Abu Dhabi is brimming with fresh flavors, bold concepts, and international gastronomic heavyweights as it continues to evolve with amazing new dining concepts around the city. From beachside brunches to fine dining with a twist, this curated list is your go-to guide for where to eat at New Restaurants in Abu Dhabi right now.
Ready to munch your way through the whole city? Here are 10 must-try restaurants in Abu Dhabi that will change the fire.
10 Must-Try New Restaurants in Abu Dhabi
1. Amara – Modern Lebanese Dining in a Chic Setting
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Nestled within The WB Abu Dhabi, Amara brings the wonders of Lebanese cuisine into today and some serious class. Drawing from the old favorites like mezze, grilled meats, and rich Levantine desserts – when thinking spices and vibrancy, there’s more than one reason to sizzle.
Perfectly seasoned lamb chops and signature shawarma skewers deliciously paired together provided refreshing mocktails. Natural light soaks in elegant interiors to make one of the best fine-dining spots in Abu Dhabi for family and friends.
- Location: The WB Abu Dhabi, Yas Island
- Contact: 050 777 0543
- Hours: Sat–Sun, 12 pm–2 am
2. AVLU – Aegean Charm at Yas Mall
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Avlu is that ticket for your breezy coastal gastronomy- Greece and Turkey inside Yas Mall. It reinterprets the Aegean palates with a modern twist, serving up fresh seafood, slow-cooked meats, and Mediterranean hospitality that feels purely organic.
Its interior conveys that typical informality of a courtyard but in textures and colors that immediately evoke the shores of the Aegean. Salt-baked wild seabass and the Turkish lamb shoulder are signature dishes stealing the very essence of the region’s gastronomic soul. No wonder AVLU is rapidly becoming one of Abu Dhabi’s hottest restaurants.
- Location: Yas Mall, Yas Island
- Contact: 058 552 8582
- Hours: Mon–Thu 9 am–10:30 pm, Fri–Sun 9 am–11:30 pm
3. Barbassi – Focaccia, Aperitivos, and Italian Soul
Barbassi, only stylishly served snack bar situated in the creative M39 district within Mina Zayed, was born from the makers of Marmellata. It is about glorious, hyped Italian sandwiches, but the most famous is the overstuffed because of its gold-fresh melting sensation.
The focaccia is paired with a freshly brewed cup of coffee or a care-finessed non-alcoholic aperitivo. That’s cool and easy. Though the menu may be small, each plate is made with thought and care. Barbassi adds a neighborhood charm to its gourmet edge, giving it a place among the best new restaurants in Abu Dhabi.
- Location: M39, Mina Zayed
- Hours: Mon–Fri, 10 am–4 pm
4. Breath By The Beach – Calm Vibes and Creative Cuisine
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Breath By The Beach’s prime location right on Al Hudayriyat Beach makes it a dreamy all-day dining venue with its beautiful setting of beachside peace coupled with a menu designed for foodies. From truffle scrambled eggs, sushi rolls and burrata salads, there is an infinite variety of colorful, diverse offerings with plenty of fresh ingredients.
Ocean views, minimalist interiors, and a relaxing soundtrack of waves crashing nearby are what comes to mind when I think of an ideal place to chill off after a morning dip or for a low-key lunch barbie with friends. The vibe is casual yet elevated, a perfect example of where to go à la carte in Abu Dhabi for comfort with class.
- Location: Al Hudayriyat Beach
- Contact: 02 877 8839
- Hours: Daily, 7:45 am–11:45 pm
5. Brooklyn Chop House – Where Steaks Meet Street Style
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One of New York’s hottest dining brands is now in Abu Dhabi. Brooklyn Chop House at W Abu Dhabi is a bold fusion of Asian street food and American steakhouse staples, wrapped up in an edgy, urban aesthetic. The interior is cool with dark woods and moody lighting with a soundtrack straight out of Times Square.
Expect everything from Peking duck dumplings to premium dry-aged steaks. This is a place for impressing, with its celebrity pedigree and flavor-packed menu. Perfect for date nights or dinners with friends, Brooklyn Chop House brings East Coast energy to the capital in grand fashion.
- Location: W Abu Dhabi, Yas Island
- Contact: 02 656 0000
- Hours: 6 pm–11 pm (Closed Mondays)
6. Cacti – Global Fusion in Marsa Al Bateen
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Cacti presents globetrotting cuisine in a laid-back, trendy atmosphere on the water’s edge at Al Marsa Bateen. From sushi rolls to creamy beef tenderloin pasta, it has something to please every palate. From fig salad to seductive desserts, this thoughtfully designed menu emphasizes fresh ingredients and creative combinations.
An open and breezy ambience that is conducive to work-related get-togethers, making this place a newly found secret for the locals on the lookout for probably the best places to eat in Abu Dhabi.
- Location: Marsa Al Bateen
- Contact: 02 622 5467
- Hours: Sun–Thu 9 am–11:30 pm, Fri–Sat 9 am–Midnight
7. HuQQabaz – Turkish Flare with a Visual Feast
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HuQQabaz draws bold Turkish flavors and flamboyant interiors into Al Marina from Istanbul. Enjoy live entertainment, an indoor terrarium with parrots, and luxe décor that transports you straight into an immersive culinary experience.
Meze and kebabs form the backbone of the menu, not to be overshadowed by desserts and curated shisha. Thanks to the kids’ play area and the private VIP section, it makes for a restaurant equally conducive to flexibility in family entertainment and special occasions.
- Location: 25 Al Alam St, Al Marina
- Contact: 02 650 5513
- Hours: Open 24/7
- Instagram: @huqqabazabudhabi
8. Ilios Beach Club – Mediterranean Magic on the Shoreline
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From an all-day escape, Ilios Beach Club is situated on Hudayriyat Island and from just an early-Mikones style, the club mixes natural textures with upscale design alongside stunning views of the sea. Now enter the added glamour of the Euphoria Lounge on the upper level and the ultra-exclusive Elysium Room.
Downstairs, Meraki Dining & Terrace offer the very best Mediterranean fare, including fresh seafood, succulent steaks, and crisp salads. With the sunset come Djs and cocktails pulsing lively energy into the space. This restaurant is one of a kind and certainly a must-try in Abu-Dhabi.
- Location: Hudayriyat Island
- Contact: 02 419 8508
- Hours: Daily, 12 pm–1 am
- Website:com/ilios
9. Nalu – Surf-Inspired Global Cuisine
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Nalu Surf Club is located within Surf Abu Dhabi and caters to global beach culture with a fine-dining twist. With views of the man-made surf waves, Nalu is a place for surfers, brunches, and those staying out late.
Pan-seared Catalan lobster, huevos rancheros, and Thai crab omelette are among the representative dishes of Executive Chef Denis Placereani’s menu. Inbuilt playfulness animates the innovative offering and charming Creole surroundings, making Nalu one of the new culinary destinations for exploration in Abu Dhabi.
- Location: Hudayriyat Island
- Contact: 02 419 8509
- Hours: Daily, 8 am–1 am
- Website:com/Nalu
10. Pappas Taverna – Yas Island’s Slice of Greece
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From the other end of NYC’s Greenwich Village, Pappas Taverna imports Greek warmth and rustic comfort into the coolness of Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. Whitewashed walls, wood accents, and gentle lighting create an atmosphere more conducive to experiencing great food without losing the elegance of the decor inside.
The menu is filled with grilled and smoked meats as well as fresh seafood and meze plates. For a romantic dinner or just a festive evening with friends, this place is set to take its place on the lists of Abu Dhabi eats.
- Location: W Abu Dhabi, Yas Island
- Contact: 02 656 0000
- Hours: 6 pm–11 pm (Closed Tuesdays)
- Email:dining@whotels.com
Final Thoughts
From beachside brunches to New York-inspired steakhouses, the new eateries in Abu Dhabi prove that the capital is rapidly establishing itself on the gastronomic map. Be it upscale Mediterranean dining or family-friendly feasts, or a cozy Italian lunch spot, this list of must-visit restaurants in Abu Dhabi covers all your cravings.
This is basically your new Foodie Guide Abu Dhabi: packed with flavor, personality, and fresh experience. This is exciting for the discerning diner today more than ever, with the arrival of multiple internationally recognized culinary brands, plus some local innovators. The foodscape of Abu Dhabi has moved beyond being plush hotel dining and headed toward character, creativity, and authenticity.
