ABU DHABI: Abu Dhabi’s restaurant map is continuing to grow, with new and recently opened dining concepts appearing across some of the capital’s busiest lifestyle and residential districts.
The latest additions range from Italian and Indian restaurants to Emirati cuisine, Mediterranean dining, speciality coffee and artisanal food. The openings are spread across Reem Island, Saadiyat Island, Al Maryah Island, Al Qana, the Corniche, Al Wathba and other parts of Abu Dhabi.
The expansion gives residents more choices without concentrating the new venues in a single district.
Reem Island adds new Italian and Indian options
Reem Island is among the areas seeing the most visible additions.
Jamie’s Italian has opened at Reem Mall, marking the brand’s first Abu Dhabi location. Reem Mall lists the restaurant on Level 2, while the mall has highlighted its positioning beside Snow Abu Dhabi and its Italian menu of handcrafted pasta and pizzas.
Another addition at Reem Mall is Art of Dum, an Indian restaurant built around slow-cooked cuisine. Reem Mall describes the concept as an Abu Dhabi dining destination inspired by traditional dum cooking and India’s culinary heritage.
The two openings add different styles of cuisine to a mall that already has a broad dining portfolio, including Eataly, Wagamama, Ocean Basket and The Butcher Shop & Grill.
Saadiyat gets a new hospitality and dining address
Saadiyat Island has also gained a new hospitality destination with the opening of Bloom Arjaan by Rotana.
The 217-key property opened in July 2026 in Saadiyat Island’s Marina District. Its dining offer is centred on Distrikt Social, an all-day restaurant and bar serving coffee, breakfast, lunch, snacks and evening options.
The hotel is positioned close to Mamsha Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Beach and the island’s cultural attractions, adding another dining option to an area already known for its growing restaurant scene.
Emirati flavours get a contemporary address
Falwa at ADREA brings a different proposition, focusing on Emirati cuisine.
Its current menu includes dishes using Emirati ingredients and flavours, including Emirati-spiced preparations, local crab and traditional elements presented in a contemporary format. The restaurant is located at Abu Dhabi Royal Equestrian Arts on Jubail Island.
The opening adds another venue centred on UAE culinary traditions at a time when Abu Dhabi’s restaurant landscape is becoming increasingly diverse.
More additions across the capital
The new openings extend beyond Reem Island and Saadiyat.
The Cheeseroom has arrived at The Galleria on Al Maryah Island as a speciality food destination focused on artisanal cheese. The Galleria currently lists the concept among its new arrivals.
At Al Qana, Landers has opened as a bakery and speciality café, adding another coffee-and-bakery option to the waterfront destination.
On the Corniche, Sallora by the Sea is a seafood-focused restaurant at Al Bahar. Available listings place the venue on Corniche Road in Al Khubeirah, with a seafront setting.
Solenn has also joined Abu Dhabi’s dining scene at The Arcades within Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club. The restaurant describes its offering as contemporary Mediterranean cuisine with Arabic influences, with dishes designed for sharing.
Meanwhile, Here Cafe has opened a branch in Al Wathba, giving residents in the area a new speciality coffee option.
SALT has also returned to Umm Al Emarat Park. The park’s official dining directory currently lists SALT among its food and beverage outlets, alongside other cafés and restaurants.
Abu Dhabi’s food map keeps widening
The latest openings show how Abu Dhabi’s restaurant growth is spreading across different types of destinations — from shopping malls and waterfront promenades to cultural districts, residential communities and leisure developments.
For diners, that means the newest options are not limited to central Abu Dhabi. Reem Island, Saadiyat Island, Al Maryah Island, Al Qana, the Corniche and Al Wathba are all part of the city’s expanding food landscape.
The mix is equally broad, covering Italian, Indian, Emirati, Mediterranean and seafood concepts alongside cafés and speciality food stores.
With Abu Dhabi continuing to develop its leisure, hospitality and tourism offering, the restaurant scene is evolving alongside those neighbourhoods rather than following a single dining district.
What are some of the new restaurants in Abu Dhabi in 2026?
Recent additions include Jamie’s Italian and Art of Dum at Reem Mall, Solenn at The Arcades, Falwa at ADREA and other new food and hospitality concepts across the capital.
Where is Jamie’s Italian in Abu Dhabi?
Jamie’s Italian is located at Reem Mall on Reem Island, on Level 2.
Is Art of Dum open in Abu Dhabi?
Yes. Art of Dum is currently listed at Reem Mall on Level 1.
What new dining option has opened at Saadiyat Island?
Bloom Arjaan by Rotana opened on Saadiyat Island in July 2026, with Distrikt Social operating as its all-day restaurant and bar.
Where is The Cheeseroom in Abu Dhabi?
The Cheeseroom is at The Galleria on Al Maryah Island, where it operates as a speciality artisanal cheese destination.
Where is Solenn located?
Solenn is at The Arcades, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Al Mushrif. It serves contemporary Mediterranean food with Arabic influences.
Where can diners find Falwa?
Falwa is located at ADREA on Jubail Island, Abu Dhabi, and its menu focuses on contemporary interpretations of Emirati cuisine.
