Let me reveal something that will make every food lover in Abu Dhabi cancel their dinner plans. 😱

You don’t need a plane ticket to experience the breathtaking flavors of Latin America. No passport required. No 15-hour flights. No jet lag.

It’s all right here in Abu Dhabi. 🌎✨

From the sizzling steakhouses of Argentina to the vibrant cevicherias of Peru, from the fiery tacos of Mexico to the festive churrascarias of Brazil—the capital has quietly become a Latin American food paradise. 🇦🇷🇲🇽🇧🇷🇵🇪

In this exclusive, complete guide, I’m going to reveal the hidden gems and insider favorites among Abu Dhabi’s 12 best Latin American restaurants. Hurry—your taste buds are waiting! 🍽️🔥

🏆 WINNER: COYA – Abu Dhabi’s Premier Peruvian Powerhouse

The Vibe: It’s a guaranteed good time down at COYA, Abu Dhabi’s premier Peruvian joint, where an endearing fun energy turns every meal into a party—particularly if you visit for brunch. 🎉

Why It’s #1: Add some chic interiors and the exotic flavors of its fine dining menu, and you’ve got all the makings of one of the best Latin American restaurants in Abu Dhabi. It’s the perfect place for a special evening out.

What to Order: 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 covering everything from ceviche and sashimi to seafood and steak. 🦐🥩

What Reviewers Say: “COYA helped shape Abu Dhabi’s foodie landscape when it burst onto the scene, and long-lasting popularity has shown it’s still at the top of the game.”

The essential takeaway: If you want celebratory, refined, and unforgettable—COYA is your destination. 🏆

🥈 HIGHLY COMMENDED: Barbossa – Tacos, Tequila & Yas Bay Views

The Vibe: If endless views, tacos, and Mexican mixed drinks sound like your definition of amazing, then you’ve come to the right place at Barbossa. 🌮🍹

Why It’s a Winner: Spearheaded by Chef Mina Mouris Zaki, this street food spot brings 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.

Pro Tip: It’s got a lively bar scene, too, so be sure to stick around for a drink. 🍸

The essential takeaway: Breathtaking sunset + irresistible tacos + perfect margarita = your new favorite spot. 🌅

🥩 Maté – Argentinian Elegance with a Lebanese Twist

The Vibe: 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.

Why It’s Essential: 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. 🔥🥩

What Reviewers Say: “From the raw to the pastry-encased, slow-cooked to the flash-grilled, every dish stands up to the last.”

The essential takeaway: The ultimate date night for steak lovers who appreciate craft, flame, and flavor. 🏆

🌟 SHORTLISTED: The Best of the Rest

🇲🇽 Amerigos Mexican Bar & Restaurant – Fun on Yas Island

The Vibe: 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.

What to Order: Shredded beef tostadas, tuna ceviche, quesadillas, grills, guacamole, and sizzling plates of fajitas alongside some super tasty desserts. One of our favorite restaurants on Yas Island—and in Abu Dhabi for that matter—this is a great place to book for a birthday celebration. 🎂🌮

🇲🇽 Burro Blanco – Budget-Friendly Bliss

The Vibe: Serving up a stunning emulsion of flavors 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. 💰

What to Order: Simple yet effective, its fuss-free menu comprises all the staples: avocado fritas, tacos, and a burrito that comes oozing with ingredients—rice, beans, guacamole, beef, plus a real punch of habanero mango salsa. Name a better combination. We’ll wait. 🌯🔥

🇧🇷 Chamas – Meat Lover’s Paradise

The Vibe: 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. 🥩💦

What to Expect: 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.

Pro Tip: 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. 😂

🇲🇽 Loca Restaurant & Bar – Party Central with Serious Flavor

The Vibe: 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. 🎉

What to Order: Everything from its renowned guacamole to ceviche, edible cactus dishes, enchiladas, and tacos that are packed with flavor.

Pro Tip: A sensible diner would order three dishes, but you’d be well within your rights to order four, even five. There’s an excellent business lunch and a banging happy hour, too. 🍹

🇲🇽 Maria Bonita Taco Shop & Grill – Yas Mall’s Taco Haven

The Vibe: Say hola to Yas Mall’s go-to spot for tacos with a kick. Maria Bonita is the kind of place where the salsas are slow-cooked, the tortillas are handmade, and the guac? Banging. 🔥

What to Expect: This vibrant taco shop brings the heart and soul of Mexico to the capital with a menu that’s big on spice and even bigger on flavor. Expect cheesy quesadillas, fresh tortillas, and plates piled high with all the good stuff.

🇦🇷🇦🇪 MouzMari – Emirati-Argentinian Fusion

The Vibe: MouzMari at Reem Island is a meat-lover’s dream. At the UAE’s first Emirati-inspired Argentinian steakhouse, chefs combine Argentinian recipes with locally-inspired techniques and spices—all while being environmentally friendly (90+ percent of ingredients sourced from local UAE farms). 🌱

What to Order: The machboos, muhammar paella, and rack of lamb are all top shouts.

What Reviewers Say: “It’s an Argentinean steakhouse with an Emirati twist… unexpected flavor combinations that will leave you wanting more.”

🇧🇷 Ola Brasil – Churrasco Done Right

The Vibe: 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. ⛳🇧🇷

What to Expect: Diners can enjoy a whopping 15 types of fire-roasted meat carved tableside in a churrasco experience—tenderloin, flank steak, picanha, and more.

Pro Tip: Enjoy alongside a selection of salads, veggies, and its legendary warm cheese bread served directly at the table. 10/10. 🧀🔥

🌟 More Latin American Gems

LaRope – Premium Casual Dining at Al Qana

The Vibe: A premium casual dining restaurant, LaRope is a go-to for flavor-packed food in an easy, breezy setting. The beautiful setting lives up to an exquisite menu.

What to Order: You’ll want to eat your way through the entire menu of salads, fusion sushi rolls, melt and dip fries, and of course, beef tacos. 🌮

Nalu – Abu Dhabi’s Coolest New Opening

The Vibe: Nalu was one of Abu Dhabi’s coolest openings in late 2024. Located on sporty Hudayriyat Island, it’s got prime views for watching the nearby surfers. 🏄‍♂️🌊

What to Order: The small plates cover everything we want from a solid Latin American menu: guacamole with tortilla chips, zesty ceviche, and nachos dripping in melted cheese. 🧀🔥

📊 At a Glance: Your Latin American Restaurant Cheat Sheet

💡 Insider Tips for the Ultimate Latin American Feast

✅ Step 1: Choose Your Vibe

• Special occasion? COYA
• Sunset tacos? Barbossa
• Steak night? Maté
• Party time? Loca
• Meat sweats? Chamas
• Budget bite? Burro Blanco

✅ Step 2: Book Ahead

Popular spots like COYA, Maté, and Barbossa fill up instantly, especially on weekends. Don’t be the one staring at a “fully booked” sign. 📅

✅ Step 3: Come Hungry

Latin American portions are generous. Arrive with an empty stomach and an open mind. 🍽️

✅ Step 4: Don’t Skip the Drinks

• Margaritas at Barbossa
• Pisco sours at COYA
• Caipirinhas at Chamas
• Tequila flights at Loca

✅ Step 5: Save Room for Dessert

• Churros at Amerigos
• Tres leches at Maria Bonita
• Flan at Loca

🏆 Your Moment to Conquer

Here’s the essential truth:

Abu Dhabi has quietly become a Latin American food paradise. From Peruvian ceviche to Argentinian steak, from Mexican tacos to Brazilian churrasco—the flavors of an entire continent are waiting for you.

Whether you’re:

• A steak lover hunting for the perfect parrilla
• A taco enthusiast searching for authentic al pastor
• A ceviche connoisseur craving fresh citrus and spice
• A party starter looking for good food and great vibes

There’s a Latin American restaurant with your name on it. 🌮🥩🍹

👇 Share this guide with your foodie crew and start planning your next meal! 👇

🎁 Bonus: Tag the restaurant you visit and use #AbuDhabiLatinFood to share your feast! 📸✨

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes. Restaurant hours, menus, and availability are subject to change. Time Out Abu Dhabi reviews anonymously and pays for all its meals. Always confirm details with the restaurant before visiting.