It's Terrace Time: Terraces And Rooftops In Abu Dhabi

The first hint of winter returning means one thing in Abu Dhabi: it's terrace season! It's time to start planning visits to all your favourites - or maybe try out some decks, terraces and rooftops you might have missed last time the weather was onside. Don't worry - we have a round up of all our favourites so you'll be spoilt for choice for months to come!

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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 in on one of their cocktail making classes: learn to whip up some signature cocktails from the expert bartenders, then sip on your creations over a tasty dinner or bar bites. In the mood for shisha? They offer a variety of flavours as you unwind. Whether you're catching up with colleagues or enjoying a night out with friends, you’ll be in for a treat. 

Timing: daily | 4pm - 1am

Bookings: +971507656435

BRICK ROOFTOP KITCHEN & BAR 

ALOFT | ADNEC

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

ST REGIS ISLAND RESORT | THE COLLECTION SAADIYAT

Tucked away on 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 6 - yes, that’s right, six! - 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 churrascaria 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. All within steps of each other, enjoy excellent views overlooking the marina and the Arabian gulf - it’s a no brainer, whatever you’re craving! 

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

Bookings: 02 666 6888

ANNEX ROOFTOP

THE ABU DHABI EDITION

The rooftop at Annex is a thing of funky beauty with amazing decor and a definite vibe all week long. But when it really comes to life is on Saturdays at the Annex Animals brunch!

Get that jungle vibe with tropical themed beverages and bites, makeup artists to get you in-theme and DJs playing wild tunes all night.

Enjoy funky bar bites, with some of the most creative cocktails in Abu Dhabi alongside deliciously chilly wines and bubbles to really set your days and nights on fire. It's wild!

Annex is open Wednesday - Sunday nights nights, f5PM onwards

Saturday Brunch timing: 2PM-5PM

Price: House bar, sparklers & cocktails AED 295 | Bubbly, premium bar and curated cocktails AED 395

Booking: 02 208 0000

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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

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