The UAE capital’s culinary scene doesn’t disappoint at all. There are plenty of dining options in different settings, letting you indulge in experiences and lasting memories. Sundowners on the beach, shisha on the marina, or candlelit dinners in an unusually romantic setting, Abu Dhabi is laden with glamorous restaurants to capitalise on the twinkling skyline and blue sea of the city. There are extremely fine waterfront restaurants in Abu Dhabi, offering you access to the best delicacies, refreshments and settings. From Society Abu Dhabi to an all-glamour sunset cocktail at Café del Mar Beach Club and seafood at Catch at St. Regis, the list goes on and on.
There are many incredible waterfront restaurants in Abu Dhabi, including Yas Bay Waterfront icons such as Paradiso, Asia Asia Abu Dhabi and Siddharta Lounge by Buddha-Bar and Saadiyat Island favourites such as Beach House Abu Dhabi, Sontaya and Buddha-Bar Beach Abu Dhabi. Most of these places are also beach clubs or beach lounges and thus you can have a long lunch, sunset cocktails and dinner at one beachy venue.
Top Waterfront Restaurants in Abu Dhabi
The best waterfront restaurants in Abu Dhabi are the ones that blend the Instagram-friendly scenery with refined service, innovative cocktails and menus with a Mediterranean, Asian, Levantine and international taste. Among the most popular locations to have a water-side sunset dinner, there are Paradiso, Beach House Abu Dhabi, Finz Restaurant, Asia Asia Abu Dhabi and Buddha-Bar Beach Abu Dhabi. Let’s take a look at the most recommended ones.
| Restaurant | Address | Contact | Cuisine | |
| Paradiso | The Pier, Yas Bay Waterfront – Yas Island – Abu Dhabi | 971504372869 | @paradisoabudhabi | Mediterranean, Italian, European |
| The Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar, Yas Bay Waterfront | Yas Bay Waterfront – Yas Island – Abu Dhabi | 97122367831 | @thelighthouse_ae | International, Mediterranean, Modern European |
| Café del Mar Beach Club Abu Dhabi | Yas Bay Waterfront – Yas Island – Abu Dhabi | 971504022283 | @cafedelmarabudhabi | Mediterranean, International, Beach bar bites |
| Siddharta Lounge by Buddha-Bar | The Pier, Yas Bay Waterfront – Yas Island – Abu Dhabi | 971506011194 | @siddhartalounge_abudhabi | Asian fusion, International lounge cuisine |
| Asia Asia Abu Dhabi | The Pier, Yas Bay Waterfront – Yas Island – Abu Dhabi | 97144238302 | @asiaasiaabudhabi | Pan-Asian, Fusion |
| Beach House Abu Dhabi | Saadiyat Island – Abu Dhabi | 97124071138 | @beachhousead | Mediterranean, Seafood |
| Finz Restaurant | 10th St – Al Zahiyah – Abu Dhabi | 97126979000 | @finz_abudhabi | Seafood, Mediterranean |
| Bushra by Buddha-Bar | The Pier, Yas Bay Waterfront – Yas Island – Abu Dhabi | 971506011195 | @bushra_abudhabi | Middle Eastern, Levantine fusion |
| Cabana Beach Bar & Grill | The St. Regis Abu Dhabi – Nation Riviera Beach Club – Abu Dhabi | 97126944553 | – | Grills, Burgers, International |
| Tiki Pacifico Dining & Lounge | Al Bandar – Al Rahah – Abu Dhabi | 971506969298 | @tiki.pacifico | Latin American, Pacific fusion, Bar bites |
| Central | Yas Bay Waterfront – Yas Island – Abu Dhabi | 97144238311 | @central_uae | American, Burgers, Comfort food |
| Hunter & Barrel Yas Bay | The Pier, Yas Bay Waterfront – Yas Island – Abu Dhabi | 97128868299 | @hunterandbarreluae | Steaks, Grills, Modern Australian |
| Barbossa Abu Dhabi | Yas Bay Waterfront – Yas Island – Abu Dhabi | 971501858068 | @barbossa_auh | Latin, Tapas, International |
| Beirut Sur Mer Restaurant | Jacques Chirac St – Saadiyat Island – Abu Dhabi | 971543954000 | @beirutsurmer | Lebanese, Levantine |
| Lago Restaurant | Channel St – Al Rahah – Abu Dhabi | 97122463761 | @lago.ad | Italian, |
| Café del Mar Restaurant | Yas Bay Waterfront – Abu Dhabi | 971504022283 | – | Mediterranean |
| Daikan Izakaya | The Pier, Yas Bay Waterfront – Yas Island – Abu Dhabi | 971581241529 | @daikanizakaya_ae | Japanese, Izakaya, Ramen |
| Afya Restaurant | Qaryat Al Beri – Rabdan – Abu Dhabi | 97125108888 | – | International, Buffet, Arabic favourites |
| Catch at St. Regis | Nation Riviera Beach Club, Corniche Road – Abu Dhabi | 97126944615 | – | Seafood, Contemporary internationalNew-Microsoft-Excel-Worksheet.xlsx |
| Ibn Al Bahr – Al Reem Island | Al Reem Island – Abu Dhabi | 971800426252247 | – | Lebanese seafood, Arabic grills |
| Bay View | 10th St – Al Zahiyah – Abu Dhabi | 97126979000 | – | International, Seafood, Snacks |
| The Oba Turkish Restaurant | Waterfront – Al Zahiyah – Abu Dhabi | 971547747770 | @theobauae | Turkish, Middle Eastern |
| Lock, Stock and Barrel | Yas Bay Waterfront – Yas Island – Abu Dhabi | 97144238308 | – | Bar food, International, Gastropub |
| Buddha-Bar Beach Abu Dhabi | The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort – Abu Dhabi | 97124988888 | @buddhabarbeachabudhabi | Asian fusion, Sushi, International |
| Turtle Bay Bar & Grill | Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas – Abu Dhabi | 97126970000 | @turtle_beach_restaurant_bar | Seafood, Grills, International |
| Prego’s Restaurant | 10th St – Al Zahiyah – Abu Dhabi | 97126979000 | – | Italian, Pizza, Pasta |
| Em Sherif Sea Abu Dhabi | Rosewood Hotel – Al Maryah Island – Abu Dhabi | 97126262895 | – | Lebanese seafood, Levantine |
| Diablito | Building 6A, Yas Marina – Yas Island – Abu Dhabi | 97125651175 | – | Spanish, Tapas, Pizza |
| COYA Abu Dhabi | Four Seasons Hotel, The Galleria – Abu Dhabi | 97123067000 | – | Peruvian, Latin American |
| Fishmarket | InterContinental Abu Dhabi – Al Bateen – Abu Dhabi | 971569908317 | – | Seafood, Asian-influenced market style |
| Cho Gao Marina Walk | InterContinental Abu Dhabi – Al Bateen – Abu Dhabi | 971800423463 | – | Asian, Sushi, Street-food style |
| Vertigo | Radisson Blu Resort, Corniche – Abu Dhabi | 97126924888 | – | Bar bites |
| Azura Panoramic Lounge | The St. Regis Nation Tower – Abu Dhabi | 97126944553 | – | International, Lounge bites |
| Sontaya Abu Dhabi | The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort – Abu Dhabi | 97124988088 | – | Southeast Asian, Thai-inspired |
| Society Abu Dhabi | Soul Beach, Mamsha Al Saadiyat – Abu Dhabi | 97128867735 | – | Café-style, Breakfast, International |
| West Bay Lounge Abu Dhabi Corniche | Corniche Rd – Al Bateen – Abu Dhabi | 97126924375 | @westbayabudhabi | International, Seafood, Bar food |
Best Sea View Dining Spots in Abu Dhabi
The theme of sea-view dining in Abu Dhabi is open terraces, sand and uninterrupted blue-water views, loungers. Among the best waterfront restaurants in Abu Dhabi, Café del Mar Beach Club Abu Dhabi, Society Abu Dhabi, Finz and Cabana Beach Bar and Grill are your top choices in case you want to enjoy your food accompanied by rolling waves and panoramas of the Corniche or Saadiyat Island.
| Restaurant | Address | Contact | Cuisine | |
| Café del Mar Beach Club Abu Dhabi | Yas Bay Waterfront – Yas Island – Abu Dhabi | 971504022283 | @cafedelmarabudhabi | Mediterranean, Beach club bites, International |
| Society Abu Dhabi | Soul Beach, Mamsha Al Saadiyat – Abu Dhabi | 97128867735 | – | Café, Breakfast, International |
| Beirut Sur Mer Restaurant | Jacques Chirac St – Saadiyat Island – Abu Dhabi | 971543954000 | @beirutsurmer | Lebanese, Seafood, Mezze |
| Finz Restaurant | 10th St – Al Zahiyah – Abu Dhabi | 97126979000 | @finz_abudhabi | Seafood, Mediterranean |
| Cabana Beach Bar & Grill | The St. Regis Abu Dhabi – Nation Riviera Beach Club – Abu Dhabi | 97126944553 | – | Grills, Burgers |
Best Marina Restaurants & Skyline Views in Abu Dhabi
The venues on the marina front of Abu Dhabi are the best pick by those who embrace leisurely waterside ambiance with swaying yachts as the scenic view. Diablito and Cho Gao Marina Walk are particularly favored when it comes to drinks during the sunset and simple dinners, with Café del Mar Beach Club Abu Dhabi and Mirage Marine Restaurant and Cafe also being in prime locations near the water.
| Restaurant | Address | Contact | Cuisine | |
| Café del Mar Beach Club Abu Dhabi | Yas Bay Waterfront – Yas Island – Abu Dhabi | 971504022283 | @cafedelmarabudhabi | Mediterranean, Beach club bites |
| Society Abu Dhabi | Soul Beach, Mamsha Al Saadiyat – Abu Dhabi | 97128867735 | – | Café, Breakfast, |
| Beirut Sur Mer Restaurant | Jacques Chirac St – Saadiyat Island – Abu Dhabi | 971543954000 | @beirutsurmer | Lebanese, Seafood |
| Finz Restaurant | 10th St – Al Zahiyah – Abu Dhabi | 97126979000 | @finz_abudhabi | Seafood, Mediterranean |
| Cabana Beach Bar & Grill | The St. Regis Abu Dhabi – Nation Riviera Beach Club – Abu Dhabi | 97126944553 | – | Grills, Burgers |
Best Beachfront Restaurants in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi has seafood and waterfront grills that are the optimal combination of fresh seafood and breathtaking beach scenery. On the one hand, with their ingenious gourmet meals, or classic grilled delicacies, these restaurants are the best places to enjoy seafood in the best style, in their luxurious and casual atmosphere that glorifies the sea and the land.
Catch at St. Regis
The restaurant provides a distinctive dining experience of seafood at the top of the tallest operating helipad in the Middle East. Their menu has a fresh and gourmet seafood menu that is perfectly complemented with a spectacular view of the beach. The sophisticated and casual environment is one which suits the person who wants new and innovative seafood foods in a classy environment.
Fishmarket Intercontinental Abu Dhabi
Dining place specializing in fresh seafood that is prepared using both regional and international taste. The colorful atmosphere of the market style makes the dining experience very casual and sophisticated at the same time, with focus on freshness and variety. It is an excellent option when people like seafood and want to get the high-quality and professionally prepared dishes.
West Bay Lounge Abu Dhabi Corniche
It is a mixture of modern and traditional sea foods with stunning view of the waterfront in the Corniche. The menu is a fusion of local and international tastes that creates a sophisticated and casual environment that meets the needs of both casual and special meals.
Bay View Beach Rotana l
This is a beachside restaurant, which has various menu with fresh sea food and grill specialties. It offers a combination of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern seafood with spectacular sea views, making it an elegant dining experience to people who want to enjoy good quality and atmosphere in Abu Dhabi.
Waterfront apartments at affordable prices.
Best Affordable Waterfront Dining in Abu Dhabi
Not every seaside meal has to be splurge-worthy, and some of the best waterfront restaurants in Abu Dhabi are surprisingly wallet-friendly. Paradiso, The Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar, Bay View and Lago Restaurant give you scenic locations and good value, especially for casual lunches, sundowners and happy hours.
| Restaurant | Address | Contact | Cuisine | |
| Diablito | Building 6A Yas Marina – Yas Island – Abu Dhabi | 97125651175 | – | Spanish, Tapas, Pizza |
| Cho Gao Marina Walk | InterContinental Abu Dhabi – Al Bateen – Abu Dhabi | 971800423463 | – | Asian, Sushi, Pan-Asian |
| Café del Mar Beach Club Abu Dhabi | Yas Bay Waterfront – Yas Island – Abu Dhabi | 971504022283 | @cafedelmarabudhabi | Mediterranean, International, Beach bar |
| Mirage Marine Restaurant and Cafe | 55 Al Kasir St – Al Marina – Abu Dhabi | 97126359957 | – | Arabic |
Best Seafood & Waterfront Grills in Abu Dhabi
Some of the best waterfront restaurants in Abu Dhabi will be concentrated in the Corniche, Saadiyat Island and prominent hotel complexes. Catch at St. Regis and Fishmarket are also attractions in themselves, with ultra-fresh fish and market-style choices and elegant presentation, and West Bay Lounge and Bay View to complete their sea views with seafoods platters and grilled specials that are best shared. The Ibn Al Bahr and Em Sherif Sea Abu Dhabi introduce a very Levantine approach to seafood, with mezze, grilled daily catch and traditional Arabic tastes served in elegant waterfront locations.
Best Waterfront Breakfast Cafés in Abu Dhabi
To early morners, an Abu Dhabi breakfast will include signature coffee, pastry and full breakfast as accompanied by muted morning sunlight with the Gulf in the backdrop. Mamsha Al Saadiyat at society Abu Dhabi is the beachfront brunch destination, and Café del Mar Beach Club Abu Dhabi is also available on the beach and sea with relaxed daytime meals as part of the best waterfront restaurants in Abu Dhabi list.
| Restaurant | Address | Contact | Cuisine | |
| Society Abu Dhabi | Soul Beach, Mamsha Al Saadiyat – Abu Dhabi | 97128867735 | – | Café, Breakfast, Brunch |
| Café del Mar Beach Club Abu Dhabi | Yas Bay Waterfront – Yas Island – Abu Dhabi | 971504022283 | @cafedelmarabudhabi | Mediterranean, International, Café |
Best Romantic Waterfront Dining in Abudhabi
The romantic spots of Abu Dhabi are filled with soft lighting, elegant music and panoramic world of the sea or marina, which are ideal during anniversaries and other special occasions. Catch in St. Regis, West Bay Lounge Abu Dhabi Corniche and Azura Panoramic Lounge all have terraces with a mood where the couples can have lingering dinner at some of the best waterfront restaurants in Abu Dhabi.
| Restaurant | Address | Contact | Cuisine | |
| Catch at St. Regis | Nation Riviera Beach Club, Corniche Road – Abu Dhabi | 97126944615 | – | Seafood |
| West Bay Lounge Abu Dhabi Corniche | Corniche Rd – Al Bateen – Abu Dhabi | 97126924375 | @westbayabudhabi | International, Seafood, Lounge |
| Azura Panoramic Lounge | The St. Regis Nation Tower – Abu Dhabi | 97126944553 | – | International, Lounge snacks |
| Finz Restaurant | 10th St – Al Zahiyah – Abu Dhabi | 97126979000 | @finz_abudhabi | Seafood, Mediterranean |
| Fishmarket | InterContinental Abu Dhabi – Al Bateen – Abu Dhabi | 971569908317 | – | Seafood, Asian-influenced |
| Cho Gao Marina Walk | InterContinental Abu Dhabi – Al Bateen – Abu Dhabi | 971800423463 | – | Asian, Sushi |
The best waterfront restaurants in Abu Dhabi unite all the things that make the city special when it comes to dining experiences: the sleek design, flavours of the whole world and memorable sea views. Whether it is leisurely breakfast at Society Abu Dhabi and all day lounging at Café del Mar Beach Club or steaks during sunsets at Hunter and Barrel and seafood at heights in Catch at St. Regis or Fishmarket, one has a location to enjoy any mood and any pocket. Couples will find refuge in romantic locations such as West Bay Lounge or Azura Panoramic Lounge whereas groups can have fun nights in locations such as Paradiso, Asia Asia or Buddha-Bar Beach Abu Dhabi. This combination of sea, marina and beach locations is what makes the Best Waterfront Restaurants in Abu Dhabi an actual destination dining.
Best Waterfront Restaurants in Abu Dhabi: FAQs
What is the best waterfront restaurant in Abu Dhabi?
Paradiso at The Pier, Yas Bay Waterfront, has the distinction of being the place with the Mediterranean, Italian, and European cuisines along with Instagram-friendly views and service being its main attraction. The top few in the seafood and view category are Beach House Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island and Finz Restaurant.
Which restaurants offer marina views?
Diablito at Yas Marina, Cho Gao Marina Walk at InterContinental Abu Dhabi, and Café del Mar Beach Club at Yas Bay Waterfront are the places where you can see the marina, yachts, and have sunset drinks. These places offer a leisurely waterside ambiance for dinners and cocktails.
Are there affordable waterfront dining options?
Certainly, Paradiso, The Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar, Bay View, and Lago Restaurant are among the places where you can enjoy lunches, sundowners, and happy hours with great views while not spending much money. Diablito and Cho Gao Marina Walk will also tempt you with budget-friendly tapas, sushi, and beach bites.
