimat, chebab, and sides are vegetarian-friendly. All food in the UAE is halal.
How much should I budget for food per day?
Budget eating (shawarma, food courts, casual Indian like Punjabi Zaika) runs about AED 40-90 ($11-25) a day. Mid-range — a casual lunch plus a sit-down dinner at places like Al Fanar, Lebanese Flower, or Beirut Sur Mer — is roughly AED 150-300 ($40-80). Fine dining at Mezlai, Hakkasan, COYA, or Li Beirut starts around AED 350-700+ ($95-190+) per person for one meal. Karak tea is AED 1-3, fresh juice AED 10-20. Many bills add a service charge plus the 5% VAT.
What about dining during Ramadan?
During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours as a courtesy to those fasting; many restaurants close or curtain off their daytime service, though hotels and tourist-area venues increasingly serve visitors discreetly. After sunset, the city transforms — iftar buffets and late-night suhoor tents at hotels and restaurants are a genuine highlight and a great cultural experience. Dates and water traditionally break the fast. Some venues tone down music for the month.
Where's the best place to eat with a view?
Ushna at Souk Qaryat Al Beri has a terrace looking across the water to the floodlit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque — stunning at dusk. Mezlai and Hakkasan sit within the grand Emirates Palace, and COYA on Al Maryah Island frames the skyline and waterfront through floor-to-ceiling windows. Beirut Sur Mer's marina terrace at Al Bandar is lovely in cooler months, and Zeera by Buddha-Bar overlooks the Yas Bay waterfront. Book a window or terrace table ahead for the best seats.
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Jimmy Kong
TripPick founder · Travel content creator
Based in Chiang Mai for 8+ years, with 30+ countries visited across Southeast Asia, Japan, and Europe. Every detail in this guide is primary-source verified as of April 2026, with prices auto-refreshed via live exchange rate APIs. This isn't AI-generated boilerplate — it's written from the perspective of someone who has actually been there.
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United Arab Emirates