Zali — Restaurant in Abu Dhabi

To start, this place is great. The staff is super friendly and professional. Their service is great and the location is really nice (especially in the winter).

Food we liked vs food that we personally didn’t like or feel requires improvement (it might be great for others but we personally didn’t enjoy it at all).

Their Hommus- is SUPERB! It’s the freshest and one of the best hommus I’ve tried. The labne as well as the other mezze are good as well.

Things we didn’t like and need improvement (in our opinion)

Their “itch” (under the cold appetizers) surprised us by coming slightly warm (closer to hot than cold)- we asked the waitress and manager and they explained they do warm it slightly as this is how they do it- honestly most places serve it cold and when we saw it under cold we had a certain expectation so it wasn’t great served warm-hot. Especially that it also lacked a bit of crunch. Think something similar to itch served at Orfali (not to compare and both spots are great in their own way).

Chicken Shawerma- it wasn’t great.. especially that they told us the food is home made- the chicken lacked flavor/spices- even lacked that grilled feeling (it’s definitely cooked- but has the weird after taste of boiled chicken that lacks flavor)- ideally it would’ve had the chicken shawerma spices flavors bursting as you take a bite (similar to how great the hommus flavor is like) but the chicken shawerma wasn’t great- to add to it, the pickles chosen aren’t the best either- they’re a bit too lemony and not in a good way.

The sujuk tartar.. that was unfortunately not the best thing. Again it’s a personal preference and it might be someone’s favorite but- the expectation from reading what the sujuk tartar is- vs what we ate is miles apart- they’re sujuk isn’t that flavorful and it’s mostly just hot and heavy feeling cheese or whatever was in it- we really couldn’t continue that meal.

Finally, the halawa saj (we looked at pictures) so we thought oh great saj halawa.. the saj comes with banana and halawa. Now, not sure who thought it was great to add banana to halawa 😂. I’m sure people (probably 10 people max) like banana with halawa- but in general- part of the desert R&D- I’m sure that banana mostly overpowers any other flavor- so having those 2 for me as a hugeeeee halawa lover/ I didn’t like the banana part.

I write all the above as I really loved the place and plan to visit again. This is a spot with great potential and the flavors from the hommus are still fresh in my mind. And I also know they have plenty of other menu items. I hope they can fix the things mentioned (unless it’s how they really do these dishes/ then that’s the direction chosen and I respect that but it’s not for me).

Best of luck and will definitely...

We had an absolutely amazing time at Zali in Abu Dhabi! Located at the marina in Al Bateen, this Lebanese restaurant offers not only a stunning waterfront setting but also an unforgettable dining experience. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with warm hospitality, and the atmosphere felt bright, open, and inviting.

The food was exceptional—authentic Lebanese flavors with a clear passion for traditional recipes. We tried a mix of hot and cold meze, and every dish was delicious. You can tell the recipes come from generations of experience, and the flavors were rich yet balanced.

A great feature was their tablet menu, which allowed us to see pictures of the dishes before ordering—very helpful, especially if you’re new to Lebanese cuisine! The staff were beyond friendly and accommodating, always ready to offer recommendations and ensure we had the best experience.

We also enjoyed their fresh juices and mocktails, which were a refreshing complement to the meal. The combination of delicious food, excellent service, and the beautiful marina views made for a perfect evening.

If you’re in Abu Dhabi and looking for authentic Lebanese food in a relaxed yet stylish setting, we highly recommend Zali. Whether you’re familiar with Lebanese cuisine or trying it for the first time, this place...

A Truly Memorable Culinary Journey to Lebanon

We visited Zali as a family of three – my husband, our son, and I – and it was an absolutely unforgettable dining experience. Every dish tasted like it was made with love, just like at home by a mother or grandmother – comforting, warm, and full of heart.

I had the lamb – perfectly seasoned, tender, and bursting with flavor. My husband chose the cherry kebab, a unique and delightful combination of sweet and savory. Our son enjoyed a beef dish with vegetables, and he couldn’t stop raving about it. Everything was beautifully presented – a feast not only for the palate but also for the eyes.

After the main course, we indulged in desserts and cocktails. The selection was creative and flavorful – our son was thrilled, and so were we!

The interior of Zali is just as impressive as the food – bright, fresh, and modern, yet warm and welcoming. The view of the small marina just outside adds a charming touch, and everything was impeccably clean with great attention to detail.

The service was outstanding – friendly, attentive, and genuinely kind.

We’ll definitely be coming back – just thinking about the food makes me hungry all over again. Thank you for such a wonderful culinary and...