This guide on the best experience in fine dining Abu Dhabi is ideal for foodies or anyone looking to treat their significant other.
Whether you appreciate fine dining, are a food connoisseur, a tourist or a business looking to entertain a client, we have all the basis covered!
Abu Dhabi is a melting pot of cuisines with its geographical location. As a result, fine dining restaurants in Abu Dhabi cover many culinary delicacies from around the globe.
Fine dining is not just about the food but the ambience, supreme clockwork service and culinary theatrics.
Ingredients are the recipe for human connection, and the chefs of Abu Dhabi know how to create spectacular moments!
2022 was a momentous year for fine dining restaurants in Abu Dhabi. Michelin Abu Dhabi arrived and toured around the whole city to recognize and award the chefs and restaurants for their lifelong craft.
A Michelin star is the pinnacle of culinary recognition and is considered the most prestigious award in the world.
The best fine dining in Abu Dhabi experiences will never be the same after three restaurants received one star each!
Talea by Antonio Guida, Hakkasan and 99 Sushi Bar were awarded their first star by Michelin Abu Dhabi.
The World’s 50 best is another prestigious body recognizing establishments throughout the globe for their excellence.
The best fine dining restaurants in Abu Dhabi strive to make it onto the Middle Eastern North Africa’s (MENA) 50 best restaurants. Interestingly there is also global 50 best restaurants list which is now in sight.
In 2022 three household names made it onto the MENA 50 best restaurants, Hakkasan, Coya Abu Dhabi and Zuma Abu Dhabi.
Here are the best fine-dining restaurants from across Abu Dhabi in no particular order!
Fine Dining Restaurants In Abu Dhabi
1. Martabaan By Hemant Oberoi
Fine dining Indian restaurants in Abu Dhabi don’t come much better than Martabaan in Emirates Palace.
Decorated Chef Hemant Oberoi has a unique approach to Indian cuisine, which has made a big impact globally.
Royal families across the world have been graced by Oberoi’s masterful cooking, and having a restaurant situated in a palace makes a fitting story.
Guests gravitate towards the inviting warmth of the contemporary classic restaurant. Walking through the Indo-Islamic arches is a gateway to Hemant Oberoi’s culinary extravaganza.
Hemant Oberoi aims for guests to taste the four corners of India, and his interpretation of the cuisine comes from his experience in traditional kitchens throughout his home country.
Set menu examples includes starters such as delicious marinated chicken in a clay oven, a barrel of cottage cheese stuffed with chutney and tandoori grilled prawns.
The main course boasts premium biryani, roast lamb with berries and hamour wrapped in banana leaf. The best Indian fine dining Abu Dhabi experience finishes off with three flavours of Jalebi!
Should guests opt for à la carte, then there is a selection of delicious options on offer.
The outside balcony is one of the most romantic dining spots in town, especially when the sun sets on the Arabian Gulf.
For more information, call: +971 2 690 7999 or Email: epauh-restaurants@mohg.com
Costs: Special set menu AED 299
Royal Set Menu AED 499
Timings: 12:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Happy Hour from 3 PM to 8 PM
Location: West Corniche Road – Al Ras Al Akhdar – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
2. Talea by Antonio Guida
Behind every great restaurant is a great chef. Chef Antonio Guida hails from Milan in Northern Italy to Emirates Palace. His interpretation of Cuicina di Famiglia gives Talea a top spot on the fine dining Abu Dhabi list.
He is proud to serve family-style cuisine dishes inherited from his ancestors. We all know Italian Nonnas are renowned for making the best food with all their love.
An á la Carte menu is on offer, and occasionally, a tasting menu provides a journey of the culinary delicacies in Italy.
The restaurant’s décor is grand, with high ceilings, spherical crystal chandlers and Venetian paintings, giving it a contemporary Italian ambience.
Call: +971 2 690 7999 or Email epauh-reservations@mohg.com
Costs: Mains start from AED 85 per dish
Timings: Lunch is served from 12:30 PM to 3 PM
Dinner is served between 6:30 PM and 11 PM
Private dining is also available.
Location: Emirates Palace, Al Ras Al Akhdar – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
3. Fouquet’s Abu Dhabi
Fouquet’s Abu Dhabi is based inside the infamous Louvre and is the only Parisian brassiere to feature on the list of fine dining restaurants in Abu Dhabi.
On our way to Fouquets, we took the free golf cart service. It was evening, so the Louvre was illuminated, and we had a chance to take it all in whilst being transported to the restaurant.
The Louvre is a spectacular museum and the perfect setting to enjoy Parisian gastronomy.
Chef Pierre Gagnaire knows his way to a Michelin star. The collaboration with the Brasserie is evident as they are now ‘recommended’ by Michelin Abu Dhabi.
Fouquets has a chic, authentic interior with fancy chandeliers reminiscent of an upmarket Parisian brassiere. Views of the Arabian Gulf from the terrace make it a perfect sundowner location.
We highly recommend the burrata salad or the prawn and avocado dish, which are to die for! Regarding mains, it was all about the seafood for us. The seabass and giant scallops on a bed of butternut squash was delish.
There were plenty of exquisite desserts to choose from and traditional to say the least. The pavlova aux fruits rouges had the perfect crisp with fresh whipped cream and vanilla ice cream.
The most exquisite Parisian culinary journey at Fouquet’s is on the set menu, which includes a glass of bubbly, a starter, a main course and dessert.
To end the evening on a high, we made our way to Martas Bar for cocktails just above Fouquets.
The lunch menu makes for a perfect afternoon and includes a starter, main course and dessert.
For reservations, call +971 2 205 4200.
All-Day Fouquet’s Dinner: AED 375 for a glass of bubbly, starter, main course and a dessert.
Timings: 12 PM to 6 PM (Tuesday to Sunday)
Lunch Specials: AED 220 for a starter, main course and dessert, or
AED 165 for a starter and main course or a main course and dessert.
Timings: 12 PM to 6 PM (Tuesday to Sunday)
Location: Saadiyat Cultural District 1 – Al Saadiyat Island – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
4. Paradiso
Fine dining restaurants in Abu Dhabi can be found on the other side of town. Based in Yas Island’s Yas Bay, Paradiso’s story began in Cannes, France, when Nicole Rubi, the LPM founder and Michelin-starred chef Pierre Gagnaire, worked in a hotel.
Over the years, their friendship blossomed, and they have since joined forces to launch their passion project, Paradiso.
Both chefs have curated a menu serving supreme Mediterranean, Italian and French dishes to the white tablecloths.
The interior is brought to life by vibrant coloured decorations and is somewhat of a fine dining experience on the coast of the Mediterranean.
The menu has a wide range of fresh seafood, pasta and meat dishes. For starters, we can highly recommend the crab croquettes and burrata.
From the pasta menu, we enjoyed the fagatoni in creamy artichoke sauce and beef bourguignon, which were divine!
As for dessert, we devoured the berries arlette, which is like a puff pastry filled with whipped cream and fresh berries.
Keep an eye out for their signature beverages prepared with perfumed sprayed flavours.
Every Saturday and Sunday, the brunch at Paradiso offers an opportunity to try many different Mediterranean flavours.
For reservations, call +971 50 437 2869.
Costs: AED 70 onwards for mains.
Brunch: Packages starting from AED 250 per person
Brunch Timings: 1 PM to 5 PM (Saturday and Sunday)
Paradiso Timings: 12 PM to 11 PM (Sunday to Thursday)
12 PM to 11:30 PM (Friday and Saturday)
Location: 71 Yas Bay Waterfront Pier Yas Bay Waterfront – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
5. Hakkasan
Hakkasan received one star from Michelin Abu Dhabi in 2022 in keeping with its world-renowned reputation. Hand-crafted wood structures and oriental lighting provide a contemporary dining experience.
A popular option in the cooler months is to dine al fresco on the large terrace overlooking the gardens of Emirates Palace with epic views of the Corniche skyline in the background.
Authentic dishes such as supreme dim sum, Peking duck and stir-fried dishes are on offer. The unique cocktails are crafted by mixologists and match perfectly with the food. A fantastic experience is the signature set menu.
Other key events to note are Friday night brunch, Saturday dim sum lunch and Hakkatini nights cocktails with classic dim sum.
For more information, call +971 2 690 7739 or Email epauh-hakkasan@mohg.com.
Wednesday Specials: Hakkatini Nights at the Terrace bar from 6 PM to 11:30 PM
Costs: AED 96 per person
Hakka Night Brunch: 6 PM to 9 PM or 8 PM to 11 PM (Last orders at 10:45 PM)
Costs: AED 488 for the house package, all-inclusive
AED 728 for the bubble package, all-inclusive.
Dinner: 6 PM to 11:30 PM, whilst the bar is open from 6 PM to 1 AM.
A private dining room is also available.
Saturday Lunch Specials: 12 PM to 3:30 PM
Costs: 3 Dim Sum Baskets for AED 98
5 Dim Sum Baskets for AED 138
Signature set menus: Starting from AED 498 per person (minimum of 2 guests)
À la carte mains: From AED 118 onwards
Timings: 6 PM to 11:30 PM (Open Daily)
Location: Emirates Palace – W Corniche Rd – Al Ras Al Akhdar – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
6. Vakava
Based inside Conrad Towers, Vakava brings Latino heat to fine dining restaurants in Abu Dhabi. The vibrant interior has references to Aztec, Inca and South American culture.
Founder Richard Sandoval has a number of cuisines in his arsenal, which translates to one of the most tasteful fine dining Abu Dhabi menus.
Seafood ceviches, fusion sushi rolls and tender melt-in-the-mouth Argentinean steaks.
A fine-dining Abu Dhabi brunch is available on Saturdays and on Sundays. Not to mention a tasting menu called the Vakava Sunday sensation.
For more information, call +971 2 811 5666.
Costs: AED 295 for soft beverages package
AED 495 for the house beverages package
Sunday Tasting menu: 1 PM to 3:30 PM
Costs: AED 180 for a 3 Courses meal, and
AED 210 for 4 courses.
Timings: 7 PM to 11 PM (Tuesday to Saturday)
1 PM to 3:30 PM and 7 PM to 11 PM (Sunday)
Closed on Monday
Location: West Corniche Level P1 (off the beach – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
7. LPM Restaurant And Bar
LPM French Riviera-styled restaurant provides Abu Dhabi with an exquisite fine dining experience.
The palates of folk in Abu Dhabi are tantalised with fresh Mediterranean-inspired produce.
The waterfront terrace just outside Galleria Mall is something reminiscent of Côte d’ Azur when the sun sets, creating an ambience fit for a fine dining Abu Dhabi experience.
Inside, the light colours, fresh floral arrangements, French-style shutters and minutiae tell a story of the French Riviera in the 20th century.
Whatever the plate of the day, LPM was recommended by Michelin restaurants in Abu Dhabi. The menu boasts Escargots de Bourgogne, grilled Maine lobster with rouille, pan-fried foie gras and grilled wagyu sirloin.
Many premium Grand Cru and Chateau bottles of grape appear on the menu, making the perfect pairing for a fine dining Abu Dhabi experience.
For more information. call +971 2 692 9600 or Email info@lpmabudhabi.ae
Business lunch weekday specials: 12 PM – 3 PM
Le Petit business lunch: AED 135 for 1 starter + 1 main
Le Grand business lunch: AED 180 for 1 starter+1 main+1 dessert.
Timings: 12 PM to 4 PM and 6 PM to 11 PM (Monday to Friday)
12:30 PM to 4 PM and 6 PM to 11 PM (Saturday and Sunday)
Location: The Galleria – Al Maryah Island – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
8. Villa Toscana
Touted as one of the best Italian restaurants in the city, Villa Toscana in St.Regis on the Corniche brings a region of Italy that has a history of rich culinary flavours and dishes.
The elegant Villa-styled restaurant oozes a warm and hospitable atmosphere. The walls have murals of the Tuscan countryside, providing a glimpse into the origin of the cuisine.
A large wooden structure similar to a grapevine trellis shelters the outdoor patio, giving it a sophisticated Tuscan look.
An example of flavoursome dishes consists of Tempura Di Calamari, Gnocchi, Rigatoni, risotto, pizza, and charcoaled Tuscan meats. Make sure to leave room for the tiramisu!
During the weekdays, a fine dining Abu Dhabi experience is on offer through the business lunch. On offer, is antipasti with deserts AED 120 or Antipasti with a main and deserts AED 145.
For reservations, call +971 2 694 4553 or Email restaurants.abudhabi@stregis.com
Espresso Business Lunch: 12 PM to 3 PM (Monday to Friday)
A la Carte Lunch: 12 PM to 3 PM (Saturday and Sunday)
Dinner: 7 PM to 11 PM (Daily)
Location: Nation Towers – The St. Regis Abu Dhabi – W Corniche Rd – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
9. Cipriani
Many great inventors have emerged out of Venice and touched the world with genius creations.
Giuseppe Cipriani Sr began his journey with the world-famous Harry’s bar, the birthplace of the Bellini cocktail and Carpaccio alla Cipriani.
World-class hospitality stems from Mr Cipriani’s mission to ‘serve others as you would want to be served yourself, which is embodied in the service of the Abu Dhabi branch in Yas Bay.
The interior design resembles all the hallmarks of a Venetian boat creating a perfect fine-dining Abu Dhabi experience. The large windows and outside terrace give a panoramic view of the iconic Yas Marina.
The menu encompasses signature risotto and pasta dishes. Expect many other classic Italian dishes.
For more information and reservations, call +971 2 657 5400 or email yasisland@cipriani.com.
Costs: Enquire with the restaurant due to seasonal demand
Timings: 6 PM to 11:15 PM (Monday to Sunday)
Location: Yas Marina, Yas Island – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
10. Niri Restaurant & Bar
The turquoise waterfront of Saadiyat Island gives Niri Restaurant one of the best outdoor terraces in town. The fresh sea breeze meets a simplistic but modern Japanese interior. The food served from the sushi counter and robata makes it one of the fine restaurants in Abu Dhabi.
Wagyu in truffle oil, soft shell crab, shrimp tempura and crafted sushi rolls are set to amaze the tastebuds.
Their business lunch is a perfect spot to escape the hustle and bustle of the city during the week.
A tasting menu is on offer throughout the week, which allows guests to explore a number of options on the menu.
For reservations, call +971 2 546 8886.
Business Lunch Specials: 12 PM to 5 PM (Monday to Friday)
Tasting Menu: 5 courses for AED 300 (minimum 2 people)
Timings: 12 PM to 11 PM (Sunday to Thursday)
12 PM to 12 AM (Friday and Saturday)
Location: Mamsha Al Saadiyat – Al Saadiyat Island – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
11. Moksh Restaurant & Lounge
Chef Abs Patil has extended his masterful cooking skills to Etihad Towers in Abu Dhabi. The people of London and Dubai were lucky to witness Chef Abs Patils’ genius culinary creations.
Since 2022 he has made a big impact in Abu Dhabi, achieving a Michelin Abu Dhabi recommendation in his first year.
A vibrant interior often correlates with what is on offer on the menu. It’s an Indian fine dining Abu Dhabi experience that offers delightful dishes with a modern twist.
Each plate is a form of art with an array of colours and an immaculate presentation. Head Chef Abs Patil’s wow factor is not just the presentation; it’s also the flavour packed into each dish.
Fine dining restaurants in Abu Dhabi will find it a challenge to match the culinary journey. The crust of the dum biryani is baked to perfection, and the taste of rich Indian cuisine is even better.
Charcoal-crusted prawns, lobster risotto and murgh tikka tango are amongst the best dishes at this Indian fine dining Abu Dhabi experience.
For more information and reservations, call +971 50 447 4805.
Guests can avail of a set menu or an à la carte option.
Costs: AED 299 for an 8-course set menu, plus an additional AED 149 for grape pairing.
Timings: 12:15 PM to 3:30 AM (Monday to Friday)
12:15 PM to 3:30 AM (Saturday)
12:15 PM to 12 AM (Sunday)
Location: Etihad Towers – Al Bateen – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
12. Zuma Abu Dhabi
Based inside Four Seasons, Zuma is a popular choice when it comes to fine dining sushi in Abu Dhabi.
Granite stone, carved wood and sake wall cellars encased in glass give the restaurant a contemporary interior.
When Michelin Abu Dhabi visited Zuma, they commended their top-notch Japanese dishes.
Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of the presentation. The palate will be hit with a burst of high-quality produce and flavour.
Experience a wide variety of dishes as the restaurant boasts three different kitchens, including the sushi counter, robata grill and main kitchen.
From Sashimi to sushi, wagyu beef and teriyaki salmon guest, it is one of the best fine dining in Abu Dhabi sharing experiences.
When fine dining restaurants in Abu Dhabi offer brunch, it is not to be missed. Zuma’s three-hour brunch provides an opportunity to explore many dishes from the three different kitchens.
Their Ebisu and express lunch options make the perfect halftime break during the working week.
For reservations, call +971 2 401 5900.
Ebisu Lunch Specials: 12 PM to 2 PM (Monday to Friday )
Costs: AED 149 for a Miso Soup+2 appetisers, and a main course (or)
Express Lunch option for AED 79 for a Miso soup and a main course.
Brunch Timings: 12.30 PM to 3.30 PM (Saturday)
Costs: House packages start from AED 495.
AED 195 for Kids ages 4-12.
General Timings: Lunch from 12 PM to 3:30 PM (Monday to Friday),
1:30 PM to 4 PM on Saturdays, and
12 PM to 4 PM on Sundays.
Dinner from 7 PM to 12 AM (Sunday to Thursday), and
7 PM to 1 AM (Friday and Saturday)
Location: The Galleria Al Maryah Island – ADGM – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
13. 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant
99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant most certainly owns a spot on the list of fine dining restaurants in Abu Dhabi.
The brand originated in Spain and has made a significant impact on the best fine-dining restaurants in Abu Dhabi.
Michelin Abu Dhabi awarded the restaurant one star as each sushi roll and dish is crafted to perfection!
For an authentic Japanese experience, it is best to sit at the sushi counter to witness the skill that goes into preparing the food.
Highlights of the menu include signature 99 Waygu Gyozas, 99 black cod, tartars, sashimi, tempuras, and Sushi. The omakase business lunch is the ultimate half-time break in a working day.
The supreme culinary journey of Japan has to be the Fuyu tasting menu!
Omakase business lunch: AED169 for a 10-course menu
Timings: 12 PM to 2:15 PM (Monday to Friday)
Daily Fuyu tasting, 13 courses menu: AED 950 per couple, beverages not included,
AED1800 per couple with a grand brut bottle of bubbly, and
AED3150 with a grand cru bottle of bubbly.
Timings: 12 PM to 3:30 PM and 7 PM to 11:30 PM (Daily)
Location: Four Seasons Hotel, The Galleria Al Maryah Island – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
14. Café Milano
Cafe Milano at the Four Seasons offers a premium and authentic Italian experience. The restaurant overlooks the Al Maryah Islands waterfront promenade.
It’s the perfect spot to enjoy annual celebrations such as National Day and NYE.
In the cooler months, the restaurant is ventilated by the cool winds of the Arabian gulf when the shutters are open.
If you ask the waiting staff what is their top recommendation, they will often suggest the Chitarrucci Kikton, a tasty pasta dish cooked with delicate seafood, fresh tomato, parsley and lemon zest.
On weekdays, the restaurant enjoys a delicious Italian business lunch. On offer is a starter and main with the option to upgrade at an additional cost.
Fine dining Abu Dhabi Saturdays can be enjoyed with the premium brunch which is on offer. The dishes are prepared by Chef Delfino Chiarello and his team.
For reservations and more information, call +971 2 333 2444.
Business Lunch Specials: AED 220 for a Starter + Main or
AED 250 for a Starter + Main + Dessert
Timings: 12 PM to 5 PM (Monday to Friday)
Saturday Brunch Specials: AED 295 for the soft drinks package.
AED 395 for the house drinks package, and
AED 95 for the kid’s brunch.
Timings: 12 PM to 4 PM (Saturday)
General Timings: 12 PM to 12 AM (Monday to Sunday)
Location: Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi – Al Maryah Island – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
Fine Dining Abu Dhabi – Map
Disclaimer: This post about Fine Dining Abu Dhabi may contain affiliate links. By using them, it does not cost you any extra, we get a teeny commission to keep us writing. Thank you in advance for your support.