12 of the best outdoor bars and restaurants in Abu Dhabi

A great return to the great outdoors …

We call it, the outdoor dining and drinking season is now well and truly upon us, and the shores of Abu Dhabi are alive again with the sound of outdoor sound systems.

So if you fancy lazy weekday sunsets, starlit rooftop banquets, seaside shmoozing, or patio brunch, this is our out-of-the-box choice. For the best outdoor experiences in Abu Dhabi.

Annex

This sophisticated patio is a chic choice for after dark fun. Enjoy the view of the marina, a roaring fire pit and a few themed evenings at annex t. Wednesday is a night focused on her with three hours of unlimited sips for the ladies for 128 Dhs. Thursdays are devoted to the cutting edge of Motown and soul, with fluid grooves and two hours of unlimited mixology for 195 Dhs. And on Fridays, it’s an evening brunch “rocked” by the rhythms of Cape Town’s buzzing soundscape – the Amapiano brunch, from 288 Dhs.

Annex, L’Abou Dhabi edition, Al Bateen Marina, Wednesday 7 p.m. to 1 a.m., Thu and Fri 7 p.m. to 4 a.m. Tel: (0) 2 208 0000. @annexabudhabi

Belgian coffee

Perched on the edge of a marina, the Belgian Café presents itself as a cool character from the Côte d’Azur, despite its landlocked namesake. And these traits are transferred seamlessly into his “Weekend Health” brunch (from 225 Dhs) which offers a well-executed feast filled with European flavors, seafood tricks, mussels emblematic of the place and live cooking stations. Taking place on the venue’s spacious terrace, it all feels appropriately intercontinental.

InterContinental Abu Dhabi, , b. Phone. : (800) 423463. abudhabi.intercontinental.com/Belgian-coffee

Balcony

This courtyard by the pool positively vibrates with zen-level freshness. Surrounded by cabanas and floating lanterns, this is a bar with more than a few reasons to choose as your premier gang gathering spot. There is shisha, gourmet tapas plates and the daily self-service drink package from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. which costs only 115 Dhs.

Brick

We love an evening brunch with a breeze so much and the rooftop party at Aloft Abu Dhabi’s Brick on Thursday delivers just that. It takes place to the sound of live acoustic music and takes place every Thursday, with dishes sourced direct from the venue’s iconic brick ovens. The brunch lineup includes culinary delights such as simmered sirloin steak, four-cheese pizza, cedar-planked salmon and, for the finishing touch, campfire s’mores … all from DH 235.

Brick, Aloft Abu Dhabi, National Exhibition Center, open daily from 5 p.m. to midnight. Phone: (052) 837 0047, @ brick.abudhabi

Buddha Beach Bar

This outpost of the global ambiance empire has a prime beachfront rendezvous in Saadiyat and it’s all beach chic. It features the brand’s on-trend soundtrack, a luxurious lounge area with shoreline views, and a menu that playfully dances between east and west. Buddha Bar Beach has two places for its Friday Nikkei Brunch (from 325 Dhs), an afternoon session and an evening session, both accompanied by Latin rhythms and fuego Japanese-Peruvian eats.

Buddha Bar Beach, The St Regis Sadiyaat Island, open Monday to Wednesday 5 p.m. to midnight, Thursday to Saturday noon to midnight. Phone: (02) 498 8888, @buddhabarbeachabudhabi

Abu Dhabi Creek

This barefoot wonderland has a weekly schedule loaded with beachside entertainment. Among them is Bijoux (Dhs500) on Mondays – an extravagant seven-course gourmet menu, with a thrilling collection of live music and plays. glittering theaters. Tuesdays are dedicated to live music with Unplugged sessions. Featured artists include Jay Abo, Dina Stars, Aston Wylie and Clarita de Quiroz and there is a bottomless drink package for Dhs199. And things get a little caliente under the pass on Wednesdays with Little Havana. Latin sounds, Latin food and unlimited drinks package for 199 Dhs.

Cove Beach, Makers District, Al Reem Island, open daily. Phone: (056) 39 87895, @covebeachabudhabi

Cooper’s

This British pub has been a capital favorite for years and although it is best known for its prowess as a center for sports spectators, the gloriously shaded ‘Backyard’ outdoor space is perfect for daytime revelry. There’s a daily happy hour from noon to 8 p.m. with a selection of drinks starting at DH 23, a bucket of combo deals and Friday brunch featuring gourmet classics and DJ Danny on decks, features packages from 210 DH.

Park Rotana, Park Rotana Complex Road, near Khalifa Park, open daily from noon to 2 a.m. Phone: (02) 657 3317, @parkrotana

Hakkasan

On the rooftop of Abu Dhabi’s ultra-luxury hotel, Emirates Palace – sits Hakkasan, an elite Cantonese restaurant with great ‘nightlife’ energy. Their terrace area offers a dream view over the roofs of the Corniche, great moving sounds and mood lighting which is frankly an absolute ambiance in itself. To accompany the electric atmosphere, there are nightly brunches, and offers on artisanal mixology and dim sum.

Hakkasan, Emirates Palace, Corniche Rd W, daily from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. Phone: (02) 690 7739, @hakkasanabudhabi

Iris

Known for its exquisite views of Yas Marina and full blast F1 nights, this popular little spot has sophistication built into its genes. And with the outdoor terrace open again, it’s time to experience the place in its purest and most elegant form. The modern and international Friday brunch is also very good value for money, with packages starting at 190 Dhs. Outside? After-brunch package includes three hours of free-flowing homemade sips for Dhs150

Yas Marina, Yas Island, open Tuesday to Thursday and Saturday to Sunday 6 p.m. to 3:30 a.m., Friday noon to 3:30 a.m., closed Monday. Phone. : (055) 160 5636, yasmarina.ae

Stars and bars

We’re unofficially forced to start this entree with a rowdy “Yee-haw” and pat on the thigh, as this bar is a slice of full-size American apple pie. This USA President of Sports Bars comes with a dizzying collection of 76 HDTVs, a retro arcade wall, a pool table, and of particular interest to this gathering – a rooted shaded patio, full of nighttime breezes. with views of the nautical booty of Yas Marina. They also have special weekend roast deals (Dhs99), Tuesday 2 for 1 deals, a boys night out on Saturday, quiz night on Monday and their Friday Marina Brunch starts at Dhs199.

Stars ‘N’ Bars, Yas Marina, Abu Dhabi, Saturday to Wednesday noon to 1 a.m., Thu to Friday noon to 2 a.m. Phone. : (02) 565 0101, @starsnbarsad

The green

The Green is a ‘pop-up pub garden’ on the grounds of Abu Dhabi City Golf Club, offering live entertainment seven nights a week. During the week, between Sunday and Thursday, the hours are from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m., while on Fridays and Saturdays, you have an extended shift from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. On Fridays, experience Music Fest with live music from David Howard, Kevin Carey & Friends. Saturday at The Green come fully approved Dominic Toretto, being as they are, for the family. The FamJam session from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. includes access to giant bouncy castles, interactive children’s games and a serenade by International Playboys lead singer Nicola Warwick.

Abu Dhabi City Golf Club, Al Mushrif, Shakhbout Bin Sultan Street, Sunday to Thursday 4pm to 1am, Fri and Sat 11am to 1am. Phone: (056) 112 2072, @thegreenabudhabi

Wet deck

W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island is an over-key vibe, it follows that their pool complex would be the relaxation area adjacent to the pool preferred for discerning connoisseurs of the capital. Their Sunday to Friday “Daydream at Wet Deck” offers cost only 150 Dhs per adult and you get the full amount back to buy food and drinks. Relax on the sublime back between noon and 8 p.m., with a Wet Deck welcome pack that includes a bottle of water, popsicles and access to those luxurious purple cushions. Pulse is their Thursday night session with big beats and submerged seats and comes with a three hour drink package (ladies Dhs150, gentlemen Dhs200). And “Soak it Up Saturdays” also offers its own drink offers during the day (ladies 160 Dhs, men 220 Dhs for three hours).

W Lounge, W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island. Phone: (02) 656 0000, @WAbuDhabi

Pictures: provided