Marsana: Your Ultimate Destination For A Great Day Out

As you drive over the bridge from Al Bateen and realise you’re headed to a little slice of beachside paradise, prepare to be impressed. While we can’t really call this one of Abu Dhabi’s best kept secrets - the island opened in 2020 and it gets BUSY - its star is definitely on the rise, and deserves a spot firmly on your radar.

Home to a beachside glamping resort, Trail X mountain bike trail, winding cycle paths, a marina, 321 Sports sport village, a heritage walk along the coastline and most recently, Surf Abu Dhabi - the soon-to-open wave pool brainchild of surfing great Kelly Slater - Hudayriyat has a lot going on, and plenty more on the way.

With all these activities, what's on offer for the foodie in you? There are some true foodie gems! Marsana Hudayriyat has an abundance of amazing eateries and food trucks to enjoy before, during or after a stint at the skate park, splash pad, children's play areas, art installations and water sports - and we know it's going to become your new favourite day-to-night dining destination in Abu Dhabi.

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DRVN

Describe DRVN in one word? Cool! The interiors are sleek and polished, their excellent coffee is roasted in-house, and there is no escaping the elephant - or rather, the car - in the room. Yes, encased in glass in the middle of the cafe you’ll find a luxury car on display. The model changes regularly, so if you have a petrol head in your life they are sure to be keen for a repeat visit. Not that into cars? Not a problem - the menu will still have you returning on the regular.

Our favourites? The breakfast menu ticks all the boxes - we adore the acai bowl, topped with fresh berries and lined with peanut butter. We also rate the DRVN double - double Wagyu patties stacked with cheddar cheese, deep fried jalapenos and onion with a side of truffle fries - and the pizza is excellent. Room for dessert? There are options aplenty!

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Open: daily | 8AM - 12AM | Friday - Saturday until 1AM

Contact: +97125462482

MARMOURA

With one of the best locations on Hudayriat Island, this restaurant and lounge serves up a relaxed meal with a view - coming right up! The outdoor terrace is hot property during the cooler months, but inside you’ll find an equally lovely backdrop to your next Lebanese feast. Tuck into all the classics: hot and cold mezze, generous mixed grills perfect for sharing and shawarma.

Another feather in Marmoura’s cap? Shisha! The team prides themselves on the quality of their shisha, and whether you’re in the mood to relax with a mocktail as the sun sets, or want to bring friends for a taste of the Middle East in a beachside location that’s hard to beat, this is one you’ll want to remember.

Open: daily | 12PM - 2AM

Contact: +971 56 537 2000

BREATH BY THE BEACH

Literally perched on the sand, this Instagram-worthy cafe delivers on more than just aesthetics. The menu has plenty to tempt you out of the city: decadent ‘pull’ cakes - you’ve seen them, the ones where you pull off the outer casing and gooey, saucy goodness envelopes the dessert - and bao, sushi, burgers, pasta and tasty breakfast fare (full English fans, you’re sorted!). Fancy a matcha moment? Along with a full offering of coffee options, the drink of the season is literally pouring out the door at Breath.

Come for the gorgeous interiors - they really are pretty - but stay for the food!

Open: daily | 8AM - 11.45PM

Contact: 02 877 8839

RAIN

You’re probably already a fan of Rain: with branches across Abu Dhabi, we love that the Hudayriyat outpost of this popular coffee spot opens early enough to enjoy one of their signature breakfasts by the beach - the classic avo toast and Turkish eggs are amongst our favourites.

Stop in anytime for a tasty bite - alongside wraps, sandwiches and yummy pastries, they have a dedicated ‘healthy options’ menu for a guilt free but still delicious meal. Looking to change up your work-from-home location? Bring your laptop and get productive in the serene interiors - the proximity to great coffee is a massive bonus!

Open: daily | 8AM - 12AM

Contact: 02 886 5511

SHRIMP POT

Messy and we know it! Don’t bother coming in if you aren’t ready to roll up your sleeves and tuck in - they dress you in gloves and aprons for a reason! The menu is fully customisable, which is great, and it’s a really fun way to eat. The seafood buckets come in three sizes, overflowing with mussels, shrimp, octopus, lobster and corn, poured satisfyingly onto a bed of rice. The staff will happily guide you when ordering, so don’t be intimidated if you haven’t eaten a bucket full of seafood straight off the table in front of you before!

The restaurant is fun - look out for themed murals, on-brand lighting and portholes into the kitchen - and you’ll leave satisfied. What’s better than seafood by the sea? Not much, if you ask us.

Open: daily | 12PM - 11PM | Friday - Sunday until 12AM

Contact: 02 441 1842

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ORO PIZZERIA

It’s not an exaggeration to say we’d drive to Hudayriyat just for this pizza - we already have! Cooked to perfection in a rotating wood fired oven, every element has been carefully considered to produce the best pizza possible - Neapolitan style.

The menu is delightfully uncomplicated: a handful each of pizza and pasta options, some appetizers and salads and a tiramisu to round out their offering. We love a spicy pepperoni with a finisher of hot honey, a special blend of honey and chilli oil. Our favourite has to be the tartufo pizza, a dream blend of fior di latte, truffle slices, burrata cheese, fresh basil, mushroom and Parmigiano Reggiano. A top contender for some of the best pizza in Abu Dhabi - controversial - take a seat at the al fresco tables, carry it down onto the sand and watch the sunset, or take it home and refuse to share with your family, but make sure you add Oro to your must-try list.  

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Open: daily | 5PM - 10.30PM

Contact: +971 58 670 0514

NONNA STELLA OSTERIA

Not about to let their Neopolitan cousins have all the fun across the esplanade, check out the Roman pinzas for another slice of Italian, dough-based goodness. The pinza base is more of a flatbread focaccia style, soft in the middle with some proper crunch to the edges. The signature dish at Nonna Stella, pinzas are perfect for sharing during your day at the beach.

If you struggle with decisions - like us - choose two: sweet and savoury! The chicken diavola is moreish with a kick of jalapeno, but our favourite? Pinza Nutella! Emphasis on the Nutella - it’ll get all over your face, hands, the table! Step inside for a break from the heat. The interior is adorable - don't miss their pretty mural - and let yourself be tempted by treats in the bakery

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Open: daily | 10AM - 11.30PM

Contact: 052 418 8006

MUNCHEEZE

Before we even get to the food - yum! - and the views - 10/10 - Muncheeze are scoring points for the names of their dishes: Don't Go Steaking My Heart, Chick Flick and Chill, and Hudayriyat Tower (yes, that’s four sliders stacked on top of each other) are standouts. This American restaurant has a ‘go big or go home’ vibe - you won’t leave hungry. From the burgers and loaded fries to some truly decadent drinks, it’s a one way ticket out of hunger town.

Yes, there is plenty of cheese - check out their famous toasties, or the By-Pass Burger if you want to tempt fate - but the vibe is on point as well, bustling with happy customers and smiling staff. When the weather allows, nab a corner table outside - they offer the best sunset views in the house!

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Open: daily | 12PM - 12AM | Friday - Saturday until 1AM

Contact: +971 2 565 6622

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BABU TOWN

Worked up an appetite from all that seaside fun? You’ll find excellent Indian fare waiting for you at the Hudayriyat outpost of this Gulf restaurant group. Plenty of Indian go-tos are on a menu that’s as colourful as the decor. We love the vegetable jalfrezi, which balances a great depth of flavour and richness without being too heavy for you to bound back into the water afterwards.

And you’re covered for a refreshing drink as well - if you asked us to choose between the strawberry mojito or mango juice we’d be in trouble. Both are lovely to sip on as you relax and take in that sea air!

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Open: daily | 11AM - 11PM

Contact: +971 2 440 339

MEOKJA

This funky food truck is bringing you a taste of Korea on the shores of Abu Dhabi. We’re impressed with what they can whip up inside this colourful trailer - ready for you to find a seat and tuck in, or carry back to your towel on the sand!

Savoury staples like crispy korean-style fried chicken, bibimbap and bulgogi have you covered for dinner, but don’t pass up their Korean corn dog: served on a stick, it’s the ultimate beach food - just mind the saucy drips! Fruit teas are the best antidote to a hot day, alongside their bingsoo and other tasty desserts for a sugar hit.

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Open: daily | 10AM - 10PM

Contact: 058 553 3602

KUREPU

This hip Japanese spot on the Marsana boardwalk is a perfect pitstop for a yummy frozen treat. Our must-try? Signature Japanese crepes topped with matcha ice cream - Kurepu gets this one bang on! The mellow umami flavour of the matcha compliments the creamy sweetness perfectly and it doesn’t stop there: Kurepu also offers delicious mochis, soft serve cones & bowls with toppings, a range of sushi and refreshing bubble teas.

It's pocket-friendly, and perfect for the whole family. Especially popular with Gen-Z, don’t miss this one for the cool-factor.

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Open: daily | 10AM-12AM

Contact: 050 251 8784

MASHAKEEK & STEAK

You’ll smell this one before you see it - in the best possible way! Maybe it’s just us, but two things that make us instantly hungry? Swimming at the beach, and the smell of a charcoal grill - enter Mashakeek & Steak!

There’s plenty on this food truck’s menu, but it’s hard to go past their namesake: your choice of lamb, beef, chicken or shrimp skewers, marinated with their signature special spice mix, cooked over charcoal and served with Mashakeek secret sauce. Craving something more? Lamma combo boxes, wraps, burgers, pasta and fries are all perfectly packaged to satisfy your hunger on the go.

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Open: daily | 12PM - 6AM

Contact: 055 255 2778

COLD STONE CREAMERY

Almost as satisfying to watch as it is to eat, head into Cold Stone for their signature ice cream crushing, mixing and tossing. Choose your flavour, go a little over the top with the mix-ins like we do, and then race to devour your frozen creation before the sun gets the better of it. Waffle cones optional, but always encouraged!

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Open: daily | 10AM - 11PM | Friday - Saturday until 12AM

Contact: 056 526 8983

100% GELATO

Gelato by the beach isn’t mandatory, but it should be! And this isn’t just ice cream pretending to be gelato - Cento Gelato pride themselves on using Italian recipes and Italian ingredients, prepared by Italian masters right here in the UAE. Flavours change up regularly - think cheesecake, stracciatella, tiramisu, mango, strawberry and black forest - and the best part? If it melts over your hands, the sea is a stone’s throw away to rinse off. With gelato this good, that shouldn’t be a problem.

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Open: daily | 11AM - 12AM

Contact: 04 380 8080