Abu Dhabi's Top 5 Gourmet Restaurants

Spice Mela, Rosewood Hotel, Al Maryah Island

Al Maqam

Al Maqam means 'gathering' in Arabic - where people come together to eat and rejoice. The restaurant is a part of the Arabian Nights Village, a cultural center located in the heart of the Abu Dhabi desert, just outside the Emirates. Since the restaurant associates itself with traditional Emirati culture, it offers customers the choice of Arabian style floor level seating or low sofas in place of the more contemporary dining tables. In the winter months, the guests can choose whether they want to dine in a spacious open hall with fire pits or opt for the palm-thatch terrace with romantic views of the desert. From local Emirati dishes to international culinary classics and live bread making lessons, Al Maqam offers an intense culinary experience.

Al Maqam, Arabian Nights Village, Razeen Area of Al Khatim, Abu Dhabi Al Ain Road, Al Khatim

Bord Eau

Bord Eau is an extremely luxurious, self-indulgent restaurant in the heart of Abu Dhabi and a must-visit for any lover of French cuisine. The restaurant understands that the building blocks of classic French haute cuisine are the technique and ingredients. Therefore, it makes sure that the seasonal produce is specially flown from France that is prepared in an elegant or elaborate manner. Special mention for their pan-seared venison tenderloin with William pear, brussels sprouts, figs and cassis reduction, which is simply divine.

Bord Eau, Shangri-la Hotel, Between the Bridges

Rodeo Grill

Rodeo Grill is Abu Dhabi's first steakhouse that has been awarded as the best steakhouse in the city from time to time. Featuring warm grey interiors, the restaurant creates a cosy and intimate dining atmosphere. The cuts of meat that you're served here are truly succulent and one of the best you can get in Abu Dhabi. One of the popular dishes on their menu is the Blackmore 9+, which is the choicest Wagyu steak that is prepared from cattle grain-fed for a minimum of 600 days.

Rodeo Grill, Ground Floor, Beach Rotana Hotel & Towers, Al Zahiyah

Indigo

Compared to Spice Mela, Indigo is more regional in its approach, serving mostly North Indian cuisine. But the taste is to die for, especially their signature dish 'Sikandari raan' - a pot-roasted leg of baby lamb stuffed prunes, pickled onion, and cheese baked under the 'purdah' pastry, served with roast gravy. You can also find the regulars, such as meat and seafood biryanis, kebabs, and various tantalizing appetizers.

Indigo, Ground Floor, Beach Rotana Hotel & Towers, Al Zahiyah