There aren’t many things more satisfying than sitting down for a great Indian meal, especially when there is far more on the table than the usual standard combinations.
Abu Dhabi offers an Indian dining scene that stretches from polished rooms to restaurants putting fresh spins on the flavours many of us already know and love.
Across the city, celebrated chefs, regional recipes, and generations of culinary tradition come together in some seriously impressive ways.
If you’re looking for a special dinner or a venue that takes Indian cuisine very seriously, these are five of the best Indian restaurants in Abu Dhabi to add to your list.
Punjab Grill, The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi
Set within The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Punjab Grill has become a venue that feels equally suited to a business lunch or a drawn-out evening meal on the Grand Canal grounds,
The kitchen takes much of its inspiration from the flavours and traditions of northern India, particularly Punjab, whilst also drawing on dishes and influences from elsewhere across the country.
Featuring their recommended kebabs, rich curries, and beautifully presented plates that give familiar Indian flavours a more refined setting, it’s earned a long-standing reputation.
Selected by the MICHELIN Guide.
For further information and to make your reservation, visit Punjab Grill, The Ritz-Carlton, Abu Dhabi.
Location: The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, Al Rawdah
Pincode by Kunal Kapur
Pincode by Kunal Kapur brings traditional interiors with modern energy to The Galleria. Led by esteemed chef Kunal Kapur, the menu showcases th stories and regional food traditions found across India, giving the dishes a contemporary twist.
It’s a dining spot where you’ll find unexpected combinations alongside comforting flavours, making it particularly enjoyable for guests who want to push the flavour boundaries. The highly rated dhokla chaat is a must-order.
Selected by the MICHELIN Guide.
For further information and to make your reservation, visit Pincode.
Location: The Galleria Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi
Martabaan by Hemant Oberoi, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
Located inside Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, a meal at Martabaan by Hemant Oberoi brings together views, grandeur, and the cooking of one of India’s most celebrated chefs.
The menu takes traditional Indian foundations and approaches them with a more contemporary fine-dining mindset to accompany the surroundings.
Richly flavoured curries, seafood, and slow-cooked dishes sit alongside carefully prepared desserts, creating an experience that feels made for a special occasion.
Selected by the MICHELIN Guide.
For further information and to make your reservation, visit Martabaan by Hemant Oberoi | Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental.
Location: Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Al Ras Al Akhdar, Abu Dhabi
Namak, Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi
Brought to you by Dusit Thani, Namak offers another contemporary take on Indian cooking, with familiar flavours often appearing in less expected forms.
The restaurant is known for bringing creativity into traditional recipes without losing the warmth and spice that makes Indian food so enjoyable in the first place.
Located in the heart of the city, Namak has built a strong following among diners looking for something beyond the standard Indian restaurant experience.
Selected by the MICHELIN Guide.
For further information and to make your reservation, visit Namak | Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi.
Location: Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, Al Muroor Road, Abu Dhabi
Asha’s
Named after legendary Indian singer Asha Bhosle, the restaurant offers a menu inspired by the many flavours that have shaped Indian cooking.
The focus leans towards well-loved dishes including their butter chicken and muscat gosht, alongside recipes influenced by different parts of the subcontinent.
A member of The Galleria’s dining scene, its recognisable name, stylish setting, and broad appeal help make it a firm favourite among the city’s options.
For further information and to make your reservation, visit Asha’s.
Location: The Galleria Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi
These five restaurants all bring something different to the table, offering distinctive regional influence, standout settings or MICHELIN Guide recognition. Carefully selected, you could happily spend your way working through them all.
