It’s foodie galore at these Arabic restaurants in Abu Dhabi
- Lebanese Restaurants
- Moroccan Restaurants
- Emirati Restaurants
- Egyptian Restaurants
- Other Arabic Restaurants
- FAQs
Regarding food, Abu Dhabi has something to cater to everybody’s taste. Many eateries in the capital offer the foodies a delightful experience. And if you know traditional cuisine, we’ve compiled a list of the best Arabic restaurants in Abu Dhabi serving true, authentic Middle-Eastern fare to satisfy your cravings.
BEST ARABIC RESTAURANTS IN ABU DHABI
Arabic cuisine is popular in most parts of the Middle East. The food combines different types of cuisine, including Jordanian, Egyptian, Lebanese, Emirati and Moroccan fare.
We have rounded up a list of some of the best Arabic food restaurants in Abu Dhabi based on the type of cuisine they offer.
LEBANESE RESTAURANTS IN ABU DHABI
As for the best Arabic restaurants in Abu Dhabi 2024, Lebanese outlets are reliable options and popular with people. Let’s look at some highly regarded Lebanese restaurants offering great Arabic food in the capital.
BAIT EL KHETYAR
Bait El Khetyar is one of the best restaurants to experience the deliciousness of Lebanese cuisine in Abu Dhabi. Popular dishes include mutabbal, fried potatoes and kubba fried, and a fried chicken liver, musakhan, fatteh and balilah beiruti as a main course. The place also has an interesting breakfast menu and a home delivery facility.
- Average cost for two: AED 125
- Timings: Monday to Sunday, 07:30 am – 12:00 am
- Location: Al Danah, Zone 1
- Contact: +971-2-633-3200
BEIRUT SUR MER
Next on our list of Arabic food restaurants in Abu Dhabi is Beirut Sur Mer. Located along the pristine shores of Saadiyat Island, this is where you’ll find authentic Lebanese cuisine. Try their Marrakech, a range of hot and cold mezze, taouk and kafta.
- Average cost for two: AED 320
- Timings: Saturday to Monday and Thursday, 09:00 am – 01:00 am | Tuesday, 09:00 am – 12:00 am | Wednesday and Friday, 09:00 am – 02:00 am
- Location: Mamsha Al Saadiyat
- Contact: +971-2-546-4004 | +971-54-395-4000
ALMAYASS
Try a delish fusion of Armenian and Lebanese flavours at Almayass. Featured in The New York Times Magazine, this Arabic cafe in Abu Dhabi is a must-try. Kabab khishkhash, shawarma chicken and saffron rice are highly recommended by visitors.
- Average cost for two: AED 335
- Timings: Monday to Sunday, 12:00 pm – 12:00 am
- Location: The Galleria Mall
- Contact: +971-2-644-0440
MIJANA
Mijana lures patrons with its modern Lebanese fusion and Instagram-worthy ambience at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal. The food here takes its cues from the classics of the cuisine.
- Average cost for two: AED 360
- Timings: Monday to Sunday, 04:00 pm – 01:00 am
- Location: The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal
- Contact: +971-2-818-8888
BYBLOS SUR MER
Part of the InterContinental Abu Dhabi restaurants cluster, Byblos Sur Mer features stylish decor with breathtaking views of the marina from the terrace. The restaurant offers tribute to local heritage through its menu. Standout dishes include roasted lamb shank and a selection of raw meat tartare. They also have shisha in melon, blueberry and cherry flavours.
- Average cost for two: AED 435
- Timings: Sunday to Thursday, 12:30 pm – 01:00 am | Friday to Saturday, 12:30 pm – 02:00 am
- Location: InterContinenal Abu Dhabi
- Contact: +971-50-721-1079
LI BEIRUT
Li Beirut has made a name for itself as one of the best Arabic restaurants in Abu Dhabi. ‘Chef Achref’s Family Recipes’ are ideal for those new to Lebanese cuisine or diners plagued by indecisiveness. Those who wish to venture into a world of flavours should try kunafa-wrapped tiger prawns, slow-cooked lamb shank and kebbeh bel laban.
- Average cost for two: AED 445
- Timings: Wednesday to Monday, 07:00 pm – 11:30 pm | Closed on Tuesday
- Location: Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers
- Contact: +971-2-811-5666
There are several other popular Lebanese restaurants in Abu Dhabi besides those mentioned above.
MOROCCAN RESTAURANTS IN ABU DHABI
The list of Middle-Eastern restaurants in Abu Dhabi is incomplete without the mention of eateries offering Moroccan fare. Moroccan food is equally loved by Emiratis and tourists. Let’s look at the popular restaurants that offer this cuisine in the capital city.
MEKNES
The cosy and quaint Meknes Restaurant serves exotic flavours that transport you to the streets of Morocco within no time. The eatery serves egg with cheese, Malawi, Moroccan boulfaf, grilled kofta and brochette bladi. The restaurant also offers a home delivery service.
- Average cost for two: AED 180
- Timings: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 pm – 12:00 am
- Location: Shop no. 2, Mina Street, Tourist Club Area
- Contact: +971-2-677-8813| +971-55-509-4628
AL AFIYA AL MAGHRIBI RESTAURANT
One of the top Moroccan restaurants in Abu Dhabi, Al Afiya Al Maghribi is a perfect place to spend time with your family, catch up with friends or enjoy a romantic dinner date with your partner. It offers a selection of delicious appetisers, main courses and desserts.
Their popular dishes include djaj mhamar with french fries and lamb tagine with vegetables. You can enjoy a buffet at the restaurant while tapping your feet to the live music playing in the background.
- Average cost for two: AED 135
- Timings: Monday to Sunday, 07:00 am – 01:00 am
- Location: Zayed the First Street, near Khalidiyah Mall
- Contact: +971-2-665-6699
ITRAN
Located within The Souk Qaryat Al Beri, Itran honours Moroccan classics while balancing high-technique twists and subtlety. Even when dishes veer from tradition, they’re well-executed. You can try hammour fillet with saffron, kabab lahem kharouf and dajaj bil batatis wil zaytoun.
- Average cost for two: AED 345
- Timings: Monday to Sunday, 09:00 am – 01:00 am
- Location: The Souk Qaryat Al Beri
- Contact: +971-2-642-0077
ORNINA ARABIAN LOUNGE
Ornina Arabian Lounge is a Moroccan restaurant in the city. Sharing platters and mouth-watering grills hold the menu together. Don’t miss Moroccan lamb tagine with prunes, couscous royal and grilled lamb chops.
- Average cost for two: AED 370
- Timings: Sunday to Thursday, 04:00 pm – 02:00 am | Friday, 02:00 pm – 03:00 am | Saturday, 04:00 pm – 03:00 am
- Location: Al Bandar, Al Raha Beach
- Contact: +971-50-696-9312
EMIRATI RESTAURANTS IN ABU DHABI
Local residents and expats love to experience the taste of traditional flavours, which is why there are abundant Emirati restaurants in Abu Dhabi.
YADOO’S HOUSE
Yadoo’s House, which translates into ‘grandma’s house’, invites you to enjoy a true Emirati treat. The warm and inviting ambience welcomes diners to experience true Arabian hospitality.
- Average cost for two: AED 175
- Timings: Monday to Sunday, 08:00 am – 11:00 pm
- Location: Al Nasr Tower 2, Muroor Road
- Contact: +971-2-441-1311
MEYLAS
Take a loved one to this Arabic cafe in Abu Dhabi for divine food cooked to perfection. Every dish here is a unique fusion of Emirati flavours.
- Average cost for two: AED 240
- Timings: Monday to Sunday, 08:30 am – 11:00 pm
- Location: Al Muneera, Al Raha Beach
- Contact: +971-56-310-6611
NAJD PALACE
If you are craving local food in Abu Dhabi, look no further than Najd Palace. Bringing you authentic Arabian fare, the place offers typical Emirati and Arabic dishes, including jareesh, madfoon, lamb, sahawaq cheese, zerbian and more.
Their seafood dishes are also appetising, inviting fish lovers from all over the city. The options include sherry fish tanoor, fish salona, salmon fish, and much more.
- Average cost for two: AED 140
- Timings: Monday to Sunday, 11:00 am – 12:00 am
- Location: Building 818, Al Falah Street, Al Danah, Zone 1
- Contact: +971-2-491-3336
AL FANAR RESTAURANT & CAFE
This Emirati restaurant was established in 1960. Al Fanar promotes itself as a mini-museum where everyone can enjoy local cuisine and learn about the rich culture of the UAE. The favourites here are mix platter, laham nashef and machboos samak.
- Average cost for two: AED 225
- Timings: Monday to Sunday, 09:00 am – 09:00 pm
- Location: Yas Mall
- Contact: +971-2-877-2272
EGYPTIAN RESTAURANTS IN ABU DHABI
Enjoy Egyptian food to your heart’s content at these Egyptian restaurants in Abu Dhabi.
KOSHARI FACTORY
Koshari Factory has some of the best Egyptian food in Abu Dhabi. Their menu has an array of appetising treats, ranging from fatayer special mixes- which include a mix of chicken, tuna, qishta and sausage – to molokhia, mahasi and okra plate. Their dessert options are also pretty tempting, with chocolate Nutella, kraft chicken with honey and bogasha on the list.
- Average cost for two: AED 80
- Timings: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 am – 01:30 am
- Location: Navy Gate, Al Zahiyah Street
- Contact: +971-2-673-3733
ZAYZAFOON
If you are fond of Egyptian cuisine, head straight to Zayzafoon. Zayzafoon is a famous eatery in Abu Dhabi that offers light bites and filling meals. Some popular items on this Egyptian menu include taboule, racca zaatar salad, fatteh chicken, shish taouk and kabab orfali.
- Average cost for two: AED 170
- Timings: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 am – 12:00 am
- Location: Bawabat Al Sharq Mall
- Contact: +971-2-642-8444
OTHER ARAB RESTAURANTS IN ABU DHABI
Are you looking for more options? You can try these Arabic restaurants in Abu Dhabi.
SAUDI KITCHEN
Offering traditional flavours, Saudi Kitchen has become immensely popular among both locals and tourists. It has three branches across Abu Dhabi, each offering a home delivery service.
The restaurant offers soups, salads, seafood and drinks. Don’t forget to try out pukhary, madfoon, margoug, hamesa and saleek there. Saudi Kitchen serves some of the best mandi in Abu Dhabi.
- Average cost for two: AED 170
- Timings: Monday to Sunday, 12:00 pm – 01:00 am
- Location: Opposite Mushrif Mall
- Contact: +971-2-665-5355
ZAATAR W ZEIT
Zaatar w Zeit is known for offering authentic Arabian cuisine with a delightfully cosy, ambience. It is one of the top Arabic cafes in Abu Dhabi, which provides a good gastronomic experience with a fine spread of Middle-Eastern delights that include halloumi sticks, Kafka wraps, zaatar, labneh and a variety of salads too. Its counted among one of the top spots for Manakeesh in Abu Dhabi.
You’ll find them in My City Centre Masdar, Al Hadeel Residences, Al Salam Street, Abu Dhabi Mall and Abu Dhabi Corniche.
- Average cost for two: AED 105
- Timings: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 am – 10:00 pm (Abu Dhabi Mall)
- Location: Multiple locations
- Contact: +971-600-522-231
FAQS ABOUT ARABIC RESTAURANTS IN ABU DHABI
WHICH ARE THE BEST FINE-DINING RESTAURANTS IN ABU DHABI?
Hakkasan, Les Dangereux and Market Kitchen are some of the top fine-dining restaurants in Abu Dhabi.
ARE THERE INDIAN RESTAURANTS IN THE CAPITAL?
Yes, tons! Barbeque Nation, India Palace, KuraKura and MYNT are some of the best Indian restaurants in Abu Dhabi.
And that ends our guide to Arabic Restaurants in Abu Dhabi. If you are looking for restaurants offering a varied selection of cuisines, our guide to restaurants in Abu Dhabi will point you in the right direction. You can also enjoy some of the best Arabic restaurants in Dubai.
Apart from Mandi, people in Abu Dhabi are also fond of Turkish cuisine. Hence, there are many popular Turkish eateries in Abu Dhabi.
