The restaurant’s newest outpost combines Persian cooking and nostalgic interiors in a hidden Al Bateen villa.
Berenjak has built a loyal following across London, Doha, Dubai and Riyadh for its elevated take on Persian cuisine, and now the celebrated restaurant has arrived in Abu Dhabi. The latest outpost has officially opened its doors in the UAE capital, bringing its distinctive blend of Persian heritage, warm hospitality, and charcoal-grilled cooking to a new audience.
Berenjak Abu Dhabi is located within The House, a standalone villa in Al Bateen, marking the brand’s third UAE location after Dubai and Sharjah. Finding it, however, proved to be a bit of an adventure. Unlike many restaurants that announce themselves with large signage visible from the road, Berenjak keeps a relatively low profile. We drove past it more than once before finally spotting it, but once we arrived, it felt as though we’d discovered a gem.
We visited for Sunday lunch during the restaurant’s opening weekend. Despite being early in the day, there was already a steady stream of families and groups making their way through the doors, creating a lively but relaxed atmosphere that suited the residential setting perfectly.
A taste of Tehran in Abu Dhabi
Spread across two floors, Berenjak Abu Dhabi has been designed to feel intimate and deeply connected to its Persian roots. The restaurant takes its name from the colourful toasted-rice snack traditionally enjoyed at Persian funfairs, and, much like its namesake, the concept balances nostalgia with a sense of fun. Inspired by the hole-in-the-wall eateries of Tehran, Berenjak reimagines the experience through a more refined lens while remaining rooted in Iranian culture and tradition.
Stepping inside felt less like entering a restaurant and more like being welcomed into a beautifully preserved Persian family home. The interiors are warm and inviting, layered with rich textures and thoughtful details. Metallic brass tabletops sit alongside comfortable booth seating dressed in earthy brown and green tones, while wooden floors, ceilings and counters evoke the feeling of a home kitchen. Maroon carpets and rugs add another layer of warmth, reinforcing the homely atmosphere.
The space is filled with character. One wall is lined with black-and-white photographs that resemble treasured family portraits collected over generations. Elsewhere, vintage trinkets, kettles, pots, and lamps are displayed throughout the restaurant, each adding to the sense of history and storytelling.
At the centre of the restaurant sits the open kitchen, allowing diners to watch the chefs at work, with rhythmic calls of “yes, chef” adding a lively energy. Bar-style seating around the kitchen offers a front-row view of the culinary theatre, while a four-seat chef’s table set atop intricate mosaic tiles provides one of the most sought-after spots in the house.
Upstairs, the design continues with soft cream drapery, plenty of natural light, and a striking portrait of Qajar royalty serving as a focal point. Several private dining spaces are tucked away on this floor, including a private dining room for up to 16 guests overlooking the garden.
A fitting feast
We started with a selection of starters that immediately set the tone for the meal. First up was the Barbari, a traditional Persian bread served fresh from the oven. Soft, pillowy, and still warm to the touch, it had a subtle chew and a scattering of sesame seeds that added a gentle nuttiness. This paired perfectly with the Mast O Khair, a cooling yoghurt-based dish studded with finely chopped cucumber and herbs. Arriving like a little green jewel on the table, it was fresh, offering a welcome contrast to the smoky dishes that would follow.
We also tried the Black Chickpea Hummus, which delivered a richer and earthier flavour profile than its traditional counterpart. Nutty and creamy, with a subtle, spicy kick lingering in the background, it was the kind of dish that had us reaching for more bread long after we’d promised ourselves we’d save room for the mains.
For the main event, restraint went out the window. With so many tempting kebabs on the menu, narrowing down our choices felt impossible, so we ordered a selection and turned lunch into a full Persian feast. The Jujeh Kabab featured tender, juicy boneless chicken breast that carried the fragrant, floral notes of saffron beautifully, adding a sweet note.
The Tikkeh Masti Kabab made with beef fillet was beautifully tender and clearly designed to be enjoyed on the rarer side, while the Koobideh Kabab was easily my favourite of the afternoon. Made with minced lamb shoulder, it was incredibly soft, juicy, and packed with flavour. The smoky char from the grill only elevated it further.
Alongside the kebabs, we ordered the House Rice with Sumac. Light, fluffy, and fragrant, it provided the perfect accompaniment to the grilled meats. I would have loved to see it finished with a scattering of roasted pine nuts or sliced pistachios, if only to add a little extra texture and colour. But that’s very much a personal preference rather than a criticism.
To round off the meal, we ordered the Persian Tea Ice Cream — which is only available at Berenjak Abu Dhabi — and it was genuinely outstanding. Ever since trying an olive oil and rosemary ice cream at a restaurant in Riyadh years ago, I’ve been searching for a frozen dessert that could rival it. This might just be the one. The soft serve carried the comforting flavour of strong-brewed Persian tea, almost like a creamy version of the chai made with tea leaves rather than syrups or flavourings. Importantly, it wasn’t overly sweet, allowing the tea notes to shine through. A crunchy, chewy layer at the bottom added texture and made every spoonful more interesting than the last, making it a must-order.
Service throughout the afternoon was excellent. Despite it being opening weekend, the team appeared calm, attentive, and enthusiastic. Dishes arrived promptly without feeling rushed, and the staff was happy to explain menu items and offer recommendations when needed. There was a warmth to the service that matched the restaurant’s home-like atmosphere, making the experience feel welcoming from start to finish.
The verdict
Already a FACT award winner in Dubai, London and Sharjah, Berenjak Abu Dhabi, with its hidden-villa setting, thoughtfully designed interiors, and nostalgic soundtrack, creates an experience that feels traditional and personal. What stands out most is how successfully the restaurant captures the feeling of being welcomed into someone’s home.
So, if you’re looking for a dining experience infused with tradition, innovation and a whole lot of flavour, Berenjak Abu Dhabi is already making a compelling case for itself. And if the opening weekend is anything to go by, it won’t have any vacant tables for very long.
Where: Berenjak, The House, Zayed The First Street, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi
When: Open daily from 12pm to 11:30pm
Contact: @berenjak.uae