Abu Dhabi’s Best Asian Restaurants

A chic and intimate restaurant where the quality of ingredients and unique twists on classic Japanese staples have earned them a MICHELIN star. Expect exquisitely presented plates as avant-garde and innovative dishes of bluefin tuna, Wagyu beef and king crab are meticulously prepared and subsequently devoured in The Galleria Al Maryah Island.

At Hakkasan in Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental Hotel, guests are greeted by sultry, chic oriental décor that regulars of this international brand will instantly recognise. The authentic Cantonese menu features time-honoured classics like Peking duck and Chilean sea bass with honey, alongside a celebrated selection of exceptional dim sum including lobster and wagyu truffle. Enjoy this one MICHELIN star spot from the al-fresco lounge for exclusive and secluded surroundings.

When dining at a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand-awarded restaurant, guests can look forward to good food at good value. This modern Japanese eatery offers exactly that. Signature dishes such as yellowtail carpaccio, tuna tartare with yuzu dressing and Wagyu striploin with truffle jus positively tantalise the palate whilst the sleek interior, large open kitchen and fabulous terrace area provide an elegant ambiance, all at an affordable price.

Located within the luxe Rosewood Abu Dhabi Hotel on Al Maryah Island, Cantonese cuisine reigns supreme at Dai Pai Dong. A relaxed and social setting where sharing is highly encouraged and vibrant street food is gobbled up among friends, diners can savour roasted duck, braised brisket, crispy chicken, and double-boiled soups, alongside fiery Sichuan dishes for anyone craving heat. Don’t miss the weekend brunches or daily dim sum lunch specials.

This humble Malaysian restaurant built on the nostalgia of old-school kopitiams (coffee shops) strikes the perfect balance between modern fusion food and homely, flavoursome cooking. Not only are the street food-style roti jala and blackboard of specials well worth the visit, but as winners of The MICHELIN Service Award, the excellent staff welcome and lively atmosphere guarantees guests always come back for more.

Located in The Ritz-Carlton hotel, this boldly decorated restaurant shines with Southeast Asian flavours and a buzzing open kitchen. Diners will come for the twilight views of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque but return time and time again for the expertly executed rice and noodle classics, oysters and wok dishes. The ideal spot for upbeat sundowners, head to the gardens where a live DJ sets the mood.

For foodies who love to witness the skill that goes into any dish, grab a seat at NIRI’s sushi counter to watch yakitori and sushi prepared at an astonishing pace by the chefs. If a sea view and people watching is more your thing, then the terrace overlooking the Mamsha Al Saadiyat promenade will equally impress. Expect a contemporary Japanese menu served in a wonderfully minimal and modern interior.

Just like its counterpart restaurants around the globe, Zuma Abu Dhabi delivers a refreshing twist on Japanese dining with a delightful dose of party spirit. The menu hits all the right notes, featuring standout seafood, robata grill favourites, and the must-try corn-fed baby chicken. What’s more, signature sushi, sashimi and miso-marinated black cod are accompanied by stunning waterfront views in the heart of the capital.