The Middle East is rapidly becoming a hotspot for luxury dining experiences.

The second annual Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants event, held in Abu Dhabi earlier this year, not only spotlighted the city’s growing fine dining scene but also celebrated the culinary innovation across the entire region.

Restaurants from 14 cities across the Middle East and North Africa were honored, with Orfali Bros Bistro from Dubai taking the top spot. This renowned bistro, founded in 2021 by three brothers from Aleppo, Syria, claimed the coveted title.

While Dubai has long been a leader in the dining world, Abu Dhabi is now stepping into the limelight, with three restaurants on the prestigious list, highlighting the city's burgeoning food scene.

In the UAE and broader Arabian culture, hospitality reigns supreme, and meals are often shared. Traditional dishes are rich in aromatic spices like saffron, turmeric, and cinnamon, paired with nuts and dried fruits, creating complex, flavorful stews and sauces.

With nearly 90% of its population being expatriates, Abu Dhabi offers an incredible variety of global cuisines, from Peruvian and Thai to French, Japanese, Indian, and Ethiopian.

Among the distinguished entries on the 50 Best list is Coya Abu Dhabi, perched atop the Four Seasons Hotel on Al Maryah Island. The restaurant specializes in modern Latin American dishes with subtle East Asian touches. Other notable mentions include Zuma Abu Dhabi, known for its Japanese fare, and the Abu Dhabi branch of the iconic Hakkasan, serving exquisite Cantonese cuisine.

Here are seven more of the best dining spots in Abu Dhabi and the must-try dishes at each:

Martabaan by Hemant Oberoi

Outside Martabaan, framed photographs showcase some of the notable figures who have enjoyed celebrity chef Hemant Oberoi’s creations, including four US Presidents: Clinton, both Bushes, and Obama.

Martabaan is named after the traditional pottery jar in which its famous lamb curry is served, paired with the fragrant biryani, infused with cardamom. The dish is complemented by dal makhani, a creamy black lentil stew, and raita, a refreshing cucumber and mint yogurt sauce.

Among the surprises on the ‘contemporary classic’ Indian menu is a French-style crème brûlée, but with a twist — it’s flavored with masala chai, the beloved spiced Indian tea.

The restaurant is located within the opulent Emirates Palace Hotel, recently acquired by the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, making it one of the premier dining destinations in Abu Dhabi.

Martabaan by Hemant Oberoi, located at the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental Hotel, West Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi

Beirut Sur Mer

Translating to 'Beirut-on-sea,' this open-air restaurant is set on a chic boardwalk with stunning views of the turquoise waters and white sands of Saadiyat Island. Its lively décor and eclectic playlist complement the vibrant flavors of Lebanese food on offer.

Among the vibrant array of plant-based Lebanese dishes, the roasted eggplant salad is enhanced with a touch of pomegranate molasses, while grilled halloumi cheese is topped with a sweet and tangy combination of figs, lime, and thyme-infused honey.

For meat lovers, the menu offers a selection of grilled seafood and meats, such as chargrilled lamb tenderloin with a walnut and tomato spread, or juicy grilled baby chicken marinated in lemon and garlic. For dessert, indulge in the rich kunafa, a warm cheese and pastry pudding soaked in sugary syrup.

Beirut Sur Mer, Jacques Chirac St, Cultural District, Abu Dhabi

Tean

Tean, located at Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort, is named after the Arabic word for 'fig.' This relaxed eatery highlights the vibrant flavors of the Levant, encompassing the eastern Mediterranean region, including Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and Cyprus. Positioned just steps from the sea, seafood is naturally a key feature of the menu in this bright, airy dining space.

For hummus enthusiasts – and who isn’t? – Tean offers an impressive selection of 10 unique variations, including beetroot, avocado, prawn, and a mouthwatering spit-roasted chicken shawarma. Other specialties include the Turkish dish Imam Bayildi, which translates as 'the imam fainted' from the sheer deliciousness of the dish, where beef cheek is paired with smoked eggplant and tomatoes.

Be sure not to miss the local Emirati dishes, such as prawn mashbous, a beloved rice dish made with Gulf shrimp, nuts, and fragrant local spices.

Tean, Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi

Turtle Bay Bar & Grill

A stone turtle greets you at the entrance on the lawn, marking the spot for Turtle Bay Bar & Grill, named after the turtle species found in Abu Dhabi, including Hawksbill and Loggerhead. With sweeping views of the expansive pool at Saadiyat Rotana Resort and surrounded by palm trees, the best seats are on the rooftop terrace offering stunning beach and sea vistas.

Japanese cuisine takes center stage, with offerings like a zesty tuna crudo, highlighting the citrusy notes of yuzu, soy sauce, and jalapeno, as well as platters of fresh nigiri and maki sushi.

For those celebrating in style, fresh oysters, Alaskan king crab, and caviar are on offer, while the grill also features premium cuts such as grain-fed Australian lamb rack and USDA prime Angus beef.

Turtle Bay Bar & Grill, located at Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi

Mezlai

Nestled within the awe-inspiring grandeur and refined elegance of the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Mezlai's design evokes the essence of a swaying Bedouin tent, offering a true taste of Arabic culinary heritage. Dishes from across the Middle East bring together ingredients sourced from the sea, desert, mountains, and even oases.

Tables are laden with a variety of mezze, including the fresh bulgur, parsley, and tomato salad tabouleh, the crunchy fattoush salad adorned with crispy pita shards, and the silky smooth hummus.

Entrees span the region, featuring dishes like the Syrian karaz kebob with cherry sauce, a classic Arabic mixed grill, or a showstopping seafood platter. Their signature dessert, pistachio baklawa – the beloved filo pastry stuffed with walnuts and drenched in syrup – is elevated with local honey from the hotel’s beehives, camel milk ice cream, and a touch of gold leaf.

Mezlai, located at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental Hotel, West Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi

Saadiyat Beach Club

Saadiyat Beach Club is a secluded haven for those looking to lounge along the pristine Blue Flag-certified beaches of the Arabian Gulf. Enjoy live DJ sets throughout the day, cozy cabanas to lounge in, and an array of refreshing pools to dive into.

Among the dining options, Safina brings the flavors of the Mediterranean to life in a chic, laid-back atmosphere. Enjoy a seafood linguine bursting with shrimp, mussels, baby squid, and clams in a flavorful tomato sauce, or savor their excellent take on the classic Spanish paella.

For dessert, indulge in tiramisu, sticky toffee pudding, or the local favorite, umm Ali – a delicious bread pudding garnished with pistachios, offering the perfect end to your meal.

Saadiyat Beach Club, located on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi, offers an idyllic escape.

LPM Abu Dhabi

Since opening its doors in 2017, LPM Restaurant & Bar Abu Dhabi has remained a beloved spot for both locals and visitors. Its stylish yet relaxed atmosphere and menu inspired by the French Riviera make it a firm favorite.

Signature dishes at LPM feature Mediterranean ingredients, such as succulent prawns paired with olive oil and lemon juice, a savory onion and anchovy tart known as pissaladière, and tender lamb cutlets topped with an olive and eggplant caviar.

LPM, located on the bustling Al Maryah Island, boasts a global presence with successful sister restaurants in London, Dubai, Miami, and Hong Kong.

LPM Abu Dhabi, situated in The Galleria on Al Maryah Island, is a prominent dining destination in the city.