Abu Dhabi Food Guide: What & Where to Eat

Over 26 million tourists visit Abu Dhabi annually, a major share of whom spend billions on experiential dining and hospitality specifically. This makes a reliable Abu Dhabi food guide essential especially for first time travellers.

Some cities impress with their skyline. But Abu Dhabi? It wins people over one bite at a time in style.

After booking well-curated Abu Dhabi tour packages, most travellers expect grand mosques, luxury hotels and desert adventures. They don’t always expect to spend half the trip thinking about the next meal. But that’s just what happens.

One morning starts with cardamom coffee and warm chebab pancakes, lunch turns into a feast of smoky kebabs and creamy hummus, and by evening, there’s usually a debate over whether dessert is really necessary. (It always is.)

This Abu Dhabi food guide is for anyone who believes the quickest way to understand a city is through its food.

A Taste of Abu Dhabi: More Than Just Luxury
Start the Morning Like a Local
Must-Try Dishes That Deserve Every Bite
The Best Restaurants in Abu Dhabi Are an Experience, Not Just a Meal
Sweet Treats, Hidden Cafés & Late-Night Cravings
A Feast Worth Planning Your Trip Around
Wrapping Up: Abu Dhabi Food Guide
Frequently Asked Questions – Abu Dhabi Food Guide
Akbar Travels Services

A Taste of Abu Dhabi: More Than Just Luxury

Arab Man serving traditional arabic coffee from a traditional pot
Image courtesy: hussein farar/Shutterstock

Food in Abu Dhabi reflects centuries of trade across the Arabian Gulf. Long before the discovery of oil, merchants brought spices, rice, dried fruits and cooking traditions from India, Persia and East Africa, shaping what is now known as Emirati cuisine. Today, that history lives on in bustling cafés, elegant waterfront restaurants and family-run eateries tucked away in quiet streets.

Following an Abu Dhabi food guide isn’t about ticking restaurants off a list. It’s about slowing down. The smoky scent of grilled meat hanging in the evening air, warm saffron rising from a pot of rice, cardamom-infused Arabic coffee poured into tiny cups…even wandering between restaurants becomes part of the experience.

Those wondering where to eat in Abu Dhabi will quickly realise there’s something for every mood, whether it’s a quick shawarma after sightseeing or a slow dinner overlooking the Corniche.

Start the Morning Like a Local

Luqaimat / Lugaimat: traditional dessert in the Middle East
Image courtesy: Mumtaz Photography/Shutterstock

Forget rushing for hotel breakfast just because it’s included.

Instead, duck into a neighbourhood café where the smell of fresh flatbread fills the air before the doors even open. Order balaleet, a surprisingly comforting mix of sweet vermicelli topped with a fluffy omelette, or Chebab pancakes drizzled with date syrup and cream cheese. It sounds unusual. It works.

No Abu Dhabi food guide is complete without trying fresh Luqaimat too. These golden dumplings arrive warm, crisp on the outside, soft inside and coated with sticky date syrup. One plate somehow disappears much faster than expected.

Many of the best restaurants in Abu Dhabi also serve modern twists on these traditional breakfast favourites, blending old recipes with contemporary presentation.

Must-Try Dishes That Deserve Every Bite

Chicken Machboos served with tomato sauce and salad
Image courtesy: Food Shop/Shutterstock

Ask locals about the must-try dishes in Abu Dhabi, and one answer comes up again and again—Machboos. Fragrant rice cooked with slow-cooked lamb or chicken, dried lime, spices and caramelised onions, it’s rich without feeling heavy.

Another favourite is harees, especially during Ramadan. Made with wheat and tender meat cooked for hours until silky smooth, it’s simple, comforting and surprisingly filling.

Seafood lovers shouldn’t skip grilled hammour either. Fresh from the Gulf, it’s lightly seasoned, flaky and often served with fragrant rice and tangy sauces. Somewhere between bites, there’s usually a moment of silence at the table. That’s normal.

This Abu Dhabi food guide isn’t encouraging anyone to count calories. Holidays have their own rules.

Also Read: 5 Day Abu Dhabi Itinerary For First-Time Visitors

The Best Restaurants in Abu Dhabi Are an Experience, Not Just a Meal

A restaurant in Abu Dhabi during lunch time
Image courtesy: elena bee/Shutterstock

Finding the best restaurants in Abu Dhabi isn’t difficult. Deciding where to stop first—that’s the challenge.

Restaurants like Erth celebrate Emirati flavours with elegant presentations, while Lebanese favourites serve creamy hummus, smoky grilled meats and warm bread fresh from the oven. Along the Corniche and Saadiyat Island, waterfront dining comes with salty sea breezes and golden sunsets that make dessert feel almost non-negotiable.

Expect to spend around AED 80–150 for a relaxed dinner at mid-range restaurants, while fine dining can easily cross AED 300 per person.
Is it worth it? For many travellers, absolutely.

The best restaurants in Abu Dhabi aren’t just about luxury. Sometimes they’re the tiny shawarma shop where garlic sauce inevitably ends up on someone’s shirt. That’s part of the memory too.

For travellers staying at the best hotels in Abu Dhabi many of these popular dining spots are only a short taxi ride away.

Some of the Highest-Rated Restaurants in Abu Dhabi

Breakfast buffet from a hotel in Abu Dhabi
Image courtesy: Stanislav71/Shutterstock

If you’re still wondering where to book a table, here’s a mix of fine dining icons and local favourites that regularly earn rave reviews from travellers and food critics alike.

Hakkasan Abu Dhabi – Elegant Cantonese fine dining inside Emirates Palace, famous for its Peking duck, dim sum and stylish ambience.
COYA Abu Dhabi – A lively Peruvian restaurant known for fresh ceviche, grilled seafood and colourful interiors.
Finz Restaurant – One of the city’s favourite seafood spots, offering stunning waterfront views and freshly caught fish.
Fouquet’s Abu Dhabi – Perfect for French classics, indulgent desserts and a sophisticated evening out.
Sofra BLD – Renowned for its lavish international buffet and Middle Eastern specialities.
Butcher & Still – A premium Chicago-style steakhouse that’s ideal for meat lovers.
Oak Room – An upscale British steakhouse celebrated for perfectly cooked prime cuts.
Swiss Butter – Novotel Al Bustan – A popular choice for comforting steak, chicken and salmon served with its signature buttery sauce.

Sweet Treats, Hidden Cafés & Late-Night Cravings

Kunafa rolls being served in Abu Dhabi
Image courtesy: Bada1/Shutterstock

No Abu Dhabi food guide is complete without saving room for dessert. Somewhere between sightseeing, a little shopping and “just one more stop,” the sweet cravings usually kick in.

Start with kunafa—crispy golden pastry wrapped around soft cheese and soaked in fragrant sugar syrup. It’s warm, buttery and unapologetically rich. Then there’s saffron ice cream, sticky date pudding and rose-flavoured milk cakes that quietly steal the spotlight. Honestly, ordering one dessert to share sounds sensible…until everyone wants another spoonful.

For travellers who enjoy café hopping, tucked-away coffee shops around Al Bateen and Saadiyat Island serve excellent specialty coffee alongside fresh pastries. It’s the kind of place where an afternoon break accidentally stretches into an hour because the coffee’s good, the playlist’s better, and nobody seems to be in a hurry.

Also Read: Top 5 Budget Hotels in Abu Dhabi: Affordable Comfort in the Desert City

A Feast Worth Planning Your Trip Around

Traditional Emirati sweets served during seasonal festivals
Image courtesy: MOUTASEM PHOTOGRAPHY/Shutterstock

One of the nicest things about this Abu Dhabi food guide is that eating well doesn’t always mean spending big. A satisfying shawarma costs around AED 12–20, a generous plate of machboos ranges from AED 35–60, while an elegant dinner at one of the best restaurants in Abu Dhabi usually starts around AED 150 per person.

Food markets and seasonal festivals are worth exploring too, especially during the cooler months when outdoor dining fills the city with the smell of grilled meats, fresh spices and sizzling seafood. It feels lively without being overwhelming.

This Abu Dhabi food guide also pairs perfectly with the many things to do in Abu Dhabi. Spend the morning at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, wander through the Louvre Abu Dhabi, then reward those tired feet with a long lunch overlooking the Arabian Gulf. We all know, food tastes even better after a day of exploring.

Navigating Abu Dhabi For Food Lovers

A tourist holding a takeaway box of food against Abu Dhabi's cityscape — A tourist holding a takeaway box of food against Abu Dhabi’s cityscape
Image courtesy: frantic00/Shutterstock

Reaching Abu Dhabi from India takes around 3.5 to 4.5 hours, making it an easy getaway for a long weekend. Travellers booking Abu Dhabi packages from India often combine flights, hotels and sightseeing for better value.

Before booking cheap flights to Abu Dhabi, apply for an Abu Dhabi visa, or check the latest UAE visa requirements if visiting multiple Emirates. A reliable provider of online visa services for 180+ countries can help you with that. For travellers wondering how many days does it take to get UAE visa, the answer is 3 to 5 working days, with the option of making it 24 to 48 hours if you choose the express option.

The local currency is the UAE Dirham (AED), and credit cards are widely accepted, though carrying a little cash is handy for cafés and markets. Taxis start at around AED 12, while buses offer an affordable way to get around.

Travellers staying at the best hotels in Abu Dhabi will find many popular dining spots just a short drive away. Reservations are also a good idea for some of the best restaurants in Abu Dhabi, especially on weekends.

Also Read: Abu Dhabi Visa Requirements for Indians: 2026 Update

Wrapping Up: Abu Dhabi Food Guide

The best memories from Abu Dhabi aren’t always found inside famous landmarks. Sometimes they’re hidden in the smell of freshly baked bread, the first sip of Arabic coffee or that little neighbourhood café discovered completely by accident.

This Abu Dhabi food guide is really an invitation to slow down, explore with curiosity and let every meal become part of the journey. Whether searching for the best restaurants in Abu Dhabi, discovering new flavours or simply figuring out the things to eat in Abu Dhabi, one thing becomes clear—good food has a wonderful way of making a destination feel like home.

Frequently Asked Questions – Abu Dhabi Food Guide

What is Abu Dhabi famous for for food?

Abu Dhabi is famous for a striking fusion of Emirati food as well as diverse international cuisine. Some of the must-try dishes in Abu Dhabi include:

Machboos – spiced meat with rice
Luqaimat – sweet dumplings soaked in date syrup
Harees – a slow cooked meat and wheat porridge
Shwarama – a kind of meat or chicken wrap

Where to eat Emirati food in Abu Dhabi?

Some places where you can enjoy traditional Emirati food in Abu Dhabi include:

Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe – Yas Mall
Al Mrzab Traditional Restaurant
Erth
Yadoo’s House
Afya Restaurant
Mosaic Restaurant – Al Muroor

Where to eat in Abu Dhabi is affordable?

Some budget-friendly restaurants to eat in Abu Dhabi are:

Bait El Khetyar
Aroy Dee
Al Sultan Restaurant & Grill
Shay Madhboot
Bonna Annee
Kopitiam by Chandy’s

What is free in Abu Dhabi to visit?

Visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi is free of cost.

What is the most visited place in Abu Dhabi?

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the most visited landmarks in Abu Dhabi.

What’s the best restaurant in Abu Dhabi?

The best restaurant in Abu Dhabi is subjective, however, Erth in Qasr Al Hosn is widely recognized as a local favourite in Emirati cuisine. It has also been awarded a Michelin Star for its Emirati fine dining.

My UAE visa expires in 2 months can I travel?

Yes, you can travel to the UAE as long as your visa and passport are valid at the time of arrival. However, you must complete your visit and exit, or renew your visa before the 2-month expiry date to avoid penalty for overstaying.

If visa is rejected will I get refund in UAE?

No, you are generally not eligible for a refund if your visa gets rejected in the UAE. The visa cost covers things like background checks and verification, not a guarantee of approval.

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