Al Fresco Dining By The Sea

It’s that time of year again! As we head into the cool season Dining and Nightlife Abu Dhabi rounds up a list of our favourite al fresco sea view restaurants.

Fishmarket
This seafood market style restaurant is one of the most renowned seafood restaurants in the city. Guests are able to select the freshest seafood, cooked Thai-style and served in a relaxed setting right on the calm waters of the Arabian Gulf, a truly legendary dining experience.
InterContinental Abu Dhabi, 800 423 463

BICE
Offering an exceptional combination of modern and traditional Italian cuisine, BICE serves lunch and dinner in a stylish and modern setting. BICE’s al fresco seating offers uninterrupted ocean views making it a great place to relax and unwind.
Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, 02 811 5666

Azura
Spread across three levels, Azura Panoramic Lounge offers mesmerizing views of the Abu Dhabi Corniche and the Gulf. The menu is a mix of Arabic mezze, sandwiches and sushi. So after a long week in work feast on some delectable dishes, watch the sun set and enjoy a relaxing start to the weekend.
The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, Nation Towers, 02 694 4553

BBQ Al Qasr
Dining at BBQ Al Qasr is an experience you do not want to miss. This unique outdoor restaurant is an exciting feast for all your senses. Located on the beach, you will have a chance to take in the stunning views, whilst indulging in a luxurious barbecue.
Emirates Palace, 02 690 7999

Vasco’s
This beachside restaurant is named after the famous explorer Vasco Da Gama, the menu is inspired by Vasco Da Gama’s exploration route. Choose to dine on the deck and enjoy spectacular views of the Arabian Gulf.
Hilton Abu Dhabi, 02 681 1900

Catch
Located at the Nation Riviera Beach Club, Catch offers some of the best views of the Arabian Gulf in the city. The stylish décor and coral tones exude a sense of class and refinement. Be sure to try the blow torch dynamite rolls, sure to add a sense of excitement to your dining experience.
Catch, 02 611 0909

The Vista
Currently only open to Club members, The Vista is worth the membership alone. This chic restaurant offers spanning ocean views and the large terrace is ideal for that special occasion. The Vista’s signature dish consists of 18 carat gold flaked oysters, nothing short of exceptional.
The Club, 02 673 1111

Inakaya
Located within the Venetian Village, at the Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi Grand Canal, Inakaya is set along the shores of Abu Dhabi’s Grand Canal. Inakaya presents a distinctive dining experience called robatayaki, a Japanese grilling art that is as much a performance as it is a way of cooking. As you enter the restaurant you immediately feel that you have left Abu Dhabi and arrived in Japan.
Inakaya, 02 404 1921

Finz
Finz is nestled behind Beach Rotana on a quiet corner of the hotel’s shore. The view across the water is pristine as it overlooks the tree lined promenade of Al Maryah Island. This scenic spot is perfect for lounging or indulging in some fine seafood.
Beach Rotana, 02 697 9000

Asia de Cuba
Chino-Latino favourite Asia de Cuba is a place to see and be seen especially on the beach deck at weekends. Vibrant Latin sounds and flavoursome cuisine inspired by Havana’s Chinatown make this venue unique. The vibe is always good on the colourful outdoor terrace, whisking guests to the heady heights of Cuban night’s right here on our very own Corniche.
Asia de Cuba, 02 699 3333

Eclipse, Terrace Lounge
Located on the third-floor pool deck, the open air venue features lounge style seating. In the evenings the pool bar transforms into an urban dining and chill-out lounge with a relaxed vibe and DJ music. The lounge’s menu focuses on fresh seafood and exciting beverages.
Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi, 02 333 2222

Bentley Bistro & Bar
Featuring a new generation of fusion cuisine Bentley Bistro & Bar blends classic French recipes with Europe’s contemporary dining influences. Located on Al Maryah Island, Bentley Bistro & Bar offers ocean views illuminated by the glistening city lights.
Bentley Bistro & Bar, 02 626 2131

Barfly by Buddha Bar
Barfly by Buddha Bar is an edgy restaurant and supper club concept that offers a unique dining venue where food, drinks and music melt in a superlative lifestyle statement. Situated on the water’s edge at the Venetian Village, Barfly by Buddha Bar offers an electric atmosphere making it one of the most sought out venues.
Barfly by Buddha Bar, 02 404 1951

Sontaya
Sontaya is set amongst a series of floating pavilions that look out on to the beach and across the turquoise Arabian Gulf. Featuring enchanting ambience and flavoursome fare, the pavilions and terraces overlooking shimmering pools exude romance by night, while signature beverages compliment the restaurant’s cheerful energy during the day.
The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, 02 498 8888

Todd English’s Olives
Chef English’s unique interpretation of Mediterranean cuisine, his famous showmanship with food and his restaurants and concepts have impressed diners from New York all the way to the Venetian Village, Abu Dhabi. The restaurant setting is quite remarkable, with a large outdoor seating area, guests can enjoy an array of delectable Mediterranean dishes whilst unwinding to the tranquil sounds of the soft waves.
Todd English’s Olives, 02 404 1941

P&C by Sergi Arola
Celebrity Chef Sergi Arola has woven his signature Spanish magic seamlessly with the beauty of Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi. Taking the concept of tapas and made it his own to create an exquisite dining and lounging destination where guests can taste his new approaches to traditional paella, patatas bravas, seafood delicacies and sweet delights while enjoying stunning views in an exquisite atmosphere.
Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, 02 509 8777

The Meat Co
With locations in South Africa, the UK and across the Middle East The Meat Co. has established an excellent reputation. Located in Abu Dhabi’s Souk Qaryat Al Beri The Meat Co’s menu offers some of the widest variety of steaks in the city.
The Meat Co, 02 558 1713

Cipriani Yas Island
Recognized as one of the world’s premium names in Italian fine dining, Cipriani Yas Island offers culinary classics from Harry’s Bar in Venice, with a stunning terrace overlooking the Island’s iconic landmarks. Cipriani offers timeless elegance.
Yas Marina, 02 657 5400

Iris
An upscale trendy bar and restaurant. Iris offers an elegant and stylish setting with a stunning outdoor terrace. Enjoy drinks at sunset and fresh seasonal dishes for dinner while enjoying live performances.
Yas Marina, 055 160 5636

Kamoon
Kamoon offers a captivating ambiance with scenic views of the Arabian Gulf. Savour authentic Arabic dishes prepared with the finest quality ingredients, handpicked by chef and his team. The large terrace is perfect for group gatherings.
Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana, 02 657 0000

Flooka
Flooka offers a unique dining experience of Mediterranean seafood with a Lebanese twist. You can enjoy the daily catch on the terrace with uninterrupted views of the Eastern Mangroves. Be sure to try the red snapper, one of the best we’ve tasted in the city.
Flooka, 02 441 8244

Brasserie Flo
Brasserie Flo is a traditional French brasserie that serves some of the best known French dishes in a relaxed and casual ambience. Brasserie Flo stands for a culinary tradition that dates back to the 1960s when it was founded by Chef Jean-Paul Bucher in Paris. Today, Chef Bucher’s undeniable talent has seen his signature culinary style carried across borders, with the Brasserie Flo brand now available from the Netherlands to Spain, China and at the Venetian Village here in Abu Dhabi.
Brasserie Flo, 02 404 1931

Ushna
Located at Souk Qaryat Al Beri, Ushna’s beautiful terrace offers scenic views of the Grand Canal and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque creating a truly distinct ambience ideal for a relaxing meal. Fresh ingredients, high quality spices, consistency in every action and an open attitude to cooking are the four elements that make Ushna unique.
Ushna, 02 558 1769

Cedar Lounge Lebanese Restaurant & Lounge
Cedar Lounge offers uninterrupted views over the tranquil Fairmont Bab Al Bahr Gardens and Arabian Gulf, with contemporary yet welcoming surroundings and courteous service. True to Lebanese tradition, Cedar Lounge will charm you with its meticulous menu.
Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, 02 654 3333

Byblos Sur Mer
Authentic Lebanese dining, the award-winning Byblos Sur Mer offers spectacular variety of mezzeh, grills, traditional Lebanese dishes, prepared by expert chefs. Set over two floors with spacious terraces, this contemporary restaurant overlooks the spectacular marina.
InterContinental Abu Dhabi, 800 423 463

Punjab Grill
Renowned across the Indian subcontinent for gourmet fine dining, and with twelve restaurants worldwide, its presence in the Venetian Village is the first in the Middle East. Dining at Punjab Grill is nothing short of exceptional, each dish is created with flare and skill. Signature bites include tawa scallops, salmon tikka, chaamp taajdar, raan-e-sikandari, coconut prawns and karavali lobster.
Punjab Grill, 02 449 9839

BOA
Nestled within the Eastern Mangroves Promenade is the super stylish BOA Steakhouse. Steaks and chops include a selection of prime mid-western Texas and Kansas beef, such as the “40 Day” Dry Aged New York Strip and the “Bone In” Rib Eye, as well as Certified Organic Beef and Premium American Wagyu.
BOA, 02 641 1500

Safina
Dine in style and enjoy delicious Mediterranean cuisine at Safina, where expert chefs create culinary specialties inspired by the sea. Take a bite of mouth-wateringly fresh fish and many other delights at this memorable spot. At Safina, you’re surrounded by witty and uniquely decorated interiors. Whether you’re coming with a large group of friends or if you’re in the mood for a quiet, romantic dinner, the team will find you the perfect table.
Saadiyat Beach Club, 02 656 3500

Turquoiz
Turquoiz, located at The St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort sits metres away from the water’s edge, a standalone elegant beach restaurant with a large outdoor terrace along the pristine white sandy beach that serves an extensive seafood menu as well as light bites and snacks. Turquoiz, named after the turquoise blue waters surrounding Saadiyat Island.
The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, 02 498 8888

The Beach House
The Beach House sits on a vast stretch of environmentally protected white sand beach as part of the Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi. This two-storey standalone venue offers guests a romantic beach setting serving a delicious Mediterranean menu and a selection of grape and mixers in the ground floor restaurant. After dinner sip a mixer against the stunning ocean backdrop whilst listening to chilled out tunes and admiring the view across the Arabian Sea.
Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas, 02 407 1138

Dusk
What better place to enjoy uninterrupted sea views than on an island? Dusk is an experience not to miss. Indulge in the flavours of Mexico at this colourful and quirky venue. Dusk is the perfect place to spend an evening with your friends over innovative tapas of dynamite guacamole tacos or indulge in refined ceviche.
Zaya Nurai Island, 02 506 6212