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 restaurants that should be on your dining radar in 2025.
3Fils
The expansion of the 3Fils brand will see the concept take over the space formally occupied by the nightclub ANNEX at The Abu Dhabi EDITION. 3Fils Abu Dhabi will span three levels and feature two terraces. The al fresco dining areas will overlook Al Bateen Marina, offering the perfect setting to enjoy 3Fils’ modern Asian cuisine. Like its Dubai counterpart, 3Fils Abu Dhabi promises to serve many of its fan-favourite dishes. Highlights from the menu include the Shiitake Kebab, Uni Bowl, 73-Hour Lamb Ribs, and Fremantle Octopus.
Expected opening: 2025 TBC
BLU Pizzeriá
The much-loved homegrown pizza place is expanding from Dubai to Saadiyat Island, and bringing its Neapolitan-inspired creations to the city. The pizzeria draws its inspiration from Naples, Italy, which is the birthplace of the humble pizza. The wood-fired creations come with a range of toppings, which also have influences from the Middle East. The classics range from the Burrata with basil burrata, cheese and cherry tomatoes, to the Spicy Pepperoni with cheese, parmigiano reggiano and spicy salami. The creative ones range from the Short Ribs with Black Angus short ribs, caramelised onions, and truffle white sauce to the Musakhan with chicken, cheese, and sour cream sauce.
Expected opening: 2025 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. With generosity and authenticity at the core of its ethos, Gaia serves humble cuisine where every dish is made with love and fuelled with flavours. The star of the show is undoubtedly Gaia’s signature Ice Market. Featuring an array of fresh fish and seafood, which is 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 Moussaka.
GO: Visit https://gaia-restaurants.com for reservations and more information.
Isabel
Isabel Mayfair promises a blend of Latin and Mediterranean flavours with a menu that spans from lunch until the late hours of the night. In Abu Dhabi, Isabel will find its home at The Galleria on Al Maryah Island, with an opening slated for late 2024. Drawing inspiration from Isabel Mayfair, diners in the capital can anticipate a Gatsby-style ambience. As for the menu, expect delectable options such as Seabass Ceviche, Stracciatella, Ricotta and Spinach Ravioli and Slow-cooked Beef Short Ribs. Dessert lovers will be delighted by the signature Isabel crepes with chocolate and banana, Pistachio and peppercorn fondant with saffron ice cream and the Isabel’ Eton mess’.
Expected opening: 2025 TBC
La Brasserie by Paul Bocuse
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and Aldar are bringing famed French chef Paul Bocuse’s dining concepts to the capital. La Brasserie by Paul Bocuse draws inspiration from its sister restaurants in Annecy, Lyon and Paris. The menu will showcase traditional cuisine with fresh, regional and seasonal ingredients. The venue is scheduled to open at Saadiyat Grove.
Expected opening: 2026 TBC
Mezzaluna Abu Dhabi
A touch of New York is coming to Abu Dhabi. The Italian restaurant Mezzaluna is making its way to the UAE capital, and bringing with it a long legacy. 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 showcases timeless, traditional home-cooked staples of Italy. The menu spans appetisers, salads, pizzas with a light and airy texture, and the desserts include Mamma Cakes. The venue aims to be charming and cosy, and make guests feel like they are visiting a home. The décor will boast earthy tones, rich wooden accents, handmade ceramics, and artwork.
Expected opening: 2025 TBC
Novikov Abu Dhabi
Novikov is a restaurant brand that has locations worldwide, from Dubai to Doha. Now, the brand is set to expand to The Galleria, Al Maryah Island. If the brand’s restaurants around the world are anything to go by, diners are in for a treat. The concept combines Asian and Italian influences and boasts a celebrity clientele including boxer Anthony Joshua, singer Justin Bieber, tennis star Novak Djokovic and Olympic champion Usain Bolt. Novikov’s menus worldwide include salads, soups, seafood, and more. Dishes include Grilled Scottish Salmon with Green Beans, Oven-Baked Corn-Fed Baby Chicken, and Tagliatelle with Veal Ragu and Courgettes. The opening date for Novikov Abu Dhabi has not yet been confirmed. At the moment, the hoarding simply states that it will open soon.
Expected opening: 2025 TBC
Restaurant Paul Bocuse
The late French chef Paul Bocuse was famous for his fine dining restaurants. Over his career, he was behind the restaurant L’Auberge do Pont de Collonges, which received three MICHELIN Stars and held them for a record-breaking 55 years. He even inspired the chef Auguste Gusteau in the animated film Ratatouille. As part of Abu Dhabi’s Culinary Development Programme, the initiative aims to attract leading international restaurant brands to the capital over the next five years. Restaurant Paul Bocuse is scheduled to open at Saadiyat Grove and will offer a fine dining experience with high-quality ingredients and high-end hospitality.
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 discovery of flavours.
Expected opening: 2025 TBC
The Flame Steakhouse
Nestled in the heart of Abu Dhabi’s Marina Village, Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi harmoniously blends the opulence of Arabic and Turkish heritage with contemporary luxury. Having opened in late 2022, this architectural marvel doesn’t just offer lavish accommodations but several distinct dining destinations. The Flame Steakhouse will soon be added to the hotel’s restaurant repertoire, blending Argentinian grills with Portuguese cuisine across a 168-seat restaurant. With several live stations, you can expect to see flames.
Expected opening: 2025 TBC
