This waterfront promenade is a paradise for food enthusiasts.
Get ready to be blown away by the culinary delights awaiting you at Yas Bay – Abu Dhabi’s ultimate foodie playground. This vibrant destination is a haven for all your food cravings. From tantalising food joints to chic rooftop lounges offering panoramic views, FACT has compiled a list of culinary gems at Yas Bay that will leave you craving more. So, if you are heading to Etihad Arena, these are the best places to eat in Yas Bay Waterfront.
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Akiba Dori
Get ready to embark on an extraordinary culinary adventure at Akiba Dori. Inspired by the food halls and buzzy streets of Akihabara, home of anime culture and all things electronic in Japan, this vibrant restaurant offers a modern twist on Japanese street food, creative drinks and unique Tokyo-style Neapolitan pizzas. Discover a non-traditional Japanese experience where familiar dishes are prepared to perfection and priced affordably.
Art Market
Art Market is a multi-concept venue. More than just a coffee shop, it’s a Stylish space designed to connect art, music, and leisure, creating a community hub for creatives in the capital. Whether you’re looking for a delicious breakfast, a refreshing coffee, a stylish haircut, or simply a place to relax and listen to music, Art Market offers a menu of Danish-inspired smorrebrod and open-faced sandwiches made with fresh ingredients.
Asia Asia Abu Dhabi
Prepare to be mesmerised by the panoramic views of the glistening water as you embark on a remarkable gastronomic voyage inspired by the legendary Spice Route. Indulge your senses with a fusion of Pan-Asian delicacies and Middle Eastern delights, meticulously crafted to perfection. Whether it’s Monday or Sunday, get ready to immerse yourself in an extraordinary dining experience that will leave you craving for more.
Barbossa
This Mexican restaurant combines street food with the crème de la crème of street artists. Indulge in tempting tacos and tasty churros that will satisfy your sweetest cravings. Let the mixtape carry you away, filling the air with infectious beats while you quench your thirst with a refreshing cocktail. Barbossa is not just a restaurant; it’s a community hub where art, music, and food collide.
Bua Thai
Founded by Chef Buaban C. Tucker, whose passion for Thai flavours began in her kitchen preparing food for earthquake victims in Nepal, Bua Thai embodies resilience and dedication, reflected in every dish. Inspired by a secret garden, the intimate and cosy ambience features a blend of modern and traditional Thai elements, where lush greenery, wooden furniture, and intricate artwork create a serene atmosphere. The menu celebrates Thailand’s rich culinary heritage and includes classics like Pad Thai, Mango Sticky Rice and Tom Yum Soup.
Bushra
Experience the ultimate fusion of creativity, flavours, and ambience at Bushra. This restaurant-bar-lounge seamlessly combines literature, music and visual arts to create an immersive experience. From the relaxing lounge bar to the tantalising restaurant offerings and the captivating music, every moment at Bushra is infused with excitement. Indulge in handcrafted cocktails inspired by Levantine traditions, savour authentic Middle Eastern delicacies, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
Café Del Mar
With its origins dating back to 1980 in Ibiza, Spain, Café Del Mar has become a globally renowned entertainment venue. Offering a Mediterranean-inspired menu infused with local Middle Eastern favourites, you can immerse yourself in a world of exquisite flavours. But Café Del Mar is more than just a restaurant; it’s an enchanting beach club that will transport you to a state of pure bliss.
Capila Pool Bar & Grill
Relax poolside at Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island and discover Capila Pool Bar & Grill where a menu of refreshing salads, flatbreads, healthy bowls, and charcoal-grilled anticuchos await. Accompanied by poolside beats beside the shimmering waters of the resort pool, it’s a great spot for a leisurely lunch or sundowners.
Central
Get ready for the ultimate food-meets-fun extravaganza at Central. We’re talking burgers, beats and bowling all in one electrifying destination. Inspired by the vibrant streets of the Big Apple, Central promises epic sounds and delicious bites. Boasting fresh beats, a state-of-the-art arcade, and a thrilling bowling alley, Central is the OG of family-friendly hotspots.
Daikan Izakaya
Prepare to experience the ultimate casual dining extravaganza at Daikan Izakaya. This place is an institution renowned for serving up hearty, wholesome, and oh-so-authentic ramen and yakitori dishes. Set in a cool and industrial ambience, Daikan Izakaya embraces the no-fuss approach, ensuring that all the focus is on the incredible flavours that will transport you straight to the heart of Japan.
Drop Coffee
This speciality coffee shop is on a mission to revolutionise the coffee experience. They source only the finest imported coffee beans, ensuring every sip is a true delight. But that’s not all – Drop goes above and beyond by roasting these exceptional beans daily and brewing them using not just one, but nine different brewing techniques. From pour-overs to espresso, there’s a method to satisfy every coffee lover’s cravings.
EL&N
Expanding its international presence following successful openings in Doha, Dubai, Kuwait, London, Milan, Paris, and Riyadh, the capital has welcomed one of London’s most Instagrammable cafés. Situated next to Etihad Arena, EL&N takes up residence in a stand-alone building. Just like its counterparts across the globe, this pretty pink café serves an array of breakfast, lunch, and dinner classics, along with unique offerings like Cheetos cheeseburgers, indulgent dulce de leche milk cakes, and desserts that are as pleasing to the eyes as they are to the taste buds. Of course, coffee enthusiasts can expect a stellar selection of brews to complement the culinary delights.
Emmy Squared
Prepare to be amazed by Emmy Squared’s perfect pizza. Their square-shaped pizzas with a crispy bottom, fluffy dough, cheesy “frico” crust and signature sauce stripes are exceptional. Each bite is a flavour explosion, thanks to their quality ingredients and uniquely delicious toppings. While their speciality is the renowned Detroit Style Pizza, their burgers and sandwiches are equally outstanding.
Graphos Social Kitchen
Graphos Social Kitchen, the all-day-dining restaurant at Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island revolutionises the perception of day-to-night dining. Redefining culinary boundaries, this vibrant eatery presents an abundant buffet of beloved international dishes, featuring live stations for freshly made dim sum and sushi, as well as imaginative salads creatively served in charming flower pots. The multi-levelled restaurant space exudes a colourful and inviting ambience, providing a distinctive breakfast, lunch, and dinner experience.
Hunter & Barrel
This Australian restaurant and lounge concept sets the standard for excellence with its hunt, gather and fire-inspired culinary approach. Specialising in mouthwatering charcoal-grilled meats and vegetables, paired with barrel-aged craft beverages, Hunter & Barrel is the epitome of a top-notch steakhouse experience. Indulge in communal dining, sharing feasts of rustic and artisanal dishes, all prepared with a coal-roasted touch. With a spacious dining room, full-service bar, inviting lounge, and indoor/outdoor patio areas, Hunter & Barrel provides a stylish and immersive ambience.
Lock Stock & Barrel
Get ready for an unbeatable party experience at Lock, Stock & Barrel, the UAE’s most renowned party bar. LSB is the ultimate destination for banging vibes, live music, finger-licking food and non-stop entertainment. Featuring an American industrial-meets-urban aesthetic, Lock, Stock & Barrel provides the perfect backdrop for late-night revelry.
McCafferty’s Yas Island
Embracing the essence of Ireland, McCafferty’s, a beloved traditional Irish pub, has recently established its presence in Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island. With warm hospitality, this charming pub invites guests to experience its delightful menu, featuring beloved pub grub classics such as fish and chips and a hearty Irish breakfast. Beyond these delicious offerings, visitors can indulge in a delectable Sunday carvery, while enjoying the daily happy hour from 12pm to 8pm.
NURI Grill & Bar
Yas Island has welcomed a new Korean restaurant called NURI Grill & Bar. The Korean concept blends fine dining and a barbecue experience inside Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island. The word nuri translates to “light” in Arabic and “world” in Korean, and describes itself as a place where the light meets the world. NURI Grill & Bar specialises in an omakase experience and the specialities include marbled steak and wet ageing meat, which allow the steak to be tender and rich. The set menus range from a Butcher’s Feast to Nuri Omakase, and the à la carte options range from USD Prime to Wagyu.
Paradiso
Experience a true celebration of life at Paradiso, the extraordinary culinary destination helmed by Nicole Rubi and Chef Pierre Gagnaire. This is more than just a restaurant; it’s a homage to the Mediterranean and the captivating world of cinema. With its sun-drenched decor, an extensive terrace, and the expertise of Italian architects, Paradiso sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.
Pop City
Get ready to indulge in a colourful world of fun with Pop City’s incredible range of healthy, fresh and downright delicious popsicles. Each treat is carefully crafted from premium ingredients, ensuring a burst of flavour in every bite. You also get to savour the rich aroma of exquisite coffee and tantalise your taste buds with scrumptious bites. They also serve popcorn.
Siddharta Lounge
At the FACT Award-winning Siddharta Lounge, enchantment awaits you on the dazzling Yas Bay rooftop. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure with a multi-cuisine tapas-style menu, brimming with Mediterranean flavours that will take your taste buds on a wild ride. But that’s not all! Prepare to be captivated by sensational mixology, where expertly crafted cocktails will leave you craving for more.
The Lighthouse
Prepare to be dazzled by The Lighthouse, a haven of culinary innovation and creative inspiration/ Step into this extraordinary space, where a curated selection of gifting items awaits you, alongside a menu that will transport you to the Mediterranean. Indulge in freshly prepared dishes, crafted with seasonal produce amidst a relaxed and welcoming environment.
Zeera
This popular restaurant combines the best of modern India with its rich heritage, creating an opulent dining experience. Indulge in a variety of beloved dishes from different regions of India, where traditional flavours and techniques are seamlessly infused with global ingredients. With a vibrant menu of sharing-style plates, Zeera invites you to embark on a gastronomic adventure filled with fine ingredients, tantalising textures and an explosion of colours.
Coming Soon
Kool Runnings
Drawing inspiration from the 1993 film of the same name, which depicted the Jamaican bobsleigh team’s journey to the 1988 Winter Olympics, Kool Runnings is an upcoming establishment that still remains shrouded in mystery. While details are scarce, the branding promotes the slogan “Feel The Rhythm,” hinting at an exciting concept that possibly merges Caribbean cuisine and dancing, reminiscent of establishments like Miss Lily’s or Ting Irie.
OPM Room
This popular nightlife venue from Dubai is opening in the capital. OPM Room has gained a reputation for its remarkable assortment of both classic and signature cocktails, accompanied by an extensive collection of large-format spirits and Champagne. If the Abu Dhabi branch mirrors its counterpart in Dubai, patrons can expect opulent red fabric designs, extravagant golden accents, and a state-of-the-art lighting and sound system, ensuring the party thrives until the early morning hours.
Phileas Fogg
Taking inspiration from Jules Verne’s 1872 novel, “Around The World in 80 Days,” Phileas Fogg has captured the hearts of Dubai residents and is now gearing up to establish its presence in the capital. Prepare to discover a fresh drinking and dining destination where the whimsical decor and travel-themed trinkets will transport you to a world of adventure. The menu boasts breakfast options, bar bites, tempting sharing boards, and pizzas that steal the spotlight. However, the true highlight lies in the hearty weekend roasts, complete with all the traditional trimmings.
The Notorious
While The Notorious may not be a homage to the legendary Biggie Smalls (we can dream), it certainly captures the spirit of a local sports pub, providing a welcoming atmosphere where you can enjoy a pint, indulge in some satisfying pub grub, and catch the latest football matches. The menu revolves around hearty fry-ups, indulgent loaded sandwiches, and classic pub fare, complemented by an array of hops, brews, and beverages.
From the bold flavours and refined creations of world-class chefs, Yas Bay is a true paradise for food enthusiasts. Whether you want to savour authentic local delicacies or embark on a global culinary adventure, head on over to Yas Bay for an unforgettable gastronomic journey.
GO: Visit www.yasbay.ae for more information.
