< PreviousBest Restaurants 2025 30 SUMMER 2025 TIMEOUTABUDHABICOM Best European WINNER Mika Middle Eastern meets Mediterranean cuisine at this breezy Yas Marina hotspot, which has perhaps our favourite terrace on the island. Casual yet contemporary, with a menu that celebrates bold flavours, the food here aims to please with the likes of cod croquettes, pan-fried prawns, lamb and tuna tacos, octopus and calamari. Head chef Mario Loi is also passionate about sustainability – he grows herbs and vegetables for his dishes in the chef’s garden next to the main restaurant – which is also evident in his zero-waste policy. O Licensed. Yas Marina, Yas Island mika.ae (056 433 1422) . HIGHLY COMMENDED Ilios Located on Hudayriyat Island (as part of Surf Abu Dhabi), Ilios Restaurant & Beach Club is the hangout if you’re into Greek islands but don’t fancy trekking all the way to Mykonos. It’s all about Mediterranean flavours with a touch of Japanese influence. Best Restaurants 2025 TIMEOUTABUDHABI.COM SUMMER 2025 31 Expect fresh seafood, including the usual suspects like oysters and sashimi. There’s a seafood display where you can pick your catch of the day and they’ll cook it up just the way you like it. Meat lovers aren’t left out either – there’s Black Angus tenderloin and grilled dishes if you fancy something heartier. And for dessert? The amygdalopita (Greek almond cake) will round off your meal if you’ve got a sweet tooth. O Licensed. Hudayriyat Island, surfabudhabi.com/ ilios (050 883 5890). La Petite Maison Abu Dhabi Let’s face it – you couldn’t pay us to stay away from La Petite Maison. Its refined interpretation of French-Mediterranean cuisine is legendary for good reason, with dishes crafted from quality European ingredients like artichokes, lemons, olives, courgettes, tomatoes, peppers and girolles, the freshest seafood and generous cuts of meat to share. Staff never miss a beat for the entire meal. The bar is a total vibe, too. Just keep in mind that this Abu Dhabi stalwart is as popular for after-work dinners as it is for appetising mid-week lunches, so be sure to book your table in advance. O Licensed. The Galleria Al Maryah Island, lpmrestaurants.com/abu-dhabi (02 692 9600). Best Indian WINNER Martabaan by Hemant Oberoi When it comes to housing some of the best restaurants in Abu Dhabi, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental wins hands down. Case in point? Martabaan by Hemant Oberoi has swish décor and an air of opulence to match its location, while the cooking is authentic, carefully prepared and comes in the form of an extensive à la carte and two set menus that allow you to sample a selection of dishes if you can’t make your mind up. Its meat options are hard to beat but unlike many Indian restaurants, they also do seafood exceptionally well, so be sure to order the varqui crab to start. O Licensed. Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental Abu Dhabi, @martabaan (02 690 7999). HIGHLY COMMENDED MYNT Indian Cuisine A petite space with slick interiors, dark furnishings and low lighting, we’re just as impressed with the warm vibe and friendly service as we are with the food, with a menu that boasts plenty of quirky dishes such as Amritsari fish fingers and “gunpowder” murgh. A great shout for vegetarians – the MYNT special is an array of veggie dishes that hold plenty to share – other highlights include the Kolhapuri chicken and Goan fish curry, with spice levels tailored to your palate. Yum. O Unlicensed. Al Zahiyah, mynt.ae (02 666 6400). Pincode by Kunal Kapur Pincode is where India’s diverse culinary landscape meets a fun, adventurous twist. With a menu inspired by iconic foodie destinations across the country, it offers a vibrant tour of flavours – from Mumbai street food to Tamil Nadu’s spices, all served with a touch of nostalgia. Mika Martabaan by Hemant OberoiBest Restaurants 2025 32 SUMMER 2025 TIMEOUTABUDHABICOM Whether you’re enjoying a delicious potato spiral chaat or indulging in Kashmiri lamb curry, each dish tells a unique story tied to India’s rich cultural heritage. The Galleria’s Pincode, with its eclectic decor and dining, gets you to explore the very best of India, one “pincode” at a time. O Unlicensed. The Galleria, Al Maryah Island, pincodebykunalkapur.com (02 234 0111). Best Japanese WINNER NIRI Restaurant & Bar Mamsha Al Saadiyat may be teaming with excellent eateries, but IOHO, NIRI Restaurant and Bar is the shiniest jewel in the crown, which is exactly why we named it Abu Dhabi’s best Japanese restaurant. Not only does it have a gorgeous view of Soul Beach and a fun, lively atmosphere, but the dishes here are some of the most sensational you’ll find in the city, with star plates that include an assortment of sushi and sashimi. You can get a meal for two, including a drink, for less than Dhs500 too – winner winner sushi dinner. O Licensed. Mamsha Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island, nirirestaurant.com (02 546 8886). HIGHLY COMMENDED Strawfire by Ross Shonhan If you’re after a next-level dining experience, Strawfire at Emirates Palace is the place. This restaurant is all about that smoky, show-off vibe with its warayaki cooking style. You’ll be blown away by the wagyu beef sashimi (it practically melts in your mouth) and the smoky Australian wagyu striploin. The atmosphere? Think silk drapes, stunning views and a massive rope that’ll make you stop in your tracks. Service is on point and while it’s definitely on the pricey side, the food, vibe and experience make it totally worth it. Oh and definitely finish your meal with the Nutella taiyaki. O Licensed. Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Corniche, mandarinoriental.com (02 690 7999). Zuma Come for the vibe and stay for the food at Zuma, perhaps the most famous Japanese restaurant on our list. Not many places can sustain the longevity of being a hot ticket since 2014, but this internationally- reclaimed brand continues to shine thanks to its carefully curated interiors, excellent mixed drinks selection and high-class menu that comprises the likes of marinated lamb chops, sweet potato robata and famed black cod. Prices are on the higher side, but they also do an excellent set lunch menu if you’re trying to watch the dirhams. O Licensed. The Galleria Al Maryah Island, zumarestaurant.com (02 401 5900). Best Korean WINNER NURI Grill & Bar Perhaps the finest Korean restaurant in town for you to salivate over, Nuri is a sizzling Korean steakhouse that offers prime cuts of meat, chic interiors, a stylish bar and even karaoke rooms where you can sing to your heart’s content after a few mixed drinks. Before that you’ll want to get stuck into its highest quality and ethically-raised, cuts of meat, with an emphasis on wet-ageing to really make the meat stand out from the crowd. Order completely à la carte or opt for the omakase menu instead, which will leave the selection up to the brilliant chefs. The choice is yours. O Licensed. Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, @nurigrillbar (054 211 5151). HIGHLY COMMENDED Mr Kim The perfect spot to grab something delicious before a show at Etihad Arena or after an action-packed day at Yas Island’s Mr KimBest Restaurants 2025 TIMEOUTABUDHABI.COM SUMMER 2025 33 many theme parks, Mr Kim is Yas Mall’s first fully licensed restaurant, so it’s already off to a great start. This very cool Korean restaurant, founded by Emirati entrepreneur Mohamed Juma Al Bawardi Alfalasi, brings innovative foodie fusions to a fun, industrial-chic setting. Specialising in steak, it’s a bit of a no-brainer why this is such a popular dining spot with its selection of fine Wagyu cuts – from the impeccable Japanese A5, Australian MB9+ to the robust USDA prime. O Licensed. Yas Mall, @mrkim.ae (052 443 9314). TAON Flaunting an effortlessly cool and contemporary interior, TAON was one of the first fine dining Korean restaurants to hit our sandy shores. Traditional to a tee – so much so that staff even come dressed in traditional Korean hanbok garments – the menu here is as exciting as it is vast, with top recommendations including the tangy and spicy kimchi, bulgogi, Korean fried chicken and a whole range of barbecue, plus what is up there with our favourite bibimbap in the capital. Trust us, that is no easy feat. O Licensed. Al Muneera, taonkoreanrestaurant.com (058 682 0030). Best Latin American WINNER COYA It’s a guaranteed good time down at COYA, Abu Dhabi’s premier Peruvian joint, where an endearing fun energy turns every meal into a party, particularly if you visit for a fun brunch. Add to that some chic interiors and the exotic flavours of its fine dining menu and you’ve got all the makings of one of the best Latin American restaurants in Abu Dhabi, making it the perfect place for a special evening out. Take a seat on the terrace during the cooler months or in the main dining area to really soak up the atmosphere and dig into its extensive à la carte menu that covers everything from ceviche and sashimi to seafood and steak. O Licensed. Four Seasons Hotel, The Galleria Al Maryah Island, coyarestaurant.com (02 306 7000). HIGHLY COMMENDED Barbossa If endless views, tacos and Mexican mixed drinks sound like your definition of amazing, then you’ve come to the right place at COYABest Restaurants 2025 34 SUMMER 2025 TIMEOUTABUDHABICOM Barbossa. Spearheaded by Chef Mina Mouris Zaki, this street food spot brings modern Mexican and Latin American cuisine to the capital through authentic highlights like Barbossa ceviche, carne asada tacos, guac & chips, fajitas and tuna ceviche tostada. It’s got a lively bar scene, too, so be sure to stick around for a drink. O Licensed. Yas Bay Waterfront, @barbossa_auh (050 185 8068). Maté If you want to try a fine-dining Argentinian experience with some Lebanese influences thrown in the mix, then Maté is the spot. Set across two floors within the island’s swish Park Hyatt, this sultry steakhouse marries both style and substance, with quality cuts of meat cooked to perfection on flaming wood-fired grills in the open kitchen. If you really want to feel part of the action, sit at the counter, but we recommend you book pretty far in advance to secure a hallowed table. O Licensed. Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas, hyattrestaurants.com (02 407 1138). Best Lebanese WINNER Beirut Sur Mer Beirut Sur Mer is a buzzing gem on Saadiyat Island, perfect for any occasion – from a casual breakfast date to a chic night out. The vibe is vibrant with a stylish mix of open kitchens, high ceilings, hanging plants and beach views. The menu is a food-lover’s dream with seven pages of deliciousness: from mezze to seafood, salads and mind- blowing mixed grills. Feeling indecisive? Go for the tlameh trio or dive into one of the nine decadent desserts like the irresistible kunafa. Book ahead because this place is always packed and trust us, you’ll want in. O Licensed. Mamsha al Saadiyat, @beirutsurmer (054 395 4000). HIGHLY COMMENDED Almayass This Lebanese-Armenian spot is a delightful fusion of both cuisines and began its journey in 1996, when the Alexandrian family introduced their Mediterranean- inspired home recipes in Beirut. By blending the flavours of both cuisines, they created a unique dining experience. The restaurant has a cosy and homey atmosphere. Beirut Sur MerBest Restaurants 2025 TIMEOUTABUDHABI.COM SUMMER 2025 35 Today, Almayass, with its new Abu Dhabi branch, continues to offer heartwarming, flavoursome dishes like the iconic kibbeh karaz, a perfect mix of lamb and cherries. O Unlicensed. The Galleria, Al Maryah Island, almayass.com (02 644 0440). Em Sherif Café You can’t go wrong with excellently executed Lebanese food and this authentic Corniche joint delivers the goods in spades. Reinventing old flavours of the Levant with authentic oriental cuisine, dishes here come prepared with only the freshest produce, with top picks including an extensive selection of salads, hot and cold mezze including Lebanese tabbouleh in three variations, hearty lentil salad, creamy hummus with pine nuts, jute leaves in olive oil plus kisk and shawarma. Stay for some shisha before calling it a night. O Unlicensed. West Bay Lounge, Corniche, @emsherifcafeabudhabi (02 691 9999). Best Mena WINNER Erth Restaurant Fine dining at one of Abu Dhabi’s most iconic landmarks? Don’t mind if we do. Nestled within Qasr Al Hosn, Erth is a sight for sore eyes with its bold architecture, polished concrete and bespoke furniture, as well as a menu that is rooted firmly in Emirati traditions when it comes to flavours and ingredients. In fact, all ingredients are locally sourced in collaboration with farms from Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Hatta and all around the Emirates. This translates into starters such as the torched salmon crudo, with ponzu, fennel salad and fresh hamba; the absolutely must-try Emirati spiced hasselback potatoes and the “healthiest salad on Erth”, made up of kale, pomelo, grapefruit, avocado and a lime achar vinaigrette. A fantastic dining experience from start to finish. O Licensed. Qasr Al Hosn, erthrestaurant.ae (058 600 6922). HIGHLY COMMENDED Al Farah Whether you can’t get enough of mezze, you’re a fan of Middle Eastern charcoal barbecue, or you’re on a mission to find the city’s best Arabic dips, Abu Dhabi has plenty to offer. Nowhere is that truer than at the OG restaurant Al Farah, a longstanding, well-loved eatery where you’ll find hummus (a classic), ceviche, baklava melt and a delectable halloumi kebab, all of which you can tuck into amid its rustic decor. O Unlicensed. Al Danah, @alfarahrestaurants_official (600 570 000). Erth RestaurantBest Restaurants 2025 36 SUMMER 2025 TIMEOUTABUDHABICOM Soraya From the creators of London’s top dining spots like Pachamama comes Soraya, a Persian-inspired restaurant that’s located at Yas Mall. Here, you can try incredible high-end Persian dishes like juicy skewers of marinated meats and vegetables that’ll whisk you away to the vibrant streets of Iran’s Tehran. Soraya’s all-day menu is made for communal feasting, so get the whole gang together and head down to enjoy brilliant dishes that blend traditional home-cooked flavours with an undeniably cool modern twist in a beautiful setting. O Licensed.Yas Mall Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, sorayarestaurant.com (056 509 0504). Best Thai WINNER Bua Thai Café Bua Thai Café is one of the biggest crowd- pullers on Yas Bay Waterfront and rightly so. Founded by Chef Buaban C. Tucker, whose culinary journey started by preparing food for earthquake victims in Nepal, the menu celebrates tangy Thai tapas as well as classics like pad Thai, mango sticky rice and tom yum soup. We’re big fans of the interiors too – think lush greenery, wooden furniture and intricate artwork. This secret garden- inspired eatery is a visual delight – and you also can grab a seat outside when the weather allows. O Licensed. Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, @buathaicafe (02 575 3158). HIGHLY COMMENDED Desert Lotus Another Chef Buaban C. Tucker-owned restaurant, the popular Al Bandar restaurant Desert Lotus is not only known for its flavourful Thai dishes, but you can also get sushi and teppanyaki if you’re all pad Thai’d out. Live cooking means a meal here is a true experience, while it is also home to a picturesque terrace overlooking the water that makes for a perfect base in more clement weather. Keep an eye on its socials for its regular promotions too if you’re looking to save a few dirhams. O Licensed. Al Bandar, @desertlotus_restaurant (056 583 5591). Silk & Spice A spot that does Thai staples extremely well, you won’t go without green curry, pad Thai, tom yum and all the rest at Silk & Spice, but there are twists and turns in its offerings too. One of our list’s more upscale offerings, it takes pride of place on Abu Dhabi Corniche, affording beautiful views alongside its also beautiful food. A variety of à la carte and set menus means there’s something for everyone, but no order is complete without the papaya salad and the moreish nua yang rad gaeng kiew waan, otherwise known as beef with green curry sauce. O Licensed. Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche, sofitelabudhabicorniche.com (02 813 7777). Best Afternoon Teas WINNER Level 45 Afternoon tea, but make it sky-high glamour. If you’re after a spot of indulgence (and let’s be honest, who isn’t?), afternoon tea at Level 45 will whisk you straight into your main-character moment. Perched sky-high above Abu Dhabi, this ultra-luxe tea experience serves up elegance on a platter – literally. From the moment you’re greeted at the Conrad Etihad Towers Bua Thai CaféBest Restaurants 2025 TIMEOUTABUDHABI.COM SUMMER 2025 37 Silk & SpiceBest Restaurants 2025 38 SUMMER 2025 TIMEOUTABUDHABICOM lobby and whisked up to Level 45, you know you’re in for something special. Every table comes with sweeping sea views and on weekends, a live harpist plays a Bridgerton- worthy soundtrack as you sip, snack and soak in the stunning skyline. The white-glove service is impeccable and the whole experience feels refined but still wonderfully welcoming. As for the delicious grub? You’ll be spoilt with jewel- like savoury bites – think cured roast beef and asparagus and a standout cucumber, melon and sour cream sandwich. Between courses, there’s a strawberry sorbet palate cleanser so delicious it might steal the show and sweet treats include everything from a sticky date pudding with vanilla popcorn ice cream to rich chocolate slabs and madeleines laced with orange zest. O Licensed. Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, Corniche, hilton.com (02 811 5666). HIGHLY COMMENDED Episodes Attention to detail and fantastic service make the swanky afternoon tea at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental well worth the splurge. Set amidst palatial surroundings with crystals, gold ceilings, marble flooring and seating under the cherry blossom trees, don your best gladrags to nibble on the likes of artisan sandwiches and gourmet pastries, while the tea selection is one of the most comprehensive in the city. A 24k gold leaf-topped brew, anyone? O Licensed. Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, mandarinoriental.com (02 690 7999). Lobby Lounge The plush Lobby Lounge at Shangri-La Hotel Apartments, Qaryat Al Beri, is where Arabian melodies, elegant architecture and award- winning sweet treats collide in the most delightful way. This swish spot serves up everything from sophisticated pastries to premium coffees packed with fruity, tangy notes. It’s the kind of place where you can unwind with a classic scone one minute and sip authentic Middle Eastern coffee the next – all while being serenaded by traditional tunes. It’s indulgent, it’s elegant and yes, it’s open late – so you can enjoy your afternoon tea with a side of ambience all evening long. O Licensed. Shangri-La Hotel Apartments, Qaryat Al Beri, shangri-la.com (02 510 8888). EpisodesBest Restaurants 2025 TIMEOUTABUDHABI.COM SUMMER 2025 39 Best à la carte Brunches WINNER La Petite Maison Restaurant & Bar Looking to impress a date or the in-laws? Book a table at LPM’s La Vie en Pink Grape brunch. Held on Sundays, it’s more of a relaxed affair reminiscent of a Mediterranean long lunch complete with a selection on starters, tartines, salads and French-inspired mains (you get one per person and we highly recommend the seabream fillet with capers and almonds), all washed down with unlimited delightfully crisp pink grape. The setting is seriously slick too, which makes the unpretentious nature of this brunch all the more refreshing. O Licensed. The Galleria Al Maryah Island, lpmrestaurants.com/abu-dhabi (02 692 9600). HIGHLY COMMENDED Barbossa If endless views, tacos and Mexican mixed drinks sound like your definition of a good time, then you’ve come to the right place at the popular Barbossa. Spearheaded by Chef Mina Mouris Zaki, this street food spot has taken over the space formerly occupied by La Carnita, bringing modern Mexican and Latin American cuisine to the capital through authentic highlights like Barbossa ceviche, carne asada tacos, guac and chips, fajitas and tuna ceviche tostada. It’s also got a lively bar scene too, so be sure to stick around for a drink or two. O Licensed. Yas Bay Waterfront, @barbossa_auh (050 185 8068). Ilios If you picture the idyllic Greek getaway, it would probably look a lot like the Sunday Aegean brunch at Ilios Restaurant & Beach Club. Perched on Hudayriyat Island within Surf Abu Dhabi, the sun-drenched spot hits all the high notes: breezy Mykonos vibes, Mediterranean feasting and just enough glam to make you feel like you’re starring in your own holiday montage. From the first salty breeze to the last beat dropped by the DJ, Ilios doesn’t just do brunch – it throws a full-blown celebration of the good life. Starters, mains and dessert all come from a well-curated set menu La Petite Maison Restaurant & BarNext >