Sip and dine your way across the capital with these premium dining spots
Looking to take on the spectacular sites of Abu Dhabi, here are our 20 favourite spots to take visitors for a truly memorable view and a unique way to experience the city skyline of Abu Dhabi.
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Best Drinks and Dining From a Height
Ray’s Bar
Located on the 62nd floor of the iconic Conrad Hotel in Etihad Towers, the five sparkling silver buildings that sit at the end of the Abu Dhabi Corniche, Ray’s Bar is a great place to get a view of the city. Marvel over the city’s stunning palaces, the Emirates Palace Hotel and the Presidential Palace Qasr al Watan, as the sun sets, and enjoy skilfully made cocktails.
Ray’s Bar is also famous for its cheese and wine nights and the tasty bar snacks on offer, which include crispy coconut shrimp, herby chicken wings, pulled beef sliders, and tasty quesadillas.
The only higher point and a great daytime alternative to Ray’s Bar is the Observation Deck at 300. This is only open from 12 noon until 8 pm and serves hot and cold beverages, light snacks, and afternoon teas. From here, you are slightly higher up on the 74th floor and enjoy unrivalled 360-degree views over the city.
You do have to pay for the privilege of seeing such amazing views, with an access ticket costing 95 AED. However, 50 AED of this can be applied towards your food and beverage bill.
Stratos Revolving Restaurant
Another beautiful spot with a stunning 360-degree view is the Stratos Revolving Lounge Bar and Grill at Le Royal Meridien. Situated at the other end of the corniche to Etihad Towers, the views are rather different and include incredible views across the Arabian Gulf. The food is also exceptional, with fresh oysters, seafood bisque, and wagyu beef tartar all featuring on the carefully curated menu.
Look out for weeknight deals such as Tuesday Kiss N’ Tell Ladies Night, Wednesday Gentleman’s Night, as well as Happy Hour drinks from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, and their 360-degree 3-course set menu.
Andaz Capital Gate
Hitting great heights again as we head further down Abu Dhabi island to another iconic site known as the Capital Gate Tower. The tower is adjacent to the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) and home to the Andaz Hotel.
The tower is built with a deliberate 18-degree lean to the west, making it an engineering marvel. Visitors can enjoy magnificent views over various sheikh palaces in the suburbs of Abu Dhabi, as well as glimpse the Sheikh Zayed mosque in the distance from the hotel’s beautiful Cyan Brasserie.
This is another high-end dining venue with an exceptional breakfast buffet should you be looking for breakfast with a view! There’s also an outdoor terrace, great for those evening cocktails in the winter!
Hytes Bar Southern Sun
A hidden gem with hearty food can be found on the 27th floor of the Southern Sun Hotel. Hytes serves up delicious pub-style food with great views over the Corniche and the Gulf beyond. Whether you fancy a gourmet burger, crab sliders, a huge salad, or a handmade pizza, there’s something for every palate at Hytes.
Best Cityscape Views
Heading away from the high-rises, these are the best lower-level dining spots in Abu Dhabi that still offer fabulous views of the city at differnet times of day.
Tashas
One of the city’s most instagrammable cafe restaurants offering impressive marina views in the Al Bateen area of the city, this is the perfect place for a slice of Emirati cafe culture during the day. Enjoy an impressive venue while soaking in the atmosphere of Bateen Marina.
Four Seasons
The restaurants at the Four Season’s on Abu Dhabi’s Al Marayah Island all boast beautiful views of the Tourist Club area skyline. Cafe Milano serves up fresh seafood and handmade pasta and is the perfect location for a romantic evening meal.
The Al Meylas lounge terrace also serves up cityscape views along with drinks, pastries, small plates, and afternoon teas.
Glo at The Rosewood
A glamorous venue for sundowners or a lady’s night, Glo offers stunning views of the Abu Dhabi skyline. Why not have a cheeky sundowner before heading to one of the hotel’s exceptional restaurants, including the Mediterranean/Lebanese restaurant Em Sherif Sea Cafe or award-winning Cantonese restaurant Dai Pai Dong, before returning to the Glo terrace to while away the night?
For Brunches, both Aqua at the Rosewood and Crust by Four Seasons offer guests a pretty spectacular and memorable view back over the cityscape of the tourist club area.
Learn more at rosewoodhotels.com
We have a more detailed guide to the Al Maryah area of the city here
Dhow dinner cruise
For a night to remember, set sail on a dhow dinner cruise and enjoy mesmerising views of the twinkly city lights from the water. Cruises depart from Abu Dhabi Marina and take in the main Corniche area. Cruises can also be booked departing from Yas Marina for a different perspective of the city.
Some companies to try for these services include:
Grand Beirut, Al Qana
For the ultimate Lebanese meal with a view, make a reservation at the beautiful Grand Beirut restaurant in Al Qana. The modern waterfront leisure development, full of vibrant lifestyle experiences, is one of Abu Dhabi’s hottest night spots. The water views and cutting-edge architecture lend a city-centre-esque appeal to Al Qana.
Learn more about the restaurants and nightlife of Al Qana here
Beachfront Views in Abu Dhabi to Die For
In a city surrounded by water, there’s little wonder that there are so many places with magnificent beach and sea views. Here are just a few of our favourites.
Hakkasan Terrace, Emirates Palace
For the ultimate in fine dining book a table at the famous Michelin-starred Hakkasan restaurant at Abu Dhabi’s amazing Emirates Palace Hotel. A tourist destination in its own right, the hotel is one of the costliest buildings ever built and features stunning halls of marble punctuated with vibrant mosaics and accents of real gold.
Hakkasan offers diners exquisite dim sum on Saturdays, a fantastic Friday night brunch and top notch Cantonese inspired cuisine at all other times.
Shangri-La
Enjoy views from across Bab al Bahr and towards the Sheikh Zayed Mosque from the Shagri-La Hotel. Our top pick is the Saturday Gardens of Babylon Brunch at BLD because you can combine 3 hours of unlimited food and beverages with pool access for the afternoon.
Another option for a romantic night out or a special treat is to sit on the Terrace of Shang Palace for an indulgent Chinese meal with beautiful views over the water.
Catch at Nation Riveria
Catch at the Nation Riviera, part of St. Regis, on the Corniche, is a great place to eat with views of the Corniche beach and Lulu Island.
Catch offers a fine selection of seafood infused with international flavours in a relaxed yet sophisticated environment. If seafood isn’t your for you, you might like to try the Cabana Beavh Bar & Grill for sundowners, a delicious salad or succulent grilled meats.
Shala Beach Lounge Park Hyatt
The Park Hyatt’s Shala Lounge has one of the best views of the Arabian Gulf. This rooftop lounge (only open during the cooler months) takes a farm-to-table approach, serving a range of locally sourced produce in carefully crafted Mediterranean-style dishes.
Art Lounge
Found inside the Louvre, Art Lounge offers stunning views of the city from Saadiyat Island giving a totally different perspective to the city, in one of Abu Dhabi’s premier cultural attractions.
The menu
Mamsha
For beautiful sea views over the stunning Saadiyat Beach, head to the Mamsha development, where you will find a range of eateries to suit every budget.
Try awesome burgers and elaborate milkshakes at Black Tap, or enjoy Lebanese fine dining at Beirut Sur Mer. Vegetarians and healthy eaters are well catered for at Alkalime Cafe, while coffee lovers will adore the Marsha branches of Local and Coffee Architecture.
Off-Island Best Views
For those who don’t know Abu Dhabi well, the city is made up of a series of islands and the mainland, where you’ll find the airport and main freeway to Dubai.
“Off Island” has changed terminology a little over the years, but basically means anywhere not on the main Abu Dhabi island itself, including the mainland, Saadiyat Island and Yas Island. Our favourite spots off-island to catch a drink & a meal with a view are;
Pacifico Tiki
This wooden boat-like structure is located in Al Bandar, Al Raha Beach. From here, you can experience unrivalled views over the internal waterways of Al Raha Beach and Yas Bay. Enjoy Cheeky Tiki Ladies Nights on a Monday, Jazz Night on Fridays and Saturday Brunch.
Hickory’s & Crafty Fox
Yas Links is set on Yas Island at the Yas Golf Club. Hickory’s is the clubhouse restaurant with some of the most beautiful views in Abu Dhabi. Enjoy the stunningly manicured lawns, which frequently have added kids’ bouncy castles and activities on weekends.
Any day of the week, though, it’s a beautiful spot to watch the sunset over the city skyline. You will see the exact sunset spot move dramatically as the seasons change!
Crafty Fox occupies the upper floor of the Golf Club House, with expansive views and a relaxed yet flavourful atmosphere for adults only.
Siddharta Lounge
Head to Siddharta Lounge at Yas Bay Waterfront for a great evening out. Enjoy sundowners and views over Yas Bay towards Al Raha Beach before tucking into some tapas-style bar snacks, or head to one of Yas Bay’s other fine dining restaurants to enjoy whatever suits your palate!
Cafe Del Mar
Enjoy good vibes and chilled-out beats at this pool beach club complex adjacent to the Yas Bay Hilton. Day or night, enjoy views across the water whilst feeling like you’re in your own island paradise.
Partying takes place both in and out of the pool with the opulent restaurant offering up Mediterranean cusine and masterly crafted cocktails.
Learn more at cafedelmarabudhabi.com
Learn more here about the dining and nightlife scene at Yas Bay Waterfront, plus a scenic way to start your evening on the Yas Bay Water Taxi
Cipriani (Now Closed – we’ll be replacing this recommendation soon!)
For a special treat, Cipriani serves up some high-end Italian grub with a price tag to match. While the food is of excellent quality, the views across Yas Marina and the Yas Marina circuit make the expense worthwhile.
Summer 2025: We have no doubt a suitably upmarket bar and dining establishment will soon take over this prime spot in Yas Marina!
Garage
Another race-track treat can be found inside the W Hotel, built right in the centre of Yas Marina Circuit. At Garage on the ground floor of the iconic W Hotel, you can enjoy views over the race track as you tuck into a range of international dishes from this multi-station dining hub.
Saturday B.I.G. Brunch is a must for the party crowd with the best seats on the outdoor terrace in the winter months.
Filini Garden
We’re rounding out our list with some stunning sunset views and great deals on Italian food at Filini Garden, located at the Radisson Blu in the Yas Hotel Plaza complex. A winter-time favourite for outdoor drinks and dining, it’s the perfect way to end your sun-soaked day in Abu Dhabi.
Learn more at www.radissonhotels.com
Have you got any other favourite Abu Dhabi spots for taking in the best views? We’d love to hear your suggestions.
Before you go… Important things to consider when planning a trip to Abu Dhabi
- Pop into our essential planning information page; it includes everything you need to know about getting around Abu Dhabi, a handy guide on what to pack and top tips for first-timers on the dos and don’ts, laws, and customs in the UAE.
- Start planning your itinerary around the 60+ top places to visit in Abu Dhabi.
- Don’t forget to pack your travel insurance!
- Discover the best places to stay in Abu Dhabi.
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