Dine Outdoors: Terraces And Rooftops In Abu Dhabi

You can't beat Abu Dhabi in winter and the first hint of cooler weather means one thing: it's terrace season! We've put together some great options, with something for every budget ... you'll be spoilt for choice for months to come!

18 DEGREES BAR & TERRACE

ANDAZ CAPITAL GATE ABU DHABI

Located on the 18th floor of Abu Dhabi’s iconic ‘leaning tower’ - right at the start of the tower’s 18-degree lean, to be precise - this top-notch bar offers great city and sunset views from the indoor and outdoor terrace. Perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks, relax into the evening and watch the city light up. 

Looking for something a little different? Join the incredible mixologist Dana (we think he's the best in the city!) in a cocktail master classes: learn to whip up some signature cocktails which are all about the sign of the zodiac, then sip on your creations overa few tasty plates that are included in the price.

In the mood for shisha? 18 Degrees offers a variety of flavours, perfect for unwinding and catching up with friends or family.

Great drinks, great shisha, great food and incredible views that really show the best Abu Dhabi has to offer. It's our top pick for terrace fun.

Timing: daily | 4pm - 1am

Bookings: 050 765 6435

BRICK ROOFTOP KITCHEN & BAR 

ALOFT ABU DHABI

Freshly reopened for the season, Brick Rooftop Kitchen & Bar is back with their iconic sunset views, tasty woodfired pizzas and one of the best open mic nights in the city.  Every Tuesday evening from 7PM, warm up those vocal chords and take the stage alongside live entertainment from ever-engaging audience favourite, Marvin. Take advantage of a hard-to-beat pizza & hops offer while you’re at it for just AED99. 

Saving yourself for the weekend? BRB - Brick Rooftop Brunch - combines table service brunching with live entertainment, meaning maximum enjoyment of the view as the city lights up before you. It’s an evening brunch: kicking off from 6PM, it’s perfect for those that love a later brunch so they can carry on into the early hours, or just like to make the most of the daylight hours before indulging! Soft package will set you back AED199, or house package AED299 - what’s not to love about this brunch with a view? 

Timing: daily | 5PM - 12AM | Saturday brunch 6-9PM | Tuesday open mic 7-10PM 

Bookings: 0549942289 | 026545000 | @Brick.abudhabi

‍

LOCALINO 

AL RAHA BEACH

What can we say? We love Localino! A badly kept secret for Al Raha Beach locals, it’s worth the drive if you’re further afield. From the canal frontage conjuring up those summer vacation vibes, to the bright yellow terrace accents and funky interiors, it’s a breath of fresh air - literally. 

The pizza is excellent, and their display is stocked with slices and sandwiches if you’re on-the-go - but take the time to settle in and pull up a pew - we’re regular visitors in-store for good reason! They’re dog-friendly - a big tick - and kids can work up an appetite running or scooting around on the boardwalk: it’s a proper community vibe. 

Go to town on pizza and pasta, but save room for dessert - both the tiramisu and bombolone are heavenly. They do deliver, a saviour for busy nights or last minute guests, but make sure you find yourself a seat on their cheerful terrace this season - it’s a must!

Timing: daily | 12PM - 10PM | closed Mondays

Bookings: 02 236 7493

‍

SEVILLA AND AZUR

AL RAHA BEACH HOTEL

Another great Al Raha Beach option, let the approach of nice weather draw you along to Al Raha Beach Hotel. We love options, and you’ll find them here, with multiple al fresco offerings, views of the iconic ‘Button’ and a refreshing holiday vibe. Sevilla caters to international cuisines: enjoy the pizzazz of live cooking stations, fun themed specialty nights throughout the week and the jewel in their crown - a lovely outdoor terrace offering uninterrupted views of the Arabian Gulf. 

More of a seafood lover? We think seafood always tastes better when you’re by the sea, and Azur Restaurant is no exception. Serving up an array of freshly caught fish, octopus, mussels and seafood pasta - as well as kid-friendly options for the little ones - this is family-friendly dining set on a very relaxed and enjoyable terrace. Enjoy! 

Timing: daily | 4PM - 12AM

Bookings: 02 508 0555

‍

TAVERNA DEL MORO

THE COLLECTION, ST REGIS SAADIYAT ISLAND RESORT

Tucked away in The Collection at St Regis Saadiyat Island, this Italian gem feels like a little slice of Italy in Abu Dhabi - and not just thanks to the warm proprietor, who’ll welcome you into his taverna with open arms and transport you to the motherland. A terrace perfect equally for spending relaxed hours in the sun or cosying away in a shady corner, its charm lies in the laid-back atmosphere and quaint setting. 

Another reason to pop this one on your terrace radar? Brunch! Returning from October 5th, this set menu brunch will be serving up all your Italian favourites, and plenty of them! Net yourself a soft package for AED130, upgrade to include wine, spirits and beer for AED170 or treat yourself to the bubbles package for just AED200 - this must be one of the best priced bubbly brunches in town! From fresh starters to tasty pizza and plenty in between, make sure you save room for dolci - finishing brunch on a sweet note is a must.

Timing: daily | 11.30AM - 11PM | open until 12AM Friday - Saturday | Saturday brunch 12 - 3PM

Bookings: 02 631 1030

BALCON TERRACE

SOUTHERN SUN 

With the cooler weather on the way, Balcon Terrace are hotting things up with a whole host of activities as they reopen this October. Brunch returns, Safari-style: all your old brunch-time favourites are back, but watch out for some new additions and a cheeky gorilla called Snuggles - colour us intrigued! A daily Braii–I–Y also enters the fold - yes, that’s Braii It Yourself, where you can cook your own meat and seafood at your table - an homage to our South African contingent but a great chance for everyone to experience this national tradition. Our stomachs are grumbling at the thought!

Need some more terrace action? Tuesday night is for the ladies - get your girls together, enjoy 2 complimentary drinks and 50% off a special food menu, all while resident singer Elnura brings a fun mid-week ambiance. Want to really celebrate the return of terrace weather? Balcon’s welcome back gift until November 15th is 

50% off all shishas - welcome back winter, indeed! 

Timing: daily | 4PM - 1AM | Saturdays from 1PM for brunch

Bookings: 02 818 4888

MARINA WALK 

INTERCONTINENTAL ABU DHABI

With 7 - yes, that’s right, seven! - restaurants and bars making up their Marina Walk, InterContinental is serving up waterfront dining done right! If you’ve exhausted your annual leave, take an evening trip for your tastebuds instead: enjoy Thai seafood at Fishmarket, Belgian specialties (and plenty of good beer) at Belgian Café or Italian cuisine to warm your belly at Porto Gina. 

Mix things up a little with some great meat at Chamas Churrascaria - the smell of smoked meat will reel you in, keep it fresh with Asian fusion at Cho Gao, tuck into some of the best Lebanese dishes in the city at Byblos Sur Mer, or if you’re feeling fun, Jones Social is the newest addition to the waterfront and its funky interiors, excellent drinks and tasty bites will have you returning for sure - check out some more details on Jones below.

These great options are all within steps of each other, so enjoy the excellent views overlooking the marina and the Arabian gulf, and get your terrace on!

Timing: various | check with individual venues | most open for lunch and dinner | Jones Social opens for breakfast from 7AM

Bookings: 02 666 6888

ABDEL WAHAB

SOUQ AT QARYAT AL BERI

Not only is this terrace a showstopper for Abu Dhabians, it's always a great option if your goal is to show out-of-town guests some great Levantine cuisine. With views across to the mosque and a very cool Arabian feel to go with the excellent Lebanese food, this is an Abu Dhabi must-try.

The shisha is outstanding, the drinks are on point - do try the fabulous Al Maza Lebanese beer - and the staff happy to help. Our picks for food? We love the muhammara, the fish Provencal and of course some cracking Arabic desserts - don't miss the halawet al jibn and the ghazl el banet with 'candy floss!'

With the lights shining in the trees by night and the views and jetski dramas by day, there's nowhere better to while away an afternoon or evening.

Open: 12PM - 12AM

Bookings: 02 558 1616

‍

BEACH HOUSE

PARK HYATT ABU DHABI

Beach House must be put on your list this winter season. Serving some excellent, high quality Italian food, it's a great place to come for a celebration dinner, lunch or dinner when you have guests to impress or date night under the stars.

Our favourite dishes are too numerous to mention, but we love the tris de tartare, shells filled with raw fish: finely cubed salmon with tiny pieces of avocado, a tuna with capers, adding a delicious saltiness, and hamachi. The crumbed feta (AED85) on a bed of cubed watermelon is outstanding too, while the linguine nestled in a lobster half shell is nothing short of decadent.

‍Open: from 12.30PM daily

Bookings: 02 407 1138

‍

ASIA ASIA

YAS BAY WATERFRONT

The terrace at Yas Bay is one of the places to see and be seen this season in Abu Dhabi. With views all the way down the promenade or out to see, it makes for amazing people watching, and with a new menu and some fabulous new cocktails, sure to give passersby drinks envy, it's a total win!

Settle in with some of the new maki rolls: we love the spider maki and the spicy tuna, some crispy avocado - great for the vegetarians among us - or some absolutely delicious tenderloin and a couple of drinks. Mocktails are also great - we love how much thought has gone into presentation ... and they all scream 'best enjoyed on the terrace!'

‍

HAWKSBILL TERRACE

SAADIYAT BEACH GOLF CLUB

Overlooking the absolutely pristine Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, the Hawksbill Terrace is a fabulous place to kick back after a game of golf or to have drinks and dinner with the family. The views, as you'd expect are spectacular; be sure to keep your eyes peeled for gazelle sightings, a perfect way to entertain the children!

Grab a full English, a 'bowl of happiness' and even a vegan breakfast in the morning. You're spoilt for choice the rest of the day: go decadent with a plate of Dibba Bay oysters, a serving of foie gras or a lavish serving of caviar, or get stuck into burgers, pizzas, and our favourite, the clay pot chicken meatballs. Finish your meal with a slice of apple cake or a Hawksbill-fabulous, knickerbocker glory.

If it's drinks you're looking for, celebrate with a glass of Taittinger or a superb prosecco, or ease into a glass of good New Zealand Mud Brick Sauvignon Blanc. The Arnold Palmer is our mocktail of choice, while there are milkshakes for the kids.

All in all, head to Hawksbill for amazing for sundowners or any time you'd love a casual meal with a view.

Open: 6AM - 11PM

Booking: 056 660 8780

RACLETTE

MAMSHA AL SAADIYAT

The Raclette terrace is a great space, superbly designed to replicate a forest complete with twinkly lights in the evening and breathtaking views across Soul Beach and over to the sea to enjoy in daylight hours. It's a perfect spot for breakfast, lunch and dinner or just a couple of hours aperitivo.

It's open for le petit dejeuner at 9AM and with a daily happy hour from 11AM - 6PM Raclette is an amazing place to spend both day and night and the 20% BB+ discount on a la carte makes it an excellent option for outdoor dining in Abu Dhabi.

Time: 9AM - 12AM

Booking: +97125462277

LA PETITE MAISON

GALLERIA AL MARYAH

Whether it's lunch, or dinner, La Terrasse is perfect at this time of year. It's beautifully appointed, Parisian style, and you're immediately set at peace with the myriad of climbing plants and colourful flowers, cascading over the beautiful pots. A chandelier holding court in the centre of the terrace and the very French tiered fountain, make this terrace somewhere upscale. To beat the heat of the day, blinds are lowered so you can enjoy the view without the burn, while at night, views of the Al Maryah Basin and down the promenade are just beautiful. This is a great place to bring guests, entertain colleagues or just have a great meal or aperitivo with friends or a significant other.