The TOP 10 Restaurant Open on Thursday in Abu Dhabi

What is it? Zuma Abu Dhabi functions as a high-velocity social anchor in the capital. This restaurant draws a sharp, professional crowd that values pace and precision. The atmosphere remains charged from the first seating to the last. An active floor and a steady, rhythmic hum define the room.

Why we love it: The space thrives on its own momentum. You feel the energy shift as the room fills, creating a backdrop that works for both focused lunches and long evenings. It is a venue where the staff moves with purpose and the diners provide a constant, lively buzz.

Good to Know: Order the miso-marinated black cod at Zuma Abu Dhabi; the dish is a long-standing favorite for its consistent, buttery texture.

What is it? Talea is a sharp, polished restaurant in Abu Dhabi that favors technical precision and a composed atmosphere. The room feels intentional, with a layout that comfortably hosts large groups and intimate pairs. You notice a staff that moves with purpose, maintaining a strict dress code that signals a clear sense of occasion.

Why we love it: A seamless valet arrival starts the evening, leading into an active service that never feels rushed. The transition to the outdoor seating draws you in, where the city’s evening air provides a crisp backdrop to the meal. It remains a rare destination that feels genuinely family-friendly without sacrificing its energetic, high-end vibe.

Good to Know: The signature pasta at Talea is best experienced through the family-friendly tasting menu, which ensures younger guests receive the same level of technical skill as the adults.

What is it? LPM brings the effortless spirit of the French Riviera to the heart of Abu Dhabi. This fine-dining destination swaps heavy formality for bright interiors, curated modern art, and crisp white linens. It feels like a high-energy bistro found on a sunny European corner.

Why we love it: The atmosphere strikes a balance between polished precision and genuine warmth. Bold canvases line the walls, creating a vibrant backdrop for a crowd that stays long after the last course. When the weather settles, the outdoor seating provides a breezy escape from the city’s intensity.

Good to Know: The warm prawns in olive oil at LPM are a masterclass in simplicity; use the house-made bread to soak up every drop of the lemon-infused oil.

What is it? Hakkasan brings a sharp, contemporary edge to the Abu Dhabi dining scene. Dark wood lattices and moody lighting create a space that feels both vast and intensely private. It is a masterclass in fine dining where the atmosphere feels as polished as the service.

Why we love it: The energy shifts as you move from the sleek bar to the open air of the outdoor seating. The Michelin-starred kitchen operates with surgical precision, reflected in the synchronized movements of a staff that never misses a beat. It attracts a sharp crowd that fills the contemporary rooms with a steady, low hum of conversation.

Good to Know: The outdoor seating at Hakkasan provides a total departure from the restaurant's signature dim lighting, making it the best spot for those who prefer the night air.

What is it? Fouquet’s Abu Dhabi brings a refined French sensibility to the city. The space prioritizes fine dining with a focus on polished service. You notice the balanced blend of classic interiors and contemporary style the moment you step through the entrance.

Why we love it: The restaurant masters the art of a romantic setting. You transition from the bustling city into a quiet, focused atmosphere where the kitchen bridges the gap between classic French technique and contemporary tastes. It is the kind of room that demands you slow down and lean into the experience.

Good to Know: Pair your selection from the classic French menu with a crisp glass of white wine to cut through the richness of the signature sauces at Fouquet's.

What is it? COYA brings a sharp, high-octane energy to the Abu Dhabi dining scene. This restaurant swaps quiet formality for a room that feels vibrant and intentionally loud. The atmosphere hits you immediately, driven by a crowd that arrives ready for a fast-paced experience.

Why we love it: The tempo never drops. Staff move with speed, and the layout ensures the room feels connected and alive through every course. It captures a specific sense of place where the social energy and the kitchen's bold flavors carry equal weight.

Good to Know: The sea bass ceviche at COYA delivers a sharp, acidic punch that defines the restaurant's signature approach to Latin-inspired dishes.

What is it? AT25 anchors the Abu Dhabi fine dining scene with a sharp focus on luxury. You step out of the elevator into a space defined by panoramic sights, where the terrace blurs the line between the room and the city skyline.

Why we love it: The atmosphere hinges on the juxtaposition of refined Middle Eastern flavors and crisp Mediterranean preparations. Seafood arrives fresh from the kitchen, and the terrace setting turns a standard dinner into a high-stakes romantic event.

Good to Know: The kitchen’s approach to Mediterranean-style seafood pairs best with a chilled glass of white when dining on the AT25 terrace.

What is it? Oak Room anchors the modern dining scene in Abu Dhabi. This Michelin-selected restaurant cuts through the noise with sommelier-led service and an atmosphere that feels intentionally focused. You notice the quiet hum of the kitchen the moment you walk through the door.

Why we love it: The tasting menu delivers a rhythmic progression of plates that demand your full attention. For a more secluded experience, the private dining area offers a sharp retreat from the energy of the main room. The wine cellar stocks an expansive range of vintages that turns a standard evening into a deep dive for enthusiasts.

Good to Know: Request a bottle from the Oak Room wine cellar to pair specifically with the tasting menu.

What is it? VaKaVa anchors the Abu Dhabi dining scene with a sharp, high-octane energy. This restaurant bypasses the typical quiet meal in favor of a bold, social atmosphere. You feel the shift in tempo the moment the doors swing open.

Why we love it: The space transitions from a lively bar into a focused dinner service as the night progresses. Weekend brunch draws a spirited crowd that fills the room with movement and noise. It captures a specific local buzz that keeps the atmosphere charged from the first drink to the final course.

Good to Know: The tableside guacamole at VaKaVa arrives under a smoke-filled cloche that stops conversation at every surrounding table.

What is it? Azura Panoramic Lounge operates as a sharp restaurant in Abu Dhabi. The room balances the structure of a formal dining space with the relaxed pulse of a social lounge. You notice the shift in energy the moment you step through the entrance.

Why we love it: The space hums with an intentional ease. Staff move with quiet efficiency across the floor, keeping the environment calm even as the tables fill. It is a reliable spot for those who value a steady atmosphere and the transition from a bright afternoon into the quiet of the evening.

Good to Know: The crisp gin and tonic at Azura Panoramic Lounge pairs perfectly with a plate of seasoned calamari.

What is it? Villa Toscana brings the steady pulse of a traditional Italian estate to Abu Dhabi. This restaurant functions like a private home, trading city flash for a grounded, residential feel. You notice the shift in atmosphere the moment you step inside.

Why we love it: The space prioritizes a quiet, lived-in elegance. It feels intimate without being cramped, making it a reliable choice for long, slow-paced meals. Staff move with a deliberate grace that keeps the focus squarely on the table and the company.

Good to Know: The house-made pasta at Villa Toscana pairs perfectly with a selection from their deep list of Italian reds.

What is it? Butcher & Still feels like a high-stakes power dinner in the heart of Abu Dhabi. Dark woods and clean lines define this fine dining destination. You step off the floor and into an atmosphere that balances modern edge with a classic, luxury feel.

Why we love it: The terrace captures the shift from day to night as the city lights begin to flicker against the horizon. It offers a rare, romantic stillness, making it the ideal spot to linger over a meal. The grill takes center stage here, where the precision of the kitchen meets an uncompromising modern standard.

Good to Know: Pair your choice from the modern grill menu at Butcher & Still with a glass of bold red to cut through the richness of the char.

What is it? 99 Sushi Bar operates as a sharp, polished anchor in the Abu Dhabi dining scene. This is a high-octane restaurant where the craft of the knife takes center stage. The room feels intentional and modern from the moment you walk in.

Why we love it: The atmosphere vibrates with a focused intensity. Chefs work with rhythmic precision behind the counter, and the service moves with a quiet, calculated speed. It is the sort of place where the meal dictates the energy of the evening.

Good to Know: The nigiri at 99 Sushi Bar relies on a specific temperature contrast, so eat each piece as soon as it arrives to catch the rice while it is still warm.

What is it? Martabaan defines fine dining in Abu Dhabi. The room balances luxury with a focused sense of calm, where the design draws your eye immediately toward the floor-to-ceiling windows.

Why we love it: The kitchen treats Indian flavors with a contemporary, fusion edge. You sit on the terrace as the evening air cools, watching the light shift over the water while the staff navigates the room with measured precision. It hits the right note for a romantic night out.

Good to Know: The kitchen at Martabaan specializes in modernizing traditional Indian spice profiles, so expect the fusion tasting menu to shift in intensity with each course.

What is it? Byblos sur Mer stands as a definitive restaurant anchor in Abu Dhabi. The room hums with the energy of a seasoned kitchen and a floor team that moves with practiced intent. You enter a space where the atmosphere feels established, attracting a crowd that values a sharp, professional dining environment.

Why we love it: The experience rewards those who settle in for a long evening. Service is sharp; water glasses stay full and plates disappear the moment they are finished. The rhythm of the meal dictates the night. This allows for a steady flow of conversation over a table that never feels empty.

Good to Know: The grilled meats at Byblos sur Mer arrive with a heavy sear. Pair them with the smooth, garlic-heavy dips that lead the meal.

What is it? Catch operates with a sharp, intentional energy that anchors the Abu Dhabi dining scene. The room draws a crowd that takes its meals seriously. You notice the steady hum of a professional kitchen and diners who dress for the occasion.

Why we love it: The service moves with a choreographed rhythm that keeps the evening on track. It balances a high-energy atmosphere with moments of quiet focus at the table. Every plate arrives with a sense of purpose that rewards a slow, deliberate pace.

Good to Know: Ask the staff at Catch about off-menu specials, as these limited-run options often showcase the kitchen's technical range.