Dining out in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates where our family has lived for the past seven years, is a bit different to what many of you (especially in the US) might be used to. 

The only licensed restaurants are in hotels and private clubs, and the Aussie concept of BYO (“bring your own” bottle of wine and pay a small corkage charge) is unknown here.

Nevertheless, there are heaps of great places to eat and eating out is probably second only to shopping (and maybe crazy driving) as a national sport.

Flickr cc: Kyle Taylor, adapted by Wandering Educators

Here’s my pick of the five best places to eat in Abu Dhabi:

1.    The Vista at the British Club

Great steaks and seafood, good Aussie wines, incredibly cheap.  Make sure you get an outside table, so you can enjoy the weather and the views over the city.  A top spot to take out of town guests.

The British Club Abu Dhabi
Mina Sadiyat
Abu Dhabi
UAE
Ph +9712 673 1111
Fax +9712 673 1113
www.the-club.com
 

2.    Marakesh at the Millenium

The next best thing to being in Morocco. Traditional North African food, good wine list, sensational belly dancer...  Not to be missed.

Millennium Hotel Abu Dhabi
PO Box 44486
Abu Dhabi
U.A.E.
T: (00) 971 (0)2 626 2700
F: (00) 971 (0)2 626 0333
http://www.millenniumhotels.ae/millenniumabudhabi/dining/marakesh.html
 

3.    Chamas Brazilian Churrascaria Restaurant & Bar at the Intercontinental

You’ve never seen so much beef in your life! Don’t even think about the salad bar, just fill up on the best grills you’ve ever had.

The Intercontinental Abu Dhabi
Bainuna Street
Abu Dhabi
UAE
+971-2-6666888 • Fax: +971-2-6669153
http://www.dining-intercontinental-ad.ae/restaurants/chamas-churrascaria-bar
 

4.     Lebanese Flower 

An Abu Dhabi institution, and the best Arabic barbeque in town (with apologies to my mate Ali at our local around the corner).  Order the 2kg plate for about $50 and you’ll get enough meat, salad, hummus, pickled veges and Lebanese bread to last all weekend.  And they deliver free, bow tie and all!

Lebanese Flower
Khaladiya Street
Abu Dhabi
UAE
Ph +9712 6658700
 

5.    Fish World fish 'n chips

The best fish 'n chips we’ve found in the Emirates, and a must every time we visit Al Ain. Not technically in Abu Dhabi city, but definitely deserves a mention in this list.

Fish World
Al Ain Mall
Near the Coffee Pot Roundabout
Al Ain City
UAE

Enjoy!