Holiday Inn 阿布扎比

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.

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

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.

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.

Classical Lebanese cooking is served here against an elegant and stylish backdrop provided by the luxurious Ritz-Carlton hotel. The menu offers a comprehensive array of traditional dishes from the region, a large selection of hot and cold mezzeh, and plenty of satisfying options from the grill – the mashawee mshakaleh includes four different meats. Finish the night with a shisha pipe on the terrace.

Southeast Asian dishes lead the way at this restaurant within The Ritz-Carlton hotel. All dishes are prepared with equal care – the Szechuan chilli lamb loin will certainly get your taste buds excited – but it’s the wok dishes that are their speciality. Order dishes like wok-fried scallops and butter prawns, then watch the chefs working dexterously and skilfully behind the glass screens. The friendly team run the place well and service is smooth and professional.

There are Punjab Grills dotted around the world and this outpost, located in the Venetian Village, part of the sprawling acreage of the Ritz-Carlton hotel, is one of the more established branches, having opened in 2015. Ask for one of the booths and sit back and enjoy the Northern Indian specialities and the attentive service. They also have an attractive waterfront location and a terrace from which to enjoy it.