Abu Dhabi’s dining scene has quietly become one of the most serious in the region — a point underlined by the World’s 50 Best Restaurants heading to the capital in 2026. Whether you are marking an occasion or just want a dinner worth dressing for, here are the best restaurants in Abu Dhabi right now, what they cost, and how to get a table.
Best Restaurants in Abu Dhabi (2026)
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Where | Why go |
|---|---|---|---|
| Talea by Antonio Guida | Italian fine dining | Emirates Palace | Table-side cacio e pepe and a terrace over the palace grounds — the romantic pick. |
| Hakkasan | Modern Cantonese | Emirates Palace | Michelin-starred Chinese in an opulent room; the benchmark special-occasion table. |
| Oak Room | Contemporary steakhouse | Abu Dhabi EDITION, Al Bateen | Beef-led menu with a meat sommelier; a night out that earns the dress code. |
| Zuma | Japanese izakaya | Al Maryah Island | Robata grill, sushi and a buzzing multi-level room — reliably excellent. |
| COYA | Peruvian | Abu Dhabi | Chic interiors and vivid Latin flavours for a lively celebration. |
| Li Beirut | Lebanese fine dining | Conrad Etihad Towers | Sea views and elevated mezze — truffle lamb kebabs, herbed labneh. |
| TAON | Korean fine dining | Abu Dhabi | One of the capital’s first fine-dining Korean rooms — barbecue, bulgogi, fried chicken. |
Fine Dining: The Special-Occasion Shortlist
If it has to be perfect, three names lead. Talea by Antonio Guida at Emirates Palace is the romantic choice — book the terrace for sunset and order the cacio e pepe finished at the table. Down the corridor, Hakkasan brings Michelin-starred modern Chinese in one of the most opulent rooms in the country. For a different register, Oak Room at Abu Dhabi EDITION is a proper contemporary steakhouse, complete with a meat sommelier to steer the cuts.
Around the World Without Leaving the Corniche
Beyond the marquee rooms, the capital’s range is the real story. Zuma on Al Maryah Island remains the dependable go-to for Japanese; COYA delivers Peruvian flair for a louder, celebratory night; Li Beirut at Conrad Etihad Towers pairs sweeping sea views with some of the best Lebanese cooking in the city; and TAON flies the flag for serious Korean dining.
What It Costs and How to Book
Budget roughly AED 350–800 per person for fine dining, excluding drinks, depending on the venue and whether you add wine pairings. Most rooms enforce smart-casual to elegant dress — collared shirt and smart trousers for men, elegant dress or tailored trousers for women; leave beachwear and athletic gear at the hotel. Reservations are essential at the top tables, which book out weeks ahead for weekend evenings.
Getting There
Abu Dhabi has no metro, so travel is by car or taxi. From Dubai, allow around 75 minutes down the E11; within the city, Emirates Palace, Conrad Etihad Towers and the Corniche cluster together, while Al Maryah Island (Zuma) and Al Bateen (Oak Room) are short cab rides apart. Valet parking is standard at the hotels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best restaurant in Abu Dhabi?
For fine dining, Talea by Antonio Guida and Hakkasan at Emirates Palace lead the field, with Oak Room at Abu Dhabi EDITION the top contemporary steakhouse. The best choice depends on the occasion and cuisine.
How much does fine dining in Abu Dhabi cost?
Expect around AED 350–800 per person excluding drinks, rising with premium ingredients or wine pairings.
Do Abu Dhabi restaurants have a dress code?
Most fine-dining venues require smart-casual to elegant dress. Beachwear and athletic wear are not permitted.
Where can I find Michelin-starred dining in Abu Dhabi?
Hakkasan at Emirates Palace is among the capital’s Michelin-recognised restaurants. The Michelin Guide continues to expand across the UAE.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes — top tables book out weeks ahead for weekend evenings, so reserve early.
How do I get to Abu Dhabi from Dubai for dinner?
By car or taxi — there is no metro. Allow about 75 minutes each way down the E11.
Restaurants, pricing and details are correct at the time of writing and subject to change. Confirm directly when booking.
