Yas Island is Abu Dhabi’s premium entertainment and leisure destination. The island was open to visitors in 2010 with the introduction of a few theme parks. Today, it has grown ten-fold and has some of the most amazing entertainment attractions of Abu Dhabi. Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Mall, Yas Beach, Yas Waterworld, etc., are the numerous attractions in Yas Island, some of which are a part of most Abu Dhabi travel packages. But these are not the only reasons why people visit Yas Island. The island is a premium dining destination as well, home to an array of restaurants for all kinds of diners. Here is a guide to Yas Island Abu Dhabi’s  best restaurants.
Garage
The first on our list is Garage, the multi-cuisine restaurant in Yas Island’s W Abu Dhabi. Overlooking the splendid Yas Marina and the Yas Marina Circuit, the Garage is a stylish restaurant with an eclectic design. Dynamic, rugged, and bold, the décor of the place is unique and one of the main things that attract people to this restaurant. The other thing that brings patrons to Garage is the restaurant has four mini restaurants, serving different cuisines under one roof. The Steam Table is where you can try Asian Street food, the Nikkei House is for Peruvian and Japanese delicacies, Mezza Bar for Middle Eastern appetizers, and the Meat Vault for steak dishes. Tart Van is exclusively for dessert fans and the Tap Wall for those who want to enjoy drinks.
The Cheesecake Factory
If you are looking for a place where you can have a casual lunch or dinner (or even breakfast) with your family and friends, the Cheesecake Factory would be apt for you. This American-style diner is spacious with earthy and metal tones, soft lighting, and comfortable seatings, perfect for a break during your Yas Islandtour. Along with the welcoming vibe, Cheesecake Factory is also known for its delicious food. Unlike the name suggests, the restaurant is not just about desserts or cheesecakes. The menu has an array of comfort American dishes like pasta, steak, seafood, and more. Of course, the dessert menu is to die for. You get to taste different varieties of cheesecakes, including original, salted caramel, red velvet, strawberry, Godiva chocolate, and more.
Filini Garden Restaurant
Filini Garden Restaurant is one of the best restaurants in Yas Island that serves delicious Italian cuisine. Located with the Radisson Blu Hotel, this restaurant gives you an uninterrupted view of the Yas Links Golf Course and the Persian Gulf beyond. A fine dining restaurant, the décor of Filini Garden Restaurant is true to its name. The interiors are filled with stylish furniture and décor, central to which is the lush foliage that gives it a garden-like feel. The terrace seating area is one of the most popular sections of the restaurant, making it one of the romantic places to eat in Yas Island. Here, you will get to taste some of the most classic Italian flavors with a modern touch. The menu of this restaurant changes both seasonally and weekly. You must keep a look out for some of its classic dishes like Linguine allo Scoglio e Bottarga, Caprese or Burrata, Crispy Baked Salmon, Risotto ai Funghi Porcini, house-made pasta in seafood sauce, lemon tart, and tiramisu.
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Featured Asha’s
If you are craving for some authentic Indian cuisine while holidaying in Abu Dhabi, a visit to Asha’s is a must. Located in Yas Mall, the restaurant offers you a view of the busy Town Square. The décor of the restaurant is modern and stylish with aesthetic Indian motifs like mirrored ceilings. The restaurant rests somewhere between fine dining and casual dining, making it perfect for both regular outings and special celebrations. While the décor may look a bit modern, the menu is completely desi. You get to taste the best and the most popular dishes of the North Indian cuisine like butter chicken, chicken tikka biriyani, kadhai paneer, prawns biriyani, palak paneer, and more. The dessert menu is also something you must check out. You get to taste all kinds of Indian desserts like gulab jamun, rasmalai, kesar pista, and mango kulfi.
Image Credit: https://www.buddhabarbeachabudhabi.com/
Bushra by Buddha Bar
Modern, chic, and vibrant, Bushra by Buddha Bar celebrates Lebanese, Middle Eastern, and North African flavors and culture. Located along the striking Yas Bay, Bushra is a fine dining restaurant that serves delicious food in style. The décor of the restaurant with its terracotta colors, metallic counters, and subtle lighting creates a welcoming vibe. Moreover, the dishes on the menu are also worth visiting. The mezze plates, hummus with diverse toppings, muhammara, Morocco lamb tagine, slow-cooked lamb shoulder, etc., are some of the must-try dishes here. Apart from the cuisine, the restaurant transforms into an entertainment land with DJ music and belly dance performances on certain days of the week, enhancing your dining experience.
Rasoi Ghar
Rasoi Ghar, located in Yas Mall, is one of the best places to visit if you want to try vegetarian Indian thali. The restaurant focuses on cuisine from the North West of the country, particularly from Gujarat and Rajasthan. The restaurant has a family-friendly ambience with comfortable seatings, ample space, and subtle Indian designs and décor. It is the perfect place to enjoy lunch or dinner while exploring Yas Mall or the different attractions in Yas Island. The highlight of Rasoi Ghar is the unlimited vegetarian thali that involves three-courses and as much as food you can eat. The food is served in a large platter and includes different kinds of vegetarian curries, sabzis, dal, roti, poori, salads, and desserts as well. The items in the thali change every day. Some of the dishes you must try here are dal, kadi, panner sabzis, shrikhand, moong dal halwa, basundi, and more.
Café Del Mar Beach Club
A beach club at Yas Bay, Café Del Mar is the best place for a leisurely and relaxing drinking and dining experience. The décor of the restaurant has an Ibiza beach club vibe, thanks to its sleek white lounges, luxurious seating, plush cabanas, and an enormous infinity pool. The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor sections, offering the view of the waterfront areas. While Café Del Mar has a laidback vibe during the day, the place transforms into a party space complete with DJ and dancing after sundown, especially during the weekends. The menu at the restaurant serves the juiciest seafood cuisine, complete with grilled seafood platter, sea bass fillet, chilled seafood platter, sangria, signature cocktails, cheesecake platters, cinnamon churros, brownies, etc.
Image Credit: https://hunterandbarrel.ae/
Hunter and Barrel
An Australian steakhouse restaurant, Hunter and Barrel is where the rustic meets modern. Located on The Pier at Yas Bay waterfront, Hunter and Barrel is inspired by the philosophy of ‘hunt, gather, and fire.’ Within the restaurant, you will find the décor filled with wooden barrel accents and natural earthy colors, all coming together to create a contemporary ambience. There are both indoor and outdoor patios here where you can enjoy a variety of steak dishes, including Wagyu steak, Angus and USDA cuts; specialty skewers; seafood and steak platters; croquettes; and so much more. Hunter & Barrel is also known for its signature drinks, especially its craft beers and wines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it necessary to book a table at Yas Island restaurants in advance?
Are there family friendly restaurants in Yas Island?
What is the best time to dine in Yas Island?
Do restaurants in Yas Island serve alcohol?
Is there a dress code for dining at the Yas Island restaurants?
Conclusion
The restaurants in Yas Island promise not just a good meal but also a good vibe and amazing views. Whether you are planning to visit one of the restaurants while exploring Yas Island’s many attractions or looking for a great place to dine during your Abu Dhabi vacation, you will find the best restaurants awaiting you on this leisure island.
