Whether you're looking for a place to go out with friends, somewhere to eat with family or just want a romantic dinner for two, there's plenty of choice at Yas Bay. Abu Dhabi's growing leisure and entertainment hub on Yas Island has a 3km boardwalk with restaurants and sparkling views of the Arabian Gulf and Al Raha Beach skyline. There's also Pier71, which features several restaurants and sits opposite the five-star Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island.
In addition to dining, there's also Etihad Arena, which plays host to events such as concerts, stand-up gigs and UFC fight nights. During the cooler weather, it's also worth taking advantage of the public art installations which include works by Beastman, Fatspatrol, MonkeyBird, SupaKitch and four works of Astrocats by CoolrainLabo.
Here's what to know about the area.
Art Market
More than a cafe, the multi-concept space is also used to host events for art, music, leisure and more. The menu features familiar breakfast items and coffee, with dishes such as a breakfast wrap, eggs benedict and acai bowls. There’s also a barbershop inside.
Daily, 7.30am-11.30pm
Bua Thai Cafe
Founded by chef Buaban C Tucker, who is also behind Desert Lotus in Al Bandar, the restaurant is inspired by a secret garden with Thai elements that are modern and traditional. The cafe's main focus is using high-quality ingredients that mix traditional Thai flavours with innovative Thai Tapas dishes.
Sunday to Thursday, noon-11pm; Friday and Saturday, noon-midnight; 02 575 3158
Nuri Grill & Bar
The South Korean restaurant is also inside Hilton and the concept blends fine dining and barbecue. It specialises in a 12-course omakase menu (which is a type of meal consisting of dishes selected by the chef) that includes marbled steak and wet ageing meat, allowing the steak to be tender and rich. There’s also a vibrant bar and karaoke room.
Sunday to Thursday, noon-midnight; Friday and Saturday, noon-1am; 054 211 5151
EL & N
The popular cafe from London is known for its instagrammable vibrant pink interiors and flower walls. Standing for Eat, Live and Nourish, the menu features everything from salads and sandwiches to burgers and mains as well as speciality coffee and mocktails.
Monday to Friday, noon-midnight; Saturday and Sunday, 10am-midnight; 02 883 9395
McCafferty’s
The popular Irish pub can be found in Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island. The bar has a vibrant atmosphere and the menu features dishes such as hearty pies, pizzas, burgers and steak. McCafferty's also has multiple indoor and outdoor music stages and a charming outdoor terrace that screens live sports.
Daily; 9am-2am; 058 598 3623
Akiba Dori
Home to Tokyo-style Neapolitan pizzas, the modern Japanese street food restaurant is right on the pier, with sunset and water views. Expect the pet-friendly restaurant's signature pizzas, as well as some new dishes exclusive to the Abu Dhabi branch. Street foods include beef tsukune balls and Wagyu gyoza, while mains include katsu and donburi dishes. The interiors stay true to the brand's retro-modern vibe inspired by Tokyo’s neon-filled electronics district.
Daily, noon-midnight; 04 770 7949
Asia Asia
Already an established name in the UAE, the multi-award-winning Asia Asia restaurant and lounge is inspired by the ancient Spice Route. Offering tranquil, panoramic views of the glittering water, the restaurant takes diners on an exotic culinary journey from the Far East to the Middle East, exploring gourmet pan-Asian flavours and aromas. Menu items include sushi, dim sum, stir fry and signature seafood and curry dishes.
Monday to Thursday, 5pm-1am; Friday, noon-1am; Saturday to Sunday, 2pm-1am; 02 235 8663, reservations@asia-asiaabudhabi.com
Bushra
Bushra is part of The Trilogy by Buddha-Bar on Pier71. The Middle Eastern restaurant comes with a sharing-style menu created by award-winning Australian chef Greg Malouf, who is widely recognised as an authority on the cuisine. His dishes tend to take inspiration from the region's cuisine, but also offer a contemporary flair. Think hot and cold mezze and sharing mains that include slow-cooked lamb shoulder with stuffed kousa and spiced chicken tawook with triple-fried chips and Lebanese cabbage salad.
Daily, 1pm-2am; 050 601 1195 or 800 6996, bushra@thetrilogybybuddabar.com
Cafe del Mar Abu Dhabi
Cafe del Mar, the popular Ibiza hotspot, now has an outpost in the capital – its first in the Middle East. Known for its sunset into sunrise sessions on the famous party isle, the laidback beach club also has branches in Australia, Thailand, Brazil and Azerbaijan, to name a few.
The beach club features an infinity pool that overlooks the water, with sparkling Al Raha skyline views, while VIP cabanas that line around the beach club also come with their own Jacuzzi. In the middle is the 360-degree island bar. There’s also a Mediterranean-inspired menu with burgers, sandwiches, pizza and pasta. An indoor sit-down restaurant is opening in the future.
Sunday to Wednesday, 10am-11pm; Thursday to Saturday, 10am-2am; 050 402 2283, 800 6996, info@cafedelmarabudhabi.com
Central
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Central has opened in Abu Dhabi’s Yas Bay Waterfront. All photos: Victor Besa / The National -
There is a four-lane bowling alley. -
Games of bowling can accommodate up to six players at Dh50 per player per game. -
The arcade area of Central has a mix of familiar, older games as well as new ones using VR. -
Chipotle chicken tacos, Dh65. -
The bowling alley also has a comfortable seating area. -
Games in the arcade range in price from Dh10 to Dh20. -
A coin pusher arcade game at Central. -
Central is inspired by New York City. -
The Boston Burger, Dh85. -
Players can visit Central for a game of bowling. -
A football-inspired game inside the arcade. -
Video game artwork lines the walls of the arcade. -
The Chocolate King monster shake, Dh70. -
Central's outdoor dining area, which also has views of the waterfront as well as Al Raha skyline.
Taking inspiration from New York City for its funky decor, the vast venue is more than a simple dining destination, it also houses an arcade as well as a four-lane bowling alley for added entertainment. There’s even a pool table up front. The space is connected to neighbouring Lock Stock & Barrel, as both are from Solutions Leisure Group. The menu features everything from burgers to pizzas and tacos and quesadillas to poke bowls. There’s also a children’s menu as well as smoothies, lemonades, iced teas and Instagrammable “monster” shakes.
Monday to Thursday, 4pm-midnight; Friday to Saturday, noon-2am; Sunday, noon-midnight; 058 587 1765
Daikan Izakaya
Ramen lovers will enjoy a visit to the casual Japanese dining outlet on Pier71. Contemporary industrial-inspired interiors and hearty, authentic ramen bowls are the mainstays of Daikan Izakaya.
While the menu is small (it’s only two pages), it packs a powerful punch. Starters include grilled edamame and crushed cucumber pickles while small plates feature chicken katsu sando, avocado steak and spicy Korean chicken wings.
Choose from three ramen options: shoyu, miso/spicy miso and chef’s special, with your choice of chicken or vegetable broth. There are also sushi and charcoal grill options as well as desserts such as Nutella gyoza and matcha creme brulee.
Monday to Thursday, noon-midnight; Friday to Sunday, noon-1am
Drop Coffee
Drop Coffee, the popular Dubai home-grown brew specialist, has opened a branch in the capital. The new outpost also includes its first culinary menu, in collaboration with chef Reif Othman, who is behind Reif Kushiyaki and Tero – The Experience by Reif. Drop Coffee offers breakfast, mains and all-day dining.
Breakfast includes pancake sandwich with fried eggs, crispy cauliflower and kale salad and avocado mash with feta cheese. Or try the signature breakfast which includes eggs, baked beans, grilled chicken sausage and sourdough bread. Meanwhile, mains include chicken schnitzel with avocado salad, Drop burger and grilled steak with fried eggs.
Sunday to Thursday, 8am-11pm; Friday to Saturday, 8am to midnight
Emmy Squared Pizza
The New York restaurant chain, known for its Detroit-style pizza, draws inspiration from its original Brooklyn outpost. The restaurant serves square-shaped pizzas with crisp bases, fluffy focaccia dough and caramelised cheesy crusts.
Meat lovers will appreciate the Big Ang pizza, with ricotta, double pecorino, meatballs and spicy banana peppers while vegetarians might want to try the eggplant parm sandwich, with fresh burrata, Calabrian chilli and fried capers, all served on a pretzel bun.
With indoor and outdoor seating and a location offering views of the waterfront, the spot is also pet-friendly — with dogs welcome to join on the terrace.
Daily, noon-midnight; 02 235 8763
Hunter & Barrel
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Hunter & Barrel serves meat, poultry and seafood, all roasted over a coal grill. -
The rib-eye Wagyu is a must-have. -
Pumpkin and cauliflower croquettes. -
A three-cheese dip made from Gouda, Gruyere and Edam. -
The emerald dal comes with spinach stew and basmati rice. -
Baked chocolate cheesecake. -
The private room can seat up to 12. Victor Besa / The National -
The view of the water from inside the restaurant. Victor Besa / The National -
Hunter & Barrel opened in Yas Bay in late December. Victor Besa / The National
The award-winning Australian restaurant and lounge cooks up a fresh take on the traditional steakhouse, and the menu features meat, poultry and seafood, all roasted over a coal grill. Open for lunch, dinner and everything in between, the restaurant boasts a spacious dining room, complete with a full-service bar, lounge and indoor and outdoor patios, as well as an open kitchen concept.
Daily, 11am-1am; 050 452 5958, 02 886 8299, yas@hunterandbarrel.ae
La Carnita
Expect fusion street food, art and music along with a menu featuring a variety of tacos (with gluten-free and vegan options available) from the trendy Mexican restaurant, from Toronto. In addition to tacos, there are also tostadas, ceviche, quesadillas and churros. The space has custom-made lighting fixtures and furnishings that stretch throughout the restaurant with terracotta living walls, a private dining room covered in artwork and an outdoor terrace that overlooks the water.
Sunday to Wednesday, noon-midnight; Thursday to Friday, noon-2am; Saturday, 1pm-2am; 050 185 8068
Lock Stock & Barrel
The popular venue is known for its lively ambience and late-night vibes. Expect pub grub (such as nachos, burgers and wings), live entertainment and plenty of sporting action on its televisions. The space also hosts various events and themed nights, so it’s worth a follow on social media to keep up-to-date with the latest happenings.
Monday to Wednesday, 4pm-2am; Thursday, 4pm-3am; Friday, noon-3am; Saturday, 2pm-3am; Sunday, noon-2am; 02 235 8659 or WhatsApp 058 595 6199
Paradiso
Originating in Cannes, France, Paradiso is helmed by Nicole Rubi, the woman behind LPM Restaurant, and Michelin-lauded chef Pierre Gagnaire. The restaurant pays homage to the Mediterranean, Italy and the world of cinema with its decor as well as menu. Its menu features pasta, pizza and seafood dishes as well as mains such as beef tenderloin and roasted rack of lamb. End the meal on a sweet note with a lemon, apple or chocolate tart or something more refreshing such as a sorbet and ice cream or honey frozen parfait. The restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating.
Sunday to Thursday, noon-11pm; Friday and Saturday, noon-1am; 050 437 2869
Pop City
Pop City's speciality is popsicles that are healthy, sweet and vegan-friendly. They are low-calorie treats made with fresh ingredients. There are three different options to choose from: funky, creamy and fruity. Those who want something sweet can pick from the creamy options, which include flavours such as Lotus, Nutella and peanut butter while fruity has lychee, lemon and virgin pina colada. Finally, funky options include avocado, strawberry cream and cheesecake berries.
Sunday to Thursday, 10am-10pm; Friday and Saturday, 10am-10.30pm
Siddharta Lounge by Buddha-Bar
Siddharta Lounge is on the third floor of The Trilogy by Buddha-Bar. It has an open rooftop lounge and restaurant that offers Mediterranean-Asian fusion bites and drinks as well as spectacular views of the Al Raha skyline. The DJ stationed in the middle of the venue provides live entertainment and there are plenty of beach-glam wicker chairs and loungers with plush pillows to relax on.
The menu has tapas, sushi and ceviche, as well as more substantial mains, such as lobster spaghetti, \Wagyu short ribs and jumbo prawns. There is a dress code of smart casual or traditional wear and anyone wearing shorts, slippers, or caps will not be allowed inside.
Sunday to Thursday, 5pm-2am; Friday and Saturday, 1pm-3am; 050 601 1194, 800 6996, siddhartalounge@thetrilogybybuddhabar.com
The Lighthouse
The Lighthouse is a restaurant and concept store that features a curated selection of gifting items (such as tableware, office and bags and accessories) as well as a Mediterranean-inspired menu. They are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. On the menu are dishes such as seabream ceviche, raw oysters and tuna tartare. There’s also baked aubergine, pizza dishes and sharing mains such as slice rib-eye and seafood paella. For those wanting lighter bites, there is a selection of fresh pastries and bread as well as coffee.
Monday to Thursday, 8am-midnight; Friday to Sunday, 8am-1am; 02 236 7831
Zeera by Buddha-Bar
Zeera is also part of The Trilogy by Buddha-Bar. The modern Indian restaurant has cuisine inspired by the country's rich history, with a modern twist. The hotspot serves sharing-style plates and favourites such as grills and biryanis as well as butter chicken and paneers. Desserts include gulab jamun and carrot halwa tart (carrot pudding with pistachio ice cream) and mango bhapa doi (mango flavoured steamed Greek yoghurt with fresh mango).
Daily, 1pm-2am; 050 601 1193, 800 6996, zeera@thetrilogybybuddhabar.com
White Abu Dhabi
White Abu Dhabi brings a one-of-a-kind multi-sensory clubbing experience to the region with state-of-the-art sound and eye-catching visuals, as well as floor-to-ceiling animated LED screens and full-colour crowd scanning lasers. The nightclub boasts a floor plan with standing and seated capacity, including a VIP section where guests get to dance the night away to hip-hop, R&B and urban hits.
Friday and Saturday, 11pm-3.30am; 050 639 8934, reservations@whiteabudhabi.com
Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island
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The new Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island at Yas Bay in Abu Dhabi. All photos by Victor Besa / The National -
Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island is the first hotel to open at Yas Bay. -
The entrance lobby at the newly opened Hilton Yas Island Abu Dhabi. -
The luxury resort has 545 guestrooms, including 59 suites. -
Rooms have an ocean-inspired color scheme and ocean, bay or pool views. -
Safety is a priority at the new five-star family resort. -
Osmo Lounge and Bar serves afternoon tea, coffee, snacks and sundowners. It also has a lovely terrace option. -
The hotel's fully equipped fitness suite. -
The hotel makes the most of its waterfront location. -
Live cooking stations at Graphos Social Kitchen allow a level of interaction and theatre, in a socially distanced manner. -
Socially distanced check-in with compulsory face masks, protective screens and a hand-sanitising station. -
Chefs at Graphos Social Kitchen, the upmarket food-hall style all-day dining restaurant. -
Rooms have some clever design features including sliding doors and concealed wardrobes. -
Suites have a lounge, pull-out sofa bed and full-sized dining table creating a home from home. -
The sleek modern design carries through to the bathrooms. -
More than half of the rooms at the new Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island have balconies. -
A deluxe two-bedroom suite at the new Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island.
The waterfront five-star Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island is located right next to Etihad Arena and opposite Pier71. The resort is a family-friendly waterfront property with 545 guestrooms, including 59 suites. Making the most of its island location, the resort blends a marine-inspired palette with a sleek design that fuses simplicity and modernity. Right on the water's edge, the resort has a huge outdoor pool complex lined with palm trees and water features.
A version of this story was first published on April 13, 2022
