Planning a Celebration? These Abu Dhabi Venues Are Made for It

From private dining rooms and hidden spaces to elegant waterfront restaurants and venues made for a crowd, Abu Dhabi has plenty of beautiful places to bring people together

Whether you’re planning a birthday dinner with your favourite people, an intimate celebration or a larger corporate event, the right setting can make all the difference. From private dining rooms and hidden spaces to elegant waterfront restaurants and venues made for a crowd, Abu Dhabi has plenty of beautiful places to bring people together.

And with the final months of the year approaching, it’s never too early to start thinking about those end-of-year celebrations either. Here are some of the best spaces to book for your next occasion.

Taparelle, Manarat Al Saadiyat

For a celebration surrounded by art, warm interiors, and plenty of atmosphere, Taparelle at Manarat Al Saadiyat makes a beautiful backdrop. The French-Italian restaurant can host everything from intimate birthday dinners and family celebrations to larger parties, with sections of the space softly curtained off for occasions that call for a little more privacy.

For bigger gatherings, Taparelle can welcome up to 150 seated guests or 250 standing, with canapé selections and set menus available to suit the occasion. Think long-table dinners beneath soft lighting, relaxed cocktail parties, or an intimate meal with your favourite people, all brought together with Taparelle’s easy, convivial style.

For bookings and enquiries, please call 02 657 5832 or email info@taparelle.com.

Villa Toscana, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi

For an intimate celebration with plenty of Italian charm, Villa Toscana at The St. Regis Abu Dhabi offers two private dining rooms tucked within its beautiful Tuscan-inspired setting. Vaulted ceilings, exposed wooden beams, arched windows and a grand stone fireplace give the MICHELIN Guide-selected restaurant the warmth and character of a noble countryside villa.

The private rooms are ideal for smaller corporate events, birthday celebrations, family gatherings, and special dinners, giving guests their own space while enjoying the restaurant’s signature Italian hospitality. Led by Chef Vittorio Nania, menus celebrate the regional cooking of Tuscany, Umbria, Emilia-Romagna, and beyond, with handmade pasta, authentic Italian specialities, and an extensive wine collection completing an occasion that feels both intimate and special.

For bookings and enquiries, call 971 2 694 4553 or email

restaurants.abudhabi@stregis.com.

La Catrina at Barbossa, Yas Bay

For something a little different, take the celebration behind the scenes at La Catrina, Barbossa’s hidden tequila room at Yas Bay Waterfront. Designed for small groups and exclusive use, the intimate space brings plenty of Barbossa’s Latin energy, making it a great choice for birthdays and vibrant celebrations with friends.

For an added twist, pair the occasion with La Catrina’s 90-minute Agave Journey through Mexico. The guided tasting moves through different agave-producing regions, accompanied by small bites, tailored cocktails, and rare tequilas and mezcals, with signature serves and a house-made agave salt library adding to the fun. It’s part private party, part tasting experience, and certainly not your typical birthday dinner.

For bookings and enquiries, call +971 50 185 8068 or email reservations@barbossa.ae.

Villa Sélène, Yas Links Golf Club

For a celebration with beautiful waterfront views, Villa Sélène at Yas Links Golf Club offers an elegant Mediterranean setting for birthdays, milestone occasions, and corporate gatherings. Its Privé Packages allow each celebration to be shaped around the occasion, pairing bespoke menus and curated drinks with personalised touches throughout.

With serene interiors, views across the water, and the award-winning restaurant’s understated Mediterranean style, the setting works particularly well for intimate dinners, long-table celebrations, and stylish soirées with friends, family or colleagues.

For bookings and enquiries, call +971 54 990 4246 or email villa.selene@viyagolf.com.

Li Jiang, The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal

For a private celebration with one of Abu Dhabi’s most striking backdrops, MICHELIN Guide-recommended Li Jiang at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal pairs vibrant Asian cuisine with spectacular views of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Inside, rich red interiors and an open kitchen set the scene, while the restaurant’s private dining room offers a quieter, more intimate space for birthdays, family gatherings, and special dinners.

For larger occasions, the entire restaurant can also be booked exclusively, with personalised Asian-inspired menus tailored to the celebration. Guests can choose from indoor dining or the outdoor olive garden overlooking the Grand Mosque, making Li Jiang equally suited to an intimate dinner or a larger soirée with a memorable sense of place.

For bookings and enquiries, call +97 128 188 203 or email abudhabi.restaurants@ritzcarlton.com.