Top dining spots in Abu Dhabi: The best places to enjoy shawarma, shish tawook, and more

The winter season is undoubtedly the ideal time to visit Abu Dhabi and explore its rapidly growing culinary scene.

While often overshadowed by its more glamorous neighbor, Dubai, Abu Dhabi’s quiet charm fosters a more genuine dining experience, often with superior quality food.

Abu Dhabi is also much more pedestrian-friendly compared to Dubai, thanks to its compact and easy-to-navigate grid system.

Even though many of the best dining spots are slightly off the beaten path, navigating to these hidden gems by foot or taxi is still a breeze, and there’s something for every taste and preference.

From classic Arabic dishes to surprising options like Korean and French cuisine, visitors can experience a diverse range of flavors.

Here’s a list of must-visit restaurants when exploring the capital of the United Arab Emirates:

Shish Shawarma

Grab a chicken or beef sandwich from Shish Shawarma and take a leisurely walk along the Corniche, soaking in the sunset as Abu Dhabi comes to life.

Drivers in large SUVs stop by to place their orders, then circle the block a few times while their meal is prepared.

This is the capital in its most authentic form.

While Shish Shawarma offers a more contemporary and inviting atmosphere compared to many traditional shawarma joints, its quality remains top-notch.

The restaurant takes pride in baking its own fresh bread.

For lighter fare, try the Shish Shawarma salad, tabbouleh, or indulge in kebbeh, moutabbal, and mozzarella crepes.

Shish Shawarma, Corniche Branch, Behind Corniche Towers, Abu Dhabi; +971 2 650 5576 (Find additional locations on the website)

Bu Tahfish

Combine freshly caught fish and seafood with a taste of local history at the iconic Bu Tahfish in the city.

Founded by Radwan Al Tamimi, now in his 70s, Bu Tahfish began as a modest mobile kiosk near the Corniche.

During an unexpected visit in the 1950s, the UAE’s founding ruler Sheikh Zayed was so impressed by the food quality that he assisted Al Tamimi in expanding the business.

The current restaurant offers some of the best seafood in town, served in a quirky, nautical-themed setting with a bit of a rough charm, where even the staff don sailor uniforms.

A must-try is the prawn soup starter, a rich and spiced dish loaded with prawns, paired perfectly with a selection of hot and cold mezzeh options.

Fish options – from red snapper and mullet to sea bream and hamour – are cooked in various styles: grilled with spices, fried with seasonings, or simply grilled. Prices are determined by weight.

Bu Tahfish, Opposite Al Salama Hospital, Hamdan Street, Tourist Club Area (Al Zahiyah), Abu Dhabi; +971 2 677 7780

Sambusek

While Lebanese restaurants are abundant in Abu Dhabi, few offer a setting as stunning as Sambusek’s.

Situated on Al Maraya Island, this restaurant features a spacious terrace with stunning views of Abu Dhabi Island, creating the perfect atmosphere for a scenic dinner, especially in the cooler months.

The menu offers an impressive selection of hot and cold mezzehs, mutabbal, and sambusek, perfect for sharing as starters or enjoying as lighter mains.

Recommended dishes include eggplant mutabbal, hummus with tahini, fattoush, spinach fatayer, and grilled halloumi cheese.

The main course menu is primarily focused on grilled meats, with a few seafood and fish options also available.

For a truly authentic Lebanese dish, try the shish tawook: grilled chicken breast marinated in garlic, lemon juice, and Arabic spices.

Finish off your meal with traditional Arabic coffee and shisha.

Sambusek, Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi; +971 2 813 5550

Hanoi Naturally

The Bun Dau at Hanoi Naturally – a flavorful combination of tofu, rice vermicelli noodles, fresh salad, roasted peanuts, herbs, and a tangy sauce – is a satisfying option for lunch or dinner.

While Abu Dhabi may not be the first place you'd think of for authentic Vietnamese cuisine, Hanoi Naturally delivers just that in a casual, budget-friendly canteen-style setting.

The diverse menu features classic Vietnamese dishes, showcasing a delightful mix of fresh ingredients and aromatic spices.

Another standout dish is the Cha Ca La Vong, a Hanoi-style turmeric fish fillet served with dill and peanuts on a sizzling hot plate.

Pair your meal with a pot of lightly sweetened ginger tea for the perfect accompaniment.

Hanoi Naturally, Khalifa Street, Al Markaziyah, (Opposite NBAD, Near Europa Car), Abu Dhabi; +971 2 626 1112 (See website for more locations)

Peppermill

Despite its mall location and somewhat flashy decor, Peppermill serves up top-notch North and South Indian cuisine.

The extensive menu offers a variety of dishes with varying spice levels – vegetarians are also well taken care of, a rare find in Abu Dhabi.

Popular dishes include paneer makhanwala, a medium-spiced fresh cheese dish served in a creamy tomato gravy with green cardamom and sweet fenugreek.

Alternatively, try the chicken chettinad, a South Indian-style boneless chicken curry made with a blend of spices and coconut.

These dishes pair perfectly with naan, roti, or a side of steamed rice.

Peppermill, GF, Bawabat Al Sharq Mall, Baniyas, Abu Dhabi; +971 2 585 9581 (See website for more locations)

Le Beaujolais

For those seeking a break from grilled lamb or chicken, head to Le Beaujolais for classic French cuisine and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

This cozy bistro, with its signature red-and-white checkered tablecloths, Parisian-style bar, and Théophile Steinlen-inspired posters, has become a beloved institution among the expat community.

Although located within a hotel, like most licensed restaurants in the UAE, the fact that it overlooks the street gives it the feel of an independent establishment.

Highly recommended is the Coupe Standard cut 200g Angus beef fillet, served with a generous portion of pommes frites and your choice of pepper, mushroom, or red wine sauce (we recommend the red wine sauce).

Other popular options include pan-fried chicken liver salad, baked mussels, and classic boeuf bourguignon.

Finish off the meal with a decadent raspberry crème brûlée.

Le Beaujolais, Mercure Abu Dhabi Centre Hotel, Hamdan Bin Mohammed Street, Abu Dhabi; +971 2 633 3555

Manna Land

For a quick Korean fix, Manna Land serves up lunch boxes with the perfect portion size for a midday meal.

The chicken lunch set includes spicy chicken strips, steamed rice, and a variety of other items, depending on the day and the chef's mood.

The Bibimbap is another standout. Served in a sizzling silver pot, it features rice, seasoned vegetables, meat, an egg, and spicy hot pepper paste.

Each meal is accompanied by six starters, which typically change, but you can always count on kimchi and spicy tofu squares.

Seating options include traditional floor seating with cushions behind sliding doors, where Korean shows are constantly playing on the televisions, or standard tables.

Parking can be tricky during weekdays, so it's recommended to visit on weekends for a smoother experience.

Manna Land, Muroor Road East, (Behind National Bank of Abu Dhabi), Abu Dhabi; +971 2 446 6860