AUHotel Abu Dhabi - Airport Transit Hotel

Hidden in a massive retail complex in the heart of Yas Island sits this cosy and colourful Thai café. Expect simple Thai lunches and an authentic menu adorned with the likes of steamed hagao, vibrant chicken green curry and, of course, the ever-so-loved mango sticky rice dessert. Take a seat on the terrace during cooler months, but be sure to book ahead, especially at weekends.

It may be a little hard to find but this all-day eatery hidden away among the apartment blocks of Al Muneera Island is well worth seeking out. It began life as a food truck but now the two sisters behind it have a thriving business where their passion for their country and its food culture are clear for all to see. The chefs in the on-view kitchen prepare a menu of authentic and satisfying Emirati dishes.

A partnership between celebrated French chef Pierre Gagnaire and Nicole Rubi of La Petite Maison in Cannes resulted in this bright and colourful restaurant. It’s the perfect backdrop to their favoured cuisine – that of the Mediterranean, so expect everything from snails and roast poussin to fritto misto, pizza and assorted pasta dishes. The terrace overlooking the water is nicely decked out and a very pleasant spot.

It may be quite hard to pigeon-hole the style of cooking here as it’s a fusion of European influences and Arabic touches, but the results can be exhilarating. Dishes such as Iranian kabab and bang bang shrimps are as delicious as they are original; the kaak Al Quds is another example. The modern room has an urban feel and the service is delightful. They do a very good weekend breakfast and coffee is also a passion of theirs.

This friendly, contemporary Japanese spot is perfect for a bite to eat when visiting the nearby National Aquarium in Al Qana. The space has a relaxed, funky feel and is dominated by a large open kitchen to watch the team in action. The experienced chef, under the aegis of consultant-chef Akmal Anuar from 11 Woodfire in Dubai, has a diligent brigade supporting him. Ingredients are flown in from various prefectures of Japan, like wagyu from Kagoshima, otoro from Tokyo and uni from Hokkaido. Signatures include yellowtail with green chili and leche de tigre, wagyu striploin with truffle jus and wa

Meaning ‘hi’ in Portuguese, Oii is located in Al Qana Marina, next to The National Aquarium. On the inside, this relaxed and casual spot is light and airy, thanks to its floor to ceiling windows, while the outside’s spacious, shaded terrace is ideal al fresco dining. Expect a wide-ranging breakfast menu, followed by a Mediterranean-inspired selection of smaller and larger colourful plates, snacks and salads. One way to start your meal is with a grilled octopus with vibrant mojo rojo, followed by the spiced peri peri baby chicken and finish with fruity passion fruit semi freddo.

At the quieter end of Al Qana yet still with a view of the boats in the marina, sits terra – relatively new to Abu Dhabi but with a well-established branch in Dubai. Being a Mediterranean restaurant, it’s appropriately relaxed in style and the great music makes it a particularly good choice for dinner. Most of the countries that line the Med get a mention and all the classics are here, including raw dishes and pizza, starters like burrata and croquettes, and plenty of pasta dishes and meats from the Josper oven.