What's On Abu Dhabi Awards 2024: Here are the winners
Introducing the class of 2024…
Last night, against the backdrop of the iconic W Abu Dhabi — Yas Island’s sparkling roof, we were joined by 500 of Abu Dhabi’s own bright stars for an evening of celebration as we unveiled the winners of the What’s On Awards Abu Dhabi 2024.
And we don’t like to brag, but, it’s a pretty big deal — widely recognised as the city’s most important leisure and entertainment award ceremony.
We honoured elite places to eat, fabulous spots to relax and unmissable destinations for celebrations and fun. We dished out a total of 42 awards covering everything from Abu Dhabi’s best restaurants, to the city’s most memorable music and sporting events, plus the top spots for alfresco sips, grape and cheese and evening brunches.
For the majority of the categories we deferred to democracy, the wisdom of crowds, you — the voting public, to decide the winners, but there were also four big prize winners, chosen by us, the What’s On team. These awards went to individuals and venues deemed to have made outstanding contributions towards Abu Dhabi’s leisure and entertainment scene, adding to the reasons that make it such an incredible place to live.
So, let us introduce you to the winners of the What’s On Abu Dhabi Awards 2024.
Editor’s Choice Awards
Restaurant of the Year: LPM Restaurant & Bar
What does it take to stay at the top of your game in the Abu Dhabi restaurant scene? It takes consistency and passion, but it also requires innovation. And that’s exactly what LPM Restaurant & Bar does with gusto. Al Maryah island’s very own piece of Paris has got it right at every level. Its business lunch is eternally popular with the working crowd, its Sunday brunch a firm favourite with the capital’s foodies. In the last year, the brand has launched its own wine, accelerated its mocktail offering through a collaboration with Lyre’s, and consistently brought hordes of visitors through its doors, with a seasonally-changing menu that serves as a tasty ode to the French Riviera.
Newcomer of the Year: Flamingo Room by tashas
When the restaurateur behind one of the region’s most popular café brands expanded into fine dining restaurants, it was an instant hit on the Dubai dining scene. So naturally, there were big expectations around the Abu Dhabi debut of Flamingo Room. In the capital, this concept is a tri-factor of decadent dining in the restaurant, refined imbibing in the lounge, and scintillating sips in the stylish bar. It packs a punch in both style and substance, and the incredible design detail is matched masterfully by a menu that hits the high notes time and again.
Chef of the Year: Faisal Naser
A man that is known and loved in the culinary scene in Abu Dhabi, chef Faisal Naser’s restaurant Lento proved so popular in Abu Dhabi that he expanded into Dubai back in 2022. But not content in being a solo success story, this chef is passionate about sharing his knowledge and passion for Emirati cuisine with as many people as possible, regularly sharing recipes with his 250,000-strong following on Instagram. Alongside continuing to innovate in his ever-popular restaurants, he has spent the last year providing his culinary mastery for the ever-growing list of events in the capital, providing pop-ups at Saadiyat Nights, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and the Mother of the Nation festival.
Homegrown Restaurant of the Year: Marmellata
In a modest corner of Mina Zayed, resembling a run-of-the-mill eatery, sits Marmellata. But there is nothing run-of-the-mill about this family business. An idea that began as a way for classically-trained chef Raj Dagstani to give his then 13-year-old son Sebastian some work experience, the pair began selling their homemade pizza and focaccia once a week back in 2019. It fast became a homegrown sensation, with queues around the block to get a slice of their pie. Post-pandemic, this restaurant returned bigger and better than before, but owner Raj is still the main man in the kitchen despite the restaurant’s success, serving up the kind of warm hospitality – and incredible toppings – that set this restaurant streets apart from the rest.
Restaurants Above Dhs400
Favourite Alfresco Restaurant: Tean – Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort
Experience the joys of authentic Arabian cuisine at this exciting open air eatery, as you dine by the alluring Saadiyat Island sea at Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort. Tean serves up some of the best grilled meats and seafood specialties in the capital, as you treat your palate to lovely Levantine flavours.
Highly Commended Alfresco Restaurant: Alba Terrace – The Abu Dhabi EDITION
Highly Commended Alfresco Restaurant: Brauhaus – Beach Rotana
Favourite All-Day Dining Restaurant: Graphos Social Kitchen – Hilton Abu Dhabi – Yas Island
One of the top spots in the capital for an all-day dining adventure, Graphos Social Kitchen on Yas Bay invites you into a food market comprising 10 live cooking stations with as many, if not more diverse selections for you to enjoy. Whether its the seemingly ubiquitous favourite sushi, or the immensely popular mezze station that has you lining up for more, Graphos has you covered all day, every day at this brilliant buffet in Abu Dhabi.
Highly Commended All-Day Dining Restaurant: Giornotte – The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal
Highly Commended All-Day Dining Restaurant: Roots Bar and Kitchen – Yas Acres Golf and Country Club
Favourite Asian Restaurant: Cho Gao Marina Walk – InterContinental Abu Dhabi
Voyage through an array of amazing pan-Asian flavours at Cho Gao Marina Walk, where you can wind down amid lively vibes, banging beats, and of course, the fragrant flavours of Asia. Whether it’s tastebud-igniting curries or fresh seafood you wish to savour by the water, Cho Gao Marina Walk echoes the essence of Asian cooking like few others do in the capital.
Highly Commended Asian Restaurant: Shang Palace – Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi
Favourite Brunch: The Director’s Club – The WB™ Abu Dhabi, Curio Collection by Hilton
If you’ve long harboured dreams of starring in a movie, television series or even a stage production, you can now do it in style at The Director’s Club. Except, you’ll need to share the stage with some of the irresistible dishes they put out at their Saturday Brunch. Inspired by iconic elements respective to the WB universe, get set for a family-friendly brunch experience that packs a punch on both the food and entertainment front.
Highly Commended Brunch: B.I.G. Brunch at Garage – W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island
Highly Commended Brunch: Saturday Grand Brunch – Fairmont Bab Al Bahr
Favourite Italian Restaurant: Villa Toscana – The St. Regis Abu Dhabi
One of the leading names on the capital’s Italian dining circuit, Villa Toscana is aptly designed like a sprawling villa right out of Tuscany. When you’re done soaking in its grandeur, experience an array of elegant, hand-crafted specialties from Italian regions such as Tuscany, Umbria, and Emilia-Romagna. A perennial favourite with a gorgeous view for miles, bookmark this one the next time you’re on the lookout for a classy dining experience in town.
Highly Commended Italian Restaurant: Si Ristorante – Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas
Highly Commended Italian Restaurant: SOLE – Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers
Favourite Japanese Restaurant: Café Sushi – Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Abu Dhabi
Located at one of the capital’s favourite beachfront properties, Café Sushi at the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr introduces you to unique sushi indulgence that includes a wide selection of sushi, salads and mains. For those on the go, this ultra-modern concept also offers a belt-style conveyor that serves fresh Japanese fare. All of this, as you savour uninterrupted views of the capital.
Highly Commended Japanese Restaurant: Otoro
Favourite Latin American Restaurant: COYA Abu Dhabi
One of Abu Dhabi’s finest dining spots for wonderful Latin American food and drink, COYA introduces diners to Peruvian picks on a sensory journey inspired by the vibrant Latin American culture. Located on marvellous Al Maryah Island, you will be taken on a journey of Peruvian culture through food, art, drink and music, with waterfront views of the city skyline.
Highly Commended Latin American Restaurant: Maté – Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel And Villas
Favourite Mediterranean Restaurant: José by Pizarro – Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers
If you’re after laid-back dining without compromising on luxury, José by Pizarro at the Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers is what you’re after. This spot packs traditional Spanish specialities served with a twist, and informal, sharing-style tapas amid red accents and walls that honour the family tree.
Highly Commended Mediterranean Restaurant: Mika
Highly Commended Mediterranean Restaurant: Oii Abu Dhabi
Favourite Middle Eastern Restaurant: Mazaj Bab Al Bahr – Fairmont Bab Al Bahr
Mazaj Bab Al Bahr brings to town a deeply sophisticated concept with expansive outdoor seating at the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr. Here, you’re treated to premium, flame-grilled, Lebanese, Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine, Generous with their portions, you’re treated to signature fare such as kebabs, aromatic hot and cold mezzeh, and time-renowned sweet winners such as kunaffa and baklava.
Highly Commended Middle Eastern Restaurant: Beirut Sur Mer – Mamsha Al Saadiyat
Highly Commended Middle Eastern Restaurant: Byblos Sur Mer – InterContinental Abu Dhabi
Favourite Seafood Restaurant: Turtle Bay Bar & Grill – Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas
Turtle Bay Bar & Grill is a dazzlingly-creative haute cuisine kitchen, located at the picturesque Saadiyat Rotana Resort and Villas in Abu Dhabi. With grilled delicacies, a host of nigiris, sashimis and makis for the Japanese seafood lover, sharing signature and a raw bar to savour among others, the Turtle Bay Bar & Grill truly is your home for seafood in the capital.
Highly Commended Seafood Restaurant: Finz – Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi
Highly Commended Seafood Restaurant: Fishmarket – InterContinental Abu Dhabi
Favourite Steakhouse: Oak Room – The Abu Dhabi EDITION
When you think of where the choiciest steak connoisseur would want to dine in the capital, the Abu Dhabi EDITION’s Oak Room is bound to come to mind as a leading contender. This high-class venue with premium steaks and precious pours, complete with a see-through display of their highest-grade steak selections is one spot you do not want to miss.
Highly Commended Steakhouse: Entrecote Café de Paris – Souk Qaryat Al Beri
Highly Commended Steakhouse: Ray’s Grill – Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers
Food Concept
Favourite Afternoon Tea: Lobby Lounge – Shangri-La Hotel Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi
The concept of the afternoon tea is one that the capital will never take lightly, and where better to experience this first-hand than at the Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri? Let Arabian melodies serenade you as you sit back, sip on and dig into a refreshing selection of teas, coffees and desserts, as fragrant, fruity and flavourful indulgence awaits.
Highly Commended Afternoon Tea: Beverly Cafe
Highly Commended Afternoon Tea: Drawing Room – The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi
Favourite Breakfast: Market at EDITION – The Abu Dhabi EDITION
Head into the Abu Dhabi EDITION and turn left, it’s that simple. One of the capital’s finest breakfast spreads awaits at Market at EDITION, where you can order all of the classics and more, with their lineup of international favourites featuring fresh, organic ingredients. Whether you seek a carb-heavy start to your day, a fresh, uplifting juice or a caffeine hit to get you supercharged, it’s all available here when you dine at this relaxed, sunlit breakfast spot.
Highly Commended Breakfast: Bella Vita Restaurant by Labelle
Highly Commended Breakfast: Oléa – The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi
Favourite Burger: Slaw And More
What is it you look for when you imagine yourself loosening up those masseter muscles and getting ready to bite into a bread-hugged patty? Is it the perfect sauce, a crispy patty or pickles? At Slaw And More, chef and founder Ali Yazdi introduces you to a decadent twist on wings, fried chicken, corn and calamari before you move on to a selection of burgers and sandwiches, fries and a dessert. Enough reading, get eating.
Highly Commended Burger: VALGERAND – Nordic grill
Favourite Business Lunch: Mosaic Restaurant – Najda
Mosaic has a seemingly unreplicable focus on freshness, and while the venue is classy and doesn’t fall under budget options, it also has the uncanny ability to bring the signature homeliness you crave in a Middle Eastern restaurant. They serve all of the Mediterranean classics such as mezzes, the lentil soup, tabbouleh and more, but it’s the grills and desserts that really ensure they’re a class apart. And while they cater to every kind of Mediterranean cuisine fan, they also operate as caterers. Must try.
Highly Commended Business Lunch: LPM Restaurant and Bar
Highly Commended Business Lunch: Raclette Brasserie & Café
Favourite Café: Café 302 – Al Maha Arjaan by Rotana
Sunny and airy, with fresh, healthy selections when you choose to dine here for breakfast. Great deals, coffees, pastries and more later in the day. Cafe 302, now in their eighth year, is located in the heart of the capital and is a convenient spot whether you choose to roll out of bed on Saturday morning and head over, or want to talk business over coffee. With friendly staff and service, you’ll want to make plans to dine at this hidden gem if you haven’t already.
Highly Commended Café: EL&N London
Highly Commended Café: Ritual Cafe & Studio
Favourite Healthy Restaurant: Feels Juice Bar & Kitchen
With all that talk of indulgence, we had to eventually get here. An ever-growing fitness trend and a horde of health-conscious diners in the capital not wanting to give up on taste means we arrive at Abu Dhabi’s favourite healthy restaurant. Feels Juice Bar & Kitchen. Open to diners on mystical Mamsha Al Saadiyat, this concept is powered by a passion for clean eating and an active lifestyle, so it is natural that the menu packs options such as salad bowls, power bowls, acai bowls and pressed juices and shots.
Highly Commended Healthy Restaurant: Cyan Brasserie – Andaz Capital Gate, Abu Dhabi – a Concept by Hyatt
Favourite Pizza: Pizza Di Rocco
Pizza Di Rocco serves some of the best pies in the capital. Abu Dhabi has voted for their favourite pizza, and this is it for the year that was. This award-winning traditional Italian pizzeria serves crispy, artisanal pizzas, made by hand and baked in their Neapolitan cupola-style oven. The deliciousness is available for delivery across Abu Dhabi, and they also cater. Plans for your next big party just got made.
Highly Commended Pizza: Antonia
Highly Commended Pizza: Marmellata Bakery
Favourite Pub Grub: Belgian Beer Café – Radisson Blu Hotel, Abu Dhabi Yas Island
Greasy? Crispy? Tasty? Check, check and check. Yas Island’s Belgian Café at the Radisson Blu Yas Island serves an expertly-crafted menu while also featuring timeless classics. In true sports pub fashion, they also screens sporting action from all the big contests around the world, and have excellent happy hour deals you can take advantage of.
Highly Commended Pub Grub: Appaloosa Sports Bar – Marriott Hotel Al Forsan, Abu Dhabi
Highly Commended Pub Grub: Hamilton’s Gastropub – Saadiyat Rotana Resort and Villas
Nightlife
Favourite Bar: Siddharta Lounge by Buddha-Bar
Whether it’s a sophisticated sundowner, an after-dinner night cap or just plain thirst that needs quenching, Yas Bay Waterfront’s Siddharta Lounge, part of the Trilogy By Buddha Bar ensemble, has you covered. From the house of the much-loved brand, this bar takes the cake as you stroll along one of the capital’s much loved nightlife spots.
Highly Commended Bar: Library Bar – The Abu Dhabi EDITION
Highly Commended Bar: The Warehouse Wine and Tapas Bar – Pearl Rotana Capital Centre
Favourite Evening Brunch: TIKI Pacifico
There’s no surprises that this Polynesian wonder on the Al Bandar Marina, known for rolling out one wallet-friendly deal after the other, was Abu Dhabi’s pick for their exciting evening brunch. Whether you opt to snag a table on the terrace or book a seat indoors to be closest to the free-flowing food and drink, TIKI Pacifico is an aesthetically-pleasing venue in the capital you’re sure to love.
Highly Commended Evening Brunch: Amerigos – Park Inn by Radisson Abu Dhabi, Yas Island
Highly Commended Evening Brunch: Teatro – Park Rotana Abu Dhabi
Favourite Grape and Cheese Night: Raclette Brasserie & Café
We’re back on Mamsha Al Saadiyat yet again for this one, and Raclette Brasserie & Cafe treats you to everything from the best grapes to exotic favourites from France. Be transported to the regions of Paris, Lyon, Provence and Marseilles as you enjoy everything from delicate foie gras and escargots to oven-roasted chicken and steak frites as well as a variety of famed French desserts, all on beautiful Mamsha Al Saadiyat.
Highly Commended Grape and Cheese Night: Art Lounge – Louvre Abu Dhabi
Highly Commended Grape and Cheese Night: UVA Wine Bar & Lounge – Marriott Hotel Al Forsan
Favourite Ladies’ Night: Jazz & Fizz Bar – Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche
Up above the city so high (well, 36 floors high, at least), Jazz & Fizz’ Wednesday ladies’ night invites the chicas to enjoy a brilliant deal – where you’ll get three free drinks and 50 per cent off the food menu. Unwind with signature beverages as jazz music and Arabic tunes provide the soundtrack for your evening, while sat high up, you’ll be savouring city views of this great city we live in.
Highly Commended Ladies’ Night: Ray’s Bar – Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers
Highly Commended Ladies’ Night: W Lounge – W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island
Favourite Outdoor Bar: Art Lounge – Louvre Abu Dhabi
This hidden gem is neatly located on the rooftop of the capital’s iconic cultural structure, and is a sleek outdoor venue for you to relax and enjoy a wide selection of beverages and light bites. Why favourite outdoor bar? Because you’ll find yourself amazed at unobstructed views of the Abu Dhabi skyline.
Highly Commended Outdoor Bar: Café del Mar
Highly Commended Outdoor Bar: Nasma Beachfront Bar – Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas
Favourite Sundowner Spot: Buddha-Bar – The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi
Watch the sky turn all hues beautiful as you bid goodbye to the day that was and welcome the evening that beckons, as you enjoy a beverage and a bite at Abu Dhabi’s favourite sundowner spot for the year, Buddha-Bar at the St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi. Just so happens, it’s located on one of Abu Dhabi’s most beautiful locales, Saadiyat Island.
Highly Commended Sundowner Spot: Filini Garden Radisson Blu Hotel, Abu Dhabi Yas Island
Highly Commended Sundowner Spot: The Overlook – The WB™ Abu Dhabi, Curio Collection by Hilton
Entertainment
Favourite Attraction: Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi
It doesn’t matter what generation you grew up in – if you’re reading this (and likely even if you aren’t), chances are your childhood featured some of the biggest names spawned by the Warner Bros. universe. Abu Dhabi’s own home of these timeless fictional icons continues to draw you in with nostalgia-inducing amazement every time you step through the doors.
Highly Commended Attraction: Al Forsan International Sports Resort
Highly Commended Attraction: Prison Island Abu Dhabi
Favourite Concert, Show or Festival: Backstreet Boys DNA World Tour 2023 at Etihad Arena
How are you going to scroll past this one without singing “Backstreet’s back, alright”, in your head? That’s exactly what the rest of Abu Dhabi thought too, and they’ve voted these timeless pop icons’ performance in the capital their favourite concert, show or festival for the year. Taking millennials back several years to the days of audio tapes and music videos, while introducing younger ones to tracks that will no doubt keep you humming, pretty much Everybody thought the Backstreet Boys DNA World Tour 2023 at Etihad Arena was the deserving choice.
Highly Commended Concert, Show or Festival: Saadiyat Nights presents Andrea Bocelli – DCT
Highly Commended Concert, Show or Festival: Disney On Ice at Etihad Arena
Leisure
Favourite Beach Hotel: Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort
White sand, turquoise waters, a property that feels like it just sprang up out of a beach. This picturesque hotel and resort with its grand brunch offering, an all-round high-luxury feel and its eco-friendly focus wins favourite beach hotel, and if you’ve ever been, you’ll understand why.
Highly Commended Beach Hotel: InterContinental Abu Dhabi
Highly Commended Beach Hotel: The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi
Favourite Daycation: Café del Mar
Who doesn’t know of Cafe del Mar? This easily-accessible beach club is one of the capital’s favourites, located on Yas Bay just steps away from the Etihad Arena. This world-renowned with its Ibiza energy is a perennial favourite in the capital, and Abu Dhabi has just voted it the favourite daycation in town.
Highly Commended Daycation: Al Forsan International Sports Resort
Highly Commended Daycation: Saadiyat Beach Club
Favourite Luxury Staycation: Nurai Island
When you need to get somewhere exclusively by boat, you know it’s one of those concepts. Nurai Island is Abu Dhabi’s own slice of ultra-high luxury living, and you’re about to be treated to an unparalleled way of life when you dock at these shores. With a recently-launched butler service upping the luxe quotient, Abu Dhabi voted Nurai Island the city’s favourite luxury staycation.
Highly Commended Luxury Staycation: Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa
Highly Commended Luxury Staycation: Anantara Eastern Mangroves Hotel
Favourite Spa: Anantara Spa – Anantara Eastern Mangroves Abu Dhabi Hotel
Anantara Spa is your escapist haven from the stresses of the city, and with its idyllic location overlooking tranquil mangroves on the edge of the city, you can indulge in a long list of activities including exercise sessions, relaxing spa sessions and healthy cuisine that will feed you all the flavours you seek without getting in the way of your fitness goals.
Highly Commended Spa: The Spa – The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort Abu Dhabi
Highly Commended Spa: Zen the Spa – Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas
Favourite Sporting Event: Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2023
If there’s one single event you could pick that put Abu Dhabi on the map, many if not most would agree that the Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has to be it. This is where it all began over 15 years ago, and it continues to be the marquee sporting spectacle the capital showcases to the world every winter. Often the decisive race that crowns the world champion, we’re not remotely surprised they’ve won the What’s On award for Abu Dhabi’s favourite sporting event.
Highly Commended Sporting Event: NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2023 Presented by ADQ – DCT & Ethara
Highly Commended Sporting Event: UFC 294 Abu Dhabi Showdown Week – DCT & Ethara
Restaurants Below Dhs400
Favourite Asian Restaurant: Daikan Izakaya
Are you a fan of Asian food, but not so much a fan of breaking the bank? Yas Bay’s Daikan Izakaya is one you can always enjoy, any time of day. With both comfy indoor seating and an alfresco dining option that overlook Yas Bay, order from a menu that serves yummy chicken wings, ramen specials and yakatori, to name just a few. These bowls are big, so arrive with an appetite.
Highly Commended Asian Restaurant: Silk & Spice – Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche
Favourite Brunch: Artisan Kitchen – Bab Al Qasr
One of the most recognisable structures on Abu Dhabi’s skyline, Bab Al Qasr, houses Artisan Kitchenm who serve a brunch that Abu Dhabi has voted its favourite. All-day dining comes to you amid aromas reminiscent of cuisines famous the world over, as you dig in to a lavish buffet no matter what time of the day it is. Whether it is made-to-order eggs, freshly baked croissants or mouth-watering pizza that will satiate your appetite, Artisan Kitchen is the place to dine at.
Highly Commended Brunch: Paradiso
Favourite Indian Restaurant: Indigo – Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi
Everyone loves their Indian food in the capital. Indigo, at the Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi takes you on a trip that will have you experiencing vibrant spices, aromatic herbs, terrific tastes and unmistakeable flavours. Be seated indoors, or dine on the terrace for stunning views as you celebrate a rich tapestry of flavours, exclusive to Indian gastronomy.
Highly Commended Indian Restaurant: Ushna
Favourite Italian Restaurant: Verso – Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences Emirates Pearl
The Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences Emirates Pearl houses Verso, their in-house trattoria. Popular features the Abu Dhabi public routinely enjoy include the La Famiglia Saturday Brunch, their pizza and pasta masterclass and more, that in addition to serving excellent Italian food, justify why the public love this restaurant.
Highly Commended Italian Restaurant: Dino’s Bistro Italiano – Pearl Rotana Capital Centre
Favourite Mediterranean Restaurant: The Vista – The Club Abu Dhabi
Backdropped by the beautiful skyline of Reem Island, this treasured dining destination within The Club invites visitors to come as they are to tuck into an array of flavourful Mediterranean fare. With grand, gilded interiors and a more relaxed outdoor terrace, the menu features dishes like freshly shucked oysters, gambas al ajillo, and grilled Omani lobster tail.
Highly Commended Mediterranean Restaurant: Em Sherif Café
Favourite Middle Eastern Restaurant: Kamoon – Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana
The gastronomy minds here take their Middle Eastern and Levantine dishes very seriously, and this indoor and outdoor venue has recently unveiled a new and improved line-up of tastebud-tantalising creations. Dig in to headliners such as the superb Hummus Istanbuli with smoked sweet paprika, their innovative shish tawook display, the juicy beef sujuk and much more, as well as the Mamoul Almama for dessert, inspired by Chef Abu Halab’s beloved mother’s recipe.
Highly Commended Middle Eastern Restaurant: Mosaic Restaurant – Muroor
View the full list of winners here.