Mosaic has branches in Muroor and Najda. This restaurant is my personal favorite –– not only does it have the best waraq enab, but it also has a very homey atmosphere. The interior decor is abundant — resembling the loud furniture Arab families accumulate over generations — and the food is consistently good. I suggest you visit the restaurant on a weekday, as the small restaurant fills up with families on fridays. Be sure to check what the meal of the day is! Some traditional dishes may not be on their permanent menu, but if you ask they might be able to make it for you.

Must Try

Waraq Enab Mloukhieh Cheese Rolls

This restaurant is located in the new extension of Galleria Mall, which you can easily reach using the campus shuttle. Being in a mall, it has a lively atmosphere. I have to admit that the service is not as great as the other locations on this list, but its prices are reasonable. You can never go wrong with a standard assortment of mixed grills.

Must Try

Mixed Grill Dessert Milkshakes

Beirut Sur Mer is located in Mamsha Al Saadiyat. Give Abd El Wahab a break and try another restaurant close to NYU Abu Dhabi with a sea view and scenic promenade. The restaurant is expensive due to its location, but sharing a few dishes in a group here would be a memorable experience. If you are looking to try authentic Arabic food and feel overwhelmed by the options, visit this restaurant for Iftar as they have a Ramadan special set menu.

Must Try

Seafood Special Breakfast Menu

Are you really an NYUAD student if you haven't availed the 50 percent discount at Abd El Wahab every Tuesday? Even without the discount, Abd El Wahab is one of the top ranking Lebanese restaurants in the city for its food and prices. The service is great. Compared to other restaurants, the seating is nothing special, but the charm of this place is being surrounded by people you know and knowing that the food will always be good.

Must Try

Chicken Liver Kafta Fattoush Salad

Located in the old section of Galleria, Almayass contains both indoor and outdoor seating. This fine dining restaurant serves Lebanese-Armenian cuisine. Reservation is usually required.

Must Try

Batata Hara Kabab Karaz

Byblos Sur Mer is located in Al Khubeirah, Intercontinental Hotel. Similar to Almayass, Byblos Sur Mer is a fine dining restaurant with both indoor and outdoor seating, and it overlooks the marina. They often play live music, and have a great atmosphere on weekends and during Ramadan. Reservation is usually required.

Must Try

Mixed Grill Hummus

Zahrat Lebnan There are just about one million branches of this restaurant in Abu Dhabi. Zahrat Lebnan is not the most scenic place to dine-in but you can order food to go. This is the place to go to for Manakish. The closest branches of this restaurant to Saadiyat are in the Tourist Club Area and Defence Street. The prices are good here.

Must Try

Any type of Manakish