From refined beachfront dining and modern farm-to-table fare, these new restaurants in Abu Dhabi are bringing fresh flavours and exciting concepts to the capital.
Abu Dhabi’s dining scene continues to evolve, and a fresh wave of openings is giving food lovers plenty of reasons to book a table. Across the capital, new restaurants are putting the spotlight on everything from Korean fried chicken and slow-cooked Indian classics to artisanal pizza, modern Arabic cuisine and ingredient-led cooking by the sea. Whether you are after a casual bite in Khalidiya, a polished dinner on Hudayriyat Island or a stylish meal in Saadiyat, these new restaurants in Abu Dhabi show just how diverse and dynamic the city’s culinary landscape has become.
88 Seoul
88 Seoul brings a dose of Korean street-food energy to Al Seef Village Mall. The restaurant goes for a more casual, dine-in-and-dig-in mood, with a menu that ranges from Kimchi Jeon and Gochujang Whelk Salad to Kimchi, Miso Beef, and Shoyu Beef ramen. The real crowd-pullers are the Seoul Chicken selections, including Garlic Soya Chicken, Korean Fried Chicken, Pepper Chicken and Spicy Volcano Chicken. Dessert keeps the fun going with Matcha and Yuzu cheesecake. The founder is Emirati entrepreneur Mohamed Juma Al Bawardi Alfalasi.
GO: Follow @88seoul.ae on Instagram for more information.
Akawa
Akawa is a restaurant designed for golden-hour dinners. Set on Al Hudayriyat Island, the concept pairs beachfront fine dining with modern Arabic flavours, while the space itself is geared towards views, patio dining and a calm, coastal atmosphere. Executive Chef Omrane Ghafri leads the kitchen, and the menu is framed around regional flavours reworked with a contemporary touch. Early highlights include crispy Kataifi Prawns, Slow-cooked Lamb and Orange Blossom Ice Cream with Date Pudding, which sounds exactly as indulgent as it reads.
GO: Follow @akawa.abudhabi on Instagram for more information.
Art of Dum
Art of Dum brings the romance of slow cooking to Reem Mall. The concept is rooted in Dum Pukht, the centuries-old cooking style associated with the royal kitchens of India, where food is sealed and cooked gently in its own juices. At Reem Mall, that heritage is translated into a more refined dine-in setting rather than a straight casual curry house. Signature orders include the rich Dal Makhani, Yakhni Dum Gosht Biryani, Butter Chicken and Lamb Bhavangiri Seekh.
GO: Visit https://artofdum.com for more information.
Blue Restaurant
Blue is one of Saadiyat’s more interesting openings because it does not chase obvious luxury cues. Instead, it leans into understated coastal elegance, with a garden overlooking the sea, a kitchen counter facing the chefs at work, and a menu shaped by seasonality, regional sourcing and Nordic preservation techniques. Head Chef Noah Muscat leads the team, while the kitchen draws on produce from Blue’s own Abu Dhabi farm. Dishes such as Citrus-cured Hamachi, Beef Tartare, Kofta Sandwich, and Grilled Wagyu Flank strike a balance between finesse and comfort, while desserts like Plum Tart keep the tone smart yet unfussy.
GO: Visit https://restaurantblue.ae for more information.
Slice 45
Slice45 has finally given its cult following a permanent address in Khalidiya. What began as a successful drive-through operation inspired by New York slice culture has grown into a full restaurant with a relaxed trattoria feel and American-Italian flavours at its core. Founder Mohamed Al Mubarak remains closely involved, and that personal touch comes through in a menu built on memory, travel and a serious affection for a great base. Signature orders include the Ribbecca with slow-cooked ribs, the Umami Bomb, the Trifecta with brisket, truffle sauce and hot honey, and The Raging Bull with spicy honey and pepperoni.
GO: Follow @slicefourtyfive on Instagram for more information.
TETTO
TETTO is one of the more heartfelt new openings in Abu Dhabi because it grew out of a private supper club rather than a restaurant blueprint. Now open in MiZa, Mina Zayed, it still carries that intimate, chef-led spirit, with a concept shaped by the founders’ family meals and favourite dishes rather than fleeting trends. The dining room has been built for connection rather than spectacle. On the menu, Bluefin Tuna Tartare, Bulgogi Wagyu Lettuce Wraps, Sanchoku Wagyu Ribeye, Hoba Sea Bass and San Marzano Burrata Rigatoni offer comfort food with far more polish than the label suggests.
GO: Follow @tetto.ae on Instagram for more information.
‘Za ‘Za
‘Za ‘Za arrives in Abu Dhabi with a ready-made fan base thanks to its New York-style artisanal pizza served by the slice, which has proved popular in Dubai. The Al Qana outpost keeps that formula intact, making it a strong fit for the area’s more casual dining rhythm. The menu covers the classics, including House Margherita and Pepperoni, but the signatures are what make it memorable: Tricolore with pink sauce and pesto swirl, Tartufo with truffle crema and confit garlic, and The Red finished with stracciatella and hot honey. There is also Alabama brisket pizza for those who like their slice with extra attitude.
GO: Follow @zazaslice on Instagram for more information.
