Abu Dhabi’s dining scene is about to get even more interesting over the next twelve months. From showcasing Korean concepts on Al Maryah Island to bringing across a globally recognised New York name on Saadiyat, the capital will be welcoming a fresh crop of restaurants on the horizon.
There is plenty to look forward to, and if your ideal dinner involves handmade noodles, Mediterranean seafood, French comfort food, or an entirely new take on Korean cuisine, these are five upcoming openings worth keeping an eye on.
Hanbok
Korean dining is having a moment in Abu Dhabi, and Hanbok is set to add another name to the city’s growing collection of Seoul-inspired restaurants.
The concept takes its name from Korea’s traditional clothing, as it explores Korean flavours through a more contemporary dining experience, with a menu built around the country’s much-loved culinary traditions and showing the social side of Korean dining.
Its arrival at The Galleria this year will give both residents and visitors another reason to visit the landmark complex.
For further information and to be kept updated on its opening, visit Hanbok | Abu Dhabi.
La Brasserie
Al Saadiyat Island is building its reputation as a dining destination, and the arrival of La Brasserie will bring a distinctly French flavour to the mix.
The restaurant is part of the Paul Bocuse brand, connecting Abu Dhabi to a culinary legacy that began in Lyon and has since achieved international recognition.
Diners will be able to sample classic French-inspired cooking and an elegant brasserie-style setting, as it is set to become an exciting addition to Saadiyat’s increasingly diverse restaurant scene. The restaurant is scheduled to open in the next six to twelve months.
Oro Verde
Yas Island is getting a new waterfront restaurant with Oro Verde, a concept that blends Peruvian and Japanese influences.
That combination points towards Nikkei cuisine, where the freshness and punch of Peruvian cooking meet Japanese technique and precision, with the bonus of the restaurant being positioned right on the waterfront.
The full menu is still under wraps, but this is certainly one to watch as 2026 heads towards its final quarter.
For further information and to be kept updated on its opening, visit Oro Verde Abu Dhabi.
GAIA
One of Dubai’s best-known Greek-Mediterranean restaurants is making its Abu Dhabi debut. GAIA, founded by restaurateur Evgeny Kuzin and with a menu inspired by chef Izu Ani, first opened in Dubai before expanding internationally to cities including London, Monte Carlo and Marbella.
Its Abu Dhabi restaurant will bring the brand’s seafood-led approach to the Four Seasons, with dishes across its existing restaurants ranging from delicate raw seafood and fresh fish to grilled specialities and Greek favourites.
If its Dubai success is anything to go by, this could be one of the capital’s most talked-about openings of the year.
For further information and to be kept updated on its opening, visit GAIA.
Momofuku
Few upcoming names have quite the global restaurant pedigree of Momofuku. David Chang launched the original Momofuku Noodle Bar in central Manhattan back in 2004, eventually growing the group impressively into a collection of restaurants and food concepts across the US.
Its cooking is led by Asian influences while embracing a distinctly modern American restaurant culture, with its various venues known for their steamed buns and inventive takes on comfort food.
Now, Momofuku is heading to Al Saadiyat, giving Abu Dhabi its own taste of one of New York’s most influential modern restaurant brands.
For further information and to be kept updated on its opening, visit Momofuku.
So, for everyone in the city who’s a bit of a foodie, keep your calendar handy, as Abu Dhabi’s next wave of restaurant openings is looking seriously tasty, and there are plenty of new tables worth getting excited about.
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