Abu Dhabi has firmly established itself as a truly international city. Home to nearly 9,000 restaurants, the emirate offers an impressive array of global cuisines, making it easier than ever to satisfy any craving. A significant European, South American and Asian expatriate presence has also contributed to the city’s diverse culinary landscape – bringing with them a deep appreciation for quality cuts of meat and expertly prepared steaks. In a city renowned for fine dining and premium ingredients, which steakhouses truly stand out? Read on to discover the best steak experiences Abu Dhabi has to offer.
Bentley Kitchen
Located on Al Maryah Island, this stand-out restaurant is inspired by European cuisine and serves as a paradise for the meat lover. With a wide selection of cuts spanning various types of meat, the restaurant presents a selection of dishes cooked in styles found all over the continent.
This establishment meets every culinary craving with ease. Whether you’re desiring French steak tartare, English roasted lamb or Spanish garlic shrimp, you’ll find every base covered. The menu also offers plenty of other favourites, from the rich Angus Beef Short Ribs to the classic Lobster. But the true highlight of this cathedral for the carnivore is undoubtedly the extensive and carefully crafted steak selection.
The expertly prepared Black Onyx Striploin melts in the mouth, while the Rangers Valley Wagyu Flat Iron Steak is a sumptuous ode to what great steak should be: bold, flame-grilled, and unforgettable. The Stockyard Australian 250-Day Grain-Fed Fillet comes slathered in supreme truffle butter, while the Wagyu Ribeye is 300 grams of prime marbled beef, grilled to perfection.
Set in a relaxed atmosphere, Bentley Kitchen more than holds its own where the best steak in Abu Dhabi is concerned.
STEAKFEVER
In a city that could be described as a museum of steakhouses, STEAKFEVER is arguably its Picasso – bold, distinctive, and impossible to ignore.
The restaurant delivers refined flavours and a level of attention to detail often lacking among its peers. With carefully selected premium cuts, it approaches steak preparation as a true art form. Each guest’s preferred level of doneness is given thoughtful consideration, and every bite reflects the unmistakable mark of professionalism that defines the entire dining experience.
There is a range of delectable options on the menu, from the Caucasus-inspired beef shashlik to the Argentine-influenced smoked beef asado. But of course, the steak menu is where the restaurant really comes into its own. The Chateau Briand with Fire Show is a nod to extravagant dining, while the Rib Eye and Sirloin steaks both provide a mouth-watering reminder of why timeless cuts never go out of style. With a show-stopping Tomahawk also on the menu, STEAKFEVER safely earns its place on the list of best steaks in Abu Dhabi.
The atmosphere is another exemplary example of extravagance; the servers are only too happy to take care of the most intricate details, which makes for a delightful dining experience.
The Butcher Shop & Grill
Fabled South African fare comes to Abu Dhabi in the shape of The Butcher Shop & Grill – an outfit which shows serious commitment when it comes to red meat – continuing the success of their flagship Johannesburg restaurant. This family business excels in providing quality produce and exceptional expertise, while also offering a unique, on-site butchery service.
While the establishment provides the opportunity to select your own cuts through their speciality butchery – complete with professional cooking tips – they also offer a traditional restaurant, where you can enjoy a wide range of options from the extensive menu. Crowd favourites such as the Rib Eye, Tenderloin and Prime Rib are safe bets, while the Rump Steak, Sirloin and T-Bone will also leave customers flipping through their diaries to book their next visit. Of course, the Tomahawk is also a fine option, but the Boerewors – an exceptional nod to South African culinary tradition – is arguably the apex of this fine establishment.
With steaks cooked precisely to your liking, this sophisticated, all-encompassing steak experience stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the best steakhouses in Abu Dhabi.
Hunter & Barrel Yas Bay
Set on the exclusive Yas Bay waterfront, Hunter & Barrel has positioned itself as one of the city’s premier steakhouses since opening its doors at the end of 2021. The Australian grill spot caters to all your carnivorous cravings, with world-class steak options and a commitment to excellence rarely seen elsewhere.
Prepared using the restaurant’s signature coal and wood-fired grills, expert chefs are on hand to provide a top-drawer culinary experience. The unique cooking method imparts a smoky flavour throughout the thoughtfully curated menu, which serves to enhance the natural taste of the meat.
The menu itself is a triumph of sustenance, where each steak stands as a masterpiece forged by flame. The 400-day Grain Fed Wagyu fillet is an exceptional choice, and the 250-day Barley-Fed Angus Striploin ranks as one of the menu’s finest offerings, alongside the 450-day Grain Fed Wagyu. However, the culinary climax is undeniably the Wagyu Tomahawk. With a marble score of 8-9+, the Australian Mayura Station cut weighs an incredible 1.5kg and stands as a declaration of war on mediocre steak.
There are few culinary experiences more satisfying than a perfectly prepared, hearty steak. In a cosmopolitan city like Abu Dhabi, the choices are seemingly endless – but a select few establishments rise above the rest. Offering premium cuts sourced from some of the world’s most renowned meat-producing regions, restaurants such as Bentley Kitchen, STEAKFEVER, The Butcher Shop & Grill, and Hunter & Barrel Yas Bay deliver truly exceptional steak experiences.
