Beirut Sur Mer

Beirut Sur Mer is a contemporary Lebanese restaurant on the Saadiyat Island waterfront, at Soul Beach in the Saadiyat Cultural District. It holds a Bib Gourmand in the 2026 Michelin Guide Abu Dhabi, and its combination of generous Lebanese cooking, reasonable prices and a terrace facing the sea has made it one of the most useful addresses on the island.

The dining room is large, bright and colourful, with a contemporary design, and the terrace beside the beach is the place to be when the weather allows. The Michelin Guide lists it among the best restaurants on Saadiyat Island and among the best in Abu Dhabi for eating outdoors. An experienced team works in the open kitchen, and the restaurant is run by the hospitality group MBT.

The menu sticks to the Lebanese classics, done well. Start with a selection of mezze, both cold and hot, then move on to mashawi, the grilled meats that are the centrepiece of a Lebanese feast. Portions are generous and prices are fair for the setting, so sharing is the best way to eat here. The Michelin inspectors also recommend saving room for dessert.

The restaurant opens in the morning and stays open late, with later closing at weekends, so it works for a beachside breakfast, a long lunch after a museum visit or a relaxed dinner. It suits families, couples and groups, and it is a good choice if you are staying at one of the Saadiyat Island resorts and want a change from hotel dining. Reservations can be made through the TableCheck booking system, and it is wise to book a terrace table in advance for sunset and at weekends.

The location is ideal for combining food and culture. Louvre Abu Dhabi is close by, and the Zayed National Museum, the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi and teamLab Phenomena are all in the same district, so lunch here fits neatly between visits. Saadiyat Island is linked to the city by road, and a taxi from downtown is the easiest way to get there. If you have time, a walk along the beach before or after your meal rounds off the visit.