For those who may be so inclined, there are few things more sophisticated than spending a couple of hours at a high-end wine bar. An evening allocated to sampling some of the world’s best grapes while drinking in some of the city’s best views is, for most, one of the hallmarks of elegance in a city known for its endless refined options. Read on to discover the very best wine bars in Abu Dhabi.
La Cava
Located in the basement of the Rosewood Abu Dhabi and accessible via a spiral wooden staircase, La Cava is an ultra-exclusive establishment, thanks largely to its size – the bar seats just a handful of guests. Stone walls allow for an aura of cool, both figuratively and literally, while the French oak adorning this exceptional space adds warmth, sophistication and timeless character.
The menu is no less refined, with a range of delectable vintages, the highlight of which might well be the 2005 Château Petrus. Regular tasting sessions can be arranged for discerning guests, with a concomitant food menu showcasing exquisite dishes such as the Japanese Striploin Wagyu A5.
Guests can also sample a wide selection of cigars, including incomparable Cuban options like the Cohiba Esplendidos 7” x 47mm, while the Whiskey Menu boasts classics such as The John Walker. Cognac lovers are also taken care of with the exquisite Remy Martin Louis XIII.
Marta Bar
A wine bar is sophisticated enough on its own, but if it happens to be located inside a prestigious institution like The Louvre, it takes on an even higher level of refinement.
A speakeasy-style establishment, Marta Bar is situated above the exceptional Fouquet’s restaurant, and boasts a laidback atmosphere – ideal for afternoon drinks after exploring the museum.
Plush interiors complement a sophisticated ambience, while guests can take advantage of a variety of inviting options on the food menu, with the exquisite Wagyu prime rib functioning as the apex of the offerings. However, the well-curated drinks menu is the reason for most visits, which boasts a range of excellent signature cocktails. Also populated by classics such as the Dom Perignon and the Krug Grande Cuvée, the menu presents an exquisite Dom Perignon Rosé – while a range of gins, vodkas, tequilas and rums round out the beverage selections.
Lexx Bar
For those who wish to be presented with one of the most comprehensive liquor menus this side of the Arabian Peninsula, there is Lexx Bar, located in the upscale Grand Hyatt Hotel on West Corniche.
Drawing inspiration from its location within a world-class hotel, the establishment does not disappoint when it comes to the menu, boasting a range of exceptional brands, such as the De La Maziere Armagnac, Hennessy and Courvoisier. Of course, where this marble-clad restaurant really excels is through its expansive wine menu, which offers vintage grapes from wine strongholds such as Australia, South Africa, France and Argentina.
The 2006 Dom Pérignon Blanc is arguably the pick of the bunch, while the 2014 Familia Zuccardi Jose Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina, is another standout option. With further highlights such as the exquisite 2013 Michele Chiarlo, Barbaresco Reyna DOCG and the 2012 Joseph Dru Gevrey Chambertin, Pinot Noir, there is something for every wine lover at this captivating ode to fine vintages.
The Warehouse Wine & Tapas Bar
Located in Pearl Rotana Capital Centre near Zayed Sports City, the Warehouse is a modern bar boasting a chic atmosphere, which has also been the recipient of a slew of awards in recent years, including Fact Award Abu Dhabi’s Favourite Bar of 2024 award, as well as the What’s On Awards prize in the same category.
Focusing on Mediterranean-inspired small plates – think Spanish tapas – the bar offers a range of cuisines across multiple cultures, with an additional emphasis on Latin plates. The establishment also showcases a range of favourites such as the Wagyu beef cold cuts, in addition to a ‘Sausage By The Metre’ across flavours such as Chicken Chorizo and Lamb Merquez.
The menu is complemented by a delectable wine selection. Aromatic Spanish whites and bold Argentinian reds are challenged for supremacy by a spicy Australian shiraz and a delicate French pinot noir. Warehouse also offers a Tuesday Steak Night, giving Abu Dhabi residents the chance to pair one of these exceptional reds with a mouthwatering flame-grilled cut, in addition to a Tapas Thursday event which features a live, authentic Spanish singer.
La Petite Maison (LPM)
Situated in The Galleria on Al Maryah Island, LPM boasts brand recognition thanks to its numerous outlets around the world, and an expansive food menu – the highlight of which is possibly the outstanding Bone-in Rib Eye with Potato Galette and Bordelaise Sauce.
The wine menu encompasses favourites exclusively from wine-producing regions in France, such as the famed Bordeaux, Provence and Rhône. The outstanding 2008 Pauillac, 5ème Cru Classé, Château Lynch-Moussas Bordeaux red represents the apex of the menu; however, there are a few contenders for that particular crown. The 2013 Hermitage ‘Gambert de Loche’, Cave de Tain red from the Rhône is a strong option, as well as the sumptuous 2018 St-Aubin 1er Cru Hommage À ‘Marguerite’, Colin-Morey white from Bourgogne.
With plenty of other options with which to treat your palate, and despite not being a dedicated wine bar in the truest sense, LPM stands proud among the city’s best options.
For those seeking a refined evening out, Abu Dhabi offers no shortage of distinguished wine bars. Some are specialist venues dedicated entirely to the grape, and by proxy, the discerning oenophile, while others place equal emphasis on both cuisine and the carefully curated vintages that accompany it. Whatever your preference, this guide to the city’s finest wine bars will help you navigate the choices with ease.
