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Exploring Abu Dhabi's food scene

A host of exciting international restaurants have set up shop in the capital

If you enjoy sampling different cuisines, Abu Dhabi is the place to be. Over the years, the dining scene in Abu Dhabi has undergone a rapid transformation, giving foodies a number of great options to choose from.
Initially there were only a handful of fine dining options, but now with the range of international restaurants opening up, the capital has some amazing options that cater to various tastes and flavours.
Recently, one of Dubai's popular restaurants, Roberto's located in DIFC, opened an outlet in Abu Dhabi's Al Maryah Island. Another DIFC hotspot, La Petite Maison, is set to open at The Galleria on Al Maryah Island in September 2017.
The Mall at World Trade Centre Abu Dhabi has an innovative indoor and outdoor dining destination called The Hub, which will be home to a number of international restaurants. It is located on the fourth, fifth and sixth levels of The Mall, and features an array of new restaurants such as Bu!, Tamba, BYB, Original Fusion and Jazz@PizzaExpress.
High-end restaurants in Abu Dhabi are renowned for offering delectable dishes. You can indulge in a variety of authentic cuisines in some of the most beautifully styled restaurants in the capital. There are also a number of eateries where you can sample delicious dishes on a budget.
Restaurants in the capital are matching up with Dubai's popular culinary scene. They boast everything right from open kitchens and cooking stations, to multi-cuisine eateries where you can sample, for example, multi-cuisine speciliaties under one roof. Another trend that has become a big hit are tapas-style meals. There is also an increasing demand for organic and locally sourced ingredients and restaurants have started to incorporate these into their menus to meet the tastes of globe-trotting customers.
Alternative dining options such as pop-ups and food trucks have burst onto the scene and are becoming a regular fixture at the different food festivals taking place around the year.
Some of the newly opened restaurants include Royal Biryani in Al Seef Village Mall. The restaurant focuses on Indian cuisine with a contemporary twist and features more than 20 biryanis and curries. A sampler from their menu sees dishes such as lamb dumplings and kidney bean bites.
Another hot favourite is the newly opened Petek Restaurant and Sweets, a Turkish restaurant serving authentic dishes. It is located on the ground floor of the Rolex Building at World Trade Centre.
Other must-visit restaurants include hotspots such as Villa Toscano, located in St Regis Abu Dhabi and Nation Towers, right near the scenic Corniche. It offers delicious Italian dishes in a cosy dining area. Their pizzas are a big hit and pastas are bursting with rich flavours.
Another popular eatery is Nolu's, located on Al Raha Beach, offering classic pastas and burgers along with a menu dedicated to Afghani cuisine, which includes delights such as Mantoo Dumplings and Koobideh Chicken, among others.
The culinary space of the capital is expanding at a fast pace and slated to add more eateries in coming months. Popular names expected to open on the island within the next few months include Coya, Nusret, Loca and Eat Greek. These restaurants will be a part of The Galleria mall's The Dining Collection and offer world-class dining options.
Be it a small cafe for a quick bite or a fine-dining restaurant for a big celebration, foodies have the choice to try something interesting and exciting in the capital.
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