These are the new restaurants in Abu Dhabi that you should visit if you can make a reservation…
Keeping track of all the new restaurant openings in the capital is a full-time job. But if you love finding the latest hotspots for dinner and drinks before anyone else, these are the culinary hotspots to see and be seen at this month. Here are the best new restaurants in Abu Dhabi to try this month.
New restaurants in Abu Dhabi: April 2025
Barbassi
From the team behind the FACT award-winning Marmellata, Barbassi has found its home in Abu Dhabi’s creative M39 zone. Still in soft launch, Barbassi keeps things simple — and seriously good — with a tight edit of four focaccia sandwiches. Highlights include the Bassi Boom, a decadent stack of veal ham, cheese and piccalilli, and the Bangga, where spicy beef meets apricot jam and Calabrian chilli for a hit of sweet heat. Pair your sandwich with a speciality coffee and settle into the minimalist, industrial-cool space.
GO: Follow @barbassiboom on Instagram for more information.
Brown Lion Gastropub
Replacing JW Steakhouse on the first floor of Marriott Hotel Downtown Abu Dhabi, Brown Lion Gastropub offers a blend of British charm and sports bar energy. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual drink, a fun game night or a chill spot to catch up with friends, this place has got you covered. On the menu, the beef brisket is melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the classic fish and chips are golden and crispy. With 13 screens, you can catch every bit of the action — whether it’s football, basketball, rugby, or tennis. Plus, there are darts and other pub games to keep you entertained between matches.
GO: Follow @brownlion_ad on Instagram for more information.
Kew’s
Backed by the FACT award-winning Sticky Rice team, Kew’s brings a new fried chicken concept to Yas Mall. It’s the first in the Middle East to fry exclusively in premium beef tallow, delivering rich, all-natural flavour. Alongside its signature fried chicken, Kew’s offers crispy tallow fries, a Hokkaido milk bread chicken sandwich, sour mango slaw, Hainanese rice, and tropical coconut milkshakes.
GO: Visit @kewsfriedchicken on Instagram for more information.
Sarabeth’s
Located at Sunrise Residences on Saadiyat Island, Sarabeth’s promises comfort food and a cosy ambience. Whether you’re looking for a lazy brunch, a dinner, or a casual coffee catch-up, this superb new spot has you covered. Coming from New York, Sarabeth’s all-day breakfast lineup features signature dishes like Buttermilk Waffles, Classic Pancakes and Fat and Fluffy French Toast. The restaurant also offers Atlantic Salmon, Mascarpone-Stuffed Chicken, Lamb Shank, Fish and Chips, and much more to keep you feeling healthy yet full.
GO: Visit https://sarabeth.ae for more information.
Tazu by Art Lounge
Perched on the rooftop of Louvre Abu Dhabi, Tazu by Art Lounge is a new pan-Asian dining destination that blends art, cuisine, and waterfront views. Inspired by Asia’s rich culinary heritage, Tazu’s menu spans everything from delicate Japanese sushi to fragrant Vietnamese pho, crafted with precision and flair. With the museum’s iconic architecture as your backdrop and the Arabian Gulf stretching beyond, Tazu promises a dining experience that’s as striking as its surroundings.
GO: Follow @artlounge.abudhabi on Instagram for more information.
New restaurants in Abu Dhabi: March 2025
Public
Known for its legendary tiramisu, Public has officially arrived in the capital with an opening in Al Bateen Marina. Currently, Public Abu Dhabi will only serve coffee and desserts, with plans to expand their menu soon. So, expect the likes of pizzas, pasta and much more on the agenda. However, the tiramisu is the star of the show at Public Abu Dhabi. Served tableside from a family-sized bowl, this dessert is presented with theatrical flair by the staff. It features a blend of smooth and creamy mascarpone cheese without being sticky, combined with perfectly soft and moist biscuits. Topped off with a drizzle—or more if you like—of espresso, this Tiramisu is as good as it gets.
GO: Follow @public on Instagram for more information.
Rosemary Restaurant
Located within Bab Al Qasr Hotel on the Abu Dhabi Corniche, Rosemary Restaurant offers a Mediterranean fusion menu in Abu Dhabi. Nestled within an address known for its grand design and impeccable service, you can expect to indulge in flavourful sharing platters, grilled octopus, paella and much more. An array of Sangria flavours will also be available for you to try, be it fruity or spicy. And like the namesake, you can also prepare to enjoy several rosemary-infused mocktails.
GO: Visit www.millenniumhotels.com for more information.
Seed & Bloom
Rooted in community and nature, Seed & Bloom at Al Raha Gardens Plaza offers cosy indoor seating and a tranquil covered terrace perfect for lingering or grabbing a quick coffee and pastry on the go. The menu, crafted by Head Chef Kevin McNulty, celebrates seasonality and simplicity, offering daily-baked goods and globally inspired dishes with a Western foundation. Highlights include the Blooming Focaccia with whipped feta and spiced honey, pulled beef Bloom Benedict, and the vibrant Muhammara Risotto. Designed as a hub for local life, Seed & Bloom offers a range of activities, including baking and ceramics classes, flower arranging, and educational talks.
GO: Visit https://seedandbloomcafe.com for more information.
New restaurants in Abu Dhabi: February 2025
Amara
The menu at Amara Yas Island puts Lebanese cuisine in the spotlight and is perfect for sharing. The menu features a range of hot and cold mezze, salads, mains, and pastries. Cold mezze includes Batata Zahlewiyeh, featuring potatoes, grated bottarga, and garlic confit; Seabass Samkeh Harra, which combines seabass with salsa; and Lebanese Southern Frakeh. The mains feature Levantine classics. Dishes include Mixed Grills featuring chicken and lamb, as well as Shawarma Skewers accompanied by pickles and dips. Pastries span the Middle East to Europe. Dishes range from Chocolate Fondant to Mille-feuille, and Baklava Cheesecake to Kunafa with Cheese.
GO: Follow @amararestaurantabudhabi on Instagram for more information.
Mezzaluna Abu Dhabi
A touch of New York has arrived in Abu Dhabi with the opening of the Italian restaurant Mezzaluna at Yas Mall. With a 40-year history, the restaurant is famous for its Italian flavours, high-quality ingredients and pizzas made with 48-hour fermented dough. Mezzaluna’s menu features timeless, traditional Italian home-cooked staples. The menu spans appetisers, salads, and pizzas with a light and airy texture, while the desserts include Mamma Cakes. The venue aims to be charming and cosy, making guests feel like they are visiting a home.
GO: Follow @mezzaluna.ae on Instagram for more information.
Steki
A popular dining spot from Fujairah, Steki has expanded from its original location at Umbrella Beach to Marina Mall in Abu Dhabi. Steki translates to “a hangout place for friends” in Greek, and that’s exactly the vibe it aims to deliver. The menu showcases Greek classics with a modern twist. Start your meal with mezze platters, Psarasoupa or Dolmadakia. For mains, indulge in highlights such as Beef Giouvetsi, Chicken Souvlaki, and Spetsiota. Focusing on fresh and local produce while celebrating the richness of the sea and the simplicity of Mediterranean flavours, this restaurant promises a memorable meal.
GO: Visit https://steki.ae for more information.
Vero
Located within Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi, Vero Italiano brings a true taste of Italy to the capital. The restaurant offers a refined dining experience that promises to transport guests to the Amalfi Coast. Inspired by traditional Italian homes, the restaurant is designed to be welcoming, rustic, and effortlessly elegant. Begin your meal with dishes like Beef Carpaccio, Braised Octopus, or Burrata, and then proceed to the mains with a hearty selection of pastas and pizzas. And, of course, no Italian feast is complete without dessert, so choose between the Panna Cotta or the classic Tiramisu — or both.
GO: Visit www.rixos.com for more information.
New restaurants in Abu Dhabi: January 2025
AVLU
Located in Yas Mall, AVLU pays homage to the Aegean coastline. The highlight of this charming restaurant is its courtyard-inspired dining area, which features a lemon tree in the centre and murals on the walls. The menu blends Greek and Turkish traditions with a modern twist. Expect to indulge in Grilled Octopus, Iskender Kebab, Salt-Cooked Wild Seabass and Slow-Cooked Turkish Lamb Shoulder. Each dish is served with olive oil from the Aegean coastline, ensuring your experience is as authentic as possible.
GO: Visit www.avlurestaurant.com for more information.
Bosnian House
In the Middle East, there are not many restaurants showcasing Bosnian cuisine. That has changed, thanks to Bosnian House, which has expanded from Dubai to Marsa Al Bateen in Abu Dhabi. Bosnian House draws inspiration from old-age recipes. At the heart of the menu is the Cevap, which translates to kebab. The small pieces of minced meat are rolled and cooked on a charcoal grill. Other highlight dishes include Begova Corba Soup, Bosnian Sapska Salad, Bosnian Kebab and Baklava. The team prides itself on offering an authentic experience, and all of the staff –including the chefs, managers and founder – are from Bosnia.
GO: Visit https://bosnianhouse.net for more information.
Maki
Maki offers an ideal spot to indulge in Japanese flavours along the Al Qana waterfront. The restaurant’s interiors blend traditional Japanese aesthetics with contemporary urban flair and samurai artwork. The menu at Maki offers a diverse range of options, each carefully crafted to showcase the precision and artistry of Japanese cuisine. The chef’s recommendations include the Katsu Sando, Ryujin Shrimp Roll, Samurai Brisket Roll, Seafood Miso Soup, Wagyu Brisket Gyoza and San Sebastian Crème Brûlée. Whether you’re a sushi lover or a ramen enthusiast, this one’s for you.
GO: Visit https://maki.ae for more information.
Villa Sélène
Overlooking the greens at Yas Links Golf Club, Villa Sélène blends coastal charm with sleek contemporary design, offering a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere. The menu celebrates Mediterranean flavours, featuring signature dishes like succulent Baked Sea Bass, Lobster Salad, Prawn Tartare, and Ragatoni Al Ragu. With panoramic views of lush fairways and tranquil waters, Villa Sélène is ideal for romantic dinners or lively gatherings.
GO: Visit www.viyagolf.com for reservations and more information.
