After almost a decade in London, Isabel Mayfair is making its international debut in Abu Dhabi.
The UAE is already home to a plethora of popular London restaurants. While the likes of La Petite Maison, Signor Sassi and Zuma have already proven popular in the Middle East, we’re now ready to welcome Isabel to Abu Dhabi. Isabel Mayfair is now open within The Galleria on Al Maryah Island, marking the brand’s first permanent home outside the United Kingdom.
Founded in London’s Mayfair, Isabel has built a loyal following for its glamorous setting, ingredient-led menu and late-night social energy. Rather than replicating its London counterpart, Isabel Abu Dhabi has been shaped with the capital in mind. The concept stays true to the spirit that made the original such a standout, but the culinary direction has been refined for the local market.
In the kitchen, French chef Vincent Visinet leads a menu rooted in seasonal produce and Mediterranean influences. The approach is elegant but unfussy, balancing precision with generosity. Familiar London signatures have been reworked for the new location. Early highlights include Croquetas filled with onion-and-leek béchamel, a Vegetable Tartlet layered with cooked, raw, and pickled produce, and an Heirloom Tomato salad lifted by verbena consommé. Larger dishes continue the narrative, with Carabineros paired with reduced-head jus, kaffir lime, and a potato roll with nori, as well as a Beef Fillet Wellington finished with mushroom duxelles and veal jus. For dessert, guests can expect a Red Berry Pavlova and a warm Pistachio Madeleine made for sharing.
Design remains central to the Isabel experience. Created by DBM Studio, the interiors are anchored around the central bar and combine polished brass, Calacatta Viola marble, dark oak and midnight blue velvet, resulting in a space that feels intimate, theatrical and quietly luxurious. Hand-embroidered silk wall coverings and curved banquettes enhance the sense of refinement. While the ceiling lights nod to Isabel Mayfair London, every other detail has been purposefully reinterpreted for the capital.
The new venue is being launched in collaboration with London-based BNF Hospitality and UAE operators Fuse Holding. Together, they aim to pair Isabel’s distinctive atmosphere with Abu Dhabi’s growing appetite for world-class, experience-driven dining.
Scottie Bhattarai, CEO of BNF Hospitality, says: “Our aim with Isabel has always been to bring people together over exceptional food, drink and experiences. We always want for our restaurants to be part of their communities, as we have a people-first approach to everything we do. When presented with the opportunity to expand this vision internationally, Abu Dhabi made the most sense. It’s a city with a strong cultural awareness and sensibility, thoughtfully balancing a respect for history and tradition with a contemporary, global outlook. It is a privilege for us to bring the brand to the capital of the UAE.”
Where: Isabel Mayfair Abu Dhabi, The Galleria Al Maryah Island, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi
Contact: www.isabelabudhabi.com