Abu Dhabi is the capital emirate of the United Arab Emirates, blending ultramodern architecture with rich Bedouin heritage. Home to iconic landmarks like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Louvre Abu Dhabi, it offers world-class culture, luxury hospitality, and thrilling desert adventures.
Summary Abu Dhabi's food scene is extraordinarily diverse, reflecting its cosmopolitan population of 200+ nationalities. Emirati cuisine forms the cultural backbone, but Indian, Pakistani, Filipino, Lebanese, and international restaurants are everywhere. Alcohol is only available in licensed hotel restaurants and bars., Local cuisine Emirati cuisine is built around rice, meat (lamb, camel, chicken), and spices including saffron, turmeric, cardamom, and loomi (dried lime). Seafood from the Gulf is essential, especially hammour (grouper), kingfish, and sea bream., International scene Abu Dhabi's international restaurant scene spans world-class fine dining at hotel restaurants to authentic budget cafeterias representing South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Levant., Halal note All food in Abu Dhabi is halal by law. Pork is available only in licensed hotel establishments in designated sections. Alcohol is only served in licensed hotel restaurants and some private clubs.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Abu Dhabi.
Harees
A slow-cooked dish of wheat and meat (usually lamb or chicken), similar to porridge. One of the oldest Emirati dishes and traditionally eaten at Ramadan and celebrations.
Machboos
The national dish of the UAE, a spiced rice dish similar to biryani with meat or fish, cooked with dried lemon (loomi), saffron, rose water, and Gulf spices.
Luqaimat
Sweet golden fried dough balls drizzled with date syrup and sesame seeds, a beloved Emirati street snack sold at festivals and heritage sites.
Gahwa (Arabic Coffee)
Bitter, cardamom-spiced coffee served in small handleless cups (finjan) alongside dates. An essential Emirati hospitality ritual offered on arrival at homes and traditional establishments.
Camel Milk
Slightly saltier and lower in fat than cow milk, camel milk is a nutritious UAE tradition available fresh, flavoured, or as the unique camel milk cappuccino ('Camelccino') at Emirates Palace.
Balaleet
A unique sweet and savoury Emirati breakfast dish of vermicelli noodles sweetened with saffron and sugar, served with a fried egg on top. One of UAE's most distinctive traditional breakfasts.
Hammour
The quintessential Gulf fish (orange-spotted grouper), grilled, fried, or used in rice dishes. Fresh hammour is the fish of choice throughout the UAE.
Dates
Grown locally in the UAE's many oasis gardens, Emirati dates are considered some of the world's finest. Varieties include Khalas, Medjool, and Barhi. Always served with Arabic coffee.
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Mezlai
The most acclaimed Emirati fine dining restaurant in Abu Dhabi, set in a traditionally decorated majlis within Emirates Palace. Chef Hamda Al Menhali serves elevated versions of classic Emirati dishes including machboos, harees, and camel meat prepared with premium ingredients. An essential experience for understanding UAE food culture at its finest.
Known for: Emirati fine dining in Emirates Palace majlis setting
Emirates Palace Hotel, Corniche Road West, Abu Dhabi
Hakkasan Abu Dhabi
The Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant in Emirates Palace brings London glamour to Abu Dhabi. Dark, moody interiors with lacquered screens and blue lighting frame an exceptional menu of Cantonese dim sum, Peking duck, and innovative wok dishes. One of Abu Dhabi's most prestigious dining experiences.
Known for: Michelin-star Cantonese cuisine with renowned cocktail program
Emirates Palace Hotel, Corniche Road West, Abu Dhabi
Li Beirut
An upscale Lebanese restaurant in the Shangri-La Hotel with spectacular panoramic views over the Corniche and Arabian Gulf. The open kitchen produces beautifully executed Lebanese mezze, charcoal grills, and fresh seafood. One of Abu Dhabi's most romantic dining settings, particularly at sunset.
Known for: Lebanese fine dining with stunning Corniche and gulf panoramic views
Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Khor Al Maqta, Abu Dhabi
Tanjore
Abu Dhabi's most celebrated Indian fine dining restaurant, serving refined South and North Indian cuisine in an opulent setting inspired by the Tanjore palace. The menu features tandoor classics, biryani, Chettinad specialties, and elaborate Indian desserts. A favourite of the city's large Indian expat community and food lovers alike.
Known for: Pan-Indian fine dining spanning South and North Indian culinary traditions
Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi, Hamdan Street, Abu Dhabi
Azur
The signature restaurant at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, Azur offers refined Mediterranean cuisine in a dramatically designed space with sweeping views of the Corniche and Arabian Gulf from the 12th floor. Fresh seafood, wood-fired dishes, and seasonal produce form the backbone of an excellent menu.
Known for: Mediterranean fine dining with panoramic Corniche views from 12th floor
Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi
Sole
An elegant Italian restaurant in the Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri featuring beautiful waterfront terrace dining over Khor Al Maqta with Grand Mosque views. The menu focuses on quality seasonal Italian produce, house-made pastas, premium seafood, and an extensive Italian wine list. One of the most romantic dinner settings in Abu Dhabi.
Known for: Waterfront Italian dining with views of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi
Roberto's Abu Dhabi
A chic, upscale Italian restaurant on Al Maryah Island's Galleria waterfront that has become a go-to for Abu Dhabi's business elite and food scene regulars. Beautiful terrace seating over the water, an exceptional cocktail bar, and a menu spanning Italian regions with premium ingredients imported from Italy.
Known for: Upscale Italian with excellent cocktail program and waterfront terrace
Galleria Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi
Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe
The most accessible and popular Emirati dining experience in Abu Dhabi, with branches at the Marina Mall and Yas Mall. Retro-styled interiors recreate a 1960s Abu Dhabi neighbourhood, with pearl fishing paraphernalia and black-and-white photos. Warm Emirati hospitality and hearty traditional dishes make this the ideal introduction to local food.
Known for: Traditional Emirati home-style cooking in nostalgic retro setting
Yas Mall, Yas Island (and Marina Mall, Breakwater), Abu Dhabi
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Lebanese
Li Beirut
Mijana
Zahr El Laymoun
Lebanese Flower
Al Mallah
Italian
Sole
Roberto's Abu Dhabi
Prego's
Emporio Armani Caffe
Emirati
Mezlai
Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe
Zahrat Al Khaleej
French
Paul Cafe
Crepaway
Brasserie Bord'Eau
Indian
Tanjore
Biryani Pot
India Palace
International Buffet
Emirates Palace Brunch
Yas Island Hilton Brunch
Radisson Blu Yas Island Brunch
Seafood
Bu Qtair
Al Arish Restaurant
Aquarium Restaurant
American
Craft Diner
Nolu's Cafe
Chinese
Hakkasan Abu Dhabi
Shang Palace
International
Shakespeare and Co.
Mosaic
Australian
Jones the Grocer
Filipino Fast Food
Jollibee
Fusion
Asia de Cuba
Japanese
Kushi
Mediterranean
Azur
Middle Eastern
Cafe Arabia
Pan
Cho Gao
Polynesian
Trader Vic's
South Asian
Asian Cafeteria
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Al Mina Fish Market
Abu Dhabi's main covered fish market with the morning's fresh catch from local fishing boats
Hours: Daily 6AM-10AM, 4PM-10PM
Al Mina Fruit and Vegetable Market
Adjacent to the fish market, a colourful covered market selling fresh produce and spices
Hours: Daily 6AM-10PM
Iranian Souq (Madinat Zayed)
Traditional covered market near Al Mina with Iranian traders selling spices, textiles, dried fruits, and household goods
Hours: Daily 8AM-10PM, closed Friday afternoon
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
All restaurants in Abu Dhabi serve halal food; pork only available in licensed hotel sections
Alcohol is only served at licensed hotel restaurants, bars, and clubs
Dress modestly in local restaurants - shoulders and knees covered in traditional establishments
During Ramadan, eating and drinking in public is prohibited from sunrise to sunset
Friday and Saturday (UAE weekend) are the busiest dining days - book popular restaurants in advance
Service charge (10-15%) is often added at hotel restaurants; tipping additional 10% is appreciated
Many restaurants open late and have a second sitting from 9-10PM onward
Credit cards accepted almost everywhere; cash preferred at souqs and cafeterias
- Halal
- All food served in Abu Dhabi is halal by law. No concerns for Muslim travelers.
- Vegetarian
- Good options at Indian, Lebanese, and international restaurants. Less variety in traditional Emirati restaurants.
- Vegan
- Growing vegan scene particularly at upscale cafes and international restaurants. Always check as dairy may be used.
- Gluten free
- Available at larger hotel restaurants; less common in local establishments.
- Allergens
- Nut allergies should be flagged - many Middle Eastern and South Asian dishes contain nuts.
- Pork
- Available only in designated licensed hotel restaurant sections, not in local or general restaurants.
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $5-15/meal | Street food, local eateries, and simple restaurants. |
| Mid-range | $15-40/meal | Sit-down restaurants with good service and varied menus. |
| Upscale | $40+/meal | Fine dining, international cuisine, and premium experiences. |