WATERSIDE EATS
Flooka
It’s all about the seafood mezze and Mangrove views at Flooka, where even makanek sausages and shish taouk feature fish in place of meat. The traditionally baked tannour-oven breads will also have you ditching the diet in no time.
Eastern Mangroves Promenade, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi, daily noon to midnight. Tel: (02) 4418244. Taxi: Eastern Mangroves. flooka.com
Inakaya
Traditional Japanese robatayaki cuisine sees grilled meats, fish and vegetables transferred to diners using long wooden paddles, making for a fun, interactive dining experience.
Venetian Village, Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, Abu Dhabi, daily 12.30pm to 3pm, 6.30pm to 11pm. Taxi: Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi. venetianvillage.ae
Byblos Sur Mer
On a menu packed with Lebanese cuisine, the Byblos Sur Mer platter, featuring lobster, crab, and red snapper kebbeh, is a standout. The spacious terraces have great marina views.
InterContinental Abu Dhabi, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi, Sun to Thur 12.30pm to 2am, Fri and Sat 12.30pm to 3am. Tel: (02) 6666888. Taxi: InterContinental Abu Dhabi. diningintercontinental-ad.ae
Sontaya
Hailing from Thailand, chef Peter Peerapong serves up delicious southeast Asian cuisine. While there are great Vietnamese and Indonesian dishes, our favourite is the tender Thai massaman short rib curry.
St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, daily 6.30pm to 11pm. Tel: (02) 4988888. Taxi: St Regis Saadiyat. stregissaadiyatisland.com
Cedar Lounge
Whilst the food is traditionally Arabian, Cedar Lounge is sleek and modern, with spectacular views across the Arabian Gulf. Call ahead to reserve a table outside, surrounded by the water.
Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Khor Al Maqta, Abu Dhabi, daily noon to 2am. Tel: (02) 6543333. Taxi: Fairmont Bab Al Bahr. fairmont.com