When you live in a city where summer feels endless, the return of cooler weather each October is cause for celebration. After months spent dashing from one air-conditioned space to another, Abu Dhabi residents can’t wait to get back outdoors — and there’s no better way to do that than by dining al fresco.
Whether it’s rooftop cocktails, a marina-side meal, or a laid-back garden brunch, Abu Dhabi’s restaurants know how to make the most of the season.
From chic sundowner spots to family-friendly outdoor hangouts, here are some of the capital’s most inviting terraces to check out this winter.
Best Winter Al Fresco Dining Restaurants in Abu Dhabi
Art Lounge, Louvre Abu Dhabi
Few terraces can match the setting of Art Lounge. With the Louvre’s iconic dome in the foreground and the city skyline beyond, it’s one of Abu Dhabi’s most stylish outdoor venues.
Visit after exploring the museum or just for sunset hour — the Japanese-inspired menu by TAZU, smooth DJ sets, and artful cocktails make it a destination in its own right. With ladies’ night on Wednesdays, gents’ night on Tuesdays, and wine-and-cheese Thursdays, there’s always a reason to return.
- Open daily, 5:00 PM–12:00 AM (closed Mondays)
- Where to find it: Inside the Louvre complex, Saadiyat Cultural District 1,Saadiyat Island (museum entry not required); tel +971 52 799 4538
Mika, Yas Marina
Mika brings a touch of Mediterranean chic to Yas Marina. The interiors are sleek, the service is warm, and the terrace overlooks the luxury waterfront—ideal for sunset dining or late-night drinks.
Recently awarded a Bib Gourmand in the 2025 Michelin Guide to Abu Dhabi, expect a modern European menu with a seafood focus, artful plating. The relaxed yet refined atmosphere makes Mika one of the most stylish outdoor spots in the city, while also being pet-friendly.
- Open daily, 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM (Saturday Brunch 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM)
- Where to find it: Yas Marina, Building 2A, Yas Island; tel +971 56 433 1422
The Garden, Beach Rotana
With stunning waterfront views towards Reem Island, The Garden at Beach Rotana feels like a hidden oasis in the heart of the city. A chilled out vibe with a luxury back drop, it’s perfect for everything from pre-dinner drinks to laid-back lunches in the sun. There’s even a grassy patch whre can play while parents unwind.
Expect a Mediterranean-inspired menu including calamari, lush salads, and wood-grilled meats, paired with cold beers and cocktails at great value prices.
- Open daily, 12:00 PM until late
- Where to find it: Beach Rotana, 10th St, Al Zahiyah (old Tourist Club area), email fbres.beach@rotana.com or tel +971 2 697 9186
Brick Rooftop Kitchen & Bar, Aloft Hotel Abu Dhabi
With panoramic views and a warm, woodfired glow, Brick Rooftop Kitchen & Bar is a firm favourite when terrace season arrives. Everything on the menu is cooked over cedar and pecan wood — from pizza to seafood platters and tomahawk steaks.
The rooftop’s BRB Brunch (every Saturday evening from 7:00 PM) is a relaxed way to end the day, complete with sunset views, live music, and signature cocktails that don’t disappoint.
- Open daily, 5:00 PM– 12:00 AM
- Where to find it: Aloft Hotel Abu Dhabi, adjacent to ADNEC +971 54 994 2289
Ilios Beach Club, Surf Abu Dhabi
Stylish yet unpretentious, Ilios Beach Club brings Mediterranean island energy to Hudayriyat. The whitewashed terrace overlooks the beach, offering light Greek-inspired dishes and crisp cocktails best enjoyed barefoot in the sand.
With its relaxed soundtrack and beach views, it’s the perfect spot for a weekend afternoon that rolls into evening. Don’t miss Sunday Brunch (1:00 PM to 4:00 PM) with pool access.
- Open daily, 12:00 PM (11:00 AM on Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays) to 12:00 AM
- Where to find it: Surf Abu Dhabi, Hudayriyat Island; tel +971 2 419 8508
Diablito, Yas Marina
Overlooking the luxury yachts of Yas Marina, Diablito’s newly renovated terrace brings a taste of Spain to the water’s edge. Settle in with a jug of sangria, share a paella, or graze on tapas while soaking up the sunshine.
Mondays are particularly tempting, with 50% off selected dishes. The people-watching alone is worth it — but the combination of flavour, location, and laid-back atmosphere makes Diablito one of the city’s best casual outdoor options.
- Opening times: Sunday to Thursday, 12:00 PM–12:00 AM, open until 2:00AM on Fridays and 1:00AM on Saturdays.
- Where to find it: Yas Marina, Yas Island, call +971 2 565 1175
Catch at St. Regis
Few places blend glamour and seaside dining like Catch. Set along the Corniche with views of the Arabian Gulf, this chic restaurant pairs creative seafood dishes with an elegant outdoor terrace that glows at sunset.
Expect contemporary plating, polished service, and a playlist that transitions seamlessly from lunch to late evening cocktails.
- Open daily, 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Where to find it: Nation Riviera beach Club, Corniche Rd, Al Khubeirah; tel +971 2 694 4615
Tashas, Al Bateen
If you’re looking for more cafe-style dining, Tashas at Al Bateen is a perennial favourite for breakfast, brunch, and long lunches in the sun. The terrace looks over the marina, offering a calm, elegant space to enjoy their fresh salads, pastas, and all-day café classics. It’s the kind of place where one coffee easily turns into three.
- Open daily, 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM on Sundays and 12:00 AM Monday to Saturday.
- Where to find it: Al Bateen Marina – Sinan Bin Khadim AL Muharir St, Al Bateen; tel +971 2 445 0890
Mare Mare, Jumeirah Saadiyat Island
If it’s the ocean breeze you want, you cannot go past the sophisticated Italian coastal flair of Mare Mare, on the beachfront of Jumeirah Saadiyat. The open terrace overlooks the resort’s pools and the shimmering sea beyond, setting the scene for elegant yet easy-going meals.
Expect fresh seafood, homemade pasta, and the kind of polished service that makes every visit feel special.
- Opening times: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM, 11:30 PM on Sundays and 12:00AM on Fridays and Saturdays.
- Where to find it: Jumeirah at Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island02 811 4342
Beirut Sur Mer, Mamsha Al Saadiyat
Beirut Sur Mer has become synonymous with stylish beachfront dining. Its expansive terrace spills out towards the turquoise waters of Saadiyat Beach, offering the perfect backdrop for a long Lebanese lunch or a sunset dinner.
The mezze menu is exceptional — fresh, colourful, and beautifully presented — and the setting captures the laid-back luxury that defines Mamsha.
- Opening times: Daily, 9:00 AM – 11:30 PM, 12:30 AM on Fridays and Saturdays
- Where to find it: Mamsha Al Saadiyta, Jacques Chirac St, Saadiyat Cultural District; tel +971 54 395 4000
Byblos Sur Mer, InterContinental Abu Dhabi
A long-standing favourite for lovers of authentic Lebanese cuisine, Byblos Sur Mer combines elegant dining with one of the best waterfront views in the city.
The open-air terrace overlooks the Intercon’s private marina, making it ideal for leisurely evenings with mezze, grilled meats, and fresh seafood. The setting is both sophisticated and welcoming — the kind of place you go to celebrate a special occasion.
- Open daily, 12:00 PM–12:00 AM
- Where to find it: Intercontential Abu Dhabi, King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud Street, Al Bateen; tel +971 2 666 6888
The Intercontinental has several waterfront dining options that spill onto their extensive outdoor terrace in winter, including Belgian Beer Cafe and Chamas
Filini Garden, Radisson Blu Yas Island
Filini Garden is one of Yas Island’s go-to venues for sunset drinks and lively evenings. Overlooking the golf course and waters surrounding Yas Island, the terrace has a relaxed, upbeat vibe with Italian small plates, woodfired pizza, and great music. As night falls, it shifts effortlessly from laid-back aperitivo spot to late-night lounge.
- Open daily, 5:00 PM–12:00 AM
- Where to find it: Radisson Blu Yas Island, Yas Island Hotel Plaza; tel +971 2 656 2000
Outdoor Brunches in Abu Dhabi
Bringing the weekend’s finest dining outdoors, these are some of the top spots in the city that offer an al fresco brunch option on the weekend to lap up the city’s nicest weather.
(NB for most day-time dining you’ll still want there to be a decent spread of umbrellas and fly fans to cope with the hot midday temperatures, yes, even in min-winter)
The Intercontinental
The Intercontinental has taken its well-loved brunch out onto its picturesque terrace. This family friendly brunch serves up a range of international delicacies with live entertainment and plenty of activities to keep the kids busy!
- Timing: Saturdays, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- Where to find it: Intercontential Abu Dhabi, King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud Street, Al Bateen; tel +971 2 666 6888
The Café, Park Hyatt, Saadiyat Island
Set just back from the beach, The Café at Park Hyatt is one of Saadiyat’s most serene dining spots. Their Saturday brunch is a relaxed, family-friendly affair with global flavours, great seafood, and plenty of space to linger over dessert. The outdoor terrace catches the sea breeze, making it a beautiful setting for a long, lazy lunch.
- Timing: Daily, 7:00 AM–11:00 PM | Saturday Brunch: 1:00PM-4:00PM
- Where to find it: Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas, Saadiyat Island; tel +971 2 407 1234
Naaham
Known as one of the best brunches in Abu Dhabi, the Nahaam brunch offers a huge array of live cooking stations, as well as one of the best seafood selections in Abu Dhabi.
Relax by the pool and private beach whilst you sample dishes from each of the hotel’s award winning restaurants and enjoy live entertainment – the perfect way to spend a Saturday afternoon in Abu Dhabi!
- Timing: Saturdays 1:00PM-4:00PM
- Where to find it: Conrad Etihad Towers, Podium level 1, West Corniche Road, Al Bateen; tel +971 2 811 5666
Saturday Brunch at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
Brunch doesn’t get grander than brunch at the Emirates Palace. This year, there are two separate outdoor brunches on offer, so why not try them both this winter!
The Broadway Set Menu Brunch offers elevated comfort food and includes charcuterie boards and porcini ravioli, as well as a range of tasty mains. For dessert, you’ll find a choice of Eton Mess or delicious poire Belle-Helene. The brunch also features free-flowing beverages, a live DJ, and complimentary beach access.
Alternatively, enjoy a tapas-style brunch in a shared gazebo on the beach at the Sand & Koal Signatures by the Sand Brunch, where you can sample a range of fire-grilled specialities, alongside carefully curated cocktails and live rhythms.
- Timing: Saturdays 12:30 PM–4:00 PM
- Where to find it Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, West Cornice Road; tel +971 2 690 7999
The Garden Brunch, Southern Sun
Set just a few streets back from the Corniche, the Southern Sun will be taking its well-loved brunch outdoors this winter, with its newly revitalised Garden Brunch!
The first Garden Brunch will take place on the 17th January and promises delicious international cuisine in a verdant setting, allowing you to make the most of the pleasant weather with chilled-out vibes!
- Timing: Saturdays 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- Where to find it: Southern Sun Abu Dhabi, Al Mina Street, Al Zahiya; tel +971 2 818 4888
Roof Top Terraces in Abu Dhabi
We have another dining guide that looks separately at the city’s best rooftop bars and terraces, but as a quick recap, you may also want to add to your al fresco wishlist this winter:
Tips for Al Fresco Dining in Abu Dhabi
Outdoor dining is a true pleasure from November through April, when the weather is at its best. You’ll find some of the city’s most vibrant dining districts along the waterfronts.
- Mamsha Al Saadiyat offers ocean views and a range of options for families.
- Marsana at Hudayriyat Island is great for casual bites and beachside dining.
- Al Qana is another dry alternative with a strong focus on coffee and Arabic cuisine.
- Yas Bay Waterfront offers a livelier nightlife with numerous outdoor terraces, prime location for concerts and events at Etihad Arena.
Rain is rare in Abu Dhabi, but most restaurants provide shaded seating, retractable roofs, or indoor options as a precaution.
For our local readers, pet owners will also rejoice in changes to local laws in 2026, which now permit more terraces to open to dogs. We’ll be updating on doggy-dining shortly!
If you love dining outdoors, you might also enjoy our roundups of
- Abu Dhabi’s best weekend pool brunches
- Lazy Sunday breakfasts and brunches
- Sports bars with beer gardens
- Abu Dhabi’s best beach club deals
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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Feature Image Credit Louvre Abu Dhabi: Media Supplied