阿尔利亚德酒店公寓

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 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 ‘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

Regulars of this exclusive international brand will instantly recognise the sultry and chic oriental décor within this branch, located within the Emirates Palace hotel. All the time-honoured classics are on the menu, like Peking duck, Chilean sea bass with honey and, on Saturday lunchtimes, their celebrated dim sum, all prepared with enormous skill. Opt for the premium dim sum and any of Hakkasan’s 'signatures', which are highlighted on the menu. A well-chosen wine list delivers an interesting global selection with plenty of top producers. Service is knowledgeable and engaging and the atmosphe

No one does understated sophistication quite like the Italians. This beautiful Italian restaurant at the Emirates Palace, which is under the direction of chef Antonio Guida who made and cemented his reputation in Milan, celebrates family-style – or ‘cucina di famiglia’ – cooking. Dishes may appear quite simple but the flavours are exhilarating. Purity and vibrancy are evident in sublime pasta dishes like the linguine all’ astice; the baccala cod with cannellini beans, seaweed puree and friggitelli; and the Miele e Polline, with the honey sourced from the hotel grounds.

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.