Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is a city known for its luxurious lifestyle, opulent architecture, and vibrant culinary scene. Its fine dining landscape is a reflection of the city’s diversity, sophistication, and penchant for the extraordinary. From Michelin-starred concepts to innovative fusion experiences, Abu Dhabi’s best fine dining restaurants combine world-class service with stunning ambiance and culinary artistry.
In this detailed guide, we’ll explore the Top 10 Fine Dining Restaurants in Abu Dhabi, highlighting their signature dishes, ambiance, chefs, and what makes them truly special.
1. Hakkasan Abu Dhabi (Chinese Fine Dining with a Modern Flair)
Location: Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
Cuisine: Modern Cantonese
Chef: Chef Lee Kok Hua
Michelin Recognition: One Michelin Star (2023)
Overview:
Hakkasan is a globally renowned name in the world of upscale Chinese dining, and its Abu Dhabi outpost at the Emirates Palace is no exception. With its elegant interiors, moody lighting, and private dining pavilions, it offers an ambiance of refined luxury.
Highlights:
- Signature Dishes: Peking duck with caviar, Crispy duck salad, Jasmine tea-smoked Wagyu beef ribs.
- Ambiance: A combination of traditional Chinese latticework and contemporary decor, plus a spectacular outdoor terrace.
- Drinks: Award-winning mixology and an extensive wine list.
- Why It’s Special: A flawless fusion of traditional Cantonese recipes with contemporary techniques and luxury ingredients.
2. Talea by Antonio Guida (Michelin-Starred Italian Fine Dining)
Location: Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
Cuisine: Italian – “Cucina di Famiglia”
Chef: Antonio Guida (Two Michelin Stars in Milan)
Michelin Recognition: One Michelin Star (2023)
Overview:
Talea brings a piece of Milanese elegance to Abu Dhabi, courtesy of the celebrated Italian chef Antonio Guida. It delivers a warm, refined interpretation of “family-style” Italian cooking, elevated to Michelin standards.
Highlights:
- Signature Dishes: Homemade tagliolini with truffle, Veal Milanese, Burrata with heritage tomatoes.
- Ambiance: Light, breezy decor with Mediterranean hues and views of the palace gardens.
- Why It’s Special: Focus on authentic Italian flavors with ultra-premium ingredients and impeccable technique.
3. 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant (Avant-Garde Japanese Cuisine)
Location: The Galleria, Al Maryah Island
Cuisine: Japanese, Modern
Michelin Recognition: One Michelin Star (2023)
Overview:
An import from Spain, 99 Sushi Bar offers a chic, cosmopolitan take on Japanese cuisine, balancing precision with creative artistry. It’s a favorite for connoisseurs seeking a luxurious sushi and omakase experience.
Highlights:
- Signature Dishes: Kobe Wagyu nigiri, 99 Black cod, Toro tartare with caviar.
- Ambiance: Sleek interiors with gold accents, velvet seating, and a view of the waterfront.
- Why It’s Special: A carefully curated menu using the finest imported Japanese ingredients.
4. Li Beirut (Modern Lebanese Gastronomy)
Location: Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers
Cuisine: Lebanese Contemporary
Overview:
Li Beirut reinvents traditional Lebanese fare with French culinary techniques and gourmet presentation. It stands out in a region saturated with Levantine cuisine by offering a high-end, artful interpretation.
Highlights:
- Signature Dishes: Foie gras kibbeh, deconstructed tabbouleh, Lamb loin with oriental rice.
- Ambiance: Intimate and stylish with a terrace offering views of the Corniche.
- Why It’s Special: Fusion of Middle Eastern heritage and European fine dining finesse.
5. LPM Restaurant & Bar (French-Mediterranean Elegance)
Location: The Galleria, Al Maryah Island
Cuisine: French Riviera
Michelin Guide Mention: Included in Abu Dhabi Michelin Guide (2023)
Overview:
LPM (La Petite Maison) is a chic nod to the sun-soaked cuisine of the French Riviera, focusing on fresh, light dishes with Mediterranean herbs, olive oils, and seafood.
Highlights:
- Signature Dishes: Burrata with tomatoes and basil, Lamb cutlets with olive and aubergine caviar, Warm prawns with olive oil.
- Ambiance: Art-deco-inspired decor, whitewashed walls, and citrus-laden centerpieces evoke the spirit of Nice.
- Why It’s Special: A globally renowned name in fine dining that keeps its menu consistent yet incredibly flavorful.
6. Zuma Abu Dhabi (Upscale Izakaya Experience)
Location: The Galleria, Al Maryah Island
Cuisine: Japanese, Contemporary
Michelin Guide Mention: Included in Abu Dhabi Michelin Guide
Overview:
Zuma is a top-tier contemporary Japanese izakaya with global acclaim. It offers a dynamic, shared-plates experience built around a robata grill, sushi counter, and eclectic bar.
Highlights:
- Signature Dishes: Miso-marinated black cod, Spicy beef tenderloin, Seared tuna with chili daikon.
- Ambiance: Industrial-chic interiors, energetic yet elegant vibe with DJ-curated music.
- Why It’s Special: A go-to for high society dining and nightlife with impeccable consistency and service.
7. Bord Eau (Haute French Cuisine)
Location: Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri
Cuisine: French Fine Dining
Overview:
Bord Eau is one of the most refined French dining experiences in Abu Dhabi. Known for its romantic ambiance, classical service, and an emphasis on technique-driven dishes, it’s a culinary love letter to France.
Highlights:
- Signature Dishes: Duck confit, Lobster bisque, Foie gras with fig chutney.
- Ambiance: Candle-lit tables, elegant interiors, views of the Khor Al Maqta waterway.
- Why It’s Special: Offers a rich, classic French menu without being overly experimental.
8. Butcher & Still (1920s American Steakhouse Fantasy)
Location: Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi
Cuisine: American Steakhouse
Overview:
Butcher & Still is an immersive culinary experience channeling 1920s Chicago. It serves USDA Prime cuts and Prohibition-style cocktails in a setting that feels like a gangster-era movie set.
Highlights:
- Signature Dishes: Tomahawk ribeye, Crab cakes, House-made truffle mac & cheese.
- Ambiance: Retro interiors with leather booths, vintage flooring, and a secret elevator entrance.
- Why It’s Special: Best-in-class for steak lovers, combining nostalgia with culinary precision.
9. Catch at St. Regis (Seafood with an Artistic Twist)
Location: The St. Regis Abu Dhabi
Cuisine: Seafood, Fusion
Overview:
Catch is known for transforming fresh seafood into artistic, contemporary dishes with global inspirations. The atmosphere is vibrant, and the restaurant offers stunning views of the Arabian Gulf.
Highlights:
- Signature Dishes: Lobster tacos, Sushi & sashimi platter, Black cod miso.
- Ambiance: Trendy yet elegant, with modern design and beachfront terrace seating.
- Why It’s Special: Combines seafood with flair and creativity, ideal for stylish nights out.
10. Punjab Grill (Upscale Indian Fine Dining)
Location: Venetian Village, Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi
Cuisine: Modern Indian
Michelin Guide Mention: Included in Abu Dhabi Michelin Guide (2023)
Overview:
Punjab Grill offers a modern, inventive take on Indian cuisine while preserving its deep-rooted traditions. With its richly spiced dishes and dramatic presentation, it’s a feast for all senses.
Highlights:
- Signature Dishes: Tandoori lamb chops, Butter chicken espuma, Smoked eggplant tartare.
- Ambiance: Contemporary luxury with golden-hued decor, plush seating, and views of the canal.
- Why It’s Special: One of the few Indian restaurants in Abu Dhabi that can be truly classified as “fine dining” in both technique and ambiance.
Honorable Mentions
Coya Abu Dhabi
- Latin American fusion with a Peruvian heart.
- Electrifying atmosphere, excellent cocktails.
Martabaan by Hemant Oberoi
- Upscale Indian dining with a global touch.
- Located at Emirates Palace.
BB Social Dining
- Pan-Asian, Middle Eastern fusion.
- Fun, casual luxury experience in a fine-dining format.
Conclusion
Abu Dhabi’s fine dining scene is a reflection of its global outlook and local opulence. Whether you’re seeking Michelin-starred refinement, regional reinterpretations, or immersive themed experiences, the city offers a spectrum of elite culinary venues. From Hakkasan’s modern Cantonese mastery to Talea’s heartfelt Italian excellence, every restaurant on this list represents a pinnacle of what fine dining should be—superb cuisine, world-class service, and unforgettable ambiance.
These restaurants are not just about food; they are about experiences—an orchestration of aesthetics, emotion, and flavor. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, a business gathering, or a gastronomic adventure, Abu Dhabi’s top restaurants are ready to deliver something truly exceptional.
