The best part of living in the UAE is undoubtedly access to limitless, diverse cuisines from across the world. But nothing hits like a plate of traditional hummus and khubus from Emirati restaurants in Abu Dhabi.
The capital boasts a variety of eateries serving up food reflective of a diverse community. From Indian restaurants to Japanese outlets, Lebanese and more – there’s something for every palate.
But for tourists and expats alike, the allure of Emirati restaurants promises a window into the UAE’s rich culture and heritage.
You’ll find quite a few similarities between Emirati cuisine and Arabic cuisine at large. The dishes incorporate influences from Arabic, Persian, Indian, and Mediterranean traditions. Key characteristics include the use of aromatic spices such as saffron, cardamom, and turmeric, as well as staples like rice, meat, and fish.
Dishes are often prepared with a focus on slow-cooking methods and are served with dates, nuts, and dried fruits.
Tempted to try something out? We’ve rounded out the best local Emirati restaurants across Abu Dhabi for you to check out right away!
10 of the best Emirati restaurants to explore in Abu Dhabi
Meylas
Located on Al Muneera Island, Meylas is already one of our favourites when it comes to breakfast spots in Abu Dhabi. From a food truck to a full-fledged restaurant outlet, the chefs here are all about recreating tastes and flavours reminiscent of family homes.
Their all-day menu features classics like Mohalla (a traditional sweet flatbread, served with local honey and cheese), Chbaab (traditional pancakes served with date syrup, local honey and cheese) and Khameer (traditional yeast bread served with date syrup, local honey and cheese).
It’s the perfect way to sample some amazing Emirati cuisine in town.
Details:
For reservations, call 02 444 8884.
Timings: 8.30 am to 11 pm
Location: Al Rahah – Al Muneera – Abu Dhabi
Al Rimal Restaurant
With a name inspired by the UAE’s landscape, Al Rimal is undoubtedly one of the top Emirati restaurants in Abu Dhabi. Enjoy a carefully curated menu inspired by Emirati roots with gorgeous views and a luxe dining environment.
Open from breakfast to dinner in three shifts, the distinct buffet zones and live show kitchens offer various delicacies, including freshly made Arabic bread, mezze and traditional desserts. You can also choose to dine alfresco, overlooking the beautiful central garden.
Details:
For reservations, call 02 497 5831.
Timings: 5.30 am to 11 pm
Location: Erth Abu Dhabi
Al Mrzab
Waiting times at a restaurant are always the best indicator of how good the place is. And this one is definitely one of the top Emirati spots to check out in Abu Dhabi.
Choose between private cabins, majlis and conventional tables. The menu has all the classics including majbous (mixed rice dish with meat or fish), harees (boiled, cracked, or coarsely-ground wheat porridge, mixed with meat and seasoned) and the restaurant’s special, mixed mutaban – spicy potato wedges stuffed with spiced meat.
With some Kuwaiti fare available as well, end your meal on a high with the cooked-to-order khanfaroush drizzled with local honey.
Details:
For reservations, call 02 666 2333
Timings: 7 am to 11 pm
Location: Airport Road, behind the National Theatre – Abu Dhabi
Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant and Cafe, Abu Dhabi
Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant is popular across both Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The best part of the heritage restaurant is the strong mix of experience and cuisine it offers.
Located next to the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, they specialise in Arabic and Halal cuisines. Think authentic Lamb Ouzi as well as some popular seafood options. The restaurant also offers cooking classes under the guidance of local chefs, so you can whip up your rgag, machboos and more for a hearty meal!
Definitely an experience to add to the list.
Details:
For reservations, call 050 606 1239
Timings: 9 am to 10 pm
Location: Souq Al jami’ سوق الجامع, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant Abu Dhabi – مطعم الخيمة التراثي – Abu Dhabi
Al Fanar Restaurant & Café
Al Fanar is like time-travelling to the past, with gorgeous ’60s Emirati food in Abu Dhabi. The menu is packed full of recipes passed down through generations, making for a heartwarming meal.
While you could never go wrong with a Mutton Stew, the fishing background of UAE means you cannot miss the Machboos tray (fish machboos, prawns, grilled squid and fish kofta on machboos rices). It’s basically a little bit of everything amazing, and the vibes will definitely have you going back for more.
Details:
For reservations, call +971 2 877 2272
Timings: 9 am to 9 pm
Location: Yas Mall, Yas Island
Al Mandi & Madhbi House
If you’re looking for the ultimate mandi in Abu Dhabi, or madhbi, this one’s a no-brainer.
Having perfected both Emirati staples, the menu also offers delicious meat curries, grilled seafood, delightful desserts and more!
With multiple branches across the capital, sample both to taste the subtle difference in dishes. And thank us later!
Details:
For reservations, call 02 586 5452
Timings: 10 am to 11:30 pm
Location: 16th Street, Musaffah
Al Dhafra Restaurant
Since opening its doors in 1993, Al Dhafra Restaurant has been iconic on Mina Zayed. Named by the late HH Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan himself, the eatery is a classic when it comes to Emirati cuisine in the capital.
The restaurant has a diverse menu, serving up both Emirati and international cuisines, from seafood to Mediterranean and more. Since moving to Heritage Park, the restaurant has preserved its quality, dishing out fresh catches from the fish market to keep you satiated.
Details:
For reservations, call 02 673 2200
Timings: 12 pm to 12 am
Location: G96G+25Q – Corniche St – Al Zahiyah – E12 – Abu Dhabi
Bait El Khetyar
With two locations in Abu Dhabi on Hamdan Street and Najdah, this one isn’t strictly an Emirati spot. However, it offers a great blend of Lebanese, Middle Eastern and even Mexican options.
While some might know it from going viral on TikTok, the place has actually been a staple landmark on the Abu Dhabi culinary scene for a while now. Don’t miss out on their Chicken Shawarma, Fattoush salad, the El Khetyar’s Foul, and Musakhan chicken roll, to name a few.
Details:
For reservations, call 02 633 3200
Timings: 7 am to 12 am
Location: Al Danah – Zone 1 – Abu Dhabi
Lgymat & Rgag
Luqaimat will always be an Emirati favourite, and the UAE capital boasts of many places delivering the same. For some of the best, though, check out the humble Lgymat & Rgat.
It’s the ultimate comfort food, midnight snack, or whatever you want it to be, really. To complement the moreish deep-fried dumplings slathered in the sticky date syrup, the cheese rgag flatbreads are just the creamy, tangy dish you need.
Details:
For reservations, call 02 443 2828
Timings: 6 am to 3 am
Location: Al Nahyan
Khemeer & Chebab
Located in Al Mushrif, this is one of those hole-in-the-wall eateries you know is going to dish up comfort food.
From Arsya to Tharid, Saloona to Margoga, there’s a comforting bowl of meat, rice, bread, vegetables and ultimate flavours for anyone looking. The restaurant also delivers, so if you’re in need of a pick-me-up at home, this is probably the spot to consider. Or for a low-key night out while you try something new.
Details:
For reservations, call 02 441 4453
Timings: 7 am to 1 am
Location: Behind Cavalla Couture, Near Creative Dental Center, Al Mushrif, Abu Dhabi