The creek between the island and the mainland: the Al Qana waterfront of cafes, roasters and Bib Gourmand rooms, and the hotel dining of the Shangri-La, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr and Ritz-Carlton Grand Canal.
Otoro is a Michelin Bib Gourmand Japanese restaurant at Al Qana in Abu Dhabi with an open kitchen, serving fish and wagyu from several Japanese prefectures.
OrderThe otoro nigiri, then the yellowtail with green chili and leche de tigre, as the Michelin Guide suggests.
TipConsultant chef Akmal Anuar of 11 Woodfire in Dubai oversees the menu; the Michelin Guide lists it among Abu Dhabi budget-friendly picks.
Tazal is a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant at Al Qana in Abu Dhabi, mixing European influences with Arabic touches, plus Gulf and Levant breakfasts.
OrderThe Iranian kabab, bang bang shrimps and kaak Al Quds that the Michelin Guide names as originals.
TipDining service starts at noon; before that the kitchen serves Gulf, Egyptian and Levant breakfast menus, and Michelin praises its weekend breakfast.
Oii is a Michelin Selected Mediterranean restaurant and cafe at Al Qana in Abu Dhabi beside the National Aquarium, with a shaded terrace and all-day dining.
OrderGrilled octopus with mojo rojo, the peri peri baby chicken and the passion fruit semi freddo from Michelin.
TipFloor-to-ceiling windows light the dining room and the terrace is shaded, per Michelin; the menu opens with a long breakfast list.
Terra is a Michelin Selected Mediterranean restaurant at the quieter end of Al Qana in Abu Dhabi, with marina views, pizza, pasta and Josper oven meats.
OrderBurrata and croquettes to start, then pasta or meats from the Josper oven, as the Michelin Guide outlines.
TipMichelin picks it for dinner because of the music, and notes the boats in the marina are visible from the quieter end of Al Qana.
Bord Eau by Nicolas Isnard is a French restaurant at Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri in Abu Dhabi, in the Michelin Guide 2026, open for dinner Monday to Saturday.
OrderThe modern onion soup and the Belle Hélène pear in 70% Grand Cru dark chocolate, per the Michelin Guide.
TipChoose the à la carte or one of two tasting menus, French Classics or Travels Around the World; the hotel lists smart casual dress.
Li Jiang is a Michelin Selected Asian restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, known for wok dishes and views toward the Grand Mosque.
OrderWok-fried scallops and butter prawns, plus the Szechuan chilli lamb loin the Michelin Guide mentions.
TipHappy Hour runs daily from 17:00 to 19:00, and the restaurant states that reservations are not required.
La Petite Coffee at Al Maqta Fort in Sas Al Nakhl, Abu Dhabi, serves espresso, flat whites and Spanish lattes, with doors open from 07:00 every day.
DrinkSpanish latte
TipThe cafe stays open until 01:00 on Friday and Saturday, an hour later than the rest of the week.
Space Cafe at Al Qana in Abu Dhabi serves specialty coffee, homemade desserts, breakfast and brunch, open until midnight on weekdays and 01:00 at weekends.
DrinkSpecialty coffee
TipWhat's On describes large slanted windows, palm-leaf plants and woven decorations on lime-washed walls inside this Al Qana cafe.
Otaku at Al Qana in Abu Dhabi pairs ceremonial matcha and specialty coffee with a Japanese-fusion menu that runs from breakfast pastries to wagyu steaks.
DrinkCeremonial matcha
TipThe Al Qana listing says otaku means home in Japanese, and the cafe opens at 07:00 every day of the week.
Landers is a bakery and cafe at Al Qana in Abu Dhabi selling almond and salted honey croissants, cinnamon buns and zaatar monkey bread from 10:00 daily.
Worth the queueAlmond and salted honey croissants
TipPlatinumlist says breakfast is served until 13:00 and the gelato is made in house; the counter also holds kouign amann and feta swirls.
Otaku at Al Qana in Abu Dhabi serves home-grown bakery servings with specialty coffee in a Japanese-inspired space, open from 07:00 every day.
Worth the queueBakery servings with specialty coffee
TipThe Al Qana listing says Otaku also sells exclusive retail items alongside the bakery and specialty coffee.
Cartel Coffee Roasters serves coffee roasted fresh in small batches in Abu Dhabi at its Al Qana cafe, which opens at 06:30 and closes at 23:45 every day.
BeansMexico, Colombia, Ecuador, Kenya, Nicaragua, Yemen
BrewsEspresso, Filter, Whole bean retail
TipThe brand lists bags from Mexico, Colombia, Kenya and Yemen on its site, and the Al Qana cafe opens at 06:30 daily.
Sorso is the bar at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal in Al Maqta, with deep red interiors, dark wood and portraits of Sheikh Zayed's horses.
DrinkClassic cocktails, with the Aperol Spritz given a twist
FoodA Bites to Share menu, including a cheese and cold cuts platter
TipSorso opens an hour earlier on Saturdays, at 16:00, and keeps a cigar menu alongside the cocktail list.
Al Hanah Bar is the lobby-level bar at Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri in Abu Dhabi, with signature drinks, a balcony for sunsets and a cigar lounge next door.
DrinkSignature drinks, taken on a balcony facing the sunset
TipGuests under 21 are not permitted in the bar, and smoking and non-smoking guests are both accommodated.
Bridges Bar at Fairmont Bab Al Bahr in Abu Dhabi pairs live sport on screens with drinks and pub fare, and it is open daily from 16:00 until 02:00.
DrinkDrinks and pub fare with live sport on screens
TipHappy hours run daily from 16:00 to 20:00, the first four hours after the bar opens.
The Fairmont Grand Brunch at Fairmont Bab Al Bahr in Abu Dhabi runs on Saturdays at CuiScene, with live music, live cooking and children's activities.
OrderA lap of the Asian, Indian, Mediterranean, Japanese and Italian stations
TipWhat's On lists AED 345 with soft drinks and AED 495 with house drinks, with children aged six to 12 at half price.
Sofra bld at Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri in Abu Dhabi hosts the Gardens of Babylon brunch on Saturdays from 13:00 to 16:00, with unlimited drinks.
OrderThe live carving stations, then the handcrafted desserts, with unlimited drinks and entertainment
TipWhat's On lists AED 378 with soft drinks, AED 478 with house drinks and AED 578 with sparkling wine for the Saturday session.
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