Yas Island is well-known for its landmarks, but the restaurants of Yas Bay Waterfront provide an experience in itself. From trendy cafes and rooftop bars to sizzling steakhouses and international cuisines, this spot has the best restaurants in Abu Dhabi 2025 have to offer.
If you’re craving anything from Thai tapas and authentic Mexican bites to fine Italian pasta or juicy steaks, Yas Bay has it all. Each of these restaurants has been shortlisted, highly commended, or awarded in the Time Out Abu Dhabi Restaurant Awards 2025, making them the crème de la crème of the capital’s food scene. Also look for Dubai Airport Issues Essential Travel Warning if you’re Travelling Today
Art Market – Breakfast with a Twist
Begin the day at Art Market, where responsibly-sourced fresh ingredients take center stage in early riser-prepared dishes. Orange zest French toast, coconut porridge, and specialty coffee are a few ways in which this restaurant flips breakfast on its head in warm, innovative ways.
- Location: Yas Bay, Yas Island
- Website:ae
- Contact: 052 917 1523
Barbossa – Latin Street Food Vibes
With round-the-clock harbor vistas and vibrant ambiance, Barbossa is Mexican and Latin American street food. Ceviche, tacos carne asada, guac & chips, fajitas come to mind–best devoured with a signature drink while relishing the marina scenery.
- Location: Yas Bay Waterfront
- Contact: 050 185 8068
Bua Thai Café – Thai Tapas & Classics
One of the busiest top restaurants in Abu Dhabi in Yas Bay, Bua Thai Café offers spicy Thai fare set amidst a garden setting. From pad Thai to mango sticky rice, and tom yum soup, the gem of this restaurant is perfect for those with a liking for hot, pungent foods.
- Location: Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island
- Contact: 02 575 3158
Bushra by Buddha-Bar – Middle Eastern Elegance
The best North African and Middle Eastern fare presently is Bushra by Buddha-Bar. Look out for the likes of vine leaves, shish tawook, muhammara, and pide, all savored in an elegant setting with lovely views from the rooftop.
- Location: Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island
- Website: bushra-abudhabi.com
- Contact: 050 601 1195
Daikan Izakaya – Ramen & Relaxation
A Dubai-born hit, Daikan Izakaya is a Yas Bay staple. With only four ramen choices—shoyu, shio, miso, and the chef’s special, it is comfort and quality throughout. Have a hot bowl and a glass of grape and soak up the laid-back vibe.
- Location: Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island
- Contact: 058 124 1529
Hanar – Anatolian & Mesopotamian Fusion
Hanar has a hip dining room with an open kitchen and floor-to-ceiling windows. Its claim to fame includes dishes such as wagyu hummus, lamb neck, and deconstructed baklava cream cheese, making it the go-to destination for any strong food lover.
- Location: Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island
- Contact: 052 985 2564
Zeera by Buddha-Bar – Indian with a Twist
Zeera Bar is the crown jewel of contemporary Indian cuisine at Yas Bay Bar. Its award-winning, most deserving contemporary presented tandoori grills, biryanis, and sharing plates make this one of the best restaurants in Abu Dhabi.
- Location: Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island
- Website: zeera-abudhabi.com
- Contact: 050 601 1193
Conclusion
Yas Bay Waterfront isn’t a place to eat, though it does offer that, it’s a hub of Abu Dhabi lifestyle with vitality. With its boundless array of restaurants, from quick grab-and-go to special occasion fine dining, it has the optimal combination of taste, atmosphere, and view for any event.
