From Anatolia to Abu Dhabi: The Hatay Restaurant Story

From the bustling kitchens of southern Türkiye to the heart of Al Khalidiya, Hatay Restaurant brings an authentic slice of Anatolia to Abu Dhabi. As the premier Turkish restaurant Abu Dhabi diners trust for genuine flavors, Hatay celebrates time-honored recipes, charcoal grilling, and generous family-style hospitality. The result is more than a meal—it’s an authentic cultural experience that goes beyond food, inviting guests to gather, share, and savor together.

The Journey from Anatolia to Abu Dhabi

“From Anatolia to Abu Dhabi” is more than a slogan—it’s the Hatay Restaurant story. Rooted in the culinary traditions of Türkiye’s Hatay region, the team preserves techniques passed down through generations, then presents them in a modern, cozy-elegant setting in the United Square Building. This blend of heritage and comfort is why so many consider Hatay among the best Turkish food Abu Dhabi can offer: classic recipes prepared with care, served with warmth, and shared around a lively table.

In Hatay’s kitchen, authenticity guides every decision. Chefs prepare traditional meze and grill specialties over charcoal, brew Turkish tea the proper way, and bake fresh bread that arrives at the table still warm. The approach is simple: respect the ingredients, honor the method, and welcome every guest like family.

What Makes Hatay a Premier Turkish Dining Destination?

Set on the ground floor of the United Square Building in Al Khalidiya (next to Shining Towers), Hatay Restaurant is designed for comfort and conversation. Soft lighting, Turkish art, and touches of Anatolian décor create a welcoming backdrop for leisurely meals. Flexible seating accommodates everything from intimate dinners to large family gatherings, and the team’s warm service ensures every visit feels personal. It’s this thoughtful balance—heritage cooking and modern hospitality—that positions Hatay as a leading Turkish restaurant Abu Dhabi residents and visitors recommend.

Signature Flavors, Crafted the Traditional Way

Hatay’s menu focuses on the classics: generous Turkish breakfast spreads, cold and hot appetizers, fresh salads, shawarma prepared in the Turkish style, and a standout grill section featuring charcoal-grilled kebabs and skewers. The kitchen favors bright, garden-fresh produce and carefully sourced meats, seasoned with traditional spices that enhance rather than overwhelm. Whether you love bold, spiced flavors or prefer milder, aromatic notes, the variety ensures something to delight every palate.

From Breakfast to Dinner: A Day at Hatay

Traditional Turkish Breakfast

Breakfast at Hatay is an occasion—platters of cheeses and olives, house-made jams and preserves, eggs, fresh vegetables, and warm breads, all meant for sharing. It’s leisurely, social, and deeply rooted in Turkish hospitality. For those planning a morning get-together, explore the dedicated page for a deeper look at the offerings on the Turkish breakfast in Abu Dhabi experience.

Charcoal-Grilled Kebabs and Meze

As lunchtime approaches, charcoal takes center stage. Kebabs—lamb, chicken, and beef—are marinated with traditional spice blends and grilled for a smoky, tender finish. Classic meze, both cold and hot, set the tone for a balanced meal: creamy dips, crisp salads, and comforting warm starters that prepare the palate for the grill. If you’re planning a midday meal with colleagues, Hatay’s approachable service and sharing-friendly platters make it ideal for a business lunch in Abu Dhabi.

Dinner with Friends and Family

Evenings are when Hatay shines as a family friendly restaurant Abu Dhabi diners rely on for relaxed gatherings. Larger platters invite sharing, and occasional live Turkish music performances add a festive note to special nights. To map out your perfect evening, browse the dinner options at Hatay and plan a menu that moves from meze to the grill, finishing with a classic dessert.

Must-Try Highlights of the Menu

Charcoal-Grilled Kebabs

Charcoal grilling is at the heart of Hatay’s kitchen. The heat seals in juices while imparting a delicate smokiness. Lamb shish arrives succulent and aromatic; chicken skewers are juicy and lightly charred; and beef options balance spice and tenderness. Pair your kebabs with traditional sides and salads for a complete, satisfying plate.

Traditional Meze

Meze—small plates served before or alongside the main course—showcases texture and freshness. Expect silky dips, crisp and zesty salads, and warm appetizers that set a generous tone for the meal. Presented family-style, meze invites tasting, talking, and passing plates around the table.

Pastries and Sweets

Turkish pastries make a delightful interlude at any time of day, and dessert is a must for those with a sweet tooth. Classic choices from the sweets category pair beautifully with Turkish tea, brewed in the traditional manner for a fragrant, restorative finish.

Dining Your Way: Dine-In, Takeaway, Delivery, and Catering

In-Restaurant Dining

Comfortable seating, attentive service, and an ambiance that recalls the Anatolian home kitchen define the dine-in experience. Staff are happy to guide you through the menu, offer pairing suggestions, and help customize orders for family-style sharing. If you’re curious about the team’s story and culinary heritage, visit the About Us page for insight into Hatay’s Anatolian roots.

Takeaway & Delivery

Prefer to enjoy your meal at home or at the office? Hatay offers the full menu for takeaway and provides delivery through partner platforms, maintaining quality and freshness throughout the journey. It’s an easy way to bring authentic Turkish cuisine UAE food lovers appreciate right to your table.

Catering & Private Events

From corporate functions to birthdays and weddings, Hatay’s catering brings the heart of Anatolia to your celebration. Choose from meze assortments, charcoal-grilled specialties, and vegetarian selections, with custom menu options available. Décor arrangements and AV support can be coordinated for a seamless experience that reflects both tradition and your event’s unique character.

Location, Access, and Ambience

Hatay Restaurant is located on the ground floor of the United Square Building in Al Khalidiya, Abu Dhabi, next to Shining Towers. On-site parking makes arrivals simple, and the venue is wheelchair accessible. Inside, the look is cozy-elegant: Turkish art, soft lighting, and thoughtful details that set the stage for relaxed dining. To get a feel for the setting before you arrive, browse the photo gallery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What inspired “From Anatolia to Abu Dhabi: The Hatay Restaurant Story”?

The story celebrates Hatay Restaurant’s Anatolian heritage—recipes and techniques carried from Türkiye and shared with Abu Dhabi. It’s about honoring tradition while welcoming guests with the warmth of Turkish hospitality.

What can guests expect from the menu?

Expect a broad menu anchored by Turkish breakfast spreads, meze, salads, Turkish-style shawarma, charcoal-grilled kebabs and skewers, hearty mains, pastries, and classic desserts. Everything is crafted to be shared and enjoyed together.

Is it family-friendly and suitable for special occasions?

Absolutely. The atmosphere is welcoming and flexible, perfect for families, casual get-togethers, and celebrations. Catering is available for private events, and occasional live Turkish music performances add to the festive spirit.

When is Hatay open?

Hatay Restaurant is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For current hours or reservations, reach out via the website and plan your visit around a leisurely meal that suits your schedule.

Plan Your Visit

Whether you’re starting the day with a shared breakfast, gathering colleagues for a smart-casual business lunch, or lingering over dinner around the grill, Hatay delivers authentic Turkish cuisine in the UAE with grace and generosity. Explore the menu highlights and plan your next meal:

• Explore the Turkish breakfast experience
• Plan a business lunch in Abu Dhabi
• Discover dinner at Hatay Restaurant
• Learn about Hatay’s Anatolian heritage
• See the atmosphere in the gallery
• Consider a weekend brunch visit
• Read more on the blog

Visit Hatay Restaurant on the ground floor of the United Square Building, Al Khalidiya (next to Shining Towers). With daily service across breakfast, lunch, and dinner; dine-in, takeaway, delivery; and complete catering support, your next memorable meal in Abu Dhabi awaits.