Abu Dhabi's serious dining scene clusters in a few specific spots — know where to look, and a special-occasion meal is easy to plan.
Etihad Towers holds one of the highest concentrations of upscale restaurants in the city, many with skyline or Gulf views to match the cooking. Emirates Palace and the Saadiyat and Yas resort hotels each carry their own smaller cluster of signature restaurants, often the anchor dining option for guests staying there.
Because licensing means most serious restaurants (and all alcohol service) sit inside hotels, “which hotel” is often a more useful question than “which neighbourhood” when planning a high-end meal in Abu Dhabi.
Reserve well ahead for weekend evenings and for restaurants with a view-facing terrace, which fill first. If you're marking a special occasion, mention it when booking — many of these restaurants are used to arranging a small touch for anniversaries or birthdays.
