Yas Bay Waterfront is a cool spot in Abu Dhabi. It sits near the Etihad Arena and has amazing views of the water. The area has grown into a hot hangout for both locals and tourists.

Key highlights:
- Mexican street-style food with a modern twist
- Waterfront location with stunning views
- Award-winning brunch recognized at the What's On Abu Dhabi Awards 2025

PROFILE
Barbossa is a Mexican restaurant and bar located in Yas Bay, Abu Dhabi. The restaurant took over the space that used to be La Carnita. Chef Mina Mouris Zaki leads the kitchen team. They opened not too long ago and have already made a name for themselves. Barbossa has been recognized for its brunch, winning the Favourite Brunch: Independent category at the What's On Abu Dhabi Awards 2025. They were also nominated for Best Casual Brunch and Best Casual Restaurant at the BBC Good Food Awards.

AMBIENCE
The restaurant has a prime spot on the Yas Bay Waterfront. You can see the whole bay from there. The outdoor terrace is perfect during cooler months. Inside has a lively vibe that turns every meal into a mini party. The place gets extra busy during events at the nearby Etihad Arena. Many people stop by before concerts. It's got a fun energy that makes you want to stay longer than planned. The bar area is always buzzing with people.

MUST-TRY
The shrimp tacos are a standout item. They have great texture and a punchy flavor that hits just right. Their guacamole is described by one reviewer as "to die for." It comes with crispy nachos. The chicken quesadillas are tasty but some folks wish they had more filling. The Baja Shrimp and Birria (slow-cooked lamb) tacos are also worth trying. For drinks, their margaritas pack a nice kick. They're surprisingly good even if you don't usually order them.

FOOD
Barbossa serves modern Mexican and Latin American cuisine. The menu focuses on authentic street food with a twist. The fajitas (both chicken and prawn) get high marks from customers. The chicken tacos and cod tacos are also popular choices. Some dishes could use improvement. The nachos can be a bit greasy and just warm instead of hot. The beef tacos have well-cooked meat but the portion size is sometimes on the small side. The kale side dish is available for vegetarians but might be undercooked. Vegan options are very limited. Most items contain meat, fish,or cheese.

SERVICE
Service quality seems to vary. Some reviewers mention excellent staff members like Marlon who received special praise. The business lunch service is efficient. The reception could be more enthusiastic according to some guests. One issue mentioned is that they sometimes stop serving food and drinks earlier than expected. This caused problems for some customers who wanted to order more. Children under a certain age aren't allowed to enter after 10:30 PM. Kids who are already there need to leave by that time.

PRICING
Barbossa offers good value, especially during their business lunch special. For 99 AED, you get four courses including two drinks, or 80 AED for three courses. Regular menu prices are what you'd expect for a waterfront restaurant in Yas Bay. Some reviewers describe it as "fairly pricey." They have a happy hour after the business lunch with beverages for 30 AED. This makes it more affordable to stick around. The location near Hilton on Yas Island and close to the track means prices reflect the premium area.

SUMMARY
Barbossa brings a fresh take on Mexican cuisine to Abu Dhabi. The food is mostly good with some standout dishes. The waterfront location is a major plus. It's perfect for pre-concert dining or a casual meal with a view. Their award-winning brunch shows they're doing something right. The restaurant has quickly established itself in Abu Dhabi's competitive dining scene. While not perfect, especially for vegan diners, Barbossa offers a fun atmosphere and decent food. It's worth checking out if you're in the Yas Bay area.

FAQs
Is Barbossa kid-friendly?

Yes, but with time restrictions. Children are welcome during the day and early evening, but those under a certain age aren't allowed to enter after 10:30 PM. If kids are already in the restaurant, they need to leave by 10:30 PM.

Does Barbossa offer vegetarian or vegan options?

Vegetarian options are available but limited. For vegans, the menu is very restricted. According to reviews, most items contain meat, fish,or cheese. They do offer a sautéed kale side dish and can prepare fried rice without cheese for vegan diners.

What's the best time to visit Barbossa?

The business lunch is considered great value and a good time to visit. If you want to enjoy the waterfront view, early evening during cooler months is ideal for outdoor seating. The restaurant gets busier before events at the Etihad Arena, so plan accordingly if you want a quieter experience.