Abu Dhabi has a diverse selection of restaurants, hotels, and resorts serving all sorts of food items from Emirati to Italian to Indian to Arabic to Persian. Tourists must sample the restaurant scene to get a taste of what it’s like to live in Abu Dhabi.

Specialities

The Emirati cuisine has been influenced by several other cuisines making it a fusion of colours, tastes, and aromas; however, the staples are the same. Beef, lamb, goat, chicken, fish, and rice are staple dishes of modern Emirati cuisine. Meats and fish are cooked, fried, and grilled in a variety of ways and paired up with rice, roti, and bread. Most tourists who choose the likes of Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Yamm Villa Resort can enjoy a diverse array of food items and drinks.

Image via Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Yamm Villa Resort

Things to know about dining in Abu Dhabi

Alcohol consumption is permitted in many parts of Abu Dhabi, but not only restaurants are allowed to serve alcohol – the best Abu Dhabi restaurant, however, is likely to serve alcohol for the benefit of tourists. You cannot drink in public or appear drunk in public; if you do, you might face harsh punishment, not just a fine. Pork is not a regular menu item, but some restaurants do serve pork. What’s more, drinking and eating in the streets of Abu Dhabi during the month of Ramadan is prohibited.

Tipping

You are not obligated to tip as there’s a service charge included in the total bill amount, but the gesture would be welcome.

Favourite drinks

Tea, coffee, and milk are popular drinks; the locals also consume a yoghurt drink named Ayran.