New Restaurant Openings In Abu Dhabi

BARBASSI

MINA

Following the success of Marmellata, Raj Dagstani has opened Barbassi, a glorious Italian sandwich outlet, also in Mina.  Just in case you were in any doubt, the sandwiches are divine, the outlet funky and the opening hours limited. Surprisingly, we absolutely loved the vegetarian sandwich, but would queue for all the others! We’ve got the full low-down for you here

Open: Thursday to Sunday 10AM - 2PM

Contact: 024472362

3FILS

AL BATEEN

It was made famous in Dubai, and made even more famous when it became a staple of the Michelin Guide ... and now it's here in Abu Dhabi!

The menu is Japanese in nature, with some distinct nods to UAE culture and taste: we loved the karak ice cream, the incredible and secret charcoal dish (don't ask, we can't tell!) and the sublime sushi options.

Pricing ranges from AED30 all the way up to AED300 for a dish, meaning that you can go and enjoy whatever your budget.

A few other things you need to know:

1. It doesn't serve alcohol and the mocktails are sublime

2. It's walk-in only - which means go early or be prepared to wait.

3. It's worthy of the hype

Check out our full rundown here!

Open: daily | 6PM - 11.30PM

Contact: 056 591 1772

JOE AND THE JUICE

THE GALLERIA AL MARYAH

I can’t think of a better location for this trendsetting shakes, smoothies  and sandwiches cafe.  It’s clearly filling a gap in the market, with the hordes coming across the concourse from the Global Markets offices, settling themselves in for a casual breakfast, lunch or dinner catch-up and a spot of people watching. It actually even opens a bit earlier to provide fuel for a day at the office - love that thinking! We fancy the tunacado, and the unicorn tears smoothie is absolutely so fun but so healthy too.  Verdict? it’s worth a pass-by … if you can  get a table!

Open: 8AM - 10PM

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SARABETH'S NEW YORK RESTAURANT AND BAKERY

HIDD AL SAADIYAT

The latest addition to our hit list on Saadiyat Island, Sarabeth's is tucked away near Hidd Marina next to a few fun and fabulous neighbours (including a brand new Arabica). Grab a seat out the front under the swaying palms and soak up the waterfront views while the weather allows - you'll maybe even spot some friendly dogs strolling past on the esplanade. If the heat is too much, nip inside - it's lovely. The menu has plenty of solid choices and portions are generous - check out all the details of this fabulous new opening all the way from New York here.

Open: daily | 7AM - 10PM

Contact: 026670265

YANN COUVREUR

THE GALLERIA AL MARYAH

Parisian pastry doyen Yann Couvreur has finally shared the love with Abu Dhabi! This is the new ‘it’ place, taking centre stage in front of the Apple Store in the Galleria al Maryah. Look out onto the spectacular water feature as you enjoy great coffee and pastries, with everything from the excellent Paris-Brest, and raspberry cheesecake (around AED50)to the gratifyingly different Isatis loaf cake (AED22). It’s not the cheapest outlet in town but  the quality is good and the vibe relaxing. 

Open: 10AM - 10PM

Contact: 052 831 4659

ROSEMARY

BAB AL QASR

The latest offering at Bab Al Qasr has arrived: a Mediterranean breath of fresh air up the business end of town. Alongside their regular lunch and dinner service, you can spice things up with their Paella Night, complete with live flamenco dancing, every Friday. See if it’s the right fit for you here - if you’re after a laidback lunch or dinner with a group, this might be right up your alley. 

Open: daily | 11AM - 11PM 

Contact: 02 205 3003

THE OBA

AL ZAHIYAH

This beautiful new Turkish restaurant is going to be the fancy go-to for all the people in the new apartments cropping up along the Al Maryah Bridge area and Reemies too! Serving high end food, but with some really good deals The Oba has something for everyone. There are comfy sofas, perfect for looking out at the view, which when the construction finishes, will be excellent. There's a private dining area upstairs which would seat maybe 20 people, and they plan to have shisha in the near future.

There's a breakfast deal not to miss: enjoy a breakfast tray (which is suitably beautiful!) with unlimited tea for just AED139 for two people. This might be your entry into the restaurant but we know you'll be back.

Open: 8AM - 12AM

Breakfast 8AM - 2PM

Contact: 054 774 7770

AMARA

YAS ISLAND

If you’re on the hunt for excellent Lebanese food on Yas Island, you’d be hard pressed to top Amara (pronounced UM-ara). Located on the back terrace of The WB Hotel - a stone’s throw from the entrance to the Warner Brothers theme park entrance - this bright and airy new restaurant is one we can see ourselves returning to again and again.

It really does tick a lot of boxes: ideal for a quiet morning of remote work (or co-working, as we did - there’s wifi and plenty of powerpoints), there are big tables that are perfect for a larger group, an informal meeting or a team lunch. Parents are well looked after - the restaurant isn’t cramped, and there’s plenty of space for prams indoors and out (when the weather allows), along with a well equipped kids playroom. 

The real star of the show? The food. Come hungry if you plant to tackle their breakfast feast - between 4 of us, we didn’t even come close to finishing it. An overflowing, two-tier parade of fruit, bread, preserves, shakshouka, falafel, moutabel, flat breads… the list goes on, and our stomachs were doing a happy dance with every bite. Other worthy mentions? Try the golden-baked halloumi, wrapped in a delicate pastry and crowned with Aleppo cherry salsa - seriously yum - and the kunafa nabulsiyeh, finished tableside with velvety ashta cream, makes for a lovely sweet finish. We can see this becoming a classic Lebanese go-to in Abu Dhabi - from the warm hospitality and beautifully finished interiors, to shisha service, a great location and most importantly, excellent food - make sure you give it a try. 

Open: daily | 8AM - 11.30PM | until 1AM Friday - Sunday 

Contact: 050 777 0543

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HABIB BEIRUT

ABU DHABI MALL

Abu Dhabi Mall’s newest outlet will please lovers of Lebanese food in Abu Dhabi.  This casual outlet is nicely fitted out and sports some excellent dishes.  We recommend the beetroot salad, the gorgeous chicken freekeh and the makanek.  There are tons of options for vegetarians - you really can’t go past the cauliflower hummus and the beautiful onion soup in a bread bowl.  For dessert, your choice has to be either halawet al jibne or either of the kunafeh options - we can never choose and often end up getting both!

Where: Abu Dhabi Mall, first floor, opposite Lacoste.

Open: 10AM - 10PM

Contact: 02 674 7172

NOVIKOV

THE GALLERIA AL MARYAH

This new Mediterranean restaurant’s reputation precedes it. Originating in West London, it inevitably made its way to Dubai, where it’s been welcomed with open arms. Naturally, the Abu Dhabi fans of this upscale restaurant have been waiting with bated breath for it to open … it was worth the wait.

The interior is funky but comfortable and we’re counting down to better weather when the lush terrace will open, offering both drinks and shisha. 

The menu is eclectic and we chose three dishes to test its mettle. The octopus was among  the best in Abu Dhabi, and served with the most delicious potatoes - this is a meal in itself.  We enjoyed the wagyu tacos which sported a refreshing mashed avocado lining and the wagyu steak, while not the best we’ve ever had, held its own.  

Desserts are glorious. The meringue cake is by far one of the best desserts in Abu Dhabi and a must-order dish at Novikov.  The drinks list is extensive and if you can’t find a cocktail to swoon over, we challenge you to try harder.  

Possibly the most interesting thing about Novikov is that it’s the second licensed venue to grace the avenues of the Galleria Mall - we know it’ll be popular and wish it well.  

See what we ordered here

Where: above the Apple Store, the Galleria Mall, near D&G

Open: 12-3PM, 6PM - 1AM

Contact: 02 563 2937

MASSIMO'S

MAMSHA AL SAADIYAT

Despite being the third Italian outlet in Mamsha al Saadiyat, we think Massimo’s offers something different from both Antonia and Toto.  The menu is chock full of comfort food including a gorgeous lasagne and superb pizzas.  But what might be the jewel in its crown is the gelato, which we think is  on a par with Antonia’s and better than most other offerings in Abu Dhabi.  Get the affogato, get a retro glass dish full of the delicious flavour of your choice … and you could be beside the beach in Italy watching la passeggiata and feeling completely relaxed. 

See our visit here.

Massimo's Abu Dhabi Contact Details

Where: Mamsha al Saadiyat

Opening: 10AM - last order 11.45PM, closes at 12AM
Contact number: 02 546 3889

BUA'S SELECTION

AL BANDAR

Buaban Tucker has done it again! Following the huge success of both Desert Lotus and Bua Thai, Bua has turned her attention to  a more international outlet, also in Al Bandar.  

Whatever you fancy, you can get it at Bua’s selection.  While we enjoyed the main courses, what stood out for us were the desserts, in particular the absolutely beautiful pandan cake. Views across the bay are great, and we predict this reasonably priced casual restaurant will become an off-island favourite for a drink and an easy, relaxed dinner. 

Here's what it looks like ...

Where: Al Bandar

Open: 7AM for breakfast, till 10PM

Contact: 056 822 1112

COMING SOON

It doesn't stop here - there are some cracker new restaurants opening in Abu Dhabi in the next few months.

1. Craft - yes, we'll see the fan favourite opening outlet number 2 ... rumour has it, it's an off-island location!
2. Bayside Diner, Yas Bay Waterfront. Promises to be a brilliant California style casual eatery - and yes, it'll be licensed.
3. Brass Monkeys - The Galleria al Maryah. We're looking forward to seeing this one in action!
4. Marcello - Yas Bay Waterfront

Watch this space Abu Dhabi!