New Restaurants Coming Soon to Abu Dhabi: 30+ Openings for 2026/2027

YAS BAY WATERFRONT

BAYOU: FRENCH-LOUISIANAN CUISINE

Bayou will be an incredibly welcome addition to an area of Abu Dhabi that lacks a really good date night, higher end option. The menu looks interesting, with the best of traditional Louisianan dishes, with a touch of French flair. The terrace has some of the best views in Yas Bay, with options for meeting for drinks, and a full dining experience.

Opening November 2026

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CRAFT BY SIDE HUSTLE 2.O

Abu Dhabi's favourite bar and micro-brewery is coming off-island! This much larger space means a bigger brewery, a dedicated food tasting area, a retail store where we can finally get our fill of Craft merch, a full bar and an excellent outdoor area. It's worth noting that the interior is a no-smoking zone. Craft by Side Hustle Yas Bay is bursting with character, and promises to be a pleasing addition to the Bay.

Opening November 2026

FIVE IRON

In what will be the ultimate dine and play experience Five Iron is coming to Yas Bay next month - and what a welcome addition it is! Spanning two floors of the first space on the Bay, it's going to be a ripper!

Offering not only some classic simulation experiences - golf, football, car racing - it promises well-priced food and drinks and some great deals. Cocktails and mocktails, served at the rooftop barare inventive and delicious and the quiz night, once it launches, will be full-on good vibes.

Opening October 2026

ROWLEY'S

The London-born steakhouse is a refreshing addition to Yas Bay with it's simple, effective concept: steak, fries, maybe salad and not too much else. It's a no-book sitch too - which suits the Abu Dhabi market with it's sanguine approach to rocking up. We're looking forward to this one!

Opening December 2026

ORO VERDE

This new offering from Solutions Group is a Peruvian with a bang. It's intimate, and the menu promises to celebrate all things sushi and meat, alongside a cracking drinks menu.

Opening November 2026

THE GALLERIA AL MARYAH

HANBOK

High end Korean? Yes! The city is ready for it and we think this will go very well.

DAIKAN/45MIL

These two new concepts offer not only great Asian fusion food and incredibly appealing decor but finally a good place for a casual but upscale drink in the Galleria. Friday nights - sorted!

TANJUN BY 99 SUSHI BAR

This brand new concept from 99 Sushi Bar is an exciting addition. With a stripped back, more accessible Japanese menu, we think Tanjun will be one of the year's best openings.

We'll be seeing it in its first iteration at Taste of Abu Dhabi 2026 - watch this space!

BRASS MONKEY

After a year or more of tempting hoardings, Brass Monkey is set to open any day. With very little fanfare on pre-opening, we think this is an outlet the Galleria al Maryah needs.

YAS MALL

COMMON GROUNDS

Yas Mall really needs better places for casual meals, including breakfast - and Dubai staple Common Grounds is it. Serving a range of great dishes, coffee and kid friendly options, Common Grounds gives Melbourne vibes and we think there's a gap in the market here for this. It's replacing the Coffee Club - an excellent location inside the mall, sure to become a family favourite.

SADDLE HOUSE

One of Abu Dhabi's best home-grown brands, Saddle House heroes coffee, has a strong equestrian vibe and the mall needs its good quality food and interesting vibe. It's going into the unit that housed Sticky Rice - a great location and sure to be busy.

FLAKY PASTRY

With the first branch in the Galleria al Maryah, Flaky Pastry is the go-to for anyone who loves a bougie croissant or an off-beat coffee flavour.

SAADIYAT ISLAND

Saadiyat Grove is Aldar's new luxury shopping and dining destination in the Saadiyat Cultural District between Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Guggenheim and Zayed National Museum. It promises many luxury brands with everything from Cartier to Van Cleef & Arpels. It will also house the TimeOut Market and the first ever TimeOut Cafe in the region.

Momofuku,Saadiyat Grove

Bound to be hugely popular, Momofuku is a great fusion of Asian and American flavours with crowd favourites with their signature ramen, big meat options and a sharing concept.

Gymkhana, Louvre Residences

This is the kind of high end restaurant that makes all others pale into insignificance. Borne in London's Mayfair and opening its first Dubai location earlier in 2026, its awash with Michelin stars - deservedly so. For lovers of Indian food, this is a must try.

Le Palais de Chine

The Saadiyat branch of Le Palais will be the first outside Taipei - a huge honour for the Capital. Serving outstanding Cantonese food with a French flip, we're excited for the Michelin starred levels this restaurant will bring.

Barrafina

This New York institution is set to be the answer to Spanish food lovers in the city. This is the UAE's second branch, and it's already hugely popular in Dubai. Interiors are sharp and dishes fresh, seasonal and high end.

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MORE NEW OPENINGS

Trattoria di Rocco, Jubail

This casual Italian will be popular for all Jubail dwellers, and a great new option for a licensed restaurant with a great vibe.

The Pie'd Piper, TimeOut Market

If there's one thing the Abu Dhabi food scene lacks, it's great pies! We're looking forward to this one.

Shu Da Xia, Reem Mall

Abu Dhabi loves a hotpot and this will serve the Reem neigbourhood well.

The Storehouse by Ma's, Radisson Blu Abu Dhabi Corniche

Welcome back to the crew from the old Ma Buckley's in this new Corniche-side iteration.

Gaia, Four Seasons Abu Dhabi

This contemporary Greek has a big focus on seafood and traditional Greek dishes done well.

‍NEW HOTELS COMING SOON TO ABU DHABI

1. The Mondrian Abu Dhabi - downtown with Reem and Al Maryah views.
2. The Bristol Hotel & Residences - Ramhan Island
3. Hilton LXR - Eastern Mangroves

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