Barrafina is expanding from Dubai to Abu Dhabi.
The restaurant is expected to open in December 2026.
Details of its location are still under wraps.
London favourite Barrafina is heading to the capital, marking its second outpost in the UAE.
London’s acclaimed Spanish tapas restaurant Barrafina is heading to Abu Dhabi, marking its second opening in the UAE following its arrival in Dubai earlier this year.
Recent recruitment activity provides the clearest confirmation yet. Barrafina is currently advertising for a Head Chef to lead its first Abu Dhabi restaurant, with the job listing stating that the new venue is scheduled to open in December 2026. The exact location in the capital has yet to be revealed.
Barrafina has built a formidable reputation since brothers Sam and Eddie Hart opened the original restaurant on Frith Street in Soho in 2007. Inspired by Barcelona’s Cal Pep, the concept helped transform counter dining in London, placing diners directly in front of the chefs and making the kitchen part of the experience. The format proved so influential that Barrafina became the first no-reservations restaurant to receive a MICHELIN Star.
That marble-topped counter remains central to Barrafina. Guests sit within arm’s reach of the open kitchen as chefs slice, grill and plate dishes throughout service, giving the restaurant an energy that is difficult to replicate in a traditional dining room.
The food keeps things similarly focused. Barrafina’s menus revolve around ingredient-led Spanish cooking, with favourites including Prawn Croquetas, Pan con Tomate, Padrón Peppers and its famously soft-centred Tortilla. The Dubai restaurant has also introduced dishes such as White Anchovy Tostada, Gambas Rojas, Tuna Belly Crudo, Chicken with Romesco and Basque Cheesecake.
Barrafina Abu Dhabi will be introduced to the capital by Anthem Hospitality Group, which was also involved in the brand’s first international opening in DIFC. The hospitality group is simultaneously expanding its Abu Dhabi portfolio through a partnership with China Palace Group to open David Chang’s influential Momofuku at Saadiyat Grove.
After nearly two decades as a London institution, Barrafina’s Middle East expansion is accelerating. With Dubai already established and recruitment now underway for Abu Dhabi, the Spanish favourite looks set to become another major addition to the capital’s rapidly evolving dining scene.
When: Opening December 2026
Contact: www.barrafina.com