Food lovers in the capital have a busy weekend ahead. Taste of Abu Dhabi returns to Gateway Park North on Yas Island from Friday, November 13 to Sunday, November 15, bringing together 16 restaurants, celebrity chefs, cooking workshops and a dedicated children’s zone.
This is the festival’s third year in a row, according to the organisers, who expect more than 20,000 visitors. Each restaurant serves a short menu of three to five signature dishes, including at least one created only for the festival.
Tickets and opening hours
Tickets are sold through Platinumlist, the festival’s official ticketing partner. The packages listed there are:
- Standard, Dh80: One-day entry, live chef demos and culinary workshops
- Taster, Dh185: One-day entry, two food vouchers, two drink vouchers and workshops
- VIP, Dh350: Fast-track entry, three food vouchers, four drink vouchers, VIP Lounge access and workshops
- Children under 12: Free entry with an adult; they need a paid package to receive food and drink inclusions
Platinumlist lists opening hours of 2pm to midnight on Friday and Saturday, and 2pm to 10pm on Sunday. Visit Abu Dhabi’s event page gives slightly different hours, so it is worth checking the official website before setting off. People of determination and one companion are exempt from the standard entry fee and can collect tickets at the box office with a valid government-issued card.
Restaurants and exclusive debuts
Gulf News reported two restaurant debuts at this year’s event. 99 | Tanjun will serve contemporary Japanese fine dining, while La Broche by Bocuse offers rotisserie classics as a first taste ahead of the opening of Brasserie Monsieur Paul at Saadiyat Grove.
The wider line-up spans many cuisines. It includes Soraya (Persian), Marcella (modern Spanish), Oak Room and The Director’s Club (steakhouses), ERGON Deli & Café (Greek), Beetza, Villa Toscana and Paradiso (Italian), Ting Irie (Caribbean), Pincode by Kunal Kapur (Indian), Ramen Bar, LENTO (burgers), Desert Lotus (Thai and Japanese) and Almayass (Lebanese-Armenian).
Chefs, workshops and family fun
The cooking programme is led by Gino D’Acampo, Thomas Straker and Rachel Allen, with Jenny Morris, known as The Giggling Gourmet, among a long list of regional and international chefs taking part, according to Gulf News.
Visitors can watch live demos or join hands-on sessions. These include the Keeta Firepit for open-fire cooking, pasta-making from scratch at Jo’s KITSCHEN, and free barista workshops by SHOT Coffee. Workshop places are first come, first served, with registration on site on the day.
Younger guests have the Candy Land Kids Zone, with attractions such as Candy Mountain, The Sugar Spin and Marshmallow Meadow, plus crafts like decorating chef hats and aprons. Rides and kids’ activities are charged separately. The festival also features live bands and DJs.
Getting there and practical tips
- By car: Parking at Yas Gateway Park North, with overflow car parks and shuttle buses
- By bus: Route 190 runs from Abu Dhabi Bus Station to Yas Island
- By taxi: Ask for Yas Gateway Park North, Yas Island
- Bring: Valid photo ID for age checks
- Leave at home: Outside food and drinks, which are not allowed
Platinumlist describes ticket sales as final and non-refundable, so check your chosen day before buying. Groups of 10 or more can also ask about a Friday team package, priced from Dh160 per person, which includes entry before 3pm.
Looking for more to do this month? See our guide to the Sharjah International Book Fair 2026, which runs until November 15.
Sources: Gulf News, Platinumlist, Taste of Abu Dhabi, Visit Abu Dhabi
