With no shortage of fine dining opportunities, Abu Dhabi spoils its visitors with a range of restaurants specialising in culinary delights from every corner of the world.
Graced by the luxurious touch that has come to be expected from Abu Dhabi, these eateries marry fine dining with a refined atmosphere that is sure to delight and impress their diners. Get the run-down on the restaurants on everybody’s lips right now and find your ideal place to dine during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix race week.
Sontaya impresses diners before they’ve even sat down, with a boardwalk entryway flanked by pools of water that are fed by fountains lining the walls. The enchanting ambiance is heightened by an infinity pool on the terrace, which is lit up at night to create a romantic and unique setting where guests feel totally at ease.
Exquisitely prepared and elegantly-plated Thai dishes are the order of the day, with flawless attention to detail influencing every item which leaves the kitchen. The ideal setting for sipping cocktails and watching the sun set over the sea, Sontaya will leave a lasting impression on anyone who visits.
-
Sontaya
Restaurant
Set against the backdrop of magnificent Arabic architecture, Sayad is sure to wow diners choosing to dine in the outdoor courtyard, where views over the Persian Gulf and intricate water features contribute to the palatial atmosphere.
Serving seafood dishes that scoop up awards year after year, the restaurant is famed for its dedication to crafting delicious dishes with inspired twists. With an aquamarine interior complete with discreet, low-level lighting, the restaurant embraces a tasteful underwater theme that leaves diners eager to talk about their experience at Abu Dhabi’s leading seafood restaurant.
-
Sayad
Restaurant
At Cipriani, fine dining is married with an F1 edge, offering an upscale location to dine and enjoy the races during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The perfect vantage point to look out over the action, Cipriani offers a luxurious and elegant setting to enjoy award-winning and authentic Italian dishes.
A celebrity favorite, Cipriani has spent years curating its meticulously-crafted menu, which features delicacies including veal Milanese, burrata truffle pizza and homemade gelato with chocolate sauce and succulent cherries. Attention to detail is reflected in the perfectly-plated meals, world-class service and carefully chosen entertainment which steals the show in the evenings.
-
Cipriani Yas Island
Restaurant
Renowned for its authentic Indian cuisine infused with innovative flavor combinations, a superb dining experience awaits you at Angar. A relaxing ambiance is balanced by attentive staff who are more than happy to cater to your every need, and a mouthwatering vegan menu is available on Saturday nights.
Portion sizes are generous and the dishes are creative, while still preserving the fundamentals of Indian cooking. The restaurant boasts a contemporary but opulent interior with a veranda area overlooking a star-studded pool and Yas Marina beyond.
Offering incredible views over the marina and a buzzing atmosphere that matches the setting, Aquarium specializes in exquisite seafood dishes with exotic twists. Perfect for longtime fish fans or those who are open to being converted, the restaurant uses only the freshest catches to create the mouthwatering meals on its menu.
With its outdoor veranda, the restaurant is perfectly primed for those who want to soak up the pre-race atmosphere over cocktails and a meal. The atmosphere may be lively, but it’s also laid-back and convivial, and when the sun goes down diners can enjoy music from DJ’s and saxophonists while they eat.
-
Aquarium
Restaurant
Experience sushi with a twist at Zuma, a restaurant devoted to Japanese and sushi dishes with an experimental edge that makes for a remarkable and memorable dining experience. The atmosphere is always buoyant and buzzing, but the service is attentive and professional.
Part of a global chain that prides itself on artfully-crafted dishes and fresh flavors, the restaurant offers a range of shared dishes, so that diners can sample a selection of options from the menu. The interiors of the venue are elegant and understated, with exposed wood paneling and wine bottles stored above the bar.
Part of the Michelin-starred restaurant chain, Hakkasan in Abu Dhabi has placed a heavy focus on creating a delectable menu and a dining environment that exudes refined luxury. Embodying a contemporary and understated theme, the main dining area is composed of a wooden structure surrounded by backlit glass, and embroidered furniture and marbled surfaces enliven the space.
All of your favorite Chinese dishes can be found on the menu, some of which boast fresh flavor infusions that marry traditional Cantonese cooking with bold twists. Innovative cocktail combinations complement the dishes perfectly and can be enjoyed from the glittering outdoor terrace which overlooks the main courtyard.
-
Hakkasan
Restaurant
Emirates Palace’s award-winning Mezlai pays homage to Abu Dhabi’s unique culture with a menu devoted to traditional Emirati cuisine and an interior steeped in Arabic luxury.
The dishes boast refined updates on staples of the Arabian diet, which accent ingredients, such as za’atar, camel and dates with unexpected flavors of saffron, rosewater and hand-picked wild oregano. Experience the warm welcome of this upscale eatery and enjoy sampling genuine cuisine and dining like a local.
