With so many dining experiences to choose from, finding the best dining spots in Abu Dhabi can be overwhelming. To make it easier, the Secret Abu Dhabi team shares where we actually eat in the city, from casual cafés to standout restaurants we return to time and time again.
Our team has a mix of tastes, from committed vegans to seafood obsessives and comfort-food fans, which makes this list even more considered. So we asked the team one simple question: where do you actually go when you’re choosing somewhere to eat?
From long-time favourites to recent discoveries, these are the dining spots we keep going back to.
Why These Are Some of the Best Dining Spots in Abu Dhabi
Karen Edwards – Chief Editor | Co-Founder
As the token vegan of the team, Alkalime at Saadiyat Mamsha is hands down one of my go-to spots in Abu Dhabi. It gets healthy food right without making it boring.
The mindful waffles being vegan is already a big win for me, but my real staples are the protein smoothie and the avocado toast. Add in the boho interiors and beachside setting at Mamsha, and it’s easily one of my favourite little hideouts in the city.
Andrew Edwards – Managing Director | Co-Founder
Mercury Cafeteria. It’s one of my go-to places because the food is very similar to my wife’s Kazakh cuisine. My top recommendations are the samsa pastries (meat-filled), manti dumplings (honestly some of the best dumplings I’ve ever had), and the Lagman noodle dish.
The food always hits the spot, very low-key, no frills, just consistently great and authentic food.
Shaun Bayes – Creative Director | Co-Founder
Cave Abu Dhabi. The first time I went, I was sold purely on the interiors, as it genuinely feels like you’re stepping into an underground cave. The lighting and textures give it a really cool, almost cinematic vibe.
But it’s not just about how it looks, the food is really good. I always end up ordering the halloumi fries and the Cave burger, which, for me, are proper comfort food done right. Plus being down on the water at Al Qana makes it an even better spot to hang out.
Simon McKie – Feature Writer
Origin 33 in Galleria Mall is my go-to lunch spot in the city. Offering a real calm setting, the coffee is great and the Origins Poke Bowl is a must-get.
Perfect place if you’re looking to lunch with friends, grab a quick bite while shopping, or settle in for the day if you work remotely.
Nathan Fernandes – Videographer | Content Creator
Zahrat Lebnan is a well-loved spot offering authentic Lebanese cuisine and traditional flavours.
It offers a very comfortable, family-friendly setting along with hospitable staff who create a welcoming experience. It’s great if you want a warm ambience that makes it ideal for both casual meals and group gatherings.
Khris Alvez – Graphic Artist
My favourite restaurant in Abu Dhabi would be Dampa Seafood Grill. It’s an all out no holds barred seafood feast with a street food/seaport side energy and vibe. Don’t expect plates and utensils to be provided because they will serve the food on your table…literally.
heThey will put everything you ordered on your table, and you will have this mountain of rice and mixed seafood in front of you, and you have to dig in using your hands. Rice is unlimited, and they have mocktails served in big glass bowls.
Romma Saragoza – Assistant Office Manager
The Flamingo Room by Tashas has a glamorous ambience that I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys a quiet, romantic, and intimate setting.
The vibe is cool enough to keep your shoulders gently swaying yet calm enough to let you truly unwind.
I ordered the sea bass and scallops, cooked to perfection and paired with truffle mash and a vin blanc sauce. The dish was clean, delicate, and deeply satisfying.
Ali Ferchichi, Videographer
Ali is constantly on the move filming around the city, so narrowing down just one favourite wasn’t easy. With so many places under his belt, his was probably the toughest pick on the list.
In the end, he went with The Cheesecake Factory. And when it came to the dish, there was no hesitation: the cheesecake. His reasoning? Portion sizes. Big slices, maximum satisfaction, and a reliable classic.
Vishal Jayakrishna – Sales Executive
Vishal’s pick is TOTÓ Abu Dhabi, a refined Italian spot on Mamsha that feels special without being overly formal. It’s the kind of place you go when you want a proper sit-down meal.
With a menu focused on classic Italian dishes, think antipasti, fresh pastas, seafood, and well-executed mains, it’s a place Vishal rates for both the quality of the food and the overall experience.
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