Plan a date at these romantic restaurants in Abu Dhabi
Whether you want to pop up the question (to which we hope the answer is YES) or plan a long-overdue date night with your spouse, all you need is a perfect ambience. We know that it can be a little overwhelming to find that one special place when there are so many options available. But fret not, as we have come to your rescue! Here is a list of the top romantic restaurants in Abu Dhabi proving that indulgent cuisine and an intimate atmosphere are the best ways to win someone’s heart.
TOP ROMANTIC RESTAURANTS IN ABU DHABI
Fine food, the right ambience and amazing views can set a positive tone for a dinner date. From a candlelit ambience to a light-speckled patio or a lovely garden, these places will give your date night a magical touch. So, let’s begin!
THE FORGE
The first one on our list of Abu Dhabi romantic restaurants is The Forge. This place is a signature steakhouse serving speciality cuisine. They also have vegan options such as Vegan Tuna Steak and Vegan Burger.
Enjoy the finest quality wine in an energetic and intimate atmosphere. What more do you need for a perfect date night? Note that the restaurant follows a smart casual dress code.
- Location: The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, Al Maqtaa
- Timing: Sunday to Thursday 06:00 pm – 11:00 pm
- Average Price for Two: AED 540
- Contact: +971-2-818-8203
HAKKASAN
With a gorgeous terrace overlooking Etihad Towers and dimly lit dining, Hakkasan is also a popular choice among those looking for a romantic restaurant in Abu Dhabi. The Cantonese dishes served here are made from the freshest ingredients.
Apart from its signature offerings, the restaurant also has gluten-free and vegan dishes. Hakkasan is located in the Emirates Palace, a spectacular venue that is sure to impress your special someone. This place is also amongst the top Chinese restaurants in Abu Dhabi.
- Location: Emirates Palace, Corniche Road, Al Ras Al Akhdar
- Timing: All days 6:00 pm to 11:30 pm (dinner)
- Average Price for Two: AED 550
- Contact: +971-2-690-7739
LA SALLE
When it comes to the best restaurants for a romantic dinner in Abu Dhabi, you can’t go wrong with a French restaurant. And one of the best options in the capital city is La Salle. The fine-dining venue on Saadiyat Island offers the perfect, intimate setting for couples. The layout is simple yet classy enough to impress.
Apart from a great atmosphere, La Salle is known for its food which comes from the French coastal region of Provence. The setting is Saadiyat Beach Club, which features some of the best coastlines in the city.
- Location: Saadiyat Beach Club, Saadiyat Beach East, Exit 14, Saadiyat Island
- Timing: All days 05:00 pm – 01:00 am
- Average Price for Two: AED 825
- Contact: +971-2-656-3535
CATCH AT ST. REGIS
With the iconic Corniche in the background, delicious dishes and stylish interiors, a date at Catch will surely be flawless. The chic eatery offers amazing views of the gulf and a myriad of creative seafood dishes. Coupled with the unique selection of craft cocktails and wines from around the world, it can be the ideal option for a lunch or dinner date.
As the name implies, Catch offers a variety of seafood dishes. Ranging from an impressive selection of sushi to many types of delicious shellfish and fish, diners are spoilt for choice. If you and your beau share a love for seafood, it’s the perfect place to be.
- Location: The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, Nation Tower, Corniche
- Timing: Sunday to Saturday 12:00 pm – 12:00 am
- Average Price for Two: AED 595
- Contact: +971-2-694-4553
SONTAYA
Set on top of lantern-lit floating pavilions with a view of the shimmering Arabian Gulf, Sontaya has earned a place in our “best romantic restaurants in Abu Dhabi” list. Located at the St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, the award-winning restaurant is fascinatingly beautiful. Dine on the establishment’s best flavoursome fare with South Asian items like chicken pandan, fried sea bass and more on the menu.
Apart from romantic dinner dates, Sontaya is also perfect for a Saturday brunch in Abu Dhabi.
- Location: St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Island
- Timing: Sunday to Saturday 06:00 pm – 12:00 am
- Average Price for Two: AED 460
- Contact: +971-2-498-8888
ZUMA
Another place with a flawless menu is Zuma. Head down the stairs to the dining room and bar to treat your dinner date to the wonderful waterfront views. You can also watch the sushi chefs in action as they prepare your order.
What about the food? This place is a quite popular seafood restaurant in the city. If you can’t decide, start with the Suzuki No Shioyaki which is grilled seabass served with ginger relish and burnt tomato. If you prefer something meatier, the Japanese Wagyu is also highly recommended.
- Location: Level 3, The Galleria Mall, Al Maryah Island
- Timing: Sunday to Wednesday 12:00 pm – 03:30 pm | 07:00 pm – 01:00 am | Thursday and Friday 12:00 pm – 03:30 pm | 07:00 pm – 02:00 am
- Average Price for Two: AED 600
- Contact: +971-2-401-5900
MARCO PIERRE WHITE STEAKHOUSE AND GRILL
Want to make an upcoming anniversary or first date extra special? Reserve a table for two at the Marco Pierre White Steakhouse and Grill. Owned by renowned celebrity chef Marco Pierre, the stylish eatery is known to have one of the best restaurant wine lists in the world.
From Grilled Centre Cut Tenderloin to Wagyu Striploin, the selections on the steakhouse’s menu are also pretty unique. The food quality isn’t surprising, considering that Marco Pierre White Steakhouse and Grill is one of the Abu Dhabi restaurants with Michelin stars.
- Location: Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Between the Bridges, Al Maqtaa
- Timing: Monday to Saturday 06:00 pm – 11:00 pm (Closed on Sunday)
- Average Price for Two: AED 485
- Contact: +971-4-204-9376
BUDDHA-BAR BEACH
What’s more romantic than a beachside meal? At Buddha-Bar you can take your soulmate for a hearty meal overlooking the beaches of beautiful Saadiyat Island.
The food is here is an artistic affair made to perfection. The restaurant features a Ceviche Bar and a range of sushi for you to choose from.
- Location: St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Island
- Timing: Monday to Thursday 05:00 pm – 12:00 am | Friday and Sunday 12:00 pm – 12:00 am | Saturday Night Brunch
- Average Price for Two: AED 430
- Contact: +971-2-498-8888
AZURA PANORAMIC LOUNGE
With breathtaking views and unforgettable sunsets, Azura offers a setting straight out of a fairy tale. If you’re looking to propose, this place is perfect.
So it’s no surprise why Azura Panoramic Lounge is on the list of romantic beach restaurants in Abu Dhabi. Their Ala Carte menu features a range of grilled platters which are ideal for sharing. The shisha bar here is amongst the top 10 shisha bars in the city.
- Location: The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, Nation Tower, Corniche
- Timing: Tuesday to Sunday 04:00 pm – 01:00 am (Closed on Monday)
- Average Price for Two: AED 450
- Contact: +971-2-694-4553
BBQ AL QASR
Glittering lights with sea front, does this sound something you’re looking for? If yes, then you should take your partner to BBQ Al Qasr. This place is one of the best restaurants in Emirates Palace Hotel. You can enjoy some seriously good sea food here while enjoying the warm sea breeze.
- Location: Emirates Palace, Corniche Road, Al Ras Al Akhdar
- Timing: Sunday to Saturday 01:00 pm – 11:30 pm
- Average Price for Two: AED 850
- Contact: +971-2-690-7999
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ARE THERE ANY VEGAN RESTAURANTS IN ABU DHABI?
Yes! Some of the vegan restaurants in Abu Dhabi are Pizza Di Rocco, Bareburger and Jones the Grocer.
ARE THERE ANY BEACH CLUBS IN ABU DHABI?
Saadiyat Beach Club, Bayshore and Emirates Palace Beach Club are some of the beach clubs in Abu Dhabi.
That concludes our list of the best romantic restaurants in Abu Dhabi. For more options, you can consider planning your romantic evening at the fine dining restaurants in Abu Dhabi or take your date to one of these popular destinations for a romantic date. You can also pick up a gift from the online gift delivery services in Abu Dhabi for a truly special evening with your loved one.
If your date is in Dubai, our list of the best romantic restaurants in Dubai can help you plan your special day in the emirate.
