Abu Dhabi's dining scene spans casual local spots, an internationally diverse mid-market, and serious hotel fine dining.
Many of Abu Dhabi's most talked-about restaurants sit inside five-star hotels, particularly around Etihad Towers, Emirates Palace and the Saadiyat and Yas resort clusters — a reflection of how the city's licensing rules concentrate alcohol-serving venues within hotels.
Away from the hotels, the city has a strong casual dining scene shaped by its large expatriate community — excellent, inexpensive Lebanese, Indian, Filipino and Emirati restaurants are easy to find once you move beyond the tourist-facing strips, particularly downtown.
A run of casual cafes along and near the Corniche is a good option for a relaxed meal with a view, especially at sunset, without needing a hotel reservation.
