Latin America offers up some of the tastiest plates around, whether you’re diving into an Argentinian steak or stuffing your face with a Mexican burrito.
It’s a melting pot of flavours, and you’ll find lots of places that will help transport you to Peru, Mexico, Brazil and more without leaving the city across the capital.
Looking for the best Latin American restaurants in Abu Dhabi? Look no further than these 10 eateries.
Time Out Abu Dhabi reviews anonymously and pays for all its meals. For more on the review process click here. Now, which on the top 10 are you going to first?
The best Latin American restaurants in Abu Dhabi
WINNER
COYA
It’s a guaranteed good time down at COYA, Abu Dhabi’s premier Peruvian joint, where an endearing fun energy turns every meal here into a party, particularly if you visit for brunch.
Add to that some chic interiors and the exotic flavours of its fine dining menu and you’ve got all the makings of one of the best Latin American restaurants in Abu Dhabi, making it the perfect place for a special evening out.
Take a seat on the terrace during the cooler months or in the main dining area to really soak up the atmosphere and dig into its extensive à la carte menu that covers everything from ceviche and sashimi to seafood and steak.
Licensed. Four Seasons Hotel, The Galleria Al Maryah Island, coyarestaurant.com (02 306 7000).
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Barbossa
If endless views, tacos and Mexican mixed drinks sound like your definition of heaven then you’ve come to the right place at Barbossa.
Spearheaded by Chef Mina Mouris Zaki, this recently opened street food spot has taken over the space formerly occupied by La Carnita, bringing modern Mexican and Latin American cuisine to the capital through authentic highlights like Barbossa ceviche, carne asada tacos, guac & chips, fajitas and tuna ceviche tostada. It’s got a lively bar scene too, so be sure to stick around for a drink.
Licensed. Yas Bay Waterfront, @barbossa_auh (050 185 8068).
MouzMari
A relative newbie on the Abu Dhabi dining scene, MouzMari at Reem Island is a meat lover’s dream. The UAE’s first Emirati-inspired Argentinian steakhouse, chefs combine Argentinian recipes with locally-inspired techniques and spices, all while being environmentally-friendly to boot, as more than 90 percent of the ingredients are sourced from local UAE farms.
If you’re wondering what to order, the machboos, muhammar paella and rack of lamb are all top shouts.
Unlicensed. Reem Island, @mouzmari (02 626 6344).
SHORTLISTED
Amerigos Mexican Bar & Restaurant
Time for tacos? Heck yes. A place where fun is always at the top of the menu, this vibrant Mexican eatery serves up a true feast of traditional dishes including shredded beef tostadas, tuna ceviche, quesadillas, grills, guacamole and sizzling plates of fajitas alongside some super tasty desserts.
One of our favourite restaurants on Yas Island – and in Abu Dhabi for that matter – this is a great place to book for a birthday celebration.
Licensed. Park Inn by Radisson Abu Dhabi Yas Island, @amerigosyasisland (055 594 2695).
Burro Blanco
Serving up a stunning emulsion of flavours and cultural influences hailing from Mexico, Burro Blanco is our first choice for delicious Latin American cuisine when you’re looking for (very) tasty yet budget-friendly.
Simple yet effective, its fuss-free menu comprises all the staples including avocado fritas, tacos and a burrito that come oozing with ingredients, including rice, beans, guacamole and beef, plus a real punch of habanero mango salsa. Name a better combination, we’ll wait.
Unlicensed. First Zayed Rd, Khalidiya, burroblanco.ae (058 582 8776).
Chamas
All set to indulge? Head to one of Abu Dhabi’s few churrascarias for a meal that will leave you with some serious meat sweats. Waiters, who also happen to be Gaucho trained passadores, pass tables carrying enormous skewers of meat ready to be carved onto your dish, and they won’t stop until you tell them to.
Think a traditional South American all-you-can-eat conveyor belt of quality cuts with live Latin music thrown in for good measure, come wearing stretchy pants for this one.
Licensed. InterContinental Abu Dhabi, @chamasad (056 680 2161).
La Patrona
You won’t find anything that remotely resembles Tex-Mex at La Patrona. Instead you can expect all the classics that you would find in an authentic taqueria on the Baja Californian coast including all things tostadas, tacos and quesadillas, with fillings seasoned using spices imported straight from Mexico.
There’s even a selection of brilliant vegan options, like the pastor with jackfruit and pineapple, or the huitlacoche, with Mexican truffle, meaning all bases are covered.
Unlicensed. Al Danah, lapatronauae.com (052 837 0824).
Loca Restaurant & Bar Abu Dhabi
Notorious for hosting some of the most popular nights out in the city, the good times sure do roll at Loca. Thankfully the food is on par with the atmosphere, with everything from its renowned guacamole to ceviche, edible cactus dishes, enchiladas and tacos that are packed with flavour.
A sensible diner would order three, but you’d be well within your rights to order four, even five. There’s an excellent business lunch as well as a banging happy hour too, so be sure to get involved.
Licensed. The Galleria Al Maryah Island, locauae.com (02 582 3639).
Maté
If you want to try a fine dining Argentinian experience with some Lebanese influences thrown in the mix then Maté is the spot. Set across two floors within the island’s swish Park Hyatt, this sultry steakhouse marries both style and substance, with quality cuts of meat cooked to perfection on flaming wood-fired grills in the open kitchen.
If you really want to feel part of the action, sit at the counter, but we recommend you book pretty far in advance to secure a hallowed table.
Licensed. Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas, hyattrestaurants.com (02 407 1138).
Ola Brasil
For a wonderful exploration of South America’s gourmet culture, you can’t go wrong with a meal at Ola Brasil down at the Al Ghazal Golf Club. Diners can enjoy a whopping 15 types of fire-roasted meat carved tableside in a churrasco experience, with the likes of tenderloin, flank steak and picanha all up for grabs.
Enjoy alongside a selection of salads, veg and more, as well as its legendary warm cheese bread served direct to the table. 10/10.
Unlicensed. Al Ghazal Golf Club, olabrasiluae.com (02 505 3323).
