The ADR Guide: New restaurants and cafes in Abu Dhabi

You'll always find somewhere new to eat in Abu Dhabi, and here's our pick of the latest restaurant and cafe openings you need to know. From casual spots serving smash burgers and street food, to speciality coffee shops and dessert spots across the capital - here are some new places for you to try. 

Berenjak

A London favourite has found a new home in Abu Dhabi. Berenjak is now serving its Persian-inspired menu from a two-floor villa in Al Bateen. You can try freshly baked bread, colourful mezze, smoky charcoal-grilled kebabs and traditional dishes made for sharing.

You’ll also get a closer look of the chefs preparing your meal over the traditional mangal grill in the open kitchen. For your sweet tooth, don’t miss the signature saffron ice cream before you leave. 

We couldn’t resist trying Berenjak for ourselves. Take a look here for a sneak peek inside the restaurant and what made it to our table. 

Kanafani

Abu Dhabi has a new place for kunafa cravings. Kanafani has brought its take on one of the region’s favourite desserts to Abu Dhabi. Each kanafeh is made fresh to order and you'll get classics like cheese-filled Kunafa Na’ame and crunchy Kunafa Kheshne, alongside versions topped with Nutella, Lotus and creamy ashta.

There are also mini kunafa bites, other Arabic sweets and hot drinks like Turkish coffee and karak to pair with your dessert.

We paid Kanafani a visit and tried a few favourites. Take a look at what we ordered here. 

Visit them here

Distrikt Social

Just opened on Saadiyat Island, Distrikt Social brings together speciality coffee, all-day dining, co-working spaces and pet-friendly seating. 

You’ll find dishes like Hokkaido Honey Toast, tuna tostadas, chicken tacos and Basque cheesecake. Get some work done, bring your pets along, or meet friends for a catch-up from morning coffee to evening drinks. 

Visit them here

Supernova Burger

Craving a smash burger? Head over to Supernova Burger for its London-style burgers at Al Bateen. It's located inside The House, a standalone villa with a diner-inspired setting. 

The menu features smashed patties, melted cheese, its signature house sauce and crispy fries on the side. Pair it with one of their iced teas or lemonades, and save room for the sundaes.

Visit them here 

WatchHouse

London-born WatchHouse has opened in the capital, bringing its speciality coffee to the grounds of the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club. The space takes inspiration from the nearby stables, with hand-glazed terracotta tiles, earthen floors and a marble coffee bar.

Along with its house blends and seasonal single-origin coffees, you can stop by for all-day dishes like Turkish eggs, sweetcorn pancakes and freshly baked treats, including pistachio matcha cookies. 

If you’re serious about your coffee, make sure to check out the Rarities bar, which features limited-edition beans from award-winning farms.

More info here

Rosa's Thai

Pad Thai, Massaman Curry or Thai Green Curry? You don't have to pick just one at Rosa's Thai. The London-born restaurant has opened its first sit-down location in the capital, bringing its Thai favourites to The Galleria on Al Maryah Island.

The menu includes everything from Chilli & Basil Pad Kra Prow and Tom Yum-spiced calamari to the classic Pad Thai. If you're ordering dessert, don't leave without trying the Mango Sticky Rice.

Visit them here

Slice 45 Restaurant

Good news for pizza lovers. After months of pop-ups, Slice 45 has finally opened a permanent home at Khalidiya Garden, so you can get your fix whenever the craving hits.

They’ve got New York-style pizzas like the Umami Bomb with mozzarella, beef, jalapeños and house sauce, the Trifecta with brisket, truffle sauce and hot honey, and The Raging Bull with pepperoni and spicy honey. You can also top it up with some extras like burrata, truffle sauce or ranch.

Visit them here

88 Seoul

Korean food fans, there’s a new spot to try at Al Seef Village Mall. 88 Seoul serves up Korean favourites, from crispy fried chicken and ramen to rice dishes, sides and desserts.

The menu includes classics like Kimchi Jeon, Kimchi Ramen and Miso Beef Ramen, along with its Seoul Chicken range featuring Korean Fried Chicken, Garlic Soya Chicken and Spicy Volcano Chicken. For something sweet, finish with Matcha Cheesecake or Yuzu Cheesecake.

The restaurant has a fun Korean-inspired decor too, with neon details and indoor and outdoor seating. 

More info here

Julith Coffee

Dubai-born Julith Coffee has opened its first Abu Dhabi location at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City. Coffee here comes with some unexpected flavour notes, from blueberry and rose to plum, jasmine, lychee and nectarine, with plant-based milk options available if that's your preference. 

Alongside its coffee menu, you'll also find pastries, sandwiches and desserts like tiramisu and San Sebastian cheesecake

Visit them here