The 10 Best Restaurants in the Corniche Abu Dhabi Area: 2026 Guide

The Abu Dhabi Corniche is one of the most iconic waterfronts in the UAE, a sweeping eight-kilometre stretch of beach, promenade, and parkland that also happens to be one of the capital’s most vibrant dining destinations. From Michelin-starred Cantonese cuisine inside Emirates Palace to a breezy Lebanese manaeesh spot directly on the promenade, corniche Abu Dhabi restaurants cover a remarkable range of cuisines, price points, and atmospheres.

Whether you are a resident looking for a new weekend favourite, planning a family outing, or marking a special occasion, this guide rounds up the 10 best restaurants along the Corniche, with locations, hours, and contact details included.

• Best corniche Abu Dhabi restaurants at a glance
• The 10 best restaurants in the corniche Abu Dhabi area
• Tips for dining on the corniche, Abu Dhabi
• Key takeaways
• Frequently Asked Questions

Best corniche Abu Dhabi restaurants at a glance

The 10 best restaurants in the corniche Abu Dhabi area

The following are some of the best restaurants in Abu Dhabi Corniche worth visiting for a memorable meal by the sea.

1. Zaatar w Zeit

Zaatar w Zeit needs little introduction to residents of the UAE. The Lebanese quick-casual brand has built a loyal following across the region, and its Abu Dhabi Corniche branch brings its signature manaeesh, wraps, and hot sandwiches to the waterfront. It is the most accessible option on this list . It is open throughout the day, family-friendly, and easy on the wallet. Whether you are grabbing a bite before a Corniche walk or looking for a relaxed lunch spot with the kids, this branch sits right on the promenade and ticks every practical box.

• Location: Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi
• Cuisine: Lebanese, quick-casual
• Contact: +971 2 681 5857

2. Pearl Lounge

Pearl Lounge at the Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi combines the best elements of a café, creperie, and waterfront terrace into one convenient all-day destination. The open-air terrace overlooks the Marina and the Arabian Gulf, making it particularly popular for sundowners, though the space works just as well for a morning coffee or a long afternoon spent grazing on Arabic dishes and desserts from the live crepe station. The mix Arabic food selection and a relaxed vibe makes it a dependable choice for families and groups of friends alike.

• Location: Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi, West Corniche Road, Al Bateen
• Cuisine: International, Arabic, lounge
• Contact: +971 2 510 1234

3. Hakkasan Abu Dhabi

Hakkasan Abu Dhabi is one of the most awarded restaurants in the capital, holding a Michelin star every year since the inaugural Abu Dhabi Michelin Guide in 2023. It brings elevated Cantonese cuisine to a beautifully designed space with lacquered interiors and a terrace facing the Gulf. The atmosphere shifts from a hushed dinner venue to energetic DJ night as the evening progresses. Standout dishes include the Alaskan king crab dumplings and the signature Peking duck with caviar, while the Friday night Lost in Shanghai brunch remains one of the most sought-after dining events on the Corniche.

• Location: Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi
• Cuisine: Cantonese fine dining (Michelin star 2023–2026)
• Opening hours: Sunday–Friday: 6:00 pm–12:30 am | Saturday: 12:00 pm–3:30 pm & 6:00 pm–12:30 am
• Contact : +971 2 690 7739

4. The Terrace on the Corniche

The Terrace on the Corniche is the signature all-day restaurant at The St. Regis Abu Dhabi. The design moves seamlessly from a richly decorated main dining room to an enchanting outdoor garden terrace, ideal for breakfast in the cooler months or a candle-lit dinner year-round. The menu brings together international and regional flavours with a commitment to quality produce, while the Saturday Astor’s Brunch, inspired by the grand gatherings of New York’s Gilded Age, has become a firm favourite among Abu Dhabi residents.

• Location: The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, Nation Tower, Corniche, Abu Dhabi
• Cuisine: International, regional
• Opening hours: Breakfast Mon–Sat: 7:00 am–11:00 am | Sun: 7:00 am–3:00 pm | Dinner daily: 7:00 pm–11:00 pm
• Contact: +971 2 694 4553

5. Villa Toscana

For an Italian restaurant in Abu Dhabi on the Corniche, Villa Toscana is the standout choice. Led by Michelin Young Chef Vittorio Nania, the kitchen takes authentic Tuscan recipes and elevates them with modern technique. You’ll find handmade pasta, wood-fired pizzas, seasonal premium produce, and classic regional dishes presented with artistry. Set within the beachfront surrounds of the St. Regis resort, the restaurant moves naturally from a business lunch setting at midday to a romantic dinner destination in the evenings. Its proximity to the Corniche waterfront adds to the sense of occasion for any meal.

• Location: The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, Nation Tower, Corniche, Abu Dhabi
• Cuisine: Italian fine dining
• Opening hours: Daily — Lunch: 12:00 pm–4:00 pm | Dinner: 5:00 pm–11:00 pm
• Contact: +971 2 694 4553

6. Episodes

Episodes is not a conventional hotel restaurant. Spread across four distinct concepts inside the grand lobby of Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, it brings together a Tea Apothecary, a Gourmet Deli, The Mandarin Cake Shop, and a Gelateria. Whether you are after a proper afternoon tea with rare global blends and handcrafted pastries, an artisanal sandwich from the deli, a show-stopping celebration cake, or a gelato to enjoy on the West Corniche terrace, Episodes accommodates all of it. It is one of the most family-friendly and versatile stops on the Corniche dining scene.

• Location: Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, West Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi
• Cuisine: All-day dining, patisserie, deli, gelateria
• Opening hours: Daily: 9:00 am–9:00 pm
• Contact: +971 2 690 7999

7. Martabaan by Hemant Oberoi

Named for a traditional Indian spice vessel, Martabaan by chef Hemant Oberoi represents the Abu Dhabi chapter of one of India’s most celebrated culinary legacies. Dishes such as Varqui Crab, Dum ki Nalli, and Masala Chai Crème Brûlée balance classical Indian technique with contemporary plating against the backdrop of the Arabian Gulf. The private dining rooms make it a natural destination for milestone celebrations on the Corniche.

• Location : Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, West Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi
• Cuisine : Contemporary Indian fine dining (Michelin-selected)
• Opening hours : Wednesday–Sunday: 12:30 pm–10:00 pm (closed Monday and Tuesday)
• Contact : +971 2 690 7999

8. Li Beirut

Li Beirut brings modern Lebanese dining to the Corniche with a level of craft that has earned it a place in the Michelin Guide Abu Dhabi 2026. The Lebanese restaurant takes classic Lebanese cuisine, like cold and hot mezzah and grills, and re-imagines each dish through refined cooking techniques and elegant presentation. The sea-view terrace overlooking the Arabian Gulf is one of the more atmospheric spots for a long Lebanese dinner on the Corniche, particularly as the sun sets over the water.

• Location: Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi
• Cuisine: Modern Lebanese (Michelin Guide 2026)
• Contact: +971 2 811 5666

9. Nahaam

Nahaam is the award-winning all-day dining restaurant at Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, anchored around bold international and Mediterranean flavours with a commitment to freshness. Herbs are grown in the hotel’s own in-house hydroponic farm. The menu spans light, shareable bites through to hearty mains, and the beachfront setting is relaxed enough for a casual weekday lunch or a vibrant brunch, served with live entertainment.

• Location: Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi
• Cuisine: International, Mediterranean, all-day dining
• Opening hours: Daily: 12:00 pm–11:00 pm
• Contact: +971 2 811 5666

10. Ray’s Grill

Ray’s Grill sits on the 63rd floor of Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, making it one of the highest dining rooms on the Corniche. The 360-degree panorama of the city, the Gulf, and the Corniche below provides an extraordinary backdrop for a premium steakhouse menu that sources world-famous cattle breeds from the finest producers. It serves Chateaubriand, exclusive Australian Wagyu, and the signature Tomahawk. Recognised in the Michelin Guide Abu Dhabi 2026, Ray’s Grill is the kind of restaurant residents reserve for birthdays, anniversaries, and moments genuinely worth marking.

• Location : Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, 63rd Floor, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi
• Cuisine : American refined steakhouse (Michelin Guide 2026)
• Contact : +971 2 811 5666

Tips for dining on the Corniche, Abu Dhabi

Getting the most out of the Corniche restaurant scene is straightforward once you know a few practical things:

• Book ahead for fine dining. Michelin-recognised restaurants fill up quickly on Thursday and Friday evenings. Reservations at least two to three days in advance are advisable, and a week ahead for special occasions.
• Time your visit for the view. Sunset dining on the corniche is particularly atmospheric between October and April, when cooler evening temperatures make outdoor terraces comfortable to sit in. In summer, opt for venues with strong air-conditioned interiors.
• Check dress codes before you go. Fine dining venues on the Corniche generally enforce a smart casual to formal standard. Shorts and open footwear are usually not permitted. Local attire is welcomed everywhere. Restaurants at the St. Regis and Emirates Palace specify “elegant and casual” as their dress code.
• Getting there. Most of the restaurants on this list sit within three main clusters: Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, The St. Regis Nation Tower, and Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers. Parking is available at all three hotel complexes. Zaatar w Zeit on the Corniche is accessible by car, taxi, or on foot from the Corniche promenade.

Key takeaways

• The Abu Dhabi Corniche is home to dining options ranging from budget-friendly Lebanese quick-casual to multiple Michelin-recognised fine dining restaurants.
• Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental houses three of the top corniche Abu Dhabi restaurants: Hakkasan (Michelin star 2023–2026), Martabaan by Hemant Oberoi (Michelin-selected), and Episodes (all-day multi-concept).
• Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers offers three strong options: Li Beirut (modern Lebanese, Michelin 2026), Nahaam (international all-day dining), and Ray’s Grill (steakhouse, Michelin 2026).
• The St. Regis Abu Dhabi at Nation Tower is a third dining hub on the Corniche, with both The Terrace on the Corniche and Villa Toscana operating daily.
• For families, Zaatar w Zeit, Episodes, Pearl Lounge, and Nahaam offer the most relaxed and flexible dining environments.
• Reservations are strongly recommended for fine dining venues, particularly on Thursday and Friday evenings, and for brunch experiences at The Terrace on the Corniche and Nahaam.

Frequently Asked Questions

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