Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island

Descend the stairs to the sound of pumping music and you’ll find yourself transported to Buenos Aires at his atmospheric restaurant in the Park Hyatt Hotel. The centrepiece is the open kitchen and the flaming wood-fired grills here. The menu does have some Lebanese influence but it’s really all about Argentinian dishes with great charred flavours and top ingredients, be they prawns or beef. If you really want to feel part of the action, sit at the counter.

This is a striking and eye-catching space in the progressive and equally contemporary Manarat Saadiyat – Abu Dhabi’s centre for art, culture and community events. The terrace is the perfect spot to sit and their Saturday brunches are a must. The appealing menu marries French and Italian cuisines; expect dishes like scallop Grenobloise, oxtail ragu, or crispy charred sea bass. The food is perfectly paired with a cool, light and airy space dotted with locally sourced pottery.

Almayass is where Lebanese and Armenian cuisine meet influences from around the Mediterranean. The original was founded in Beirut in 1996 and this large Abu Dhabi branch, where the circular booths are the prized seats, continues the tradition of offering an extensive menu of very generous portions – ideal for sharing. Start off with one of their fresh, vibrant Itch salads before moving on to Meshwi Shekaf – grilled veal with spiced bread. This spot is not just for one-time visits – you’ll have to come often to do this menu justice.

A lovely beachside Italian restaurant is always a good idea. Overlooking the Arabian Gulf’s azure sea on Mamsha Al Saadiyat, this spot feels like an American pizza parlour but serving some of Italy’s favourite classics, like generously portioned carpaccio and pasta, but the star here is the delicious pizza made with a sourdough crust – their starter dough recipe is 50 years old. Tiramisu is always a top choice for dessert!

Set in Al Mina souq, just a stone’s throw from the fish market at Zayed Port, is this modern, seafood restaurant serving the best of the local catch, cooked with some global influences. Dishes are generously sized, prepared with evident care, use the best of Emirati ingredients and spices, and are perfect for sharing; those from the charcoal grill are a highlight, especially the locally caught hammour. Don’t leave without trying their signature dessert: the chocolate pâte à choux. Service is sweet, relaxed, warm and friendly.

Grab a seat at the counter of this contemporary Japanese restaurant to watch the chefs prepare your dishes over the robata grill. The ingredients are top-notch, and the kitchen is clearly motivated. The pared-back interior is very on-trend and comes complete with a sakura tree. People-watchers and anyone who enjoys a good sea view will prefer a seat on the terrace as this spot on Mamsha Al Saadiyat is hard to beat.

The first thing you’ll be tempted by will be a quick dip as you wander past the pool of the Jumeirah Saadiyat Island. The smiling service team will make you feel instantly at home, while the open kitchen prepares an assortment of Lebanese, Greek, Turkish and Middle Eastern dishes, all designed for sharing. There are excellent freshly baked breads aplenty; just be sure to order something from the charcoal grill and finish with Umm Ali.