For a long time, dining in Abu Dhabi lived in the shadow of its flashier neighbor. That era has ended. The capital has traded its quiet reputation for a sophisticated, high-octane dining scene. You don't just "grab a table" here. You strategize. Between the Friday brunch rituals and the late-night hum of the city’s business hubs, the landscape demands a plan. A Tuesday night often feels as packed as a Saturday in London.
The variety is dizzying. You might find yourself at 99 Sushi Bar, watching the skyline through floor-to-ceiling glass while gold-leafed nigiri arrives. Or perhaps you’re navigating the moody, incense-scented corridors of Hakkasan for dim sum. For something deeper, Hemant Oberoi’s Martabaan reimagines Indian classics with a precision that borders on obsessive. Locals know the real action starts after 8:30 PM. Show up earlier and you’ll likely be dining alone.
Navigating this city requires an insider’s map. These are the tables worth the wait.
© Photo Credits: 99 Sushi Bar
01.99 Sushi Bar
What is it? 99 Sushi Bar brings a sharp, polished energy to Abu Dhabi. The interior feels deliberate and focused, stripped of any unnecessary clutter. You walk into a space defined by professional precision and a quiet, steady hum.
Why we love it: The kitchen operates with high-speed accuracy. Service staff move through the room with quiet intent, anticipating needs before you notice them. We love how the meal feels like a choreographed sequence within a sleek, modern environment.
Good to Know: The kitchen at 99 Sushi Bar operates on a strict timeline, meaning dishes often arrive in rapid succession.
© Photo Credits: Hakkasan
02.Hakkasan
What is it? Hakkasan is a high-energy restaurant in Abu Dhabi that trades in mood and shadow. Dark wood and low lights set a deliberate, nocturnal tone the moment you step inside. The space feels like a private enclave where the atmosphere is as curated as the menu.
Why we love it: The room maintains a steady, electric hum that keeps the energy high from the first course to the last. We love the sharp, attentive service that moves with the speed of the city. It is a space that feels tucked away from the world, yet remains firmly at the center of the action.
Good to Know: The Peking duck at Hakkasan arrives carved with surgical precision, serving as the undisputed centerpiece of a meal designed for sharing.
© Photo Credits: Martabaan
03.Martabaan
What is it? Martabaan functions as a polished, intentional anchor within Abu Dhabi’s dining scene. The restaurant swaps frantic energy for a composed atmosphere that immediately settles the nerves. You walk into a space where the focus remains entirely on the table.
Why we love it: The service moves with a quiet, synchronized grace. It feels like a choreographed performance where the next course arrives exactly when the conversation hits a natural lull. This is a destination for diners who appreciate a meal that feels curated from the first pour to the final bite.
Good to Know: Martabaan maintains a refined atmosphere that demands a step up from casual attire, so dress for a more formal occasion.
