ABU DHABI
Food & Drink:
 Abu Dhabi is host to a wide range of palates and ethnicities when it comes to cuisine. Lebanese/Arabic, or Indian food is usually the cheapest. Hotel restaurants are usually the most expensive. The city is home to all manner of fast food like McDonald's and Hardees, but there is little call for most people to eat at those places.
Some foreign residents complained of a lack of good Chinese food, but several Chinese restaurants have opened in recent years and serve reasonable Chinese food.
The fun thing about Abu Dhabi is that everywhere, literally from tiny falafel shacks to the cushy hotel restaurants to Burger King, delivers to anywhere in the city. Delivery is quick and reliable, and usually doesn't cost extra.
 Vegetarians will find the city's selection of meals very satisfying. Vegetable and bean-heavy native dishes, the array of splendid pure vegetarian Indian cuisine, and the ready availability of fresh salads make eating in Abu Dhabi a stress-free experience. Strict vegans may have a little difficulty communicating their precise demands, but most places offer vegan dishes and are always willing to accommodate a paying customer. The best choice for pure Vegans would be one of the many Indian veg restaurants.
Visitors should always check the Islamic calendar to determine whether they will be visiting during the month of Ramadan. Since Muslims fast during daylight hours, restaurants are, by law, closed during the day. It is also against the law to eat or drink anything, even water, in public and tourists (and non-Muslim residents) have been arrested and given fines. Large hotels generally have one restaurant open during the day to serve meals to non-Muslims. During the evening, however, it's quite a different story, as the festive atmosphere of iftar (breaking the fast) begins and residents gather for lavish, Thanksgiving-like meals. As long as you don't mind tiding yourself over in private, the evening meals are magnificent.
Suggested Restaurants:
 Anar Restaurant, Emirates Palace. Anar the Persian word for the red pomegranate is native to Iran and has been cultivated there for at least 4,000 years. It is considered the fruit of heaven and was probably the real "Apple" in the Garden of Eden, as the ancients commended it. Located on the lobby level (4th floor) of the Palace, the timeless tradition of culinary excellence lives on at Anar restaurant which serves Persian cuisine at its finest.
BiCE at the Hilton Hotel. Authentic Italian dining can be discovered at the prestigious award winning restaurant BiCE with its contemporary design and European charm. BiCE offers an exceptional combination of delicious modern and traditional Italian cuisine served in an attractive location overlooking the Corniche of Abu Dhabi.
Bord Eau, Shangri-La Hotel. Modern French cuisine in a chic dining room that boasts opulent fabrics and furniture. French regional product is imported to offer a superb a la carte menu and exceptional dining experience.
Chamas, Intercontinental Hotel. Chamas Brazilian Churrascaria Restaurant & Bar offers endless skewers of freshly barbecued meat and chicken served by enthusiastic and knowledgeable Passador (waiters). Served in true Churrascaria style, the skewers keep coming until you tell them to stop. An authentic Latin band adds a touch of Carnaval to complete the experience.
 Finz, Beach Rotana Hotel. Finz, the Beach Rotana's newest "Global Seafood" dining experience and Abu Dhabi's only restaurant built entirely from wood overlooking the sea. Finz offers an à la carte menu with a wide choice of cooking styles featuring Wok, Tandoorias well as Cataplana, a Portuguese specialty where food is cooked and served in a large copper pan and other favourites.
Hoi An, Shangri-La Hotel. Modern Vietnamese cuisine served in a vibrant and colourful, yet nostalgic atmosphere.
 Indigo is the Beach Rotana's attractive and colourful Indian fusion restaurant. Combined elements of various regional food result in creative and beautifully presented dishes. The Indian Theme and lively setting of the outlet further complement this. Cosy Interior, candles, fabrics and contemporary music set the set the scene for an evening at Indigo. The senses are enlivened by the food, with strength of flavour and seductive aromas that create a journey of discovery.
Prego's, Beach Rotana. A contemporary Italian restaurant serving seasonal Italian cuisine, either in the comfort of our relaxed indoor dining area, or the soothing terrace overlooking the Arabian Sea. Enjoy an elegant wine bar and Italian vintages or watch the Chef and his team preparing their delights in an open kitchen featuring an authentic wood fire oven. On your way out, visit the delicatessen and pick up some goodies specially flown in from Italy.
 Rodeo Grill, Beach Rotana Hotel. An elegant but comfortable restaurant, serving the best prime steaks, grilled seafood and other specialties. A comprehensive collection of classic and new world vintages are available to accompany your sumptuous meal. The restaurant features an open grill kitchen and for those who desire privacy, a private dining room is available. Relax in the plush leather seats, while being attended to by professional staff.
Zen, Al Ain Palace Hotel, the more widely known and older Japanese restaurant, serving traditional Japanese foods and drinks. The fine dining experience is accompanied with a great decor.
Drink:
Only restaurants located in hotels are allowed to serve alcohol. Therefore, all nightlife is associated with hotels. The drinking age is 21, but most places don't care. Unlike some other Middle Eastern nations, the bars in Abu Dhabi will be able to accommodate most drink orders.
Technically, you are supposed to purchase a permit to buy alcohol for private storage, although Spinney's and other liquor stores usually take proof that you aren't a local Muslim (a military ID or driver's license.)
Nightlife Suggestions:
Hemingway's, Hilton Abu Dhabi (Corniche West). There are three different places inside. The main restaurant has a good tex-mex menu, a wide selection of beer on tap and features live music in the evening. Jazz Bar - The second venue, has great food and a good jazz band. The band normally changes every six months or so, but the quality is consistent and they take requests. The bartenders normally put on a show by tossing bottles around while mixing a mean cocktail. The third place is Tequiliana's, a nightclub that normally gets going after midnight. The venue also features two private karaoke rooms located in the back. The music depends on the DJ, and ranges from great to not so good.
The Captain's Arms Le Meridien (Eastern Abu Dhabi) - Traditional British pub located in the hotel courtyard. The pub features traditional food and a great selection of beer on tap. The large terrace is great during the cooler months of the year. A typical hang-out for the expat crowd.
Wakatua, Le Meridien (Eastern Abu Dhabi), is a Polynesian-themed cocktail bar located at the far end of the courtyard, right on the water. The cocktails are amazing. The Navy Grog is highly recommended.
Rock Bottom, at the Capital Hotel - is one of the most popular night club locations in all of Abu Dhabi. It stays open later than most venues, and is cheaper. If you get there early enough, they have decent food you can enjoy in the restaurant area. They have both a live band and an excellent DJ, along with black lights and lasers. There is even a hot dog stand later in the night, providing some delicious drunk snacks. Thur nights can get extremely crowded, be warned.
The Embassy is a fairly new nightclub in The Emirates Palace Hotel. Though drinks are expensive, it is worth a visit. The grand hotel is a must-see in Abu Dhabi and the actual club is nicely decorated, comfortable, has great service, a balcony overlooking the hotel grounds, and provides a fun time with great music and very colorful laser shows.
Sax is a popular night club located in The Royal Meridian Hotel (not to be confused with Le Meridian Hotel). Next door to the restaurant/bar "Oceans", Sax is a beautifully decorated club with sleek black marble floors, two bars, a DJ, and depending on the time, a Jazz band. The club is often very loud and very dark with little more than lasers lighting the room. It's not a place to go if you expect to talk at all, at least not on a weekend night. Collared shirts are required for men, and sneakers usually don't pass the bouncers either. It's not uncommon to have to pay an entry fee.
PJ's is a 'traditional' Irish Pub in the Royal Meridian Hotel, boasting brunch buffets and a long happy hour. The majority of the guests are usually English/British/American/Australian. There is something entertaining going on every day of the week, from 'Quiz Night' to 'Ladies Night'. If you want to start drinking early, this is the place to go. No one will bat an eye if you order beer with brunch, and you'll probably find yourself staying for more than one round. The music earlier in the day is a mix of oldies and rock with faster-tempo songs for the late night crowd. This is also a great place to come to watch sports, as the quiet daytime atmosphere and televisions throughout ensure a pleasant experience. The outdoor seating near the hotel's pool is also a great asset on cooler days.
Zenith at the Sheraton Corniche is nicely decorated club and has a nice sized dance floor. If you like the local Abu Dhabi crowd and Arabic music, this is a great place to go. The drinks can be expensive,but the presentation is entertaining. Just around the corner is a quiet outside venue where you can drink and smoke sheesha near a pond.
Trader Vic's is a famous cocktail bar/restaurant located in The Beach Rotana Hotel (connected to The Abu Dhabi Mall). The flattering lighting, interesting menu, and soft but fun island music make this a great place for a date or hanging out with people you actually want to talk to. The cocktail menu is pages long, and ordering a complicated fruity concoction is a must.
Heroes is a friendly sports grill/bar. Located in The Crowne Hotel's basement, it offers reasonable meals, and fair drink prices. The bar is often full of men and women watching various sports games on television. Later at night they have a DJ and a live band that play softer rock songs. It is a pleasant place to hang out with friends, though the lack of windows or ventilation can make it stuffy and smoke-filled quickly.
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