The Bib Gourmand award highlights restaurants within the selection which offer good quality food at a great price.
Bua Thai Café is tucked away in a massive retail complex in the heart of Yas Island, offering a cosy and colourful escape for lovers of authentic Thai cuisine. The menu features simple yet flavourful Thai lunches, including steamed hagao, vibrant chicken green curry, and the ever-so-loved mango sticky rice dessert. Guests can enjoy the lively atmosphere inside or opt for a seat on the terrace during the cooler months.
3Fils Abu Dhabi brings the celebrated Dubai restaurant to the capital, setting up in the Al Bateen marina with a large, contemporary Japanese eatery spread over three floors. The design is minimal and modern, creating a relaxed yet lively environment where baseball-capped chefs serve up modern plates such as chargrilled baby chicken, prawns, and sashimi straight from the open kitchen. For dessert, their ‘Take Me To The Moon’ is a dream come true for chocolate lovers.
Goldfish can be found in the heart of the impressive Marina Mall, where Akmal Anuar’s contemporary Japanese eatery, a sister to the original in Dubai, delights diners. The menu is vibrant and varied, offering a selection of sushi, tasty skewers, and larger dishes like ramen, Wagyu sliders, and spicy noodles. Portions are generous and offer great value, making it the perfect spot to refuel after a day of retail therapy.
Eight New Restaurants Added to Guide’s Selection
Cipriani Dolci brings all the smart and elegant attributes you would expect from the Cipriani name, but with a unique twist for Abu Dhabi. Located on the ground floor of Marina Mall, this inviting spot is open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and small bites, with daily specials and even pizza on offer. Guests can indulge in a fine selection of cakes, patisseries, and delicious house-made ice creams perfect for a sweet treat while shopping or as a delightful end to any meal.
Antonia is a lovely beachside Italian restaurant overlooking the azure waters of the Arabian Gulf on Mamsha Al Saadiyat. The ambiance channels the charm of an American pizza parlour, but the menu is pure Italian, featuring generously portioned carpaccio, classic pastas, and, most notably, their signature sourdough pizza made from a fifty-year-old starter dough recipe. Tiramisu is a perennial favourite for dessert, rounding out a menu that celebrates Italian comfort food in a relaxed, scenic setting.
Novikov Abu Dhabi is the local outpost of the renowned global franchise, situated in The Galleria Mall on Al Maryah Island. Mediterranean cuisine takes centre stage, with highlights such as freshly made daily pasta, expertly prepared fish, chilled gazpacho, and a delectable berry tart. The lunch menu offers great value, and the à la carte selection ensures there is something for everyone. The experience is elevated by a pianist who fills the space with music throughout the day.
Villa Mamas, led by Bahraini chef Roaya Saleh, leaves a distinctive mark on Abu Dhabi’s dining scene with its elegant Khaleeji-inspired cuisine. The interior resembles a conservatory, filled with plants, colourful artefacts, fresh fruits, and shelves lined with homemade spices, syrups, and cookbooks. The menu showcases beloved regional flavours and dishes, such as chicken machbous and hummus topped with lamb cubes, all served in a setting that feels both homely and refined.
Taparelle is a visually striking venue located in the progressive Manarat Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi’s hub for art, culture, and community events. The terrace is an ideal spot for a leisurely meal, and their Saturday brunches are especially popular. The menu is a creative marriage of French and Italian cuisines, featuring dishes like scallop Grenobloise, oxtail ragu, and crispy charred sea bass.
Pincode by Kunal Kapur invites diners to experience celebrity chef Kunal Kapur’s modern take on upmarket Indian street food. Located in The Galleria Mall, the restaurant’s stylish interior features rich fabrics and sepia-toned, black-and-white panelled walls, evoking a subtle colonial elegance.
Strawfire by Ross Shonhan is the dynamic debut of Australian chef Ross Shonhan in Abu Dhabi, where live flames from the open kitchen synchronise with the beats of a live DJ. The focus is on Warayaki-style cooking, where dishes are quickly “licked” with burning straw, imparting unique flavours. Signature items like prawn toast, miso glazed Chilean sea bass, and spaghetti Mentaiko stand out, while the terrace and open kitchen seating offer both theatrics and comfort. The experience is rounded out with bespoke cocktails, an array of sake, and a team that ensures every evening is memorable.
Sand & Koal offers a luxurious beachside dining experience in a gazebo overlooking the grand Presidential Palace and the sparkling Arabian Gulf. It is the perfect place to catch the sunset with a drink before enjoying woodfire-cooked specialties. The menu features mouthwatering steaks, a “Reef and Beef” surf-and-turf, and generous seafood platters for sharing. Desserts like smoked chocolate mousse and fig tart provide a sweet finish, making this an ideal spot for a romantic evening out.
