One of the best Asian fusion restaurants in Abu Dhabi – it picked up the gong for Best Asian Restaurant in Abu Dhabi in the 2023 awards – Li Jiang marries both style and substance with an outdoor area serving up some of the best views of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. You’re there for the food, though, which is equally impressive – think expert renditions of dishes from around the region including fragrant soups, hand-pulled noodles, curries, sushi, stir-fries, seafood and more, be sure to make a reservation in advance as tables here book up fast.

A locals’ favourite, and another Dubai-born eatery, Mamafri may be Emirati-owned, but it sure knows how to whip up some killer pan-Asian food. Focusing on Southeast Asia, plates here include crispy beef served over mashed potato, crispy chicken bao buns, mie goreng, Malaysian curry, Wagyu sandos and ramen that will blow you away. Its interiors are pretty special too, with all dusty pink walls and plenty of complementary neutral tones in the furnishing too. You’ll find it down at Sheikha Fatima Park.

With its fancy location, chic outdoor terrace and decadent, moody nightclub atmosphere, Hakkasan is a trailblazer when it comes to a glamorous Chinese restaurant experience in the capital. Start off with a couple of mixed drinks to get you in the mood before digging into elevated takes on classic staples like the mixed dim sum basket, the famed duck salad and black pepper beef. Don’t forget to order the signature Peking duck too, with extra caviar if you’re feeling flush.

A restaurant designed to make its diners feel indulged, a meal at Dai Pai Dong is a five-star culinary experience from start to finish. Housed in the luxe Rosewood Abu Dhabi hotel, plates here are inspired by Cantonese street food favourites with an upmarket twist, including the likes of roasted duck, beef lettuce wraps and double-boiled chicken wontons. We also love the fact that, where possible, chefs use local ingredients – a rarity in the city’s Chinese restaurants yet a much-needed move.

While Penelope’s has since closed to make way for a new concept, it was a great spot for unfussy, timeless French favourites served in elegant surroundings. A brasserie and jazz bar that was ideal for date night, the menu came packed with delicacies like beef tartare, snails, foie gras, wagyu tenderloin, pear tarte tatin and more.