Al Mrzab

Al Mrzab is one of the best places in Abu Dhabi to eat the food that Emiratis themselves eat, at prices that won't stretch a travel budget. The restaurant on Airport Road holds a Bib Gourmand in the 2026 Michelin Guide Abu Dhabi, the award for good cooking at good value, and it serves Emirati dishes alongside specialities from Kuwait.

You can spot it from the street by its bright neon sign. Inside, the walls are hung with old photographs of Abu Dhabi, a reminder of how quickly the city has changed, and the seating suits every kind of group: private cabins for families, majlis-style areas where you sit low in the traditional way, and ordinary tables. The place is very busy, so expect a wait at peak times.

The menu covers the classics of the Emirati and Kuwaiti kitchens, and the Michelin inspectors praise the dishes for being well seasoned and made with quality ingredients, singling out the value as much as the cooking. Ordering several dishes to share is the best way to explore the menu. Do not skip dessert: khanfaroush, a warm, golden sweet that is cooked to order and served with local honey, is the dish to finish with.

Because it opens from early morning until late evening every day, it also works for an Emirati breakfast, which is a good way to try local dishes in a relaxed setting. The restaurant suits families, budget travellers, solo diners and anyone curious about local food. No alcohol is served, and the atmosphere is informal. If you are unfamiliar with the dishes, ask the staff for suggestions; the menu is designed for sharing, so a mix of rice, meat and bread is a good starting point.

Reservations are handled by the restaurant directly, so call ahead for a larger group, especially if you want one of the private cabins. Otherwise, arrive early or be prepared to queue at weekends. The restaurant is easy to reach by taxi from the city centre. It makes a good, low-key alternative to the hotel restaurants when you want a meal with real local character.