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 restaurant openings that should be on your dining radar in 2026.
Alain Ducasse Café
Few chefs have shaped contemporary French gastronomy quite like Alain Ducasse. At Saadiyat Grove, the chef will introduce Alain Ducasse Café, a concept centred on some of life’s sweeter pleasures. The offering will span coffee, chocolate, ice cream, pastries and desserts, following Ducasse’s wider approach of treating everyday products with the same attention given to fine dining. The chef’s coffee operation roasts its beans in Paris and includes signatures such as an Espresso blend combining Brazilian and Indian beans, alongside single-origin coffees and chocolate pairings. Located inside Saadiyat Grove, Aldar confirms that coffee and chocolate will sit alongside pastries, ice cream and desserts.
Expected opening: 2026 TBC
Barrafina
London favourite Barrafina is heading to Abu Dhabi, marking its second UAE opening after Dubai. The acclaimed Spanish tapas restaurant is known for its lively counter dining, open kitchen and ingredient-led dishes, including tortilla, prawn croquetas, patatas bravas and gambas rojas. Recent job postings confirm that Barrafina Abu Dhabi is scheduled to open in December 2026, although the exact location remains under wraps. The restaurant will be introduced to the capital by Anthem Hospitality Group, which is also behind the upcoming Momofuku Abu Dhabi. After nearly two decades in London, Barrafina’s Middle East expansion is gathering pace.
Expected opening: 2027 TBC
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
EVA Abu Dhabi
Moscow-born Greek restaurant EVA is heading to Mamsha Al Saadiyat, adding another international name to Abu Dhabi’s growing dining scene. Founded in Moscow in 2020, EVA is known for contemporary Greek cooking centred on sharing plates, seafood and dishes prepared over open fire. While the Abu Dhabi menu has yet to be revealed, its Russian restaurants serve signatures such as tzatziki, hummus, Greek salad, halloumi with honey and truffle, grilled octopus, seafood orzo, lamb and freshly baked breads. Desserts also take a modern approach, with Greek pie and halva among past favourites. An opening date for EVA Abu Dhabi has not yet been announced, but its Mamsha Al Saadiyat debut is firmly on our radar.
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
Gymkhana
Another major London name heading to Saadiyat is Gymkhana. Inspired by the private clubs of India, the Mayfair restaurant opened in 2013 and currently holds two MICHELIN Stars. Its menu has become famous for rich spicing, charcoal grilling and dishes rooted in Indian culinary traditions. Gymkhana made its UAE debut in Dubai in September 2026, with signatures including Kid Goat Methi Keema & Salli, Tandoori Masala Lamb Chops with Walnut Chutney and Chicken Butter Masala. The London restaurant is also renowned for its Wild Muntjac Biryani. Details of how the Abu Dhabi menu will differ have not yet been revealed. A FACT award winner in both London and Riyadh, Gymkhana has found its home in the capital at Louvre Residences Abu Dhabi.
Expected opening: 2027 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
Kokoro
The UAE’s first hand roll bar is expanding to Saadiyat Grove in 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
Le Palais
Perhaps the biggest fine-dining coup is Le Palais. The Taipei restaurant at Palais de Chine Hotel has retained three MICHELIN Stars for nine consecutive editions of the Taiwan guide, from 2018 to 2026. The Abu Dhabi restaurant was previously announced as its first overseas location, giving Saadiyat one of Asia’s most decorated Cantonese names. Le Palais is known for elaborate dim sum and Chinese banquet cooking, with signatures including its Oracle Duck, Cantonese crispy-skin roast duck and carefully prepared dumplings. Its existing menus also feature dishes such as braised abalone, wok-fried rice noodles with crab and Wagyu beef with black beans.
Expected opening: 2027 TBC
Monsieur Paul
French culinary history will also have a presence through Monsieur Paul, the Bocuse concept named after the late Paul Bocuse. One of the most influential figures in French cooking, Bocuse became synonymous with Lyonnaise gastronomy, and his celebrated restaurant near Lyon maintained three MICHELIN Stars for more than five decades. The Saadiyat Grove concept will combine a restaurant, café and boutique, introducing a broader interpretation of the Bocuse name to Abu Dhabi. Current Monsieur Paul menus elsewhere include French classics such as escargots, lobster and sea bass baked in puff pastry with Choron sauce.
Expected opening: 2026 TBC
Momofuku Abu Dhabi
Momofuku is set to open in Abu Dhabi in Q3 2026, bringing David Chang’s influential Asian-American restaurant brand to Saadiyat Grove. The opening comes from China Palace Group in partnership with Anthem Hospitality Group, the team behind Barrafina’s Dubai debut. Founded in New York in 2004, Momofuku helped reshape contemporary dining with its bold approach to ramen, buns, seasonal plates and counter-style eating. While the Abu Dhabi menu has yet to be revealed, signature dishes across the brand include Garlic Chicken Ramen, Ginger Scallion Noodles, Crispy Lamb Ribs, and Five-spice Roasted Duck.
Expected opening: 2026 TBC
Mott 32
FACT Award-winning Mott 32 is preparing to make its Abu Dhabi debut, adding another major international name to the capital’s Chinese dining scene. Operated by Sunset Hospitality Group, the Hong Kong-born restaurant is known for Cantonese cuisine alongside influences from Beijing and Shanghai. Group Executive Chef Lee Man Sing oversees a menu built around premium ingredients and traditional techniques, with signatures including the 42-day Apple Wood Roasted Peking Duck, Soft Quail Egg, Iberico Pork and Black Truffle Siu Mai, and Smoked Black Cod. Mott 32 Dubai has been named Best Chinese Restaurant at the FACT Dining Awards Dubai for three consecutive years, from 2023 to 2025. Further details on the Abu Dhabi location and opening date are still to be announced.
Expected opening: 2027 TBC
Nathalie
London healthy dining concept Nathalie is preparing to open at The Galleria Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi. The all-day cafe is known for nutritious, chef-made dishes created with seasonal, high-quality ingredients. Nathalie currently operates locations in Mayfair, Marylebone Village and Notting Hill, and is being introduced to the UAE by the hospitality group behind Isabel Mayfair. The Abu Dhabi menu is expected to feature wholesome breakfasts, light lunches and grab-and-go options. Potential dishes include plain and chocolate croissants, soft-boiled eggs, freshly prepared bagels, scrambled eggs and toasted tartines. Sustainability also plays an important role in the brand, with responsibly sourced packaging and carefully considered menus. An official opening date has not yet been announced.
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
Oro Verde
Yas Bay Waterfront will welcome a new waterfront restaurant in Q4 2026 with the opening of Nikkei restaurant Oro Verde. The concept combines Japanese culinary techniques with the bold flavours of Peru, serving carefully balanced dishes made with high-quality ingredients. While the full menu has not yet been revealed, diners can look forward to creative plates, striking presentation and a curated cocktail programme. Meaning “Green Gold,” Oro Verde draws inspiration from nature and the shared craftsmanship of Japanese and Peruvian cultures. Its interiors will feature natural materials, refined textures and coastal influences. The venue will transition throughout the day, offering relaxed waterfront dining and long lunches before transforming into a livelier evening destination.
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
Rowley’s Abu Dhabi
Rowley’s is bringing its cult steak-frites formula to Yas Bay, marking the next chapter for the brand that built its reputation in London before expanding to Dubai and Riyadh. The concept is known for its stripped-back, mono-plate menu, centred on quality steak, salad and unlimited frites. The Yas Bay outpost is set to bring that same no-fuss, crowd-pleasing approach to one of Abu Dhabi’s buzziest waterfront destinations.
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
Zēphyr
Zēphyr is another name confirmed for Louvre Residences. Pachamama Group’s popular concept opened on London’s Portobello Road in 2022 and has since expanded to Monaco. The London venue specialises in Greek-inspired sharing plates, with chargrilled seafood and meats, dips and modern mezze forming the backbone of the menu. Pachamama Group already has a connection to Abu Dhabi through Soraya at Yas Mall, so further expansion across the region was expected.
Expected opening: 2027 TBC