AD
Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi has quickly become a premier lifestyle and dining destination. With sleek business towers, luxury hotels, upscale shopping, and more than 400 restaurants and cafés, the island is a haven for food lovers. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, a family outing, or a casual lunch with friends, Al Maryah Island offers a range of culinary experiences to suit every preference.
Getting to Al Maryah Island is straightforward. The island is just a 5–10 minute drive from Downtown Abu Dhabi and well-connected to surrounding communities like Al Reem Island and the Corniche. Visitors can reach the island by car, taxi, ride-hailing apps such as Careem, or public bus routes. Ample parking is available at The Galleria Mall, with valet services at the hotels including the Rosewood and Four Seasons.
For those seeking fine dining, the island hosts several standout options:
La Petite Maison (LPM) A Michelin-recognised French-Mediterranean restaurant located in The Galleria, LPM offers signature dishes like roast lamb with smoked aubergine, fresh seafood, and the renowned lemon tart. Its lively yet elegant atmosphere makes it ideal for business lunches or special evenings.
COYA Abu Dhabi Situated in the Four Seasons, COYA delivers vibrant Peruvian flavours with a dynamic interior and a social, energetic atmosphere. Dishes include seafood ceviches and anticuchos, complemented by a terrace offering romantic waterfront views. Weekend brunches are highly popular among locals and visitors alike.
Bentley Kitchen Located in The Galleria Mall, Bentley Kitchen serves European-inspired dishes in a stylish and relaxed setting. Its terrace overlooks the Arabian Gulf, making it perfect for sunset dinners, after-work drinks, or weekend brunches. Popular menu items include truffle risotto and gourmet burgers.
For casual dining and family-friendly options, Al Maryah Island has plenty to offer:
The Cheesecake Factory A bustling, family-oriented venue with a diverse menu spanning pastas, burgers, pizzas, and salads. The highlight is its extensive cheesecake selection, with flavours like Oreo, strawberry, and salted caramel.
Eat Greek Kouzina A Mediterranean favourite, offering mezze platters, grilled souvlaki, and fresh salads in a rustic, welcoming atmosphere—perfect for shared meals with friends or family.
Asha’s Created by Indian legend Asha Bhosle, this restaurant features rich curries, tandoori grills, and biryanis. Its contemporary yet family-friendly environment makes it ideal for anyone seeking authentic Indian cuisine.
L’ETO Café Known for its colourful desserts and light meals, L’ETO Café is perfect for brunch, coffee dates, or casual afternoons. Superfood bowls, fresh salads, and sandwiches are served in a bright, Instagram-worthy setting.
Other casual options include Paul Café, La Brioche, Loca, Nolu’s, and Craft by Side Hustle, offering everything from pastries and Tex-Mex to Californian-Afghan fusion and gourmet burgers. The food court in The Galleria also provides quick meals for those on the go, with outlets such as Shake Shack, Burger Fuel, and Texas Chicken.
One of the key highlights of dining on Al Maryah Island is the ambience. Many venues offer waterfront terraces and skyline views of Abu Dhabi, ideal for sunset dining and evening outings. COYA features bold Latin-inspired décor, L’ETO offers bright and airy spaces, and Dai Pai Dong combines Cantonese dining with live entertainment.
The island is also central to Abu Dhabi’s famed hotel brunch culture. Popular brunches include Café Milano at the Four Seasons, offering authentic Italian dishes; Dai Pai Dong at Rosewood, featuring endless dim sum and Cantonese classics; Aqua at Rosewood for poolside, family-friendly brunches; and COYA Abu Dhabi for DJ-backed, social brunches. Advance reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends.
Al Maryah Island provides an unparalleled dining experience in Abu Dhabi, catering to every taste and budget. From Michelin-recognised fine dining at LPM, COYA, and Bentley Kitchen, to family favourites like The Cheesecake Factory, Eat Greek, and Asha’s, and Instagram-worthy café experiences at L’ETO, the island is a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy the city’s culinary scene. Whether you’re seeking luxury, casual comfort, or a memorable brunch, Al Maryah Island delivers on all fronts.
Why Embracing Discomfort Could Be the Key to a Fuller Life
Several months back, I found myself trembling on Ireland's rugged Atlantic coastline. My pulse raced as every fiber of my being protested: "Turn back." The cozy hotel with its roaring fireplace and dry clothes called to me like a siren's song. Yet against all instinct, I plunged into the icy waters. The shock stole my breath, set my skin ablaze - and then came the miracle. In that frozen moment, my chattering mind fell silent. For the first time in years, I was completely present.
Alia Hussain Lootah: Weaving Motherhood, Art and Sustainability in the UAE's Cultural Tapestry
In the vibrant intersection of personal narrative and cultural evolution, Emirati artist Alia Hussain Lootah crafts a visual language that speaks to the soul of contemporary UAE. Her multidisciplinary practice serves as a bridge between intimate maternal experiences and broader societal transformations unfolding across the Emirates.
The Raw Beauty of Imperfection: How a Teenage Sculptor Redefines Emotion Through Clay
In Dubai—a city synonymous with shimmering skyscrapers and flawless facades—17-year-old artist Samaira creates sculptures that celebrate the power of imperfection. While others chase perfection, she molds the raw, unspoken emotions that define our humanity.
UAE Doctors Issue Urgent Warning: Keep Vaping Devices Away From Children After Toddler Accident
Medical professionals across the UAE are sounding the alarm after a shocking incident where a three-year-old child accidentally inhaled from an unattended vaping device. Pediatricians are now urging parents to treat e-cigarettes with the same caution as other household dangers.
The Art of Smart Investing: How the Global Art Market is Evolving for Modern Collectors
The art world is witnessing a fascinating transformation as collectors and investors rewrite the rules of engagement. While traditional markets fluctuate, art investment emerges as a compelling long-term strategy, attracting billions from private individuals worldwide. According to the groundbreaking Art Basel and UBS Global Art Market Report 2026, last year's market valuation reached $57.5 billion (Dh211 billion), marking a new chapter despite a 12% dip from previous years.
UAE's "Pressure Cooker" Pavilion at Venice Biennale Redefines Greenhouses as Architectural Marvels
As the Venetian sun stretches daylight hours in May, crowds flock to the prestigious Venice Biennale's twin hubs - Giardini and Arsenale. This year's 19th International Architecture Exhibition, often dubbed "the Olympics of architecture," unveiled its treasures on May 10, showcasing cultural masterpieces from approximately 66 nations. Among them, the UAE makes a striking return with its thought-provoking national pavilion titled "Pressure Cooker," continuing its tradition of award-winning presentations since 2014.
Pat McGrath Leads Louis Vuitton's Groundbreaking Beauty Revolution
For decades, Pat McGrath has redefined the boundaries of beauty. Now, she's poised to make history once again as the creative force behind Louis Vuitton's inaugural cosmetics line – La Beauté Louis Vuitton. This isn't just another makeup launch; it's the convergence of haute couture and cosmetic artistry at its finest.
Sun Safety in the UAE: Why Your Skin Needs Year-Round Protection
In the sun-drenched UAE, where outdoor living is a way of life, many residents remain dangerously unaware of the silent threat posed by year-round UV exposure. While we enjoy beach weekends and rooftop brunches, dermatologists across the Emirates are witnessing alarming consequences in their clinics. As we observe Skin Cancer Awareness Month this May, medical professionals emphasize that skin damage doesn't discriminate - it affects every skin type, age group and gender. The notion that only fai
NMC Royal Hospital DIP Pioneers Radiation-Free Breast Cancer Surgery in UAE with Groundbreaking Sentimag Technology
Revolutionizing breast cancer care, the innovative Sentimag system eliminates radioactive tracers with a safer magnetic alternative for precise lymph node detection
Dubai Schools Embrace Healthier Eating with New Nutrition Guidelines
Educational institutions throughout Dubai are being urged to transform their meal programs following the launch of innovative food and nutrition standards by Dubai Municipality. These comprehensive guidelines aim to revolutionize student diets by cutting down on added sugars, boosting fiber content, encouraging proper hydration, and minimizing food waste in school cafeterias. The newly introduced regulations establish precise serving sizes to maintain portion consistency and accurate nutritional
From Humble Beginnings to Financial Wisdom: Leena Bansal's Money Journey in Dubai
Leena Bansal, an Indian fashion brand strategist thriving in Dubai, reveals how four years in the UAE transformed her financial mindset. In a city bursting with luxury temptations, she's mastered the art of strategic money management while building a safety net for her family's future. The Essence of Money: One Word That Defines It All "Potential," Leena states without hesitation. "Money isn't just currency - it's possibility made tangible." A Love Story With Finances "Early marriage meant tiny
From Financial Struggles to Empowerment: Laaleen Sukhera's Journey with Money
Laaleen Sukhera, a dynamic corporate communications professional and founder of Dubai's innovative Social League platform, shares her compelling financial odyssey. The British expat, who first visited Dubai at 14 before making it her home four years ago, opens up about money lessons learned through life's toughest challenges - from scams to divorce - ultimately finding financial independence.
