Al Dhafra Restaurant مطعم الظفرة
<p>Al Dhafra Restaurant مطعم الظفرة has been a cornerstone of Abu Dhabi's dining scene since its founding in 1993. Located in the heart of the city at Heritage Park on Corniche Street, this celebrated eatery has built a legacy of authentic Arabian hospitality and exceptional seafood. Guided by the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the leadership of owner Mr. Abdulah Hareb Al Fallahi, the restaurant remains a trusted destination for locals and visitors seeking fresh catches, traditional flavors, and a welcoming family atmosphere.</p><p>With a rating of 4.6 from over 2,600 reviews, Al Dhafra Restaurant consistently delivers an experience that blends quality, value, and genuine warmth. Guests can enjoy dine-in meals, takeaway options, and contactless delivery, with a per-person price range of 100–400 AED. The restaurant's proximity to the Corniche makes it an ideal stop for a memorable meal after a waterfront stroll, and its long-standing reputation draws diners from across the emirate.</p><h2>Fresh Seafood & Market-Style Selection</h2><p>At the heart of the dining experience is Al Dhafra's signature fresh fish counter, where guests can personally select their seafood before it's prepared to order. This market-style approach ensures peak freshness and gives every diner control over their meal. The display features a rotating selection of locally sourced catches, including hammour, sheri, lobster, shrimp, and seasonal specialties.</p><p>Once you've made your choice, the skilled kitchen team grills, fries, or bakes your selection using traditional Emirati and Arabic recipes. The grilled lobster and mixed grill are two standout favorites mentioned frequently by regulars, while the Sole Meunière offers a lighter, European-inspired option. Every dish is cooked simply to let the natural flavors of the sea shine through.</p><h3>Comprehensive Salad & Dessert Buffet</h3><p>Adding exceptional value to the seafood experience, Al Dhafra offers an abundant salad buffet, soup station, and dessert buffet. For just 70 AED, guests can complement their main course with unlimited trips to a spread of fresh greens, mezze, traditional soups, and a rotating selection of sweets. The meal is rounded out with complimentary Arabic bread, fragrant mint tea, and sweet dates—a touch that underscores the restaurant's commitment to authentic Arabian hospitality.</p><h2>Set Menus & Group Dining</h2><p>For those who prefer a curated experience, Al Dhafra offers thoughtfully designed set menus. The Gold Seafood Set Menu at 149 AED and the Premium Seafood Set Menu at 179 AED each bundle a selection of the kitchen's top dishes, making them perfect for first-time visitors or corporate groups. These menus are available for both lunch and dinner, with the Business Lunch Set Menu providing an efficient yet indulgent midday option for professionals working in the Al Zahiyah area.</p><p>Large groups and families are easily accommodated in the restaurant's spacious dining room. The atmosphere is lively yet comfortable, decorated in a style that reflects the region's maritime heritage. Special Iftar buffets during Ramadan draw crowds and high praise, with diners regularly highlighting the attentive service of longstanding team members like Sam, Promod, and Jo-An.</p><h2>Catering & Event Management Services</h2><p>Beyond the restaurant walls, Al Dhafra has earned a formidable reputation as a premier catering company in Abu Dhabi. Leveraging over 25 years of experience, the catering division serves events of every scale, from intimate family gatherings to large corporate functions, government events, and weddings. The team offers a one-stop solution that includes menu planning, food preparation, on-site service, and cleanup.</p><p>Clients can choose from four distinct menu categories: Emirati, Arabic, International, and Seafood. Alternatively, a fully customized menu can be assembled by mixing favorite dishes from any of the traditional offerings. This flexibility is one of the key reasons Al Dhafra has retained government and private-sector clients for decades. Service levels range from simple drop-off delivery to full-service catering with uniformed waiting staff who ensure seamless execution.</p><h2>Location & Hours</h2><p>The restaurant is situated inside Heritage Park على الحديقة التراثية, directly on the Corniche in the Al Zahiyah district. The address is G96G+25Q - Corniche St - Al Zahiyah - E12 - Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The central waterfront location provides easy access and ample parking, with public transportation stops nearby. Daily operating hours are 12:00–00:00, making it equally suitable for a long lunch by the sea or a relaxed dinner under the stars.</p><p>For reservations or catering inquiries, call +971 2 673 2200. Additional contact numbers are 02 673 2266 and 02 673 2288, with fax available at 02 673 2299. The administrative team can also be reached via email at [email protected]. The full dine-in menu and set meal details are available on the official website, and online ordering is offered for both pickup and contactless delivery.</p><h2>Why Abu Dhabi Diners Choose Al Dhafra</h2><p>Al Dhafra Restaurant endures as a favorite because it stays true to its roots while embracing modern convenience. The combination of a hands-on seafood market, generous buffet accompaniments, and deeply experienced catering services creates a value proposition that few competitors can match. Regular patrons appreciate the consistency: the same warm welcome, the same fresh fish, and the same meticulous preparation that defined the restaurant in 1993 are still evident today.</p><ul><li><strong>Authentic roots:</strong> Established under the guidance of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and deeply woven into Abu Dhabi's history.</li><li><strong>Market-fresh seafood:</strong> Choose your own fish, lobster, or shrimp from the ice counter and have it cooked exactly as you like it.</li><li><strong>Incredible value:</strong> The 70 AED salad, soup, and dessert buffet adds a full experience to any main course, with complimentary bread, tea, and dates.</li><li><strong>Award-winning catering:</strong> Trusted by government entities, private corporations, and families for weddings, meetings, and special events across the emirate.</li><li><strong>Convenient dining:</strong> Dine-in, takeaway, and contactless delivery available daily from noon to midnight.</li></ul><h2>Planning Your Visit</h2><p>Whether you're a seafood lover seeking the freshest grilled hammour in the city, a family looking for a memorable Iftar, or a business hosting a corporate dinner, Al Dhafra Restaurant offers a setting and menu that adapts to your needs. The restaurant accepts walk-ins for lunch and dinner, though reservations are recommended on weekends and during Ramadan. For catering, the events team requires advance notice to tailor the perfect menu and service plan.</p><p>Visit the website at aldhafrauae.ae to explore the full menu, order online for delivery, or submit a catering inquiry. Follow the restaurant on Instagram @aldhafra_restaurant and Facebook for updates on seasonal specials, new set menus, and community events. Al Dhafra Restaurant remains a proud pillar of Abu Dhabi's culinary landscape, and every visit promises the taste of tradition, the freshness of the sea, and the warmth of true Arabian hospitality.</p>
- Category
- Seafood Restaurant › Emirati Restaurant
- Location
- Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, AE
- Address
- Adresse: G96G+25Q - Corniche St - Al Zahiyah - E12 - Abu Dhabi - Vereinigte Arabische Emirate
- Phone
- +97126732200
Tags: seafood, fresh fish, grilled lobster, abu dhabi, heritage park, corniche, emirati cuisine, arabic food, catering, iftar, mixed grill, al zahiyah, dine-in, delivery
