The Best Restaurants at Yas Bay, Abu Dhabi

Yas Bay waterfront has become one of Abu Dhabi’s most vibrant dining destinations, drawing residents and visitors to its lively promenade of restaurants and cafés. The Yas Bay restaurants here span Korean omakase and pan-Asian fine dining to Spanish tapas, Mexican cuisine, and London-style café culture, all within one walkable waterfront setting.

This guide covers 10 standout places to eat at Yas Bay, with details on cuisine, prices, atmosphere, and how to get in touch to help you plan your next outing.

• What makes Yas Bay a dining destination?
• The best Yas Bay restaurants
• Yas Bay restaurants compared 
• Tips for planning your visit
• Key takeaways
• Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Yas Bay a dining destination?

Situated on Yas Island, Yas Bay Waterfront is a purpose-built entertainment and dining district that sits at the edge of the water, with unobstructed views of the Abu Dhabi skyline. It is home to Etihad Arena, a Hilton hotel, retail outlets, and a growing collection of restaurants that continues to attract new names.

For people living in Abu Dhabi, Yas Bay has become a go-to weekend destination. The promenade is walkable, the dining options are varied, and the atmosphere shifts from relaxed café culture during the day to vibrant nightlife after sundown. Parking spots are plentiful, making it accessible for families, couples, and groups.

The best Yas Bay restaurants

The restaurants below are some of the most notable dining experiences at Yas Bay. Find your preferred cuisine and plan your next visit to Yas Bay. 

1. Paradiso

A Mediterranean restaurant with Italian at its heart, Paradiso has quickly established itself as one of the finest dining experiences at Yas Bay. Created in collaboration with Michelin-starred chef Pierre Gagnaire, the menu features handmade pastas, artisan pizzas, fresh seafood, and premium cuts, all presented in a setting that pays homage to Italian cinema and coastal living.

• Phone: +971 50 437 2869
• Location: The Pier, Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
• Price range: AED 200–350 per person (approx.)

2. Asia Asia

Asia Asia is a multi-award-winning pan-Asian restaurant that takes diners on a culinary journey inspired by the ancient Spice Route. The menu spans sushi, dim sum, stir fry, and seafood curries, all served in a beautifully designed interior with panoramic waterfront views that set the stage for a memorable meal.

• Phone: +971 2 235 8663
• Location: The Pier, Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
• Price range: AED 200–350 per person (approx.)

3. Siddharta Lounge by Buddha-Bar

Part of the acclaimed Buddha-Bar family, Siddharta Lounge by Buddha-Bar is an open rooftop venue offering sweeping views over the Abu Dhabi waterfront and Al Raha skyline. The menu blends Asian and Mediterranean flavours, with sushi, ceviche, Wagyu, and lobster spaghetti all featuring, while DJ entertainment most evenings gives the space the feel of a destination in its own right.

• Phone: +971 50 601 1194
• Location: The Pier, Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
• Price range: AED 200–400 per person (approx.)

4. Barbossa

Barbossa brings contemporary Mexican cuisine to the Yas Bay waterfront, blending traditional flavours with a modern approach in a lively, vibrant setting. The restaurant has earned recognition for its brunch offering and Latin American cuisine, and its waterfront location on the promenade makes it a popular choice for both lunch and dinner.

• Phone: +971 50 185 8068
• Location: The Pier, Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
• Price range: AED 100–200 per person (approx.)

5. NURI Grill & Bar

NURI Grill & Bar brings South Korean fine dining to Yas Bay, offering a 12-course omakase experience alongside premium Korean barbecue and marbled wet-aged meats. A private karaoke room is available for group bookings, making it one of the most distinctive and complete dining experiences on the waterfront.

• Phone: +971 54 211 5151
• Location: Ground floor, Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, Yas Bay, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
• Price range: AED 300–500 per person (approx.)

6. Hunter & Barrel

Hunter & Barrel is a celebration of fire-cooked food, with meats, poultry, and seafood all prepared over an open coal grill. The Australian-inspired concept focuses on communal feasting boards designed for sharing, and the restaurant’s full bar and lounge area make it well suited to longer, relaxed evenings at Yas Bay.

• Phone: +971 2 886 8299
• Location: The Pier, Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
• Price range: AED 150–300 per person (approx.)

7. Marcella

Marcella is a vibrant Spanish bistro on the Yas Bay waterfront, inspired by Iberian traditions and built around the pleasure of sharing. The menu spans tapas, grilled specialities, and classic Spanish dishes, accompanied by a well-curated selection of Spanish and Portuguese wines at accessible prices.

• Phone: +971 56 545 7290
• Location: Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
• Price range: AED 100–200 per person (approx.)

8. Central

Central combines New York-inspired comfort food with four bowling lanes and a full arcade, creating one of the most family-friendly and entertaining spots at Yas Bay. The menu covers burgers, pizza, tacos, quesadillas, and poke bowls, alongside towering milkshakes, and the venue stays open late at weekends.

• Phone: +971 58 587 1765
• Location: Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
• Price range: AED 80–150 per person (approx.)

9. EL&N London

EL&N London brings the signature aesthetic of the beloved London café brand to Yas Bay, with its rose-gold interiors, flower walls, and all-day café menu. EL&N London is a natural choice for a relaxed brunch, an afternoon coffee, or a casual meal, with a menu that spans specialty drinks, sandwiches, salads, and heartier mains.

• Phone: +971 2 883 9395
• Location: Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
• Price range: AED 80–150 per person (approx.)

10. Lock, Stock & Barrel

Lock, Stock & Barrel is one of Abu Dhabi’s best-known sports bars, valued for its lively atmosphere, live music, and crowd-pleasing menu of nachos, wings, and burgers. Lock, Stock & Barrel draws a loyal following of sports fans and night-out regulars, with weekly promotions and long weekend hours adding to its appeal.

• Phone: +971 2 235 8659
• Location: Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
• Price range: AED 80–150 per person (approx.)

Yas Bay restaurants compared

Tips for planning your visit

Yas Bay is located on Yas Island, approximately 20 minutes from Abu Dhabi city centre and around 45 minutes from Dubai. Paid parking is available on-site, and the promenade is easy to navigate on foot once you arrive.

Reservations are recommended at fine dining venues such as Paradiso, Asia Asia, and Siddharta Lounge by Buddha-Bar, particularly on Thursdays and Fridays. For casual spots like Central and EL&N London, walk-ins are generally more straightforward, especially on weekday evenings.

Most restaurants at Yas Bay open from midday onwards, with many staying open until 1am or later at weekends. Opening hours can vary by day and season, so checking directly with your chosen restaurant before you arrive is always advisable.

Key takeaways

Yas Bay waterfront is home to one of Abu Dhabi’s most diverse dining scenes, with options spanning fine dining and rooftop lounges to casual cafés and sports bars. Highlights include Paradiso and Asia Asia for elevated dining experiences, Siddharta Lounge by Buddha-Bar and NURI Grill & Bar for distinctive atmosphere and cuisine, and Marcella and Barbossa for relaxed, flavour-driven meals with a waterfront backdrop.

For families and groups looking for a more casual outing, Central’s food-and-entertainment concept and EL&N London’s all-day café menu offer excellent options at accessible prices, while Lock, Stock & Barrel remains a reliable anchor for a lively night out.

Booking ahead is advisable for dinner at the destination’s most popular spots, especially at weekends. Reserve your main restaurant in advance and leave time to explore the rest of the promenade on foot before or after your meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

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