We've spent years finding the UAE's finest. Now you can find them in seconds.
We've spent years finding the UAE's finest. Now you can find them in seconds.
Al Sultan Restaurant and Grill: Serving Arabic fare to those in the know since 1975
Al Sultan Restaurant and Grill Abu Dhabi has been serving its reasonably-priced Arabic fare to those in the know since 1975. The casual dining homegrown gem has two locations in the capital – one in Al Dhafrah (pictured) and the other in Mussafah Sanaiya.
Madang Restaurant: An authentic Korean dining experience in Abu Dhabi
A 30-minute drive from downtown Abu Dhabi, a lunch or dinner experience at Madang is well worth it… Tucked away inside the Al Ghazal Golf Club, the restaurant can accommodate small and large groups and it also offers private dining rooms. You can opt to sit on the floor as do as the Koreans do, or there are chairs with legs if you prefer.
The traditional Korean interior design is very charming (albeit a little tired – but perhaps it adds to the charm) and Madang offers its visitors a truly unique and authentic Korean experience.
Mukbang Shows Restaurant: An unlimited Korean BBQ spot in the UAE capital
In South Korea, a ‘Mukbang’ is a live-streamed video featuring a person eating a large quantity of food and addressing the audience – and it’s a very appropriate name for this Abu Dhabi gem, as you could easily do this here (if you’re that way inclined)…
Bringing the unlimited Korean BBQ concept to the capital, Mukbang Shows first opened in December 2021. From the street you can’t miss it, there’s a faux grass blanket and a bright red facade. Inside, it’s bright and colourful, with various South Korean artworks, motifs, and design elements. The ambiance is lively and fun. Each table is equipped with a BBQ at the centre and a telescopic exhaust pipe to immediately draw away any smoke from your table.
San Thai: A tiny Thai diner in Abu Dhabi
Located on Salam Street in Abu Dhabi, San Thai is a tiny little diner restaurant. Offering an authentic Thai experience, the space is casual and features grey tiled walls, faux plants, low-hanging chandeliers, and fairy lights, with white chairs and wooden tables.
There are just four tables inside (and an outside dining area when the weather permits) and therefore bookings are advised for busy periods like weekends. Open for lunch and dinner daily, San Thai offers plenty of vegetarian-friendly dishes, alongside poultry, meat, and seafood, and the food is affordable, generously portioned, and great to share.
Kopitiam by Chandy’s: Delicious authentic Malaysian cuisine
Kopitiam by Chandy’s is a fantastic little hidden gem on Al Falah Street in Abu Dhabi. Offering authentic Malaysian cuisine, Kopitiam is owned by Malaysian-born, Abu Dhabi-based chef Chandy, who spent many years working in the hospitality industry before opening the doors to his own restaurant…
Opened in March 2022, Kopitiam features a small inside dining room that can seat up to 22 people. Cosy and quaint, the decor has been inspired by Chandy’s Peranakan culture.
Vietnamese Pho: An authentic experience in Abu Dhabi
Located at Al Reem Bay Towers in Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi, Vietnamese Pho is a tiny little homegrown gem open daily for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Owned by a Vietnamese expat couple, the pioneering duo started their UAE journey with hospitality jobs in Dubai before they settled in Abu Dhabi to open Vietnamese Pho.
There's also a branch in Khalifa City – more here.
Aroy Dee Thai: Delicious Thai food on Electra Street
Located on Electra Street in the UAE capital, Aroy Dee Thai is an authentic Thai food gem owned by Thai expats. Alcohol-free, this tiny casual dining restaurant also has a branch in Mushrif Mall…
Serving authentic, delicious, and reasonably-priced Thai food, Aroy Dee aptly means “very delicious” in Thai. There are limited seating arrangements for small to medium groups, and a homely, welcoming vibe.
Ritaj: A Hyderabadi biryani gem in the TCA
Tucked away inside the Tourist Club Area (TCA) in the capital, you will find Ritaj Restaurant – a Hyderabadi biryani gem, which should be on your hitlist the next time you get a biryani craving…
Located on Electra Street, this humble restaurant offers limited seating for diners across two floors. The menu is meat and fish heavy with some vegetarian-friendly options, and here you will find an assortment of Indian food including the coveted Hyderabadi biryani – a style of biryani from Hyderabad, India made with basmati rice and meat. Originating in the kitchens of the Nizam of Hyderabad, it combines elements of Hyderabadi and Mughlai cuisines.
Sheger: An Ethiopian restaurant in the Al Zahiyah Neighbourhood
Located in Navy Gate, in the Al Zahiyah neighbourhood, Sheger is an authentic Ethiopian gem with no frills, reasonable prices, and delicious fare. Open daily for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and everything in between, Sheger features a casual dining space with trinkets from Ethiopia and a warm service…
Offering the unique opportunity to savour Ethiopian flavours in the capital of the UAE, Sheger’s menu is meat and fish-heavy, but there are some options to suit vegetarians too. Spread over two floors, the alcohol-free restaurant is a great spot for a cheap but great meal with family, friends, or solo.
Tuktuk: A homegrown Thai gem in Khalifa City
Looking for great Thai food in Abu Dhabi? Nestled within Khalifa City, Tuktuk is an authentic Thai restaurant located in Building C-56 at Etihad Plaza offering just that.
Homegrown and expat-owned, Tuktuk offers a taste of Thailand's bustling street food scene right in the heart of the capital…
Bait El Khetyar: A Syrian-owned hidden gem in Al Markaziyah
Nestled in the heart of Al Markaziyah on Hamdan Street, Bait El Khetyar offers an authentic taste of Middle Eastern cuisine in an unpretentious setting. This Syrian-owned hidden gem, with additional branches in Najda and Bani Yas, has become a local favourite for those seeking authentic flavours without the frills.
Open daily from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m., Bait El Khetyar caters to all-day dining needs. The menu is extensive, featuring a wide array of Middle Eastern dishes, including vegetarian-friendly options. From appetisers and salads to grilled meats and traditional specialities, there's something for everyone.
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