12 places to eat before (or after) Mamma Mia! at Etihad Arena
Abba fans, it is time…
Mamma Mia! The Musical has finally landed in Abu Dhabi at the Etihad Arena. The musical will take place from June 11 to 22 at the Etihad Arena, and if you don't want the hunger pangs to get to you during the show, grab some dinner at these restaurants on Yas Island.
From sleek waterfront spots to cozy cafes and vibrant lounges…
Here are 12 restaurants near Etihad Arena for pre-show bites or post-show celebrations.
Asia Asia
Trendy Asiatic decor, a great menu that rolls out all the Asian specialities you came for, and a gorgeous view of the Yas Bay pier are all that you need and more.
Asia Asia, Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, Mon to Thurs 5pm to 1am, Fri 12pm to 1am, Sat 2pm to 1am. Tel: (02) 235 8663, abudhabi.asia-asia.com
Barbossa
Want to experience vibrant beats before the musical? Barbossa is the place to be. Known for its Mexican and Latin American flavours and a lively atmosphere, this restaurant combines authentic flavours with brilliant beats. PS. There are some cool deals to enjoy here, but make plans to visit another time to enjoy them to avoid missing the show.
Barbossa,Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, Sun to Wed 12pm to 1am, Thurs and Fri 12pm to 3am, Sat 1pm to 3am. Tel: (0)50 185 8068. @barbossa_auh
Bua Thai Café
Want to keep it casual, yet flavourful? Bua Thai Café brings a cosy slice of Bangkok to Yas Bay, with comforting Thai classics. Pick from fragrant green curry to punchy papaya salad and creamy Thai iced teas.
Bua Thai Café by Desert Lotus, Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, Sun to Thurs 12pm to 11pm, Fri and Sat 12pm to 12am. Tel: (0)2 575 3158. @buathaicafe
Bushra by Buddha-Bar
Want a dash of drama with your meal? Bushra by Buddha-Bar serves it up in a glamorous, lounge-style setting. Tuck into bold Levantine flavours such as shanklish with avocado purée, succulent kebabs, grilled octopus and more. If you want to check it out after the show, head on over as it's open until 2am.
Bushra by Buddha-Bar, Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, daily 1pm to 2am. Tel: (0)50 601 1195. @bushra_abudhabi
Daikan Izakaya
Want your meal to pack a flavourful punch? Daikan Izakaya at Yas Bay is the perfect pre-show pit stop. It serves up bold Japanese street food in a cool, industrial-style setting. Think steaming bowls of ramen, crispy gyoza, and signature bao buns. Slurp.
Daikan Izakaya, Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, Sun to Thurs 12pm to 12am. Fri and Sat 12pm to 1am. Tel: (0)58 124 1529. @daikanizakaya_ae
EL&N London
Don't want to miss a second of the fun at Etihad Arena? Consider EL&N London. It is probably one of the shiniest restaurants near Etihad Arena, so you can't miss it. It's great if what you're after is a quick bites, with a spot of coffee before the show. Plus, you're so close you can see the crowds start to thin as they enter the arena, so you don't have to wait in line. And you're sure to walk away with some pretty Instagrammable photos.
EL&N Cafe, Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, daily 12am to 12pm. Tel: (0)2 883 9395. ae.elnlondon.com
Hanar
At Hanar, you'll be spoiled for choice with a menu of Mesopotamian flavours. If this is your choice of restaurant for the night, visit before the show as Hanar closes its doors by 11pm.
Hanar, Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, Mon to Fri 5pm to 11pm, Sat 2pm to 11pm and Sun 12pm to 11pm. Tel: (0)2 675 1641. @hanar_restaurant
McCafferty's
Everyone loves McCafferty's, and if you want a spot that won't disappoint, make your way to Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island. You will be able to sip on your favourite hops, grapes and cocktails at unbeatable prices.
McCafferty's, Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, 9am to 8pm daily. @mccaffertysyas
NURI Grill & Bar
NURI Grill & Bar picked up the What's On award for Favourite Fine Dining Asian Restaurant this year. The sleek Korean steakhouse is one of Yas Bay's finest, with an enjoyable restaurant and bar experience. If you want to warm up your vocal cords to singalong at Mamma Mia, head to their private karaoke rooms.
NURI Grill & Bar, Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, Sun to Thurs 12pm to 12am, Fri and Sat 12pm to 1am. Tel: (0)54 211 5151. @nurigrillbar
Paradiso
Paradiso is a partnership between celebrated French chef Pierre Gagnaire and Nicole Rubi of La Petite Maison in Cannes. Mediterranean is the cuisine to savour here, so expect dishes like snails and roast poussin to fritto misto, pizza and assorted pasta. PS. Don't miss your photo op with the cute Vespa out front.
Paradiso, Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, Sun to Thurs 12pm to 11pm, Fri and Sat 12pm to 1am. Tel: (050) 437 2869. @paradisoabudhabi
Siddharta Lounge by Buddha-Bar
The Trilogy by Buddha-Bar has a rooftop lounge offering sweeping views of Yas Bay. It's a neat spot to tuck into a fusion of Mediterranean and Asian flavors. And it's presented in a tapas-style format, so you won't be too stuffed as you watch the performance. There's also an impressive cocktail selection, too. If you want to grab a bite or a drink post the show, this is a good option, too.
Siddharta Lounge by Buddha-Bar, Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, Sun to Thurs 5pm to 2am, Fri and Sat 5pm to 3am. Tel: (0)50 601 1194. @siddhartalounge_abudhabi
The Lighthouse Restaurant and Bar
This exciting Mediterranean restaurant offers up quaint and relaxing vibes if that's what you're seeking pre-performance. There's flatbreads and seafood, standout signature cocktails, and waterfront views. Perfect.
The Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar, Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, Sun to Thurs 8am to 12am, Fri and Sat 8am to 1am. Tel: (0)2 236 7831, @thelighthouse_abudhabi
Images: Instagram
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The National
9 hours ago
- The National
Mamma Mia! brings sequins, nostalgia and the power of community to Abu Dhabi
There's a visible shift that spreads across an audience during Mamma Mia! – one that goes from shy engagement to full-bodied joy, as if muscle memory has kicked in and everyone suddenly remembers the words to Dancing Queen. That collective response, so reliably evoked by this long-running musical, raises a deeper question: what purpose should a stage show serve once it has crossed the threshold from hit to institution? Since its West End premiere in 1999, the Abba -fuelled jukebox musical Mamma Mia! has gone from being a breakout success to a shared cultural memory. It is a show so familiar to some in the audience, that they often collectively hum the songs before the curtain even rises. The version currently playing at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, part of an international touring production, is a case study in what it means to stage something so popular and loved. The challenge does not lie in execution. By now, Mamma Mia! has been honed to a fine commercial polish: the touring cast hit their marks, the lighting cues are crisp and the music is performed with faithful gusto. It is, in every sense, a successful production. The more interesting question is whether that success should still be measured in technical proficiency or whether – once a musical enters the cultural canon – the more pressing task is to find something new within it. While bobbing my head along to the familiar tunes, I couldn't help but think: should a show such as Mamma Mia! change? Or perhaps more accurately: for whom must it change? That may not be Mamma Mia! 's burden to bear. Classics endure for a reason, but as the musical celebrates more than two decades of sold-out runs and repeat performances, it invites some reflection: how do we keep something alive without embalming it? This Abu Dhabi run delivers what audiences expect: escapism, warmth, glitter and the familiar groove of Abba songs. The plot, in which a young bride named Sophie invites three of her mother Donna's former lovers to her wedding to discover who her father is, remains secondary to the soundtrack. While the dialogue is breezy and the stakes are gentle, the emotional architecture still has the potential to surprise. In this version, that potential is most visible in Steph Parry's Donna, whose rendition of The Winner Takes It All resists melodrama and leans into a more controlled devastation. It's a performance that momentarily lifts the show out of its party-dress expectations and into something more raw and grounded – a vulnerability I've always found hard to locate in Meryl Streep's otherwise formidable interpretation in the film adaptation. Also deserving of mention is Ellie Kingdon's Sophie, played with a disarming sincerity and vocal clarity that gives the character both weight and warmth. Donna's longtime friends and former bandmates, Tanya and Rosie (brought to life with magnificent flair by Sarah Earnshaw and Nicky Swift) inject the production with verve, comic precision and impeccable timing. Their presence offers a necessary counterbalance to the show's emotional currents, and their scenes together offer pure enjoyment. These are performances likely shaped by experience rather than invention, but maybe that's the point. In a play so well-known, elevation doesn't always mean transformation. For me, having seen Mamma Mia! multiple times, including when it came to Dubai in 2021, the broader production felt like it was playing too close to the template at points. There was a smoothness to the staging that, while admirable, felt cautious. Even some of the more spirited numbers, such as Voulez-Vous or Does Your Mother Know, were energetic but stopped short of fully surrendering to the moment. However, for audiences seeing it for the first time, as many in Abu Dhabi could be, the show remains a revelation. The story's optimism, the undeniable power of hearing Abba sung live – these things still have the capacity to feel fresh, especially when encountered without the weight of prior viewings. In that sense, the production is doing precisely what it needs to: making the old feel new again for someone else. I attended the opening night, and the venue was near capacity. A decade ago, such productions arrived sporadically in the UAE, often met with curiosity rather than fervent demand. But in recent years, the frequency and reception of large-scale international musicals suggest a cultural shift is underway. It seems the capital is not just importing musicals, but also nurturing an audience for them. The show's final encore, a sequinned celebration of Dancing Queen and Waterloo was a beautiful shared moment between the cast, the crowd and even this critic. It was at this point – hands raised, lyrics mouthed back in unison – that Mamma Mia! reminded me why it endures. The production's staying power lies in its ability to gather strangers and turn them, at least temporarily, into a community. Is it a sign of theatre culture taking root in the UAE? I'm excited even just by the idea of it.
Time Out Abu Dhabi
a day ago
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
Best restaurants near Etihad Arena: Where to fuel up ahead of concerts
Etihad Arena is buzzing most days of the week with award ceremonies, mega concerts, and even UFC and NBA. All that buzzing, however, means lots and lots of hungry – and thirsty – visitors on Yas Island. Luckily, the island is jam-packed with lots of brilliant bars and restaurants near Etihad Arena (something our waistlines and the Time Out Abu Dhabi Restaurant Awards shortlist can attest to). So whether you're in the area for a show or just popping in, here are the best bars and restaurants near Etihad Arena – according to our official list of the best restaurants in Abu Dhabi. Bonus: All of the spots on this list are within a short walking distance of the arena, making it perfect for fuelling up pre- or post-concert. Bars and restaurants near Etihad Arena Time Out Abu Dhabi Restaurant Award 2025 Winners Art Market We all know breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and there's no better place to enjoy it than Art Market. Using a small but mighty selection of fresh, local, ethically sourced ingredients to create some of our favourite early morning dishes, start your day with your choice of French toast with orange zest and cinnamon, organic porridge with coconut, almond butter and berries or lots of different things on toast, to name a few, enjoyed with coffee specials that will blow your socks off. But it's not just breakfast here: this place is licensed so you can get drinks all day as well as an all-day menu. Licensed. Yas Bay, Yas Island, (052 917 1523). Bua Thai Café Credit: Bua Thai Café Bua Thai Café is one of the biggest crowd-pullers on Yas Bay Waterfront, and rightly so. Founded by Chef Buaban C. Tucker, whose culinary journey started by preparing food for earthquake victims in Nepal, the menu celebrates tangy Thai tapas as well as classics like pad Thai, mango sticky rice and tom yum soup. We're big fans of the interiors too – think lush greenery, wooden furniture and intricate artwork. This secret garden-inspired eatery is a visual delight. Licensed. Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, @buathaicafe (02 575 3158). Nuri Credit: NURI Grill & Bar Perhaps the finest Korean restaurant in town for you to salivate over, Nuri is a sizzling Korean steakhouse that offers prime cuts of meat, chic interiors, a stylish bar and even karaoke rooms where you can sing to your heart's content after a few mixed drinks. Before that you'll want to get stuck into its highest quality, and ethically-raised, cuts of meat, with an emphasis on wet-ageing to really make the meat stand out from the crowd. Order à la carte or opt for the omakase menu which will leave the selection up to the chefs. The choice is yours. Licensed. Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, @nurigrillbar (054 211 5151). Time Out Abu Dhabi Restaurant Awards – Highly Commended Barbossa Credit: Barbossa If endless views, tacos and Mexican mixed drinks sound like your definition of a good time then you've come to the right place at Barbossa. Spearheaded by Chef Mina Mouris Zaki, this street food spot has taken over the space formerly occupied by La Carnita, bringing modern Mexican and Latin American cuisine to the capital through authentic highlights like Barbossa ceviche, carne asada tacos, guac & chips, fajitas and tuna ceviche tostada. It's got a lively bar scene too, so be sure to stick around for a drink (it's one of our favourite nightlife spots in Abu Dhabi). Licensed. Yas Bay Waterfront, @barbossa_auh (050 185 8068). Siddharta Lounge by Buddha-Bar Overlooking the twinkling waters of Yas Bay, this swanky rooftop bar is one of the best places to head for drinks and bar bites with a cool crowd and fantastic views. Part of the Trilogy by Buddha-Bar, bar snacks here err on the fancy side, with sushi, ceviche and maki taking pride of place on the Mediterranean-Asian fusion menu, and taste even better against unobstructed views of Abu Dhabi's sunsets. Arrive early and stay late for when the party really kicks in. Licensed. Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, (050 601 1194). Time Out Abu Dhabi Restaurant Awards – Shortlisted Bushra by Buddha-Bar We've mentioned The Trilogy already, and Bushra by Buddha-Bar is yet another must-visit restaurant near Etihad Arena. Bushra has an exciting Middle Eastern menu and dishes are well-crafted and delicious. Dive straight into the mezze – the muhamarra is a standout – before making your way through the grills and creative desserts. Licensed. Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, (050 601 1195). Daikan Izakaya Another eatery serving up delicious Asian dishes on Yas Island is Daikan. You'll find Abu Dhabi's first branch of the Dubai favourite on the pier at Yas Bay, but unlike the Dubai OG, in Abu Dhabi, Daikan takes the form of an izakaya (including drinks licence), expanding on its menu to include a wider variety of dishes. It's still small in scope, but a touch more varied, featuring a handful of starters and salads; small plates including gyoza, avocado steak and a katsu chili bao; sushi and sashimi; different kinds of ramen, and a charcoal grill. Licensed. Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Bay (022 358 680). EL&N London If you're on the hunt for the pinkest desserts in town, look no further than EL&N London at Yas Bay Waterfront (you literally can't miss it). This ultra-pink, Instagram-worthy spot is perfect for those who love all things bright and bubbly. EL&N's space offers both indoor and outdoor seating, a big dessert menu, and more pink than you can imagine. From indulgent French toast for breakfast to a hearty s'mores cookie pan or the Dutch baby pancake – and of course, the colourful drinks like the blue sapphire iced latte. Unlicensed. Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, (02 883 9395). Hanar Brought to us by the same team behind the well-loved Daikan, this Mesopotamian-meets-Anatolian spot is so undeniably cosy and comfy, that you'll find yourself wanting to spend all afternoon or evening there. For mains, you can't miss the lamb neck. Served with a touch of theatre as the chefs deconstruct it right at your table, revealing tender morsels of meat from the bone, it's well-seasoned and generous enough for two to share. In the mood for something smaller? The lamb chops deliver on flavour. When dessert rolls around, expect something a little different: a deconstructed baklava cream cheese. It's a unique twist on the classic, balancing all the sweetness with a whole lot of texture. Plus, it couldn't be closer to Etihad Arena unless it was inside the actual venue. Licensed. Yas Bay. (02 639 0017). Hunter & Barrel Credit: Hunter & Barrel With its elegant façade, carnivorous menu and epic location set directly against the twinkling water of the marina, Hunter & Barrel has carved out a reputation as one of Abu Dhabi's top steak restaurants. Originally hailing from Dubai, this Australian steakhouse has a focus on sharing, with signature grills and meat cuts served on communal boards, so make sure you order a bunch of stuff to share. Its burgers are also some of the best in the business if you're looking to shake things up a bit. Licensed. Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, (02 886 8299). McCafferty's Super popular since it opened in 2023, McCafferty's is a crowd favourite any day of the week. The pub has 10 different hops and apple-based beverages on tap, but you can also order bottled hops, alongside grapes by the glass or bottle and short measures. On the food front, you can expect all your pub favourites, such as chicken wings, fish and chips, burgers and pizzas. Licensed. Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, (058 598 3623). Neighborhood Café & Bar A super laid-back spot to refuel in between adventures on Yas Island, Neighborhood serves up good vibes all day long. Expect hearty breakfasts, unrestrained desserts, and everything in between – think comfort food with a creative twist, all made with fresh, local ingredients. Whether you're after a quick coffee, a long lunch, or a cheeky drink with friends, this stylish licensed café nails the mix of chill and charm. Bonus: it's got that artsy Yas energy too. Licensed. Yas Creative Hub. (02 585 8065). Osmo Lounge & Bar Credit: Osmo Lounge & Bar Yas Island may be best known for its impressive array of adrenaline-fuelled activities, but if you're after something a little more relaxing, head to the Hilton Abu Dhabi's Osmo Lounge & Bar. From a popular afternoon tea to Bubbles & Beats on Fridays when you can pick from a selection of delicious bar bites, it's a great spot if you want a bit of luxury before heading to your show or gig. Licensed. Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, @osmolounge (02 208 6900). Paradiso Shortlisted in our Best Italian category, Paradiso does not only serve up delicious Italian fare but also pretty spectacular views over Yas Bay. Do try chef Nicole's famous linguine and the frosted lemon Paradiso – the refreshing burst of citrus goes down just as smoothly as a shot of Italian lemon short drink and does a splendid job of leaving you refreshed on a hot day. Licensed. Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, Zeera by Buddha-Bar As to be expected from the Buddha Bar brand, the recipes and preparations at this contemporary restaurant have a unique twist, while there are occasional hints of more traditional influences too. Home to perhaps the most picturesque setting of all Indian restaurants in the city, it sits pretty on Yas Bay Waterfront and serves up stunning sunsets alongside sharing-style plates, biryanis and traditional tandoori grills to name a few. Licensed. Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, (050 601 1193). You might also like… Abu Dhabi's Best Restaurants: All the places you should try at least once All the top places in one read Dance the night away: the best bars and nightclubs in Abu Dhabi to bust a move Ready to party? The 43 best Abu Dhabi ladies' nights you need to know about Enjoy a night out for less at these brilliant bars and restaurants
Time Out Abu Dhabi
a day ago
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
These are the best restaurants on Yas Island
Looking for the best restaurants in Yas Island? We got you. Home of Etihad Arena, Yas Marina Circuit and Yas Bay Waterfront, there's a lot happening in this corner of the capital. Whether you live close by, are visiting for the day or evening or attending a big event, Yas Island has lots of great places to eat and drink. We've made finding the best restaurants here just that little bit easier (we can't have you going hungry), rounding up the best restaurants on Yas Island. Each of these eateries was either a winner, highly commended or shortlisted for our Time Out Abu Dhabi Restaurant Awards 2025, so you can be sure these really are the best of the best restaurants on Yas Island. Now, let's get eating! Best restaurants on Yas Island Time Out Abu Dhabi Restaurant Award 2025 Winners Art Market We all know breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and there's no better place to enjoy it than Art Market. Using a small but mighty selection of fresh, local, ethically sourced ingredients to create some of our favourite early morning dishes, start your day with your choice of French toast with orange zest and cinnamon, organic porridge with coconut, almond butter and berries or lots of different things on toast, to name a few, enjoyed with coffee specials that will blow your socks off. Licensed. Yas Bay, Yas Island, (052 917 1523). Bua Thai Café Credit: Bua Thai Café Bua Thai Café is one of the biggest crowd-pullers on Yas Bay Waterfront, and rightly so. Founded by Chef Buaban C. Tucker, whose culinary journey started by preparing food for earthquake victims in Nepal, the menu celebrates tangy Thai tapas as well as classics like pad Thai, mango sticky rice and tom yum soup. We're big fans of the interiors too – think lush greenery, wooden furniture and intricate artwork. This secret garden-inspired eatery is a visual delight. Licensed. Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, @buathaicafe (02 575 3158). Mika Credit: Mika Middle Eastern meets Mediterranean cuisine at this breezy Yas Marina hotspot, which has perhaps our favourite terrace on the island. Casual yet contemporary with a menu that celebrates bold flavours, the food here aims to please with the likes of cod croquettes, pan-fried prawns, lamb and tuna tacos, octopus and calamari. Head chef Mario Loi is also passionate about sustainability – he grows herbs and vegetables for his dishes in the chef's garden next to the main restaurant – which is also evident in his zero-waste policy. Licensed. Yas Marina, Yas Island (056 433 1422). Nuri Credit: NURI Grill & Bar Perhaps the finest Korean restaurant in town for you to salivate over, Nuri is a sizzling Korean steakhouse that offers prime cuts of meat, chic interiors, a stylish bar and even karaoke rooms where you can sing to your heart's content after a few mixed drinks. Before that you'll want to get stuck into its highest quality, and ethically-raised, cuts of meat, with an emphasis on wet-ageing to really make the meat stand out from the crowd. Order à la carte or opt for the omakase menu which will leave the selection up to the chefs. The choice is yours. Licensed. Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, @nurigrillbar (054 211 5151). Time Out Abu Dhabi Restaurant Awards – Highly Commended Barbossa Credit: Barbossa If endless views, tacos and Mexican mixed drinks sound like your definition of heaven then you've come to the right place at Barbossa. Spearheaded by Chef Mina Mouris Zaki, this street food spot has taken over the space formerly occupied by La Carnita, bringing modern Mexican and Latin American cuisine to the capital through authentic highlights like Barbossa ceviche, carne asada tacos, guac & chips, fajitas and tuna ceviche tostada. It's got a lively bar scene too, so be sure to stick around for a drink. Licensed. Yas Bay Waterfront, @barbossa_auh (050 185 8068). Crafty Fox There are many reasons to raise a glass to Crafty Fox. Not only does this Dubai import boast a bespoke beverage menu with plenty of new and old-world grape labels, draft hops and signature mixed drinks, but you can also tuck into Irish comfort food at its finest, with classics like the cottage pie, fish and chips and loaded flatbreads all gracing the menu. And did we mention those amazing 360-degree views of the putting green? With plenty of big screens, it's also a great place to watch the footie, which begs the question – is there anything this place can't do? Licensed. Yas Links Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, @ (02 404 3081). Garage Abu Dhabi's premier party brunch, put on your swishiest dress and head over to the W Abu Dhabi for its award-winning B.I.G Brunch at Garage, which is all about stylish patrons, free-flowing drinks and incredible tunes. Oh, and of course, there's some food thrown in for good measure, with five culinary hubs serving food from around the world, including a mezze spread, exciting Asian flavours, and premium meat cuts from the Vault. This is a brunch that's also about the vibes though, so expect DJs pumping out all your favourite tunes. This weekend is all about F1 though so unless you have a reservation, you'll have to bookmark for another time. Licensed. W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island, (02 656 0000). Maxzi The Good Food Shop If you only order one thing at Maxzi The Good Food Shop, make sure it's the bona fide, utterly brilliant maxzimum meat lover burger with a Wagyu patty, slow-cooked brisket, and crispy beef bacon. While it might not be solely a burger joint, this place does some of the best in the business, with an assortment of starchy sides that make for the perfect complement. What more could you ask for? Unlicensed. Yas Mall, (056 996 6540). Mr Kim Credit: Mr Kim The perfect spot to grab something delicious before a show at Etihad Arena or after an action-packed day at Yas Island's many theme parks, Mr Kim is Yas Mall's first fully licensed restaurant, so it's already off to a great start. This very cool Korean restaurant, founded by Emirati entrepreneur Mohamed Juma Al Bawardi Alfalasi, brings innovative foodie fusions to a fun, industrial-chic setting. Specialising in steak, it's a bit of a no-brainer why this is such a popular dining spot with its selection of fine Wagyu cuts – from the impeccable Japanese A5, Australian MB9+ to the robust USDA prime. Licensed. Yas Mall, @ (052 443 9314). Siddharta Lounge by Buddha-Bar Overlooking the twinkling waters of Yas Bay, this swanky rooftop bar is one of the best places to head for drinks and bar bites with a cool crowd and fantastic views. Part of the Trilogy by Buddha-Bar, bar snacks here err on the fancy side, with sushi, ceviche and maki taking pride of place on the Mediterranean-Asian fusion menu, and taste even better against unobstructed views of Abu Dhabi's sunsets. Arrive early and stay late for when the party really kicks in. Licensed. Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, (050 601 1194). Soraya From the creators of London's top dining spots like Pachamama comes Soraya, a Persian-inspired restaurant that's located at Yas Mall. Here, you can try incredible high-end Persian dishes like juicy skewers of marinated meats and vegetables that'll whisk you away to the vibrant streets of Tehran. Soraya's all-day menu is made for communal feasting, so head down with the whole gang and enjoy dishes that blend traditional home-cooked flavours with an undeniably cool modern twist. Mall Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, (056 509 0504). Time Out Abu Dhabi Restaurant Awards 2025 – Shortlisted Acres Grill House, Yas Acres Amerigos Mexican Bar & Restaurant, Park Inn by Radisson Abu Dhabi, Yas Island Boo Burger, Yas Mall Bushra by Buddha-Bar, Yas Bay Waterfront Daikan Izakaya, Yas Bay Waterfront EL&N London, Yas Bay Waterfront Hanar, Yas Bay Waterfront Hunter & Barrel, Yas Bay Waterfront Maria Bonita Taco Shop & Grill, Yas Mall McCafferty's, Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island Neighborhood Café and Bar, Yas Creative Hub Osmo Lounge & Bar, Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island Pappas Taverna, W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island Paradiso, Yas Bay Waterfront Rangoli, Yas Island Rotana Reach, Yas Island SLRP Ramen, Yas Mall Zeera by Buddha-Bar, Yas Bay Waterfront You might also like… The Time Out Abu Dhabi Restaurant Awards shortlist revealed – in full All the top places in one read Inside the Time Out Abu Dhabi review process Everything you need to know Everything you need to know about the best restaurants in the city Prepare to be hungry
