Modern Panoramic Sea View Apt on Al Reem Island

The name says it all – this is about enjoying Lebanese food by the sea. Managed by MBT and with an experienced team occupying the open kitchen, you can expect all the classics, from mezze to mashawi; and don’t skip the desserts as they’re good too. Portions are generous and prices are reasonable. The large, colourful and contemporary dining room also boasts a beautiful beachfront terrace. An ideal spot for post-cultural refuelling after visiting the nearby Louvre Abu Dhabi.

Meaning ‘legacy’, Erth is made up of many striking elements, from its dramatic location as part of the Qasr Al Hosn cultural site, to its bold architecture. Inside, the polished concrete and bespoke furniture, along with modern majlis, make for a unique environment. Equally memorable is the food which, while modern, is anchored firmly in Emirati traditions when it comes to flavours, cookware and ingredients sourced from farms across the Emirates. A modern take on lamb machboos delivers tender lamb slow-cooked in a sweet and savoury teriyaki sauce, served with fluffy, fragrant rice. We suggest

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.

The bright neon sign is the first thing you notice about Al Mrzab; the second thing is the sheer number of diners who flock here, so expect to wait for a table – but the team cope well with such a busy restaurant. Photos of old Abu Dhabi line the walls, while seating is split between private cabins, majlis and conventional tables. The traditional Emirati and Kuwaiti dishes are packed with flavour, use quality ingredients and offer good value for money. Be sure to finish with the hot, golden, cooked-to-order khanfaroush drizzled with local honey.

Step inside celebrity chef Kunal Kapur’s modern take on Indian upmarket street food with an elegant twist. Located in The Galleria Mall on Al Maryah Island, this stylish restaurant boasts rich fabrics and sepia and black and white panelled walls, hinting at a subtle but stylish colonial style. Ask for a seat in one of the semi-private booths and get ready to enjoy carefully prepared dishes served by an equally delightful team.

Under the same management as Beirut Sur Mer, this restaurant offers just the thing for refuelling after a gruelling day of shopping around Abu Dhabi. The colourful space is decorated with floral printed chairs, vibrant vines adorned with pink flowers, a massive Sakura tree in the centre and an inviting open kitchen to watch the chefs at work. Served with a heartfelt smile, the Lebanese dishes are designed for sharing and generously sized; they are full of flavour and founded upon quality ingredients. Be sure to leave room for their delicious kunafa.

Powerbrokers, movers and shakers in Washington DC will be familiar with the original Café Milano. This elegant sibling is in the Four Seasons – and if you want to be seen enjoying la dolce vita, then start with an aperitivo in the bar. The Italian chef and his team confidently prepare authentic Italian dishes; the homemade pastas are a highlight. There’s also a great terrace.