Amara: Yas Island's Newest Lebanese Restaurant

Amara is an amazing addition to the Yas Island food scene and while not the only Lebanese on the island, it stands head and shoulders above the rest.

The big open space, warm welcome, and mix of bright colours and modern touches make it feel lively without being over the top. It’s bright and casual, ideal for everything from breakfast or lunch with friends, to shisha and dinner with the family, or even just a coffee and a catch-up. It’s also a handy spot to work from during the day, with plugs and a relaxed setup.

Before you even order, the team brings over a warm flatbread that’s not on the menu, redolent with flavours of thyme, sumac, feta, grilled tomato and garlic.  Honestly, it’s worth heading back for that alone!

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We try a wide selection of cold and hot mezzes, salads, and mains. On the cold side, the moutabal Beiruty (AED38) stands out. This is a punchy twist on the classic with pickled turnip, fried aubergine, courgette, walnuts and sweet pomegranate molasses. The muhammara bil zahra (AED42), topped with fried cauliflower and lime tahini sauce, tastes fresh and tangy while the batata zahlewiyeh (AED48) comes with mountain herbs, grated bottarga and garlic confit, packing in loads of flavour. These are real FLAVOURS and we begin to realise this isn’t just another Lebanese - this is next level.

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The hot mezze keeps the pace. Shrimp Provencale (AED56) comes pan-fried in lemon, garlic and butter - warm and moreish and the super popular halloumi ithmaliyah (AED48)  is another must-order: golden fried cheese wrapped in crisp pastry with spicy honey and salsa - if you’re a cheese lover, this will really hit the spot! The batatas harra (AED42) really delivers - little golden cubes of potato with a proper spicy kick. 

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For mains, the mixed grill (AED145) and seabass (AED159) both impress. The fish is super fresh and well-cooked while the mixed grill is huge! We really got the feels from the chicken tawouk, kafta, kebab, lamb chops and lahmeh meshweye (grilled lamb), all juicy, full of flavour and the quality of the meat is just outstanding. It’s served with a walnut muhammara bread that ties everything together - sidenote, another amazing twisty flavour combo!

Mocktails are a lovely surprise too: they’re pretty to look at and genuinely tasty. The Amara special (AED47) is my favourite - sweet but not too sweet, just how I like it. The smoked pineapple lemonade (AED43) is refreshing and pineappley without being overpowering.

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Desserts round off the meal nicely. The crunchy fig kunafa (AED47) is good, but the halawet el jebn (AED95) is the showstopper. It’s made fresh at the table, with the waiter explaining each step while building the dish. The rolled mafrouke and ashta mix is covered in pistachio, honey, orange blossom and cherries. The excitement of seeing this put together in front of you then having him cut you a piece - it’s real! 

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Just as a side note, Amara is not only a good Lebanese restaurant Abu Dhabi but one of the best places for breakfast in Abu Dhabi. The breakfast tray holds bread and hot mezze: manakish, hummous Beirouty, felafel, eggplant fatteh, labneh with makdous, cheese and jam ... all washed down with tea, coffee or juice. The tray costs AED270 and feeds 4 - now that's a Yas Island Abu Dhabi breakfast bargain!

As if that’s not enough, Amara has so much more going for it. There’s a dedicated indoor kids play area that’s a real bonus in the hotter months. This isn’t supervised but there are windows from the main restaurant you can peek in to check on the kids.

Shisha is available indoors as well and there's an area with plugs, making it a reliable spot to get a bit of work done while enjoying a good coffee. It’s also a great choice for hosting events like birthdays, baby showers, graduations

One last detail that really brings everything together: the tableware. All the plates, glasses, and even the salt and pepper holders are branded with Amara’s logo and delicate bird illustrations, a small touch that feels classy and well thought-out. There’s also private parking available just outside - a real plus in the summer - though it’s worth keeping an eye out for the signs to find the right entrance.

Amara really serves up an entire Lebanese experience with heart and flavour. If you're asking yourself, where's a great Lebanese restaurant near me, it feels both fresh and familiar, the kind of place you vow to come back to, next time with more people. 

Where: Amara, The WB Hotel 

Timing: Daily 8AM-12AM 

20% off with BB+ until September 30th 

If you liked reading about Amara, check out all the new restaurants in Abu Dhabi