Abu Dhabi, the jewel of the UAE, is renowned for its opulent lifestyle and vibrant culinary scene. Whether you’re a seasoned gourmand or a curious traveler seeking unforgettable flavors, the city offers an array of fine dining experiences that blend exquisite cuisines, world-class ambiance, and unparalleled service. In this guide, we’ll explore the 7 best fine dining restaurants in Abu Dhabi, each promising an exceptional culinary journey that mirrors the city’s reputation for luxury and sophistication.
- 1. Bikanervala
- 2. Slaw and More
- 3. Teatro
7
Number of companies
3950
Verified reviews
4,44
Average rating
1. Bikanervala
★
★
★
★
★
4,3/5
Plot No. C-27 East Bin Hamila - Building number 2 - Airport Road
- Fine dining restaurant
- Breakfast restaurant
- Buffet restaurant
- Candy store
- Sweets and dessert buffet
- Indian restaurant
- Food court
- Restaurant
- Vegan restaurant
- Vegetarian restaurant
Why we chose them
Bikanervala Abu Dhabi is a renowned contemporary sweetshop and snack chain that specializes in authentic Indian vegetarian cuisine. Located on Airport Road in Abu Dhabi, this establishment is celebrated for its diverse offerings, including North and South Indian dishes, delectable desserts, and traditional Indian sweets. Whether you’re craving Delhi’s famous street chaats, South Indian dosas, Punjab’s creamy daal makhni, or Bengali rasgullas, the restaurant delivers a taste of India using original recipes and premium spices. With options for dine-in, takeaway, and delivery, it caters to customers looking for fresh and flavorful Indian food at their convenience. The restaurant also prides itself on being a pure vegetarian and vegan-friendly destination, making it an ideal choice for health-conscious diners and those seeking plant-based meals.
Offering a wide range of services, including fine dining, buffet options, and a dedicated sweets and dessert buffet, the restaurant is a versatile culinary hub. Customers can enjoy an array of packaged sweets, namkeen snacks, ready-to-eat meals, and baked goods, ensuring there’s something for every palate. Beyond its restaurant experience, it delivers an impressive selection of Indian delicacies right to your doorstep, combining convenience with quality. As part of a global chain with a presence in multiple countries, this Abu Dhabi location maintains the brand’s commitment to excellence, providing an authentic and memorable dining experience for lovers of Indian cuisine.
2. Slaw and More
★
★
★
★
★
4,4/5
Al Maqta' St
- Fine dining restaurant
Why we chose them
SLAW AND MORE stands out as the UAE’s first-ever premium burger boutique, redefining the fine dining experience with a bold and creative approach to gourmet burgers. Known for serving authentic wagyu ribeye burgers crafted with exceptional quality, the restaurant is the brainchild of the multi-award-winning Chef Ali Yazdi, whose expertise and innovation elevate every dish on the menu. This one-of-a-kind establishment caters to discerning diners who seek a refined yet modern culinary experience.
Specializing in fine dining, the restaurant goes beyond traditional burger joints by offering a thoughtfully curated menu that emphasizes premium ingredients and sophisticated flavors. With its commitment to excellence and originality, it has quickly become a sought-after destination for food enthusiasts in the UAE. The meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail in every dish reflect the vision of a brand dedicated to delivering an unforgettable dining experience.
3. Teatro
★
★
★
★
★
4,7/5
Park Rotana Al Salam Street Eastern Ring Road
- Fine dining restaurant
- Fusion restaurant
- Restaurant
- Steak house
- Sushi restaurant
Why we chose them
Teatro – Steak & Sushi stands out as a premier fine dining destination in Abu Dhabi, offering a unique fusion of global flavors. Specializing in both succulent steaks and the finest sushi, this hidden gem is crafted under the expertise of Chef Anbu Narayanan, who brings over 15 years of international culinary experience to the table. With a passion for turning the finest ingredients into unforgettable meals, Chef Anbu ensures every dish is a masterpiece, blending creativity and tradition to tantalize the taste buds. From dry-aged steaks to fresh seafood and signature sushi creations, Teatro provides a diverse menu designed to satisfy every craving.
Beyond its expertly curated menu, the restaurant hosts special events like “Sushi Sundays,” “The Evening Brunch,” and “Tomahawk Monday,” making it an ideal spot for food enthusiasts seeking both variety and exclusivity. Guests can also enjoy hands-on sushi-making classes, elevating the dining experience with an interactive and cultural twist. With its refined atmosphere and dedication to culinary excellence, this fusion restaurant offers more than just a meal—it delivers a memorable culinary journey that celebrates food and culture in every bite.
4. Royal Biryani
★
★
★
★
★
4,6/5
27 Al Murouj St
- Fine dining restaurant
Why we chose them
Royal Biryani stands out as a premier fine dining destination in Abu Dhabi, offering an unparalleled culinary experience rooted in Mughal heritage. Specializing in authentic biryanis, this restaurant takes pride in its traditional cooking techniques, where fresh spices and herbs are combined with premium Basmati rice and a choice of meats or vegetables. Each dish is prepared using a slow-cooking process in sealed containers, allowing the ingredients to tenderize in their own juices and release a rich aroma and flavor. With a menu carefully crafted to delight every palate, the restaurant invites guests to savor the essence of royal dining.
Renowned as the “Biryani Specialists,” the restaurant’s commitment to quality and authenticity ensures a dining experience that is both memorable and indulgent. Offering more than just food, it provides a luxurious ambiance where patrons can truly “Dine Like a King.” Whether for corporate events, special occasions, or a casual outing, the establishment promises to elevate every meal with its dedication to excellence and a diverse menu that captures the heart of Indian fine dining.
5. Martabaan by Hemant Oberoi
★
★
★
★
★
4,4/5
West Corniche Road
- Fine dining restaurant
- Indian restaurant
Why we chose them
Martabaan by Hemant Oberoi stands out as a premier destination for fine Indian dining, located within the opulent Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental in Abu Dhabi. Created by internationally celebrated master chef Hemant Oberoi, the restaurant embodies a ‘contemporary classic’ approach to Indian cuisine, seamlessly blending cultural traditions with innovative culinary techniques. Chef Oberoi, renowned for his revolutionary recipes such as Temple Cuisine and Iron Cuisine, has earned global recognition, including being the first Indian chef nominated to the World Gourmet Club. With a career spanning over four decades as the Grand Chef of the Taj Group of Hotels, he brings his expertise to this luxurious dining experience, featuring unique dishes like Varqui Crab and Masala Chai Crème Brûlée designed to delight even the most discerning palates.
The restaurant offers an exceptional setting with breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf and Emirates Palace Marina, complementing its rich flavors and creative menu. The elegant ambiance is enhanced by exclusive private dining rooms and the focal ‘Tikka Le’ Bar, which showcases a medley of signature cocktails. Guests can enjoy a truly aristocratic experience, where oft-loved yet forgotten Indian recipes are reimagined in modern avatars. Martabaan also hosts a unique Indian Hi-Tea experience, further enriching its offerings. With its blend of culinary artistry, luxurious atmosphere, and Hemant Oberoi’s innovative vision, this fine dining destination is a must-visit for aficionados of Indian cuisine.
6. Mezlai
★
★
★
★
★
4,4/5
West Corniche Road
- Fine dining restaurant
- Middle Eastern restaurant
Why we chose them
Known for its elegant ambiance and exquisite culinary offerings, Mezlai stood as a fine dining Middle Eastern restaurant located within the luxurious Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi. Designed to evoke the atmosphere of an airy Bedouin tent, the restaurant provided guests with breathtaking views of the Palace grounds while serving a menu that celebrated the rich heritage of Arabian cuisine. Featuring ingredients sourced from the sea, mountains, oases, and desert, the dishes highlighted traditional flavors such as za’atar, camel, and dates while introducing unexpected elements like saffron, rosewater, and hand-picked wild oregano. Each meal offered a unique window into Arabic culture and hospitality, blending ancient traditions with modern culinary innovation.
Although permanently closed, Mezlai left a lasting impression as a destination for those seeking authentic Middle Eastern flavors in an opulent setting. Its menu showcased decadent updates on staples of the Arabian diet, crafted with creativity and respect for the region’s long-standing culinary traditions. Guests were treated to a journey through time, savoring dishes that paid homage to the sands of history while embracing the vibrant, fresh spirit of Abu Dhabi. The restaurant’s dedication to excellence made it a standout feature of Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, enhancing the hotel’s reputation as a haven of luxury and cultural immersion.
7. Lebanese Terrace
★
★
★
★
★
4,3/5
Corniche St
- Fine dining restaurant
- Lebanese restaurant
- Middle Eastern restaurant
Why we chose them
Lebanese Terrace offers an exceptional dining experience where the rich culinary heritage of Lebanon meets the elegance of Emirates Palace’s stunning gardens. The restaurant’s thoughtfully curated menu, crafted by talented Lebanese Chef Gilber Sakr, showcases authentic Levantine flavors through signature dishes like charcoal-grilled meats, seafood platters, and mezzeh. Using the freshest ingredients, specialties such as Hummus Bel Habak and Kafta Bel Habak transport diners to the Mediterranean shores with their tantalizing aromas. Guests can complement their meals with a selection of handcrafted cocktails, Lebanese wines, and Arak, making every visit a memorable celebration of Middle Eastern cuisine.
The restaurant’s design reflects the charm of a traditional Lebanese terrace, complete with olive trees and stained-glass windows that create a warm and inviting ambiance. With indoor seating for up to 90 guests and outdoor spaces accommodating up to 130, the venue is ideal for intimate gatherings or lively celebrations. Whether enjoying the tranquil beauty of the palace gardens or savoring the vibrant atmosphere indoors, diners are immersed in a setting that perfectly balances tradition and sophistication. This fine dining destination stands out as a haven for those seeking authentic Lebanese flavors paired with world-class hospitality.
Frequently asked questions
What services are typically offered by fine dining restaurants in Abu Dhabi?
Fine dining restaurants in Abu Dhabi often provide personalized dining experiences, curated tasting menus, tableside preparations, live entertainment, private dining rooms, and sommelier services to enhance the overall experience.
What is the average price range for a fine dining meal in Abu Dhabi?
The price for a fine dining meal in Abu Dhabi typically ranges from €50 to €280 per person, depending on the restaurant, the menu selections, and additional services such as wine pairings or exclusive tasting menus.
How far in advance should I make a reservation at a fine dining restaurant in Abu Dhabi?
It is recommended to make a reservation at least 1-2 weeks in advance for most fine dining restaurants in Abu Dhabi, especially for popular venues or peak dining times such as weekends and holidays.
What factors should I consider when choosing a fine dining restaurant in Abu Dhabi?
Key considerations include the type of cuisine offered, the ambiance of the restaurant, reservation requirements, dress codes, dietary accommodations, and customer reviews or recommendations.
Are dietary restrictions or preferences accommodated at fine dining restaurants in Abu Dhabi?
Yes, most fine dining restaurants in Abu Dhabi accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences. It is advisable to inform the restaurant about specific requirements when making a reservation to ensure a tailored dining experience.
What dress code is typically expected at fine dining restaurants in Abu Dhabi?
Fine dining restaurants in Abu Dhabi generally have a smart casual or formal dress code. Guests are advised to avoid casual attire such as shorts, flip-flops, or athletic wear to align with the elegant ambiance of these establishments.
Do fine dining restaurants in Abu Dhabi offer private dining options?
Yes, many fine dining restaurants in Abu Dhabi offer private dining rooms or exclusive areas for special occasions, business meetings, or intimate gatherings. It is recommended to inquire about availability and additional charges when booking.
Is tipping customary at fine dining restaurants in Abu Dhabi?
While service charges are often included in the bill at fine dining restaurants in Abu Dhabi, it is customary to leave an additional tip of 10-15% for exceptional service, though this is at the diner's discretion.
