The ADR Guide: Best late-night dining spots in Abu Dhabi

Ever had a craving hit at midnight with nowhere to go? We’ve got you covered. From burgers and steaks to sushi and Cantonese dishes, Abu Dhabi has plenty of spots serving food well into the early hours. Here are some late-night dining spots to head to.

SALT

SALT is a homegrown burger and shake spot that has become a familiar name across the UAE, with eight branches from Al Maryah to Al Shamkha. The menu features sliders, fries and loaded shakes, including favourites like the Original Beef Slider, Truffle Slider and Chicken Cheetos Slider. Add a side of Truffle Fries or Chicken Popcorn, then finish with a Lotus or Brownie shake or their soft serve ice cream. 

Timings: Opening hours differ by branch, with some staying open until 3:00 am.

More info here

Denny's Diner

Denny's is open round the clock at Abu Dhabi Mall, so heading out for pancakes at 4am is a perfectly normal choice.If you're hungry, go for the Lumberjack Slam, which comes with buttermilk pancakes, grilled turkey, ham, bacon strips, sausage links, hash browns and a choice of toast. You can also choose from its all-day breakfast, burgers and comfort food menu. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, their thick milkshakes are also on the menu. 

Timings: Open 24 hours

More info here

Appaloosa Sports Bar, Khalifa City

Appaloosa is the place to catch live matches on big screens, with burgers, grills, pizzas, pies and classic pub favourites on the menu. Try their Carnivore B.O.B Burger or Fajitas Hot Platter, then finish with the Plum Tarte Tatin or a selection of ice cream and sorbet. It's pet-friendly, so your four-legged buddies can tag along too. 

Timings: Open until 2:00 am

More info here

Hakkasan, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental 

Located inside Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Hakkasan brings Cantonese flavours to Abu Dhabi with dim sum, seafood and signature meat dishes. Order the Peking Duck, Crispy Duck Salad or Salt and Pepper Squid.

If the weather’s nice, grab a seat on the outdoor terrace for views of the Emirates Palace grounds and Abu Dhabi skyline. 

Timings: Open until 12:30 am

More info here

Lock, Stock and Barrel, Yas Bay 

Head to Lock, Stock & Barrel at Yas Bay for live sports and Tex-Mex favourites like nachos, tacos, burgers and fried chicken. You can also try their one-metre flatbread, loaded with four different toppings.

On Saturday nights from 10pm there’s live bands playing rock, pop, or alternative genres, getting everyone moving at their tables or on the dancefloor.

Timings: Open until 3:00 am: Thursday - Saturday

Open until 2:00 am: Sunday - Wednesday

More info here

Sontaya, Saadiyat Island 

If you prefer Southeast Asian cuisine, check out Sontaya at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort. The menu features dishes like wok-fried beef, ginger lotus sea bass, nasi goreng and green chicken curry.

Choose from indoor seating or go alfresco and sit on their outdoor terrace surrounded by water.

Timings: Open until midnight

More info here

Barbossa, Yas Bay 

For Mexican and Latin American flavours, pop over to Barbossa at Yas Bay Waterfront. From carne asada tacos and achiote chicken quesadillas to signature nachos and ceviche, the menu brings together a mix of Mexican favourites, with views of the bay.

The oversized folding doors bring the inside out, so that tables and seating flows out onto the terrace, overlooking Yas Bay. The entertainment continues on through to the early hours with a live DJ playing latin and afro beats music. 

Timings: Open until 3:00 am: Thursday - Saturday.

Open until 1:00 am: Sunday - Wednesday. 

More info here 

SUSHISAMBA, Al Bateen 

SUSHISAMBA brings together Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian flavours, with dishes like Samba ceviche, black cod, Japanese A5 Wagyu, sushi and robata-grilled plates. 

You can choose to eat indoors across their two levels, or grab a table on their terrace which overlooks the water and centres around a large bar in the middle.

While you’re there, catch the live samba dancers every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. 

Timings: Open until 2:00 am: Thursday - Saturday.Open until 1:00 am: Sunday - Wednesday. 

More info here

Steak Chef Restaurant

Steak lovers, head to Steak Chef for grilled steaks, burgers and sandwiches with a Middle Eastern twist. The menu includes chargrilled steaks, Wagyu beef, signature burgers and dishes like the steak sandwich. You’ll find them in Al Bateen, Baniyas and Al Ain.

Save room for a slice of their homemade cheesecake or a mojito mocktail. 

Timings: Open until 1:00 am

More info here