All The Best Restaurants In The Galleria Abu Dhabi

Flamingo Room by Tashas

The Galleria Al Maryah Island

Interiors to die for and food to match - Flamingo Room has to be one of the prettiest places to eat in Abu Dhabi, and a popular choice for hungry patrons at The Galleria looking for something upscale yet approachable. Enter via African Lounge - passing a gorgeous bar and a luxe shop filled with high end trinkets with an African theme - and descend to the pink dining room on the floor below, decked out with monkey lamps, fish-scale tiles and another ornate bar. It could be overwhelming, but it isn’t - the whole space is impeccably put together. Views across the water and huge windows complete the vibe. The ultimate backdrop for a girly lunch or dinner, it’s a great place to impress your guests or for your next date night - and we regularly see business lunches here on weekdays. The food’s great - mid-week, their business lunch is a great shout - and don’t forget to check out the bathrooms, they’re just as pretty as the restaurant itself! 

Open: daily | 12PM - 12.30AM

Contact: 02 675 9301

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L’ETO Restaurant

The Galleria Al Maryah Island

Recently reopened, L’ETO’s back with a brand new track - well, sort of. Gone is the sizable cake display and cosy feel of old, replaced with a more upmarket, grown-up vibe: structural interiors with organic finishes and a gorgeous terrace are the backdrop to a fresh, modern Mediterranean-inspired menu. Serving up everything from breakfast to evening cocktails, there’s plenty to digest. 

Breakfast will set you back anywhere from AED60 for a healthy breakfast bowl to AED175 for wagyu steak and eggs. Weekdays have a set lunch menu, with a choice of main and accompaniments coming in at AED89 - a nice way to check out the new-look space - and nicely paired with a glass of wine from recognisable labels like Bread & Butter or 19 Crimes for AED39. While the a la carte menu - for evenings and weekends - is understandably more pricey, you’ll find a nice range of Mediterranean fare to choose from. We demolished a melt-in-the-mouth sea bass with yuzu dressing, and the ceviche with kiwi is amazing and perfectly balanced. The bar offering has been a big upgrade from the ‘old’ L’ETO - you can enjoy a mimosa or a bellini with your breakfast if the mood strikes, as well as a range of cocktails and wines as the day wears on. Live-fire cooking is a centrepiece of the evening service - it has a lovely, pleasant smokey aroma as a result which is welcoming rather than overbearing - and both the menu and the space is designed to feel generous and easy to return to. 

Open: 9AM - noon | breakfast daily | 12PM - 3PM | set lunch Monday - Friday | 12PM - late | a la carte 

Contact: 02 679 4222

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99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant

The Galleria Al Maryah Island

Self-styled Japanese haute cuisine for eclectic foodies, the innovative and impeccable offering at 99 Sushi Bar has earned them a legion of fans - us included! - and a Michelin Star to boot. A feather in The Galleria’s cap, and one of the best places to eat in the mall, make a date with 99 Sushi ASAP. 

Quality is paramount at 99 Sushi: you’d expect nothing less from a (previously) Michelin-starred restaurant in Abu Dhabi - but it really shines through. Many of the ingredients are imported fresh from Spain, where the 99 Sushi’s inception took place, and the seafood elements are truly top notch. Dig into the tasting menu for a bit of everything, or dip a toe in over lunch with their 8-course omakase menu. Nibble on hosomaki, sip on their capumiso soup, then look out for the butterfish & truffle, 99 skirt steak and sea bass flambé to come. If you always want to try everything like we do, this is a lunch menu made in heaven! 

Timing: daily | 12PM - 12AM 

Bookings: (+971) 026723333

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Saikindō

Four Seasons Abu Dhabi | The Galleria Al Maryah Island

A funky fresh Japanese Hi-Fi cocktail lounge - with some seriously cool interiors - Saikindō is unlike anything else in Abu Dhabi; if you’ve been to HoneyComb Hi-Fi in Dubai, you’ll love this one. Emerging from postwar café culture in Japan, Saikindō’s inspiration is drawn from these intimate rooms that were built for deep listening, with DJs playing rare vinyl on high-fidelity systems tuned for warmth and clarity. Both food and drink menus are creative: innovative cocktails are a standout, with Japanese whiskey, sake and shōchū all in starring roles. Yakitori and robata plates are designed to complement the cocktails, and the drinks themselves are inspired by songs from 90s hip hop to soul and R&B - it’s quite the symbiosis. 

Want to translate a small piece of Saikindō’s vibe into your own life? There’s a funky shop - for want of a better word - called The Atelier, which offers Bōsōzoku-inspired fashion and hand-crafted work directly from Japan to Abu Dhabi - it’s small batch, artisan, and very chic. Prepare yourself for an auditory and dining trip at one of the coolest spots in Abu Dhabi. 

Open: daily | 5PM - 2AM

Contact: 02 333 2222

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Antonia Chic

The Galleria Al Maryah Island

Antonia Chic’s opening in The Galleria Al Maryah, on the second floor of the mall proper (not squirrelled away downstairs!) delivered an unprecedented move - and an Abu Dhabi first: it’s licensed! That’s right - your mid-shop lunch could include a cheeky Aperol Spritz, or a glass of red if you fancy it. Hidden behind heavy red velvet drapes, the crushed red velvet chairs, cosy banquettes and a long terrace make it easy for a quick lunch or dinner to turn into something to linger over. 

The menu is similar to their other branches, with a few excellent additions.  The tartare di gambero (AED75) is a gorgeous platter of prawn tartare with a crisp apple and celery extract added, perfect if you’re lunching, or just want something very light.  Try the agnolotti (AED95) - topped with curls of black truffle- and the signature Antonia suppli - they never disappoint! It’s not Antonia without pizza and we recommend a board or a half board with whatever’s coming out of the kitchen.  The natural sourdough base (with a 72 hour rise which makes it light, but chewy and crispy in all the right places) does every topping justice. The pizza counter is conveniently located just inside the doors, so if you don’t have time for a sit-down, you can get a box to take away - perfecto! 

Timing: daily | 12PM - 11PM | until 11.30PM on weekends

Bookings: walk-ins only!

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Isabel Mayfair 

The Galleria Al Maryah Island

The latest addition to The Galleria’s ever-growing stable of upmarket destination-dining options, Isabel Mayfair has landed fresh from London in all its glamorous, art deco glory. If their aim is to wow you from the moment you arrive, they’re succeeding: from the crisply uniformed staff at the entrance to the burnished gold surfaces and opulent velvet furnishings, you’ll be glad you adhered to the dress code! The original Isabel opened its doors in London in 2017, and Abu Dhabi is the restaurant’s first foray beyond the UK - bringing its signature style and Mediterranean-esque menu to the UAE. Expect pretty plating and nice food - we enjoyed the tuna tartare topped with delicate purple petals and a very good vitello tonnato - and service is excellent. Enjoy the luxe setting - right down to beaded wallpaper in the bathrooms - but do check the dress code before you go, as there’s no sportswear, shorts for the guys or ripped jeans allowed - even if they’re designer!  

Open: daily | 12PM - 11PM | bar until 2AM 

Contact: +971 2 562 0045

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La Petite Maison (LPM)

The Galleria Al Maryah Island

LPM remains one of the best restaurants in Abu Dhabi, hands down. Not only is the food interesting, the menu ever-changing and the drinks incredible, but the staff adds a next-level charm that means from the moment you step through the door, you feel welcome.  

The menu at LPM is French-Mediterranean, so you can expect everything from the best escargots in Abu Dhabi, to quality seafood options, pasta, steak and an outstanding dessert menu. Cinq a Sept (their daily happy hour) is a great opportunity for a late afternoon catch up over superb cocktails and a tasty bar menu - the burrata toast alone has us stopping in at every opportunity - and La Vie En Rose Sunday brunch is exceptional - and as a result, always full! LPM deserves its spot as one of the most popular spots to eat in The Galleria. 

Timing: daily | 12PM - 1AM | with a break between lunch and dinner service

Bookings: 02 692 9600

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Shvili

The Galleria Al Maryah

Another Dubai-to-Abu-Dhabi transplant, this Georgian bistro serves up fresh - and delicious - traditional Georgian dishes. Well worth a visit for some excellent Georgian cuisine, we rate the iconic khachapuri Adjarian and mouthwatering khinkali beef dumplings: give us all the cheesy, carby, meaty goodness please! 

Another big green flag? Shvili is super family friendly - there’s outdoor seating for cooler days and it has a great kids play area, making it the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a hearty meal at The Galleria - without worrying about keeping the little ones occupied. Got a birthday coming up? It’s a great option for a kids party with a twist - they can cook up some Georgian specialties, along with the fun stuff like face painting and birthday cake. And if you’re looking for a cool date idea, how about a Georgian cooking class? Learn some new skills, before tucking into your freshly cooked masterpiece at the end. 

Open: daily | 10AM-11PM | until 12AM Friday & Saturday

Contact: +97124937400

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Craft by Side Hustle 

The Galleria Al Maryah Island

The UAE’s first microbrewery has done a bustling trade since their doors opened: Craft by Side Hustle is our go-to for a laidback pub lunch or dinner, and we certainly aren’t the only ones! This warm, welcoming pub serves up next-level beer brewed on-site by their master brewer (you can see the barrels, kegs and kettles from the bar), while the kitchen churns out an American-inspired, Southern-style menu that will leave you carrying a food baby of epic proportions. Tuck in to anything from a reimagined pie to a perfectly executed meat platter, boozy desserts and moreish bar nibbles. 

We LOVE the space: it feels like the local you didn’t know you’ve been looking for. From booths to sink into for a proper Sunday session and high stools at the bar for a pint with your mates, you’ll feel instantly at home. It’s the small things that really make a difference: check out the light fixtures and tasting paddles crafted from barrels and a giant mural reflecting the heritage and influence of the brewery. There’s plenty of fun to be had: get involved in the weekly quiz night every Monday, one of the most popular ladies nights in the city on Wednesdays and fun and games for the family over the weekend. A pub in The Galleria Mall? Genius!

Timing: daily | 12PM - 1AM | until 3AM Friday & Saturday

Bookings: 02 631 9855

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Bentley Kitchen

The Galleria Al Maryah Island

Perennially bustling and usually booked up in the evenings, Bentley Kitchen earns their spot in the ‘cool group’ with consistently great food. Their European fusion menu is tasty yet accessible, and we love the fun and friendly atmosphere almost as much as the food. Treat yourself to a great steak, or go for the burger - at least one person at our table is guaranteed to order it every visit. 

Lunch at Bentley is an equally enjoyable affair - even more so with its comparably pocket friendly price point: 2 appetisers, a main course, and dessert (essential!) will set you back AED149. If you have the afternoon free? Take a post-lunch stroll along the waterfront or work up a thirst with some shopping in The Galleria, then circle back for happy hour from 4.30PM daily - it’s a winner. 

Timing: daily | 12PM - 12AM | until 1AM Friday & Saturday

Bookings: 02 626 2131

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COYA

The Galleria Al Maryah Island

The lush interiors and waterfront views get us every time, and COYA knows how to deliver (literally - have you tried the cocktail that comes to your table in a smoke-and-light-filled glass case?). This Latin American restaurant serves up fresh and interesting Peruvian cuisine, making it a must-try on the Abu Dhabi foodie scene. The devil is in the details at COYA: from wow-factor drinks care of the pisco bar to impeccably presented desserts and everything in between, you’ll be surprised at every turn. 

You’ll find plenty to love on the innovative - yet accessible - menu. From Wagyu baos, truffle snapper ceviche, and anticuchos de pollo to whole grilled lobster, there is no shortage of flavour and the quality is top notch. Try out their lively Saturday brunch (it’s a vibe - the music is on point and staff will make sure you have a fab time) and keep an eye out for special events, takeovers and parties - there is always something brewing at COYA. 

Timing: daily | 12PM - 11.30PM with a break between lunch and dinner service

Bookings: 02 306 7000

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Zuma

The Galleria Al Maryah Island

Contemporary Japanese in a chic setting is the order of the day at Zuma. You’ll find the restaurant busy every day of the week, and by night things kick up a notch. Alongside those enjoying an impeccable dinner, the bar is bustling (we’re talking crowded!) - you’ve got to hustle to get to the front and order another round. The location of the 2024 F1 driver’s dinner, pre-Grand Prix, Zuma is a place to see and be seen.

Want to try this upmarket restaurant without burning a hole in your pocket? Reserve a table for Ebisu lunch. The starters alone will have your mouth watering - think eggplant and spinach gyoza, beef and green chilli skewers with smoked chilli soy or a maki, sashimi or nigiri selection - while the mains are plentiful and equally hard to choose between: the lineup includes grilled Australian Wagyu beef sirloin with truffle mayo, miso marinated black cod donburi and grilled seabass with red yuzu pepper. There are plenty of vegetarian and gluten free options, and the best part? You can choose to express your lunch, opting just for miso and a main - a taste of Zuma for a steal at AED79. The interiors are cool and elevated, the service is on point, and you’ll find yourself looking for any excuse to return - Saturday brunch is worth the hype, so make sure it’s on your list!

Timing: daily | 12PM - 12AM | until 1AM Friday & Saturday

Bookings: 02 401 5900

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LOCA

Head to Loca for a relaxed good time. Enjoy Mexican staples like fajitas, tacos and burritos and margaritas, expertly made and served.  There's outdoor seating for cooler weather and once the fountains are finished, this will mean a ringside seat to great views.

Open: 12PM - 12AM

Bookings: