The restaurants to be seen at in Abu Dhabi
Updated October 10, 2026
1. Isabel Mayfair Abu Dhabi
€€€€Al Maryah Island, The Galleria, Abu Dhabi
Why now · Opened in April 2026, Isabel is the freshest glamorous dinner address in the capital, with strong local reviews, Mayfair pedigree and an explicitly enforced elegant dress code. ([thenationalnews.com](https://www.thenationalnews.com/lifestyle/2026/04/24/isabel-mayfair-abu-dhabi-opens-in-uae-london-co
Vibe · Navy silk, polished brass, Art Deco detailing and a central bar; sophisticated rather than clubby.
Best time · Recommended: Friday or Saturday dinner, followed by cocktails.
Dress code · Smart and elegant; no shorts, sportswear, distressed jeans, baseball caps or casual trainers.
Getting in · Book through the official website or call +971 2 562 0045; dress-code enforcement can affect entry, but a persistent waitlist is not verified.
Sources · The National, FACT Magazines, Eyes Arabia, Seen Arabia
2. 3Fils Abu Dhabi
€€€Al Bateen Marina, Abu Dhabi
Why now · Its 2026 MENA’s 50 Best debut at number 42, Michelin Bib Gourmand and Opening of the Year award make this waterfront newcomer the strongest food-insider gathering spot. ([the50.com](https://www.the50.com/restaurants/best-in-middle-east-and-north-africa/the-list/3-Fils-Abu-Dhabi.html?utm_source=opena
Vibe · Buzzy, contemporary waterfront dining with an open kitchen and deliberately unfussy service.
Best time · Recommended: early dinner for the marina setting; arrive before the main evening rush.
Dress code · Recommended: relaxed, polished casualwear; formal dressing is unnecessary.
Getting in · Walk-ins only according to the official website; arrive early, as a table cannot be secured by advance reservation and current waiting times are unverified.
Sources · MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants, MICHELIN Guide, The National, Condé Nast Traveller Middle East
3. Berenjak Abu Dhabi
€€€Al Bateen, The House, Abu Dhabi
Why now · This 2026 opening translates Berenjak’s cult Persian cooking into a discreet Al Bateen villa, with enthusiastic local coverage in both English and Arabic and an already lively dining room. ([factmagazines.com](https://www.factmagazines.com/uae/abu-dhabi/berenjak-opens-in-abu-dhabi))
Vibe · Intimate Persian-house atmosphere, layered rugs, brass tables, warm wood and charcoal-grill theatre.
Best time · Recommended: dinner with friends for sharing dishes, or a leisurely Sunday lunch.
Dress code · Recommended: understated smart casual.
Getting in · Contact Berenjak UAE through its official channels and specify the Abu Dhabi branch; advance booking is advisable, but sustained waitlist pressure is unverified.
Sources · FACT Magazines, BBC Good Food Middle East, Seen Arabia, Platinumlist Guide
Tell her your mood and your time: she finds it, prepares the booking and the ride.
Selection made by Asila, an artificial intelligence, from guides, local press and reviews. It can be wrong: check before you go.