The best places to dine outdoors in Abu Dhabi

With the perfect weather and school holidays just around the corner, we’ve put together the best places to dine outdoors with your family in Abu Dhabi. Whether you’re looking for a laid back breakfast spot or somewhere to watch the sunset, there’s never been a better time to head outdoors…

Brunch at the Palace is an unforgettable experience and should be on everyone’s UAE brunch bucket list! This really is the perfect place to relax in the sun and catch up with friends and family, with so much to keep the children entertained too. As well as the extensive menu, you’ll find an array of live cooking stations, BBQ grill, pasta counter, traditional tandoori and shawarma stations, and of course a colourful selection of sweet treats. There’s a candy bar, ice cream wagon and popcorn cart, which are all huge hits with the kids (and big kids too!).

Packages start from AED295 per adult including soft drink, and AED145 per child aged 10-12. Children under 10 dine for free!

Every Friday from 12:30pm to 4:00 pm

For reservations, please call +971 2 690 9000 or email [email protected]

Located at the Beach Rotana, Prego’s is one of Abu Dhabi’s best-loved Italian restaurants, stylishly designed and with a large terrace overlooking the beautiful beach and garden of the hotel. Here the chefs love to delight guests with a little touch of Italy in their selection of authentic dishes and ingredients; pasta is freshly made on a daily basis, and the pizzas are baked in a traditional wood-fired oven.

If you’re left wanting more on your way out, why not visit the delicatessen and pick up some goodies to take home with you, which have been specially flown in from Italy.

You could easily be mistaken to think that you’re dining in Venice, and the lively and friendly atmosphere makes it an extremely popular choice with diners- so reservations are essential!

Open daily from 12pm until 11.30pm

For reservations, please call +971 2 697 9011 or email [email protected]

Located in Yas Links Golf Club, Hickory’s is a really unique place to eat and relax, with stunning views of the golf course and native mangroves, and green lawns running all the way down to the dazzling Arabian Gulf. As well as being one of the bets spots to watch the sun set in Abu Dhabi, the terrace of Hickory’s is the perfect spot for families, with plenty of space for children to run and play- and there’s even a bouncy castle to enjoy most of the year. Serving food from 6am until late in the evening, the menu is extensive, offering dishes from around the world.

Open daily from 6am until midnight

For reservations, please call +9712 810 7710 or email [email protected]

Carluccio’s at Eastern Mangroves is a hidden gem in Abu Dhabi. Looking out over the mangroves and across to the city, this family friendly eatery is a great option for a chilled lunch or dinner at sunset. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Carluccio’s is the perfect choice for Italian dining at great value for money. With all of your favourite Italian dishes, the menu is all about fresh ingredients, sourced from Italy.

Open daily from 9am until midnight

For reservations, please call +971 2 441 3814 or email [email protected]

Cafe 28 at Abu Dhabi Golf Club is a great, informal spot for a leisurely bite to eat, with beautiful views of the Championship golf course. The terrace has recently been transformed into a trendy garden spot, with casual seating options and regular live music events. The menu includes extensive breakfast, lunch, dinner, and children’s options, plus there’s lots of healthy options to choose from too – great for New Year’s resolutions!

Open daily from 6am until midnight

For reservations, please call +971 56 536 2230 or email [email protected]