The Best French Restaurants In Abu Dhabi

Craving some flavorful French fare when travelling in the Middle East? Fear not; Abu Dhabi, the innovative UAE capital with a spectacular skyline, boasts some of the best beef bourguignon and crème brûlée outside of Paris. From quaint cafes to elegant and expensive eateries, here’s our definitive guide to the best French restaurants in Abu Dhabi.

La Brioche Cafe

With delicious salads brimming with croutons, moreish croissants and bulging sandwiches, La Brioche Cafe is the place to sample fantastic and fresh French bread in Abu Dhabi. Established in 1984, the specialties here are pastries and bakery items, and you will be hard pushed to find a tastier pain-au-chocolate in the area. If searching for a little more sustenance, opt for the delicious smoked salmon and eggs Benedict: pair this meal with one of the Cafe‘s rich and dark coffees and you won’t be disappointed.
Address and Telephone: La Brioche Café, Khalifa Street, Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 02 6419811

La Brioche Café I Courtesy of La Brioche Café

Brasserie Angélique draws on the elegance of French fine dining, and offers an outstanding menu which reflects the experience and attention to detail the chefs put into every meal. The best way to experience the diversity of the food on offer here is to try the five-course tasting menu, a selection which includes French favorites such as foie gras confit au torchon made with silver onions, rhubarb, daikon, candied hazelnuts and delectable truffle macaroons. Diners can also go a la carte and order the bœuf bourguignon which is marinated in red wine and topped with speck, then served on a bed of fresh summer truffle taglione, carrots and pearl onions. Majestic chandeliers from the Middle East here add an Arabic touch to the grandeur of the venue.
Address and Telephone: Brasserie Angélique, Jumeirah, Ethihad Towers, Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 811 5666

Brasserie Angélique I Courtesy of Brasserie Angélique

Cafe du Roi

Cafe du Roi is an independent venue which offers a sumptuous selection of croissants, sandwiches, omelettes and strong coffee. A wonderful selection of colorful, fluffy and moreish cakes can be purchased, and this is a top spot in which to leisurely linger, enjoy some baked goods and people watch from the idyllic outside tables.
Address and Telephone: Café du Roi, West Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 681 5096

Bord Eau

For an exquisite and flawless French meal in Abu Dhabi, don’t miss Bord Eau. Customers will find traditional dishes here such as onion soup, foie gras and chateaubriand impeccably executed and served with a modern twist. The interior decoration includes beautiful reproductions of Degas ballerinas, a feature which infuses the venue with an elegant and refined atmosphere. Be sure to try the line-caught sea bass, a chef special served with oscietra caviar, exotic fruit and piémont hazelnuts soaked in vodka.
Address and Telephone: Bord Eau, Shangri-La Hotel, Souq Qaryat al Beri, Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 509 8888

Etoiles Restuarant

Etoiles is one of the crown jewels of the Emirates Palace Hotel. Serving contemporary dishes in one of the most opulent settings in the area, this restaurant transforms into a popular nightclub after dinner. Etoiles offers guests a gourmet extravaganza sure to satisfy any palate. Top picks include the liver pate, the crème caramel and the crème brûlée. A perfect time to dine here is during the balmy summer months, when guests can recline on the terrace and soak in the city whilst enjoying first-class French fare.
Address and Telephone: Etoiles Restuarant, Fourth Floor, Emirates Palace Hotel, Corniche West, Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 690 9000

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