May is the beginning of summer in Abu Dhabi, and the city gives us a range of new restaurants to indulge in. And with the advent of a new month, there’s also a promise of variations in the culinary world – from popular Asian dishes, fun pub food, and hearty brunches to ciral meals. Here are some of the new restaurants in Abu Dhabi that you must try this month for their innovative approach and unforgettable experience.
1. Anko
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Abu Dhabi has a new restaurant, Anko, in the mesmerising art museum Lab Phenomena. After exploring the fascinating museum, a Japanese culinary dream at Anko ensues with dishes like Pan, a sweet bread with sweet or savoury fillings like red bean paste or Japanese curry. Beverages like the famous hot Matcha or various herbal and aromatic teas are also available in cold options. The ambience is influenced by the beautiful art of Oshibana, which gives the restaurant a botanical and serene look.
Where: Lab Phenomena, Saadiyat Cultural District- Abu Dhabi
When: 10 am to 8 pm
2. Barbassi
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Sandwiches for breakfast, lunch or dinner? If that is what you prefer, then Barbassi is the ideal place for you. The ambience gives an industrial vibe with its concrete flooring and warehouse-type atmosphere. From the creators of Marmellata, this new spot in Abu Dhabi features a simple yet tasty menu consisting of four focaccia sandwiches with both non-vegetarian and vegetarian options. To complete this delicious meal, they also give additional cookies and their exclusive Sicilian fruit drink, which you won’t find anywhere in the city.
Where: 3 Al Rutam Street – Zayed Port – Freezone – Abu Dhabi
When: Wednesday to Sunday from 11 am to 2 pm
3. Brown Lion Gastropub
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Marriott Hotel Downtown has added another spot to its dining and pub scene, with the latest addition being Brown Lion Gastropub. Indulge in a variety of hops, grape beverages and unique cocktails while enjoying good music and delicious bites like burgers and meat platters. Their QLED screens display live sports from football to cricket, giving you the complete experience of food, fun and sports in one place.
Where: Marriott Hotel Downtown – Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed St – Al Manhal – Al Tibbiya – Abu Dhabi
When: 12 pm to 3 am
4. Tazu By Art Lounge
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At Tazu by Art Lounge, you can taste the diversity and flavours of authentic Asian cuisine with a stunning view of the Arabian Gulf. Start with a series of hot or cold starters like Wagyu Beef Tataki, Salmon Shiozuke, Seaweed salad, Mushroom Miso Soup, Chicken Gyoza, Negima Yakitori, Prawn Tempura and Bao Bun. Savour delicious mains like Teriyaki Wagyu Ribs, Roasted Ponzu Baby Chicken and Seafood PHO. Don’t forget to try their desserts, such as mango sticky rice with a vegan twist, Yuzu baked cheesecake, and Art Lounge dessert platter.
Where: Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Cultural District 1 – Al Saadiyat Island – SDN1 – Abu Dhabi
When: 5 pm to 12 am
Also Read: Abu Dhabi To Host Middle East Film & Comic Con Until 2027
5. Kew’s Fried Chicken
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The popular Sticky Rice restaurant brings another culinary gem to Abu Dhabi by launching its new restaurant, Kew’s Fried Chicken. This spot in Yas Mall serves a unique take on fried chicken, using only the finest quality beef tallow to fry each piece to crunchy, flavourful perfection. Apart from the fried chicken, try their cornbread muffin with glossy honey butter poured on top and their fried chicken sandwich with tangy mango slaw and signature sauces.
Where: Yas Mall- Abu Dhabi
When: 5 pm to 12 am
6. Sarabeth’s
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After its immense success in the Big Apple (New York), Sarabeth’s has found its new home in Abu Dhabi. Sarabeth’s has come a long way from its humble beginning, which started in 1981 with a marmalade recipe passed down from the family, to its global presence now. However, its new location continues its legacy of serving all-day breakfast in an inviting atmosphere. This branch will offer signature dishes like classic pancakes, saffron milk toast, buttermilk waffles and fluffy French toast with apple cinnamon.
Where: Sunrise Residences 3 – Shop No 1 Al Dhiba St – Al Saadiyat Island – SDN7 – Abu Dhabi
When: 7 am to 10 pm daily
7. Flaky Pastry
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If you are in the mood for a buttery croissant in different flavours and variations, you must visit Flaky Pastry in Abu Dhabi. Their branch in Dubai has garnered the popularity it rightly deserves, and now it’s time for Abu Dhabi to enjoy this café. Apart from sweet croissants, they also serve a hearty breakfast with savoury options. Don’t forget to try the Insta-famous ‘Crookie’ cookie on a croissant. Sip on a cool Iced Matcha or a warm Salted Pistachio Latte to wash it all down.
Where: The Galleria Al Maryah Island- Abu Dhabi
When: Sunday to Thursday from 10 am to 10 pm and Friday to Saturday from 10 am to 12 am
So this May gives you many options to venture on your culinary adventure with all these new restaurants in Abu Dhabi.
Cover Image Courtesy: Brown Lion Gastropub and Tazu by Art Lounge/Instagram
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First Published: May 09, 2025 6:03 PM