Al Maryah Island isn’t just a place to dine — it’s where world-class cuisine meets waterfront elegance, where every visit is less about indulgence and more about appreciation. A small island with a big reputation, it sits quietly in the heart of Abu Dhabi, surrounded by shimmering waters and glass towers, the kind recognised by those with a discerning eye.
To the untrained eye, it may seem like another financial hub wrapped in steel and marble. But for those who value where they dine and how they feast, Al Maryah Island offers a constellation of world-class restaurants where every plate is a canvas, and every meal is a story.
A Culinary Landscape Defined by Refinement
The dining scene on Al Maryah Island is anchored by The Galleria Al Maryah Island, alongside the Rosewood Abu Dhabi and Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi. Together, they form a collection of restaurants that reflect the global gastronomy and curated local experiences. Guests can try everything from contemporary Japanese and French‑Mediterranean cuisine to classic Cantonese dining, sophisticated Peruvian flavours, and polished steakhouse traditions.
Below is a guide to the most notable restaurants on Al Maryah Island, each offering a distinct yet consistently elevated experience.
Top 10 Restaurants in Al Maryah Island
99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant
A Michelin‑starred jewel on the island, 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant sets the benchmark for Japanese fine dining in Abu Dhabi. Located in The Galleria, the restaurant is celebrated for its minimalist presentation and precise execution. Signature dishes such as wagyu flambé nigiri, Alaskan king‑crab gunkans, and bluefin tuna sashimi highlight the purity of ingredients and mastery of technique. The atmosphere, with its understated luxury and serene waterfront views, creates an intimate and refined environment, perfect for those who appreciate the artistry of Japanese gastronomy.
Butcher & Still – Four Seasons
Housed in the Four Seasons, Butcher & Still brings 1920s Chicago to Abu Dhabi in a polished, cinematic fashion, with rich leather banquettes, polished wood, and a menu devoted to prime American cuts. Guests can enjoy slow‑roasted ribeye, bone‑in filets, and house‑made desserts, all paired with Prohibition‑style cocktails. The attention to detail in both cuisine and service makes it a standout for those seeking hearty classics in a luxurious, atmospheric setting.
Zuma
Known internationally for contemporary Japanese cuisine, Zuma has firmly established itself as one of the most popular destinations on Al Maryah Island. Its signature offerings, miso black cod, spicy beef tenderloin, and exquisitely crafted sushi, deliver a level of consistency and sophistication that appeals to both residents and visiting connoisseurs. Zuma balances sleek modern interiors with a relaxed yet elevated dining experience, making it a versatile choice for both business dinners and leisurely evenings.
LPM Restaurant & Bar
For those who appreciate French‑Mediterranean cuisine, LPM Restaurant & Bar offers a taste of the Côte d’Azur in the heart of Abu Dhabi. Its menu features classics like escargots, lamb cutlets, and grilled tiger prawns, prepared with finesse and served in a bright, elegant dining room. LPM’s approach blends sophistication with warmth, creating an environment that is convivial yet unmistakably refined. It remains a favorite for elegant lunches, celebratory dinners, and intimate evenings alike.
COYA Abu Dhabi
COYA offers an exciting take on Peruvian food; typical indigenous flavor profiles converge with the Japanese and Chinese influences of the award-winning Nikkei concept. Ceviches, anticuchos, and tiraditos distill the essence of the concept, and the Pisco Lounge encourages customers to engage friends at the bar in an equally lively social experience. COYA interiors are warmly textured with layered materials and contemporary artwork, offering immersive dining that is energetic without compromising sophistication.
Dai Pai Dong – Rosewood Abu Dhabi
Rosewood's Dai Pai Dong introduces refined traditional Cantonese cuisine to an open kitchen format, where dim sum artistry and wok‑fried dishes are the highlight. Timeless favorites such as crispy squid, barbecue buns, and Peking duck are presented with a degree of authenticity and elegance. The restaurant's warm, yet elegant atmosphere is a first pick among those seeking traditional flavours with modern presentation, complemented by attentive, unobtrusive service.
Café Milano – Four Seasons
A sibling of its award-winning Washington, D.C., counterpart, Café Milano, offers regional Italian cuisine in a waterfront setting. Homemade pastas, seasonal seafood, and uncomplicated yet elegant preparations bear witness to the elegance of the Italian table. Its terrace dining, coupled with the Four Seasons' hallmark service, creates a casual yet elegant ambiance that is welcoming to both loyal hotel guests and knowledgeable locals.
Almayass
Almayass, a Michelin‑starred Lebanese restaurant with Mediterranean influences, brings family‑style dining to a new level of refinement. Known for shared dishes and top‑quality ingredients, the menu showcases a blend of tradition and innovation. With charcoal‑grilled meats and meze selections prepared with skill, Almayass offers tradition‑based flavours with a hint of understated elegance.
BB Social Dining
BB Social Dining is an exciting new entry to the dining scene on the island, positioned as more casual than the other offerings but still stylish and sophisticated. The menu consists of Small Plates, Bao Buns, and modern fusion dishes that are meant to entertain your senses and spark conversation. The environment is relaxed, but BB still maintains a level of attention to quality and presentation that is distinctively Hong Kong. Consequently, for a nice but informal meal, BB Social Dining is a great option as it's flexible, good for a quick meal after shopping at The Galleria, or for a social meal with friends.
Bentley Kitchen and Nolu’s Downtown
For lighter, approachable dining, Bentley Kitchen leans toward European bistro fare with dishes like fresh seafood and apple tarts, while Nolu’s delivers a health‑focused menu with an Afghan‑Californian influence. Both venues reflect the island’s ability to offer variety without straying from a consistent standard of quality.
The Essence of Al Maryah Island Dining
Al Maryah Island has successfully positioned itself as Abu Dhabi’s premier culinary destination, attracting residents, business visitors, and tourists. With The Galleria, Rosewood Abu Dhabi, and Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi anchoring the island, there is now an abundance of Michelin-acclaimed and award-winning restaurants, each with unique culinary interpretations.
Diners have access to internationally recognised Japanese chefs at Zuma and 99 Sushi Bar, European excellence at LPM and Café Milano, and superior offerings at COYA, Dai Pai Dong and Almayass. The island includes cuisine from Latin America, Asia, and the Levant, everything an urbanite would want in a single waterfront location. Al Maryah Island is distinct in its amalgamation of food experience and place. Glass-fronted towers, views of the marina, and promenades create a backdrop as memorable as the meals.
This is a destination where dining is the experience that has now raised the island into a gastronomic space in Abu Dhabi. It is a welcome setting for those who value choice, distinction, and consistency, and as such, every table is ready to impress.
