Yas Plaza Marina

You can taste the Riviera at this lively restaurant in Yas Marina. Appealing and sophisticated, it’s tastefully designed and offers terrace seating - perfect for alfresco dining during cooler winter months. Expect a well-priced Mediterranean-inspired menu with noteworthy specials and vibrant dishes that are as fresh as they are full of flavour. Their breads are freshly baked in-house, they cure their own salmon and even make their own limoncello! Leave some room for 'Nonna's' tiramisu, you won't regret it. The attentive and friendly team add to the warm Mediterranean experience.

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 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.

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.

This outpost of French chef Nicolas Isnard, from Auberge de Charme in the Côte-d'Or in France, champions inventive French classics and dishes inspired by his travels. It's a spacious and high-ceilinged room, decorated with contemporary chandeliers and large tables. Choose between an à la carte or one of two tasting menus: 'French classics' or 'Travels around the world', which takes its influence from the chef’s global adventures. The generously sized dishes use first class ingredients, are boldly flavoured and combine classic recipes with a modern flare. Try the Modern Onion Soup and the delic