With the anticipated Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants landing in the UAE in January 2023, 50 Best takes you on a journey through Abu Dhabi. Read on for inspiration for where to dine, the best landmarks to visit and what to buy at a traditional Emirati market
Traditional Emirati
Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe
Must-try: machboos laham (lamb or chicken with yellow rice, Arabic spices and dried lemons)
Inspired by the United Arab Emirates of the 1960s, Al Fanar offers traditional Emirati cuisine in a rustic dining room. The restaurant works as a miniature museum for tourists and for anyone looking to learn about Middle Eastern culture.
The Fountains, Yas Mall, Yas Island
alfanarrestaurant.com/uae
instagram.com/alfanarrestaurant
Heritage Village
Watch out for: woven carpets
For a moment away from the skyscrapers, Heritage Village, which is run by the Emirates Heritage Club, will transport you back in time. Have a browse around the artisanal craftwork, such as pottery, glass blowing and fabric weaving.
14 Al Tawasul Street, Al Bahyah
Open daily from 11am – 11pm
torath.gov.ae
Meylas Emirati Restaurant
Don’t-miss dish: semach mashway
Opened by Sheikha al Kaabi, Meylas serves authentic Middle Eastern dishes such as semach mashway – grilled fish served with white rice and local ghee. The fried sweet dough legeimat, served with date syrup, is a perfect way to finish a meal.
Al Raha Beach, Al Muneera
meylas.com
instagram.com/meylas
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Take a photo: from the courtyard
One of the largest mosques in the world, the Grand Mosque is a celebration of Middle
Eastern culture. Named after the founder of the United Arab Emirates, the building takes architectural influences from Turkey, Morocco, Pakistan and Egypt.
Al Rawdah, Abu Dhabi
Open daily from 9am to 10pm (Fridays – 3pm to 10pm)
Modern Abu Dhabi
Bentley Kitchen
Most-popular dish: spicy shrimp tacos
Bentley Kitchen is all about fusion. Combining contemporary European techniques with classic French recipes, this is the perfect spot for a leisurely lunch.
The Galleria, Al Maryah Island
bentleykitchen.com
instagram.com/bentleykitchen
Dai Pai Dong
Essential order: spicy pork sui mai
Chef Nie Dong adapts traditional Chinese cuisine to suit his cosmopolitan diners in Abu Dhabi. Choose between the à la carte menu or the all-you-can eat dim sum, all found in the spectacular Rosewood hotel.
Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Level B3, Galleria Shopping Mall
rosewoodhotels.com
instagram.com/daipaidongad
Emirates Palace Hotel
Did you notice? the 114 domes
One of Abu Dhabi’s iconic landmarks, Emirates Palace is spread over 100 hectares and houses over 200 rooms. Dining here is a luxurious affair, with top restaurants such as Hakkasan, Vendôme and Mezlai to choose from.
West Corniche Road, Al Ras Al Akhdar
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Look out for: the geometric roof![Louvre-[Voyageway]](/stories/filestore/jpg/Louvre-[Voyageway].png)
Louvre Abu Dhabi (image: Voyageway)
An offshoot of the iconic gallery in Paris, Louvre Abu Dhabi showcases artwork from around the world. Designed by architect Jean Nouvel, the building’s pièce de résistance is its domed roof, composed of almost 8,000 geometric stars.
louvreabudhabi.ae
instagram.com/louvreabudhabi
Saadiyat Cultural District, Saadiyat Island
Open daily from 10am to 6:30pm (closed on Monday)
LPM Restaurant & Bar
Don’t miss: grilled lamb cutlets with aubergine caviar
Inspired by the flavours from the French Riviera, LPM offers a stunning view of the Abu Dhabi skyline from its sunny terrace on Al Maryah Island. Its cocktail programme is one of the best in the city.
The Galleria, Al Maryah Island
lpmrestaurants.com
instagram.com/lpmrestaurants
Tasha’s
Essential order: creamy chicken pesto pasta
Inspired by her family’s close relationship with food, Natasha Sideris opened her eponymous restaurant with a vision: to create space where food and conversation go hand-in-hand. The menu boasts evergreen international classics such as pasta, burgers and a popular breakfast offering.
Unit B02 Café, Marsa, Al Bateen
tashascafe.com
instagram.com/tashascafe
Seek out a souk
A trip to Abu Dhabi is never complete without a visit to its many souks (an Arabic word meaning market). Whether you’re looking for fruit and vegetables, spices or fish, these labyrinthine streets have something for everyone.
Excited to attend the events in Abu Dhabi? Full details – including dates, timings, exact locations and ticket prices, as well as other participating chefs – will be announced in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, visit the MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants website to discover how the list is being created and join the community on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube to be the first to hear about the latest news and announcements.
