Best Indian Restaurants in Abu Dhabi - A Perfect Blend of Spices

The United Arab Emirates has a predominantly expatriate population of more than 200 different nationalities. It is a true melting pot, and Abu Dhabi, the capital and one of the UAE’s most densely populated cities, reflects this wider reality.

Indians comprise one of the largest group of foreign expatriates in the UAE. Since where the people go, their food follows, there are many good Indian restaurants in Abu Dhabi including some of the best restaurants in Yas Island.

The sheer number of your options can be overwhelming, so we’ve made this list of 9 places that serve some of the best Indian food in Abu Dhabi.

1. Rangoli

Location: Yas Island Rotana

Rangoli in Yas Island Rotana takes its name from rangoli, the art of making colorful decorative patterns on floors, courtyards, and walls. Mothers pass the craft on to their children, and it is practiced primarily during feasts and celebrations.

The restaurant’s decor reflects rangoli. Contrasting with the restaurant’s base palette of warm browns and beiges accented by rich, dark wood are pops of vibrant Rangoli colors, particularly pink and green, in the drapery and upholstery.

Choose from an extensive à la carte menu of kebabs, curries, biryanis, Indian breads, and traditional desserts from many parts of India. Pair your food with lovely cocktails, wines, or spirits from the equally considerable beverage menu and, as the evening winds down, lounge and relax with a shisha.

2. Rasoi Ghar Restaurant

Location: The Fountains, Yas Mall

No list of Indian restaurants in Abu Dhabi is complete without the Rasoi Ghar Restaurant at The Fountains in Yas Mall. Rasoi Ghar Yas Island is a vegetarian Indian restaurant that delivers authentic Gujarati, Kathiyawadi, and Rajasthani flavors and thalis. It’s easily one of the best West / North Indian restaurants in Abu Dhabi.

3. Asha’s

Location: Yas Mall

Asha’s on the first floor of Yas Mall is on this list of Indian restaurants in Abu Dhabi for its excellent northwestern Indian cuisine. Asha’s, named after Asha Bhosle the Bollywood legend, is a global Indian restaurant chain (14 locations worldwide), making Indian food available and more accessible to a greater audience.

Asha’s uses authentic herbs, spices and home-style cooking to recreate traditional Northwestern Indian flavor profiles. Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are available, served in a contemporary, vibrant, and comfortable setting.

4. Zeera by Buddha-Bar

Location: The Pier, Yas Bay Waterfront

One of the most popular Indian bars in Abu Dhabi, Zeera by Buddha-Bar in Yas Bay Waterfront blends classic and modern gastronomy, seamlessly marrying tantalizing Indian cuisine with the chic Buddha-Bar brand. The result? Delightful expressions, like the restaurant’s rattan chairs juxtaposed with velvet cushions and Indian comfort food — curries, biryanis, tikkas, kebabs, dals, and naans — paired with interactive cocktails.

5. Gazebo

Location: Level 1, Yas Mall

Gazebo is a chain of Indian restaurants in the UAE that serves royal Mughlai cuisine and specializes in dum pukht or slow-fire cooking. Try its salads, samosas, shorbas, kebabs, tikkas, tandooris, and stews. Do not miss their low-flame (dum pukht) biryanis and desserts (e.g., khafeh cheesecake, gajar halwa, kulfi falooda, and bharwan gulab jamun).

6. Peppermill

Location: The Fountains, Yas Mall

Peppermill is a casual-dining Indian Restaurant in Yas Mall. It takes a modern and contemporary approach to Indian cuisine, going against the grain by reinventing classic Indian flavors in dishes that taste familiar but are undeniably fresh and modern. Visit Peppermill for accessible Indian fusion cuisine.

7. Punjab Grill

Location: The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal

Punjab Grill is a global North Indian restaurant brand, and you can find one of its outlets at The Ritz Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal. The ambiance, the royal cuisine, the lovely waterfront view (if you sit on the terrace), and the exceptional service make it one of the best Indian restaurants in Abu Dhabi.

8. Saravanaa Bhavan

Location: Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre

A top South Indian restaurant in Abu Dhabi, Saravanaa Bhavan in Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre, is part of a global chain of Indian restaurants. It serves wholesome South Indian vegetarian fare.

Try its selection of South Indian snacks, such as medhu vada, bajji, and khuzi paniyaram. The restaurant also has a wide assortment of dosas (including rava and millet dosa), uthappam, and appam. Some consider Saravanaa Bhavan the best Tamil restaurant in Abu Dhabi because of its idly selection.

9. Martabaan by Hemant Oberoi

Location: Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental Abu Dhabi

For special occasions, the fine-dining Indian restaurant in Abu Dhabi, Martabaan by Hemant Oberoi at the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental Abu Dhabi should fit the bill. World-renowned master chef Hermant Oberoi serves gourmet Indian fare at Martabaan.

You can book a private dining room for the most exclusive experience. Revel in the cozy but opulent interiors, and try the restaurant’s signature dishes, such as the varqui crab, dum ki nalli, and masala chai creme brûlée. The Martabaan Hi-Tea is also highly recommended.