20 Best Restaurants in Abu Dhabi for Every Budget
From Michelin-starred fine dining to pocket-friendly neighborhood grills, the full spectrum of Abu Dhabi's table right now.
Abu Dhabi's restaurant scene has matured into something serious. The World's 50 Best is hosting its 2026 awards ceremony here, two Michelin-starred tables anchor Emirates Palace, and the next generation of independent chefs is raising the stakes across every price point. The list that follows is ordered by occasion and budget: the finest dinners first, then the restaurants that deliver maximum impact for the money, then the casual spots where locals actually eat. Book the romantic tables weeks ahead. Walk into the neighborhood grills without warning. Either way, you're eating well.
Prices vary by menu choice and whether you're adding drinks, but they're directional and current as of September 2026.
Talea by Antonio Guida
Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Saadiyat Island · Italian · Michelin-starred; AED 350–500pp
The romantic choice — book the terrace for sunset and order the cacio e pepe finished at the table. Holds a Michelin star in the 2026 MICHELIN Guide Abu Dhabi. Handmade pastas in a dining room that earns its view. Essential for anniversaries.
Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Saadiyat Island · Modern Chinese · Michelin-starred; AED 400–550pp
stockBrings Michelin-starred modern Chinese in one of the most opulent rooms in the country. Holds a Michelin star in the 2026 MICHELIN Guide Abu Dhabi. The room itself is an event — moody, glamorous, and built for a moment.
Oak Room
Abu Dhabi EDITION, Al Bateen · Steakhouse · AED 450–650pp
A proper contemporary steakhouse, complete with a meat sommelier to steer the cuts. This is the dinner for when you want beef at its most unapologetic. The room has swagger, the cuts have marbling, the wine list knows what it's doing.
Zuma
The Galleria Al Maryah Island, Al Maryah Island · Japanese · Michelin-listed; AED 350–500pp
Offers bold and authentic Japanese cuisine with a fresh interpretation – enjoy waterfront views from the comfort of this luxurious restaurant. Dishes from the main kitchen, robata grill, and sushi counters, along with sake and cocktails for a modern Japanese dining experience. Book early.
COYA
Al Maryah Island, Downtown · Peruvian · AED 400–550pp
Abu Dhabi's premier Peruvian joint, where an endearing fun energy turns every meal into a party, particularly if you visit for brunch. Chic interiors and the exotic flavours of its fine dining menu, making it the perfect place for a special evening out. The terrace in cooler months is the prize.
Sontaya
The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Island · Thai · AED 350–500pp
If you're craving fragrant Thai flavours in a super swish setting, Sontaya should be right up your alley. Championing an explosion of flavours, don't miss out on the assorted satay, with skewers of prawn, chicken, wagyu beef and tofu. Beachfront glamour with every course.
Yana
Saadiyat Island, Downtown · Pan-Asian and Peruvian · AED 300–450pp
On Saadiyat Island, already something of a date-night favourite in Abu Dhabi: its sophisticated pan-Asian and Peruvian menu, tastefully demure interiors in deep cobalt and flashes of gold and seaside setting make it one of this year's most sophisticated openings. Zesty ceviche, mango purée-infused hamachi crudo and quinoa-stuffed avocados are among the star dishes.
Novikov Abu Dhabi
Downtown, Al Maryah Island · Russian-European · AED 350–550pp
A confidently executed menu spanning Russian classics, European technique, and the kind of opulent room that feels like the best parties end up there. This is dining as performance — the kitchen delivers, the wine list is smart, and the room hums with the right energy.
Martabaan by Hemant Oberoi
Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Saadiyat Island · Indian · AED 300–400pp
Continues to set the bar for Indian fine dining in the capital. Refined curries and seafood, a room with genuine elegance, and service that understands occasion. For when you want Indian without shortcuts.
Erth Restaurant AlHosn
Al Hosn Palace area, Downtown · Emirati · AED 200–350pp
Design-led interior spaces frame Emirati dishes with modern sensibility. Housed within the Abu Dhabi Royal Equestrian Arts centre, inspired by Abu Dhabi horses and heritage. A restaurant that cares about ingredients and the process that goes into every step of the preparation. Worth the trip for the culture alone.
Four Seasons Hotel Al Maryah Island, Al Maryah Island · Steakhouse · AED 250–400pp
stockCelebrating its ninth year in 2026, the restaurant continues to attract locals and tourists alike, thanks to the charm of its old-school, Art Deco, Chicago-inspired design. Fried chicken nights on Wednesdays also making it a popular evening out for families and friends.
Mika
Yas Marina, Yas Island · Mediterranean and Middle Eastern · AED 200–350pp
Middle Eastern meets Mediterranean cuisine at this breezy Yas Marina hotspot, with perhaps the favourite terrace on the island. Casual yet contemporary, with a menu that celebrates bold flavours, the food here aims to please with the likes of cod croquettes, pan-fried prawns, lamb and tuna tacos, octopus and calamari.
Punjab Grill
Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal · Indian · AED 250–400pp
Led by Executive Chef Sandeep Ali, a top-tier fine dining restaurant that offers an authentic yet modern experience of Indian cuisine. The restaurant boasts top-quality ingredients, impeccable spicing, and flawless presentation. The terrace overlooks the canal; the butter chicken is worth the reservation.
Al Sultan Restaurant & Grill
Al Danah, Downtown · Middle Eastern · AED 50–120pp
Serving up smoky Middle Eastern goodness since 1975. Tucked in the Al Danah neighbourhood, this old-school gem dishes out arayes, kabab keshkash and fatteh that'll have you dreaming in grilled meat. Ridiculously good prices. Casual and charming. Think wooden tables, zero fuss, and flavour-packed plates flying out of the kitchen faster than you can say 'mixed grill'.
Marmellata
Mina Zayed, Al Hosn · Pizza · AED 80–150pp
A hole-in-the-wall pizzeria, with a rotating menu of pizzas that range from the traditional to more regionally inspired, utilising local ingredients like mushrooms grown in the local desert and figs from Liwa. They don't take reservations, so be sure to arrive early to bag a seat.
Lanzhou Beef Ramen
Al Zahiyah, Downtown · Chinese · AED 75pp
For ramen, budget can very often be best. For Dhs150 you and a friend can tuck in to authentic beef ramen and leave with that warm, fuzzy feeling you can only get from a delicious broth. This is the meal you'll return to on weeknights for the rest of your time in Abu Dhabi.
Al Mrzab
Airport Road, Al Mushrif · Emirati · AED 60–100pp
This eatery has gained its popularity by keeping to what it knows best – cooking up a range of excellent Emirati fare without the need for airs and graces. You'd be hard pushed to find better biryanis or fish curries. Families, groups, and people who actually live here. Go here.
Bait El Khetyar
Al Danah, Downtown · Lebanese · AED 50–100pp
If there was ever a case of looks being deceiving, Bait El Khetyar would be it. Sandwiched between stores selling spare car parts, this unassuming spot, which translates to House of Wisdom, just so happens to serve some of the best Lebanese food in the city, particularly when it comes to shawarmas.
Moti Mahal
Downtown, Multiple locations · Indian · AED 80–150pp
One of Abu Dhabi's longest standing Indian restaurants and it's created the most loyal of followings: the food is not only insanely good, but affordable too. Butter chicken is creamy with lots of pieces of tender chicken. The vegetable biryani is a huge serving, more than enough for two people.
Mahaccino
Hidd Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island · Café and All-day Dining · AED 50–120pp
Tucked away in Hidd Saadiyat, the kind of café you stumble upon once — and then never stop going back to. From za'atar bites and halloumi croissants to iced matchas and Turkish eggs, the menu's got something for every craving. Open from 7am to midnight, it's a go-to for breakfast, dessert, or a late-night matcha moment.
Share this article
Comments
Sign in to join the conversation. Only registered users can comment.
No comments yet. Be the first.