Earthly TasteThe Middle East and Abu Dhabi have become synonymous with luxury and decadence, especially when it comes to food. Abu Dhabi has become a hub of incredible restaurants, offering the culinary delights of the world all in one extraordinary city. Check out some of our particular favourites for foodies below…
(Please note, due to COVID restrictions, some venues are temporarily closed, but will open their doors again soon!)
Budget Dining
Many people may worry at the thought of dining out in a place like Abu Dhabi, because of the price tag. While many restaurants are, extremely lavish, Meylas is the humble tourist’s salvation. This down to earth, non-pretentious restaurant offers some of the best of traditional Emirati flavours. With numerous recipes having been passed down through many generations. And a friendly atmosphere and a fun open kitchen setting, Meylas offers a delicious dining experience for foodies at very reasonable prices.
Parker’s, located in the gorgeous Umm Al Emarat Park, is another wallet-friendly option. With a fun greenhouse-style design, this casual eatery offers some delicious dishes. From sharing plates to light snacks or full-blown feasts. Why not work up your appetite with a stroll through the lavish park first? Or walk off the meal afterwards? Or just grab a cheeky takeaway! Squaremeal offers a great directory of the best dining options for all price ranges, along with a guide to booking.
Dine with a View
BBQ Al Qasr may be one of the most romantic dining experiences in Abu Dhabi. With beautiful gazebos set up directly on the sandy beach, enjoy a relaxed dining experience alongside the crashing of the waves. With the Mandarin Oriental hotel providing their stellar services, enjoy the best al fresco dining experience of the Middle East.
The Meat Co is another lovely option for dining with a view. Offering a delectable menu perfect for foodies. With high ceilings, an open terrace and huge windows to take in the gorgeous view of the Khor Al Maqta waterway. They source their meats from the highest quality suppliers around the world. And non-meat eaters, never fear – the menu features lots of vegetarian options, including impressive daily specials and the chefs are brilliant at catering to any particular dietary requirements.
Abu Dhabi Decadence
If you do travel to the UAE, it really should be a trip for the memory books. Abu Dhabi is not the sort of place one visits while backpacking around the world. If your budget does allow it, why not do it in the lavish style it deserves? You can check out places like Villa Toscana and Hakkasan for guaranteed exquisite fine dining. However, you can find those restaurants in London or New York, and why come to the Middle East to eat Italian food?
The Terrace On The Corniche at the St Regis hotel is a glorious restaurant that not only offers luxurious beautiful interiors but some of the most sublime and stunningly presented dishes that celebrate regional flavours. As the name suggests, you can also enjoy your meal on their lovely outdoor garden terrace.
Once you’ve finished your meal, you should round off your dining experience with arguably the most extravagant and borderline ridiculous treat ever invented – pop over to the Emirates Palace and order yourself a 24 karat gold coffee. Oh yes, you read that correctly. One of the pinnacles of indulgence and somewhat of a signature of UAE fine dining is to treat yourself to a literal golden coffee. A “palace cappuccino” will set you back a pretty dirham, but it’s definitely worth it for a niche, one in a lifetime, ridiculous experience you certainly won’t have anywhere else – and you’ll feel like absolute Royalty!