Talea by Antonio Guida is awarded one Michelin Star for its understated Italian sophistication. Chef Antonio Guida made and cemented his reputation in Milan and in Talea he offers "Cucina di Famiglia", or family-style cooking: simple but exhilarating flavors. The Michelin Guide notes the purity and vibrancy of sublime dishes such as Maccheroncelli alla Genovese, turbot with Mediterranean Guazzetto and tiramisu that's made right in front of you.
Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental Abu Dhabi Hotel1, Corniche streetRas Al Akhdar, Al Ras Al Akhdar, Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Municipality, Abu Dhabi Emirate
An outpost of the popular Cantonese chain, co-founded by innovative chef Alan Yau, Hakkasan in the Emirates Palace hotel offers classics such as Peking duck or Chilean sea bass with honey, as well as their celebrated dim sum in chic oriental interiors. The Michelin Guide also mentions knowledgeable and engaging service and the vibrant and buzzing atmosphere.
Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental Abu Dhabi Hotel1, Corniche streetRas Al Akhdar, Al Ras Al Akhdar, Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Municipality, Abu Dhabi Emirate
A chic Japanese restaurant awarded with a Michelin star for finesse and precision in their well-constructed and beautifully presented dishes. The Michelin guide especially recommends the red shrimp, imported like most of the seafood in 99 Sushi Bar from Spain — the native country of the owners.
The Galleria Al Maryah Island Mall79, Hamouda Bin Ali Al Dhaheri streetMI1, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Municipality, Abu Dhabi Emirate
A must-visit for foodies: a clean and well-organized fish market where you can buy fresh fish and seafood from the day’s catches, and have it cooked on the spot for a small charge.
146, Al Teelah StreetHarbour, Zayed Port, Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Municipality, Abu Dhabi Emirate
A friendly place, a blend of an Arabian coffeehouse and a European cafe. Here you can sit with a book or a laptop, have breakfast or lunch, or simply a cup of organic coffee. Cozy, full of light, free Wi-Fi.
50, Nad Ash Shiba streetW12, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Municipality, Abu Dhabi Emirate
A steakhouse in the Four Seasons hotel is inspired by 1920s Chicago (all rich wood and leather) and offers great gin cocktails and a nice view from a terrace overlooking downtown Abu Dhabi.
Four Seasons Hotel100, Hamouda Bin Ali Al Dhaheri streetMI1, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Municipality, Abu Dhabi Emirate
Located inside Yas Mall, near Ferrari theme park, Al Fanar offers authentic Emirati cuisine in a traditional setting (the place is named after a kerosene lamp people used to light their homes in Dubai in the old days). A mutton or chicken kebab marinated in Arabian spices and served with rice costs about 100 AED.
YAS Mall1, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Highway streetYS1, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Municipality, Abu Dhabi Emirate
A pricey (but definitely worth it) Italian restaurant with excellent service. Fresh Penne pasta with four Tuscan Pecorino cheeses (95 AED) is especially recommended. Vegan, dairy free, and gluten free options available.
Tower A15a, Thani Bin Abdullah Al Rumaithi StreetW44, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Municipality, Abu Dhabi Emirate
Old fans of this Lebanese cafe say that the quality has slightly gone down recently, but portions are still extremely generous, prices are reasonable and chicken shawarmas are still one of the best in town.
4, Bayt Ash Sha ar streetE11, Al Danah, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Municipality, Abu Dhabi Emirate