Published: 30 April 2026
Some destinations earn their reputation silently, one exceptional experience at a time — and Hudayriyat Island is doing precisely that. Once known primarily as a haven for outdoor pursuits and active living, the island has quietly emerged as one of Abu Dhabi’s most exciting culinary addresses — a place where elevated dining concepts, world-class ingredients and breathtaking coastal settings converge in effortless harmony.
From sun-drenched beach clubs to candlelit dinners beneath an open sky, the island's restaurant scene reflects the broader ambition of Hudayriyat itself: to offer a life experience that is at once exceptional and deeply liveable. Here, we turn our attention to five of the island's finest dining destinations.
1. Ilios Beach Club
At the forefront of Hudayriyat's culinary identity stands Ilios Beach Club, an establishment that has swiftly become one of Abu Dhabi's most talked-about dining destinations. Set against the extraordinary backdrop of the world's largest wave pool, Ilios offers its guests a full sensory experience steeped in Greek and Mediterranean elegance, with artful Japanese influences woven throughout.
Menu highlights include Tomahawk steak of grade nine or above, priced at Dhs 1,100 per kilogram, arrives alongside Australian Black Angus and wild-caught seafood sold fresh by the kilo. For those inclined toward the truly extraordinary, Beluga Caviar — offered at Dhs 2,100 for 50 grams — sets an unmistakable tone. The Meraki Dining & Terrace and the celebrated Aegean Brunch, held every Saturday and Sunday to the accompaniment of live DJ sets, have made Ilios the island's defining venue for golden-hour gatherings and sophisticated sunset sessions.
2. Nalu Surf Club
Where Ilios leans into Mediterranean serenity, Nalu Surf Club brings a vibrant, kinetic energy to the waterfront dining experience. A multi-sensory concept that bridges the worlds of high-end cuisine and surf culture, Nalu occupies a striking space that encompasses a beachfront terrace and a stunning rooftop bar with sweeping island views.
The menu draws from the rich culinary traditions of Latin America and Asia, presenting what can only be described as elevated comfort food — bold, generous and deeply satisfying. The pomelo salad, calamari and the signature Nasi Goreng have earned devoted followings, while the Saturday Surf Brunch — priced at Dhs 450 with unlimited beverages — has become an event in its own right. Smart casual in dress code yet sophisticated in spirit, Nalu occupies a rare space: effortlessly cool without ever sacrificing refinement.
3. Marmoura Lebanese Restaurant and Lounge
For those who seek something more rooted in tradition, Marmoura offers a deeply authentic Lebanese dining experience in an idyllic beachfront setting. Panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf form the backdrop to evenings filled with the warm, unhurried rhythms of Levantine hospitality.
The kitchen excels in the classics — a perfectly executed Mixed Grill, delicate fried kibbeh, and a cheese kunafah that speaks to generations of culinary craft. Signature mocktails complement dishes served to the gentle sound of Fairuz, the beloved voice of the Arab world. Marmoura's reputation for late-night dining and high-end shisha has earned it a loyal following, reflected in an impressive 4.7-star rating across more than 500 reviews. It is the kind of place one returns to, again and again.
4. La Cocinna
Nestled within the island's luxury glamping resort Bab Al Nojoum, La Cocinna offers a dining experience that transcends the boundaries of the conventional restaurant. Here, food becomes a form of theatre — live cooking stations, musical performances and artistic elements are woven seamlessly into the evening, creating an atmosphere that is at once romantic and exhilarating.
The menu is an ambitious and accomplished journey through Andalusian and Catalan traditions, enriched by Latin American and Eastern Mediterranean influences. Candlelit dinners beneath a canopy of stars lend the setting an intimacy that is difficult to replicate. At an average cost of Dhs 400 for two, La Cocinna represents exceptional value for an experience of this calibre.
5. Nonna Stella Osteria
Completing the island's culinary constellation is Nonna Stella Osteria, a high-end artisanal Italian concept that channels the warmth and craft of coastal Italy with remarkable authenticity. Homemade pasta and wood-fired pizzas — prepared using a nine-year-old starter dough — form the heart of a menu built on premium ingredients, including organic imports sourced directly from Italy.
The atmosphere is convivial and intentional, the kind of setting that encourages long evenings and lingering conversation. In a dining landscape often dominated by spectacle, Nonna Stella offers something quietly profound: food made with genuine love and exceptional skill.
In Closing
Hudayriyat Island's dining scene is, in many ways, a reflection of Abu Dhabi's own culinary evolution — confident, cosmopolitan and increasingly world-class. For residents and visitors alike, the island offers not just a place to eat, but a collection of experiences worthy of the finest tables anywhere in the region.
