Almayass Abu Dhabi

Almayass brings the cooking of Lebanon's Armenian community to Al Maryah Island. The original restaurant opened in Beirut in 1996, and the Abu Dhabi branch, on the first floor of The Luxury Collection at The Galleria mall, holds a Bib Gourmand in the 2026 Michelin Guide Abu Dhabi for good cooking at good value.

The dining room is large and comfortable, and its circular booths are the seats everyone wants, so ask for one when you book. There is also a terrace for cooler evenings. The atmosphere is relaxed and sociable, the kind of place where groups settle in for a long meal and the table gradually fills with plates.

The menu is extensive and built for sharing. Lebanese and Armenian traditions meet Mediterranean influences, so alongside familiar mezze you will find dishes that are harder to come by elsewhere in the city. The Michelin inspectors recommend the fresh, brightly flavoured itch salads, a staple of Armenian cooking, and Meshwi Shekaf, grilled veal served with spiced bread. Portions are generous, and the best approach is to order a spread of cold and hot mezze, followed by a grilled dish or two for the table. If you are unsure, the staff can suggest a balanced selection for your group size.

Almayass suits groups of friends, families and business diners, and Michelin also rates it for solo dining. Its moderate prices make it a useful address if you are spending a day on Al Maryah Island. Wheelchair access is available.

According to the Michelin Guide, the restaurant is open from midday until late every day, which makes it a flexible choice for a long lunch or a late dinner. Booking is a good idea at weekends. The Galleria is easy to reach by taxi from downtown or the Corniche, and the mall makes it easy to combine dinner with an afternoon of shopping. Let the staff know about any dietary requirements when you order. Because the menu is so long, first-time visitors often over-order, so start with a few mezze and add more as you go. Lunch is usually calmer than dinner, and a midweek visit is the easiest time to secure one of the circular booths without a long wait.