Rosewood 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.

Meaning “mother of Sherif” in Arabic, this restaurant pays homage to the original Beirut branch first opened in 2011. Situated inside the Rosewood hotel, this light, contemporary space offers far reaching views of the water surrounding Al Maryah Island and interiors boasting Portuguese Azulejo hand-painted wall tiles. The authentic menu is seafood focused – make sure you check out the seafood counter as you arrive – and has a wide variety of vibrant, well-balanced Lebanese dishes made for sharing.

The well-constructed and beautifully presented dishes at this chic Japanese restaurant underline the quality of the ingredients used. The Spanish owners import most of the seafood from their native country; the flamed red mullet with kumquat tiger milk balances spice, fruit and acidity to deliver well-judged flavours. It’s all run as smoothly as silk and is the ideal venue for an intimate experience. The tasting menu for two is always worth trying.

Cantonese is king and sharing the thing at Rosewood’s good-looking Chinese restaurant. Whether you enjoy roasted duck, braised brisket, crispy chicken or double-boiled soups, there’s plenty for you to enjoy here, and if you prefer something a little more fiery there are Sichuan dishes too. Weekend brunches are hugely popular too; while Wednesdays host ‘All You Can Grill’ nights.

Gliding down the softly lit staircase allows everyone to feel like they’re about to arrive at the best party in town – this really is Fun Central, with the music to prove it. As with all other Zuma branches around the globe, the menu covers a multitude of Japanese bases, with seafood from the robata grill being the standout, although the signature corn-fed baby chicken rightly has many admirers too.

This Abu Dhabi outpost of the global franchise is housed in The Galleria Mall on Al Maryah Island. The spacious interior with smartly laid tables has a large open kitchen with a counter – decorated with seasonal ingredients – wrapped around it. Mediterranean cuisine shines, with some highlights being the freshly made daily pasta, fish, chilled gazpacho and berry tart. Their lunch menu is great value and the a la carte offers something for everyone. The experience is completed with a lovely pianist belting out tunes all day.