When the second annual edition of the 50 Best Restaurants in the Middle East and North Africa was held in Abu Dhabi earlier this year, helped to light up the emirate’s food scene, as well as honoring the region’s finest culinary creativity.
Restaurants in 14 cities across the Middle East and North Africa were awarded, with the overall winner being Dubai’s Orfali Bros Bistro, founded in 2021 by three brothers originally from the Syrian city of Aleppo.
While its luxury neighbor Dubai had a head start, Abu Dhabi is now joining the fray and its three appearances on the list are a testament to the strength of the food scene now emerging in the UAE capital.
In the UAE and in Arab culture in general, hospitality is everything and aromatic local cuisine is always shared. Turmeric, turmeric, cinnamon and countless other aromatic spices, along with nuts and dried fruits, often feature in traditional stews and sauces.
With nearly 90% of Abu Dhabi’s population made up of expats, the Emirate also offers dozens of cuisines from around the world, from Peruvian to Thai, French to Japanese and Indian to Ethiopian.
On the top 50 list was Coya Abu Dhabi, located atop the Four Seasons Hotel on Al Maryah Island, serving contemporary Latin American cuisine with East Asian influences. Locations were also recognized as Zuma Abu Dhabia Japanese restaurant, and the Abu Dhabi outpost of the legendary Cantonese restaurant Hakkasan.
Here are seven more of the best places to eat in Abu Dhabi – and what to order when you get there:
Martabaan by Hemant Oberoi
Photos proudly framed outside martabaan showcase some of the famous names that have dined on celebrity chef Hemant Oberoi’s cuisine over the years, including no less than four US presidents: Clinton, Bush father and son and Obama.
Martabaan takes its name from a ceramic jar in which one of its signature lamb curry dishes is served, along with the cardamom-scented biryani rice dish. A creamy slow-cooked black lentil dish called dal makhani and raita, a refreshing cucumber and mint yoghurt sauce, are perfect accompaniments.
Other surprises on the Indian dinner menu that Oberoi calls a “contemporary classic” include the classic French dessert crème brûlée, but made with the beloved spiced Indian tea, masala chai.
The restaurant is one of several prime dining venues at the luxurious Emirates Palace Hotel, which was recently acquired by the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group.
Martabaan by Hemant Oberoi, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental Hotel, West Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi
Beirut Sur Mer
The name means “Beirut by the sea” , this breezy property sits on an elegant boardwalk overlooking the turquoise water and pristine sands of Saadiyat Island. With vibrant interiors and a funky soundtrack, the beachfront restaurant specializes in the fabulous diversity of Lebanese cuisine.
Among the dazzling array of plant-based dishes typical of Lebanon, the roasted eggplant salad is lifted with pomegranate molasses, while the grilled halloumi cheese is topped with sweet and sour figs and thyme-lemon honey.
Carnivores also delight in seafood and grilled meats, such as grilled lamb loin with walnut paste and tomato or juicy grilled chicken marinated in lemon and garlic. There are desserts like kunafa, a baked cheese and pudding soaked in sugar syrup.
Beirut Sur Mer, Jacques Chirac St, Cultural District, Abu Dhabi
tean
The Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort is home to tean , whose name comes from the Arabic word for “fig”. It’s a laid-back spot that celebrates the flavors of the Levant, the eastern Mediterranean strip including Syria, Lebanon, Jordan and Cyprus. Sitting just steps from the water, it’s no surprise that seafood features prominently on the menu in the spacious and bright dining room.
If you’re a hummus addict – who isn’t? – there are an impressive 10 versions to choose from, including beetroot, avocado, prawns and the delicious spit-roasted chicken shawarma. Other specialties include the Turkish dish Imam Bayildi – whose name translates brilliantly as “the imam fainted” (imam is the person who leads prayers in a mosque), so good was the dish when they tried it – where the beef cheek meets smoked eggplant and tomato.
Most of all, don’t miss out on local Emirati specialties, including shrimp mashbous, an extremely popular rice dish with Persian Gulf shrimp, nuts and local spices.
Tean, Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
Turtle Bay Bar & Grill
A stone turtle at the door on the lawn shows that you are in the right place for the Turtle Bay Bar & Grill , named after the species of turtle found in Abu Dhabi, including the Hawksbill and Loggerhead Turtle. Overlooking the vast pool at Saadiyat Rotana Resort and surrounded by palm trees, the best tables are on the terrace overlooking the beach and sea.
Japanese cuisine is the main attraction. There are dishes like a full-bodied tuna crudo with citrus notes of yuzu, soy sauce and jalapeno, or nigiri and maki sushi dishes.
Fresh oysters, Alaskan king crab and caviar are options for those celebrating in style, while the grill is also home to quality cuts including grain-fed Australian rack of lamb and USDA prime Angus.
Turtle Bay Bar & Grill, Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
Mezlai
Situated on the jaw-dropping scale and elegant surroundings of the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, the design of the Mezlai it resembles a swaying Bedouin tent and offers a veritable window into Arabic culinary culture. Dishes from across the Middle East feature ingredients from the sea and desert, mountains and even oases.
Tables are filled with generous small plates of mezze, including the freshness of bulgur wheat, parsley and tomato salad tabbouleh, the crunch and texture of fattoush salad with fried pita bread shards and perfectly smooth hummus.
Starters criss-cross the region, from the Syrian karaz kebob with cherry sauce, an Arabic mixed grill or a dazzling seafood platter. Their signature pistachio baklawa dessert, the popular filo pastry with nuts and syrup, is taken seriously with local honey from the hotel’s own beehives, camel’s milk ice cream – and gold leaf.
Mezlai, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental Hotel, West Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi
Saadiyat Beach Club
O Saadiyat Beach Club it’s the ultimate retreat for those looking to relax along the Blue Flag-certified shores of the Arabian Gulf, with live DJs playing throughout the day, cabanas to relax in – and plenty of pools to cool off in.
While there are a number of restaurants and lounges to choose from, Safina celebrates Mediterranean flavors in a relaxed yet chic setting. The seafood linguine features generous prawns, mussels, squid and clams in a rich tomato sauce, while the paella is a great take on the Spanish classic.
Tiramisu, sticky toffee pudding and the local favorite “umm Ali”, a kind of pistachio bread pudding, are great ways to end the meal.
Saadiyat Beach Club, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
LPM Abu Dhabi
Since the LPM Restaurant & Bar Abu Dhabi opened the ovens for the first time in 2017, it has remained a consistent favorite with locals and visitors alike, thanks to its elegant yet relaxed interiors and French Riviera-inspired cuisine.
Mediterranean ingredients are extolled in signature dishes, including warm prawns with olives and lemon juice, an onion and anchovy pie called pissaladière, and lamb chops with olive and eggplant caviar.
LPM is located on vibrant Al Maryah Island and has successful partner restaurants in destinations such as London, Dubai, Miami and Hong Kong.
LPM Abu Dhabi, The Galleria, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi
Source: CNN Brasil
Johanna Foster is an expert opinion writer with over 7 years of experience. She has a reputation for delivering insightful and thought-provoking articles on a variety of subjects. Her work can be found on some of the top online news websites, and she is currently lending her voice to the world stock market.
