The dining scene in the capital is about to get a whole lot tastier.
Abu Dhabi’s restaurant scene is flourishing, with each new opening promising a unique gastronomic experience. From the modern Asian cuisine at 3Fils to the Mediterranean marvels at Gaia, there’s something for everyone. And that’s just the beginning. Read on to discover the new Abu Dhabi restaurants that should be on your dining radar in 2025.
Couqley
Couqley has long been a Dubai favourite for classic, unfussy French bistro fare served with warm neighbourhood energy. The design-led outpost at Pullman Dubai Downtown is known for honest comfort dishes, fairly priced wine and a brasserie buzz that feels easy rather than showy. Now, Couqley aims to bring that same premium-casual Parisian spirit to the capital. Expect signatures like steak frites, French onion soup and beef tartare, plus daily-value specials and a lively central bar.
Expected opening: 2026 TBC
Falwa
Emirati cuisine continues to take its rightful place at the table, and Abu Dhabi is about to welcome a fresh addition. Falwa, a new restaurant from celebrated chef and restaurateur Faisal Alharmoodi, is set to showcase Emirati cooking with a contemporary twist. The name Falwa draws from the Arabic word for “little horse,” a symbol of grace, strength and cultural pride. Those same qualities will inform the restaurant’s food and design, with Chef Faisal turning his focus toward recipes rooted in tradition and reinterpreting them for today’s diner. While the exact location has yet to be revealed, the concept is expected to occupy a prime site in the capital.
Expected opening: 2026 TBC
Fi’lia
After success in Dubai, the region’s first female-led restaurant is gearing up for expansion. Fi’lia will soon open its doors at the Mondrian Abu Dhabi, blending tradition with modernity in a warm and sophisticated setting. The menu is inspired by recipes and traditions passed from one generation of women to the next, adding a modern twist to traditional Italian-Mediterranean dishes prepared with the freshest ingredients. The restaurant’s highlights include Beef Tartare, Bresaola e Burrata, Cozze e Vongole, and Ravioli Quattro Formaggi. Dessert is an absolute must, with the Fi’liamisu stealing the spotlight.
Expected opening: 2026 TBC
Gaia
Our love for Chef Izu Ani’s Gaia knows no bounds, so we’re excited to hear that the FACT award-winning restaurant is opening in the capital at Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island. With generosity and authenticity at its core, Gaia serves humble cuisine, where every dish is made with love and fuelled by flavours. The star of the show is undoubtedly Gaia’s signature Ice Market. Featuring an array of fresh fish and seafood delivered daily, diners can not only select their fish and seafood but also have it cooked exactly to their preference. Other highlights include Baby Goat with rice, Greek-style meatballs, King Crab Stew, and Lobster Pasta with cherry tomato sauce.
Expected opening: 2026 TBC
Hanbok Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is home to world-class restaurants, from celebrity chef-fronted concepts to homegrown favourites. Now, it is about to welcome a new South Korean restaurant, Hanbok. Named after Korea’s traditional attire, Hanbok carries with it ideas of ritual, elegance, femininity and restraint. The restaurant begins with a sculpted bar, followed by a corridor that offers a peek into the open kitchen before leading to the dining area. Offering Korean flavours with a contemporary twist, Hanbok Abu Dhabi is expected to feature a menu of classic dishes. You’ll get to indulge in grilled meats and meticulously crafted specialities that highlight the complexity of Korean cuisine. Once seated beneath the floral chandelier and flowing fabric installations, you’re perfectly set for an unforgettable meal.
Expected opening: 2026 TBC
Isabel Mayfair
Isabel Mayfair promises a blend of Latin and Mediterranean flavours, with a menu that spans lunch through the late hours of the night. In Abu Dhabi, Isabel Mayfair will find its home at The Galleria on Al Maryah Island. By day, the restaurant will channel the poise and quiet confidence of Isabel; by night, it will shift into a more seductive, playful mood as the energy gathers around the iconic central bar. While the ceiling lights nod to Isabel Mayfair London, every other detail has been purposefully reinterpreted for the capital. As for the menu, expect delectable options such as Seabass Ceviche, Stracciatella, Ricotta and Spinach Ravioli, Slow-cooked Beef Short Ribs, and many more. Dessert lovers will be delighted by the signature Isabel crepes with chocolate and banana, Pistachio and peppercorn fondant with saffron ice cream and the Isabel’ Eton mess’.
Expected opening: 2026 TBC
Kokoro
The UAE’s first hand roll bar is expanding to the capital. The cult Japanese concept, which first made waves in Dubai’s dining scene, is now confirmed to open on Saadiyat Island at a location that remains under wraps. From your seat at Kokoro Abu Dhabi, you can watch the chefs prepare hand rolls with finesse, each served with a whimsical touch, like a toy duck or monkey placed at every setting. The menu features premium ingredients, including Bluefin Tuna with pickled cucumber, Salmon with white ponzu, Scallop with orange, and crowd favourites like Uni, Ikura, Janpachi and Shima Aji.
Expected opening: 2026 TBC
La Brasserie by Paul Bocuse
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and Aldar are bringing famed French chef Paul Bocuse’s dining concepts to the capital. La Brasserie by Paul Bocuse draws inspiration from its sister restaurants in Annecy, Lyon and Paris. The menu will feature traditional cuisine made with fresh, regional, and seasonal ingredients. The venue is scheduled to open at Saadiyat Grove.
Expected opening: 2026 TBC
Nooa
When you visit the South African restaurant Nooa, it’s common to see queues around the block. Located in Riyadh, it is now expanding in the Middle East, with locations opening from Doha to Abu Dhabi. Nooa stands for Naturally Out Of Africa, and draws its inspiration from South Africa. The all-day dining menu includes buns, breads, earth bowls, finger food, sharing dishes, signature plates and sides. Plus, the desserts are decadent and include Date Malva Pudding, Honeybush Crème Brulee and Orange and Chocolate Cake. The restaurant is expected to open at The Galleria Al Maryah Island this December.
Expected opening: 2026 TBC
Oya
Bringing a slice of Bali to Abu Dhabi with a retreat-style venue, Oya pairs coastal calm with easygoing dining. Close to the shoreline, the space has been conceived as an all-day escape where coffee, cuisine and community meet. Interiors lean into wood, rattan and abundant greenery, creating a breezy, open setting that invites you to slow down. The second floor reveals Oya’s “warrior side”, with a darker tone, a cocktail lounge and a DJ on rotation.
Expected opening: 2026 TBC
Palais Doumani
Palais Doumani is set to become the crown jewel of Mondrian Abu Dhabi’s nightlife scene when the hotel opens its doors in 2025. While specific details about the late-night lounge venue remain under wraps, Palais Doumani is anticipated to embody the brand’s signature flair for bold, immersive design and elevated hospitality.
Expected opening: 2026 TBC
Restaurant Paul Bocuse
The late French chef Paul Bocuse was famous for his fine dining restaurants. Over his career, he was behind the restaurant L’Auberge do Pont de Collonges, which received three MICHELIN Stars and held them for a record-breaking 55 years. He even inspired the chef Auguste Gusteau in the animated film Ratatouille. As part of Abu Dhabi’s Culinary Development Programme, the initiative aims to attract leading international restaurant brands to the capital over the next five years. Restaurant Paul Bocuse is scheduled to open at Saadiyat Grove and will offer a fine dining experience with high-quality ingredients and high-end hospitality.
Expected opening: 2026 TBC
Sakhalin Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is home to world-class dining destinations. Now, Sakhalin Abu Dhabi has been announced, and is a creative collaboration between restaurateur Boris Zarkov, chef Alexey Kogay and White Rabbit Family’s brand chef, Vladimir Mukhin. Inspired by Sakhalin Island, Russia, the location acts as a crossroad for two cultures. If the existing venues are anything to go by, Abu Dhabi is in for a terrific treat. Sakhalin’s menus around the world combine elements of Asia and the Mediterranean, from the cuisine to cooking techniques. Each dish aims to take diners on a journey of discovery through flavours.
Expected opening: 2026 TBC
Supernova
London’s cult burger sensation Supernova is set to make its regional debut. The brand has built a near-fanatical following in the UK for its stripped-back, substance-over-style approach to dining, and if its success in London’s upmarket Mayfair is anything to go by, it’s about to win over burger lovers across the capital. Their signature cheeseburgers come stacked with double patties, American cheese, house sauce, and soft, golden buns. There are no gimmicks, just expertly executed comfort food served in a clean, minimalist setting that is sleek, straightforward, and effortlessly cool.
Expected opening: 2026 TBC
The Flame Steakhouse
Nestled in the heart of Abu Dhabi’s Marina Village, Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi harmoniously blends the opulence of Arabic and Turkish heritage with contemporary luxury. Having opened in late 2022, this architectural marvel not only offers lavish accommodations but also several distinct dining destinations. The Flame Steakhouse will soon be added to the hotel’s restaurant repertoire, blending Argentinian grills with Portuguese cuisine across a 168-seat restaurant. With several live stations, you can expect to see flames.
Expected opening: 2026 TBC
