Best Restaurants in Abu Dhabi

With internationally renowned restaurants including Hakkasan, Marco Pierre White and Frankie’s  becoming established in the rapidly growing Abu Dhabi, Elite Travelers will find an impressive variety of top cuisine to choose from.

See ALTO for a full selection of things to do in Abu Dhabi.

FRANKIE’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT & BAR

Cuisine: Italian

Famed horse jockey Frankie Dettori and Michelin-starred chef Marco Pierre White have jointly created an atmosphere where guests can dine on authentic Italian cuisine in an outdoor courtyard or on the bustling indoor floor.

With live piano entertainment in the evenings, Frankie’s offers a relaxed yet engaging culinary experience.

HAKKASAN

Cuisine: Chinese

Like its Michelin-starred sibling in London, 16,000-square-foot Hakkasan Abu Dhabi offers exquisite cuisine alongside décor that exudes the brand’s ethos of a modern ethnic aesthetic.

Paris-based designer Gilles & Boissier wanted to echo the luxurious London interiors in the Abu Dhabi outpost, which opened in June 2010, while maintaining a unique, Arabian flair. The result – a ‘caged’ dining area with carved wooden screens and lattice, back-lit and surrounded by blue glass – will inspire almost as much as chef Lee Kok Hua’s masterful dishes. The sprawling space features a restaurant, bar and lounge and four private dining rooms seating six to 14.

MARCO PIERRE WHITE STEAKHOUSE AND GRILL

Cusine : Steakhouse

The back-lit ‘flame’ wall is the hallmark of this locale’s dramatic interiors. Expect an eclectic selection of innovative grill cuisine, traditional English fare and a deep and varied wine list.

CHAMAS CHURRASCARIA

Cuisine: Brazilian

Be prepared for skewers upon skewers of delicious, freshly barbecued meat and chicken at this lively Churrascaria.

Servers are enthusiastic and knowledgeable, and the live Latin band sets the tone for energy and authenticity.

The MEAT CO.

Cuisine: South African

Steakhouse An elegant take on contemporary African décor welcomes you to the The Meat Co., where you’ll be wowed by towering wine displays that are the boutique chain’s signature.

The open-plan kitchen reveals all, allowing diners to view their top-grade cuts cooked to perfection.

SHANG PALACE

Cuisine: Chinese

Award-winning Shang Palace serves up the taste and charm of traditional China, with a modern flair. Enjoy superb dim sum and other authentic Chinese delicacies.

HOI AN

Cuisine: Modern

Vietnamese Encounter the flavors of modern Vietnam in a vibrant yet refined atmosphere that recalls Vietnam’s colonial era.

In 2009, Hoi An scored Time Out Abu Dhabi’s award for the best business lunch spot.

PEARLS & CAVIAR

Cuisine: Mediterranean

As its name suggests, Pearls & Caviar caters to fine, timeless tastes in a glamorous atmosphere.

Employing the freshest Middle Eastern ingredients, the kitchen turns out delicious Mediterranean-style plates that transport you to another seaside. If you’re looking to lounge or party after dinner, you’re in the perfect place: Just head upstairs to the happening Pearls Bar.

MEZLAI

Cuisine: Emirati

Embracing the culinary traditions of the region, Mezlai focuses on Emirati specialties like harees and majboos.

Local chef Ali Salem Musbeh Al Badawi, whose track record includes stints at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Emirates Towers in Dubai, is committed to showcasing the best of Emirati cuisine, and employs everything from rabbit and sheep, to ostrich, camel and baby shark in his dishes. Arabian décor and hospitality round out this unique restaurant’s offerings.

FINZ

Cuisine: Seafood

One of the most popular restaurants in the UAE capital, Finz features sleek furnishings, lofty ceilings and enormous windows overlooking the sea.

Seafood is in abundant supply, including excellent oysters, and when it comes to cooking style, variety is a forte.

BORD EAU

Cuisine: Modern French

Importing many of its products from France, Bord Eau offers a chic French dining experience with all the trimmings: Rich fabrics and furniture, impeccable service and a superb à la carte menu.

VASCO’S

Cuisine: International

Vasco’s eclectic, international menu (think pizzas, pastas, meat, fish and curries) satisfies a host of cravings and seemingly pays homage to intrepid world explorer Vasco da Gama.

Guests can choose between the busy, modern interior and the outdoor deck with calming views of the Arabian Gulf.