In 2026, Abu Dhabi's greatest French restaurants will include Fouquet's at the Louvre on Saadiyat Island, Bord Eau by Michelin-starred Chef Nicolas Isnard at Shangri-La, and La Petite Maison at The Galleria on Al Maryah Island. Whether you're looking for a fine dining tasting menu, a relaxing Sunday brunch, or a traditional croissant and coffee, this city has it all. A Dubai-based travel agency, has identified 11 eateries that are worth your time and reservations. 

Before you start the blog, here are some important readings that might amaze your journey: 

For a real French fine dining experience in Abu Dhabi, two restaurants stand out: Fouquet's Abu Dhabi and Bord Eau by Nicolas Isnard. Both include tasting meals, wine pairings, and a welcoming atmosphere from the time you enter. 

Must-Try: Sole Meuniere 

Fouquet's is a Parisian establishment, opened on the Champs-Élysées in 1899. Its Abu Dhabi location is on Saadiyat Island, within the Louvre Abu Dhabi, making it the world's first French brasserie inside a museum. Chef Pierre Gagnaire, a three-Michelin-star superstar, manages a cuisine that introduces classic Parisian brasserie dishes to the Gulf. The panoramic terrace overlooks the Persian Gulf, making it one of the most beautiful eating sites in the whole capital.  

From Tuesday to Friday, the business lunch costs AED 165 for two courses or AED 220 for three, making it a great deal to experience this quality of French cuisine in Abu Dhabi. 

Saadiyat, 1 street, Al Saadiyat Island, Cultural District, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates | Sunday, Monday to Thursday: Noon to 11 pm, Friday and Saturday: noon to 11:30 pm | For reservations, contact: +97122054200 | Starting from AED 600 for two | Fouquet's Abu Dhabi 

Apart from the French dining, we have more options waiting: 

New restaurants in Abu Dhabi 

Must-Try: La Charcuterie or the 4-course tasting menu 

Bord Eau is the most popular fine dining French restaurant among Abu Dhabi's permanent citizens. Chef Nicolas Isnard's "Travels Around the World" tasting menu consists of six carefully prepared dishes, each based on seasonal methods. Guests who have visited repeatedly highlight the wine pairings and the medium-rare meat as compliments. The restaurant, located on the lobby level of the Shangri-La Hotel in Qaryat Al Beri, is closed on Mondays.  

One frequent trend found in Google reviews is that diners who used to visit often as Abu Dhabi locals now return as visitors, which speaks much about the consistency here. 

Level 3, Lobby Level, Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri Khor, RB2, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates | On Monday, it's closed. Tuesday to Sunday: 6:30 pm to 11 pm | For reservations, contact: +97125098555 | Starting from AED 510 for two | Bord Eau by Nicolas Isnard 

Sunday brunch is a cultural tradition, and two French restaurants, La Petite Maison and Raclette Brasserie, have established their names almost exclusively on it. 

Must-Try: Seabream fillet with capers and almonds, or the Vanilla Cheesecake 

La Petite Maison, often known as LPM among regulars, is Al Maryah Island's most renowned French-Mediterranean restaurant. The Sunday La Vie en Pink Grape brunch is a full social experience, with appetizers, tartines, salads, and one French-inspired main course per person, all served with unlimited pink sparkling wine. The outstanding dish, according to Time Out Abu Dhabi reviewers, is seabream fillet with capers and almonds.  

This restaurant quickly fills up for both weekday lunch and weekend brunch, so bookings at least three days in advance are strongly advised. 

The Galleria, Al Maryah Island, MI1, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates | Monday to Friday: noon to 1 am, and Saturday & Sunday: 12:30 pm to 1 am | For reservations, contact: +97126929600 | Starting from AED 500 for two | La Petite Maison (LPM) Abu Dhabi 

Must-Try: Steak Frites 

Raclette Brasserie Mamsha Al Saadiyat offers Abu Dhabi's most visually appealing French dining experience for regular visits. The outdoor patio directly views the Saadiyat Island coastline, and the breakfast menu (served till noon on weekdays and 11 a.m. on weekends) is a three-course set that comprises appetizers, an omelette main, and, yes, dessert for breakfast. People call it hearty French-inspired dishes with oh-so-pretty Mamsha Al Saadiyat waterfront views.  

For a company or a solo lunch with a view, this is the most reasonable French seaside experience in town. 

Lilac 5 Bldg, Jacques Chirac St, Al Cultural District, SDN1, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates | Sunday, Monday to Thursday: 10 am to 1 am, and Friday & Saturday: 10 am to 2 am | Starting from AED 200 for two | Raclette Braserie

A romantic French dinner in Abu Dhabi needs appropriate lighting, competent service, and food that seems thoughtful. Le Bistrot on the Corniche and Le Beaujolais in Al Danah do this in quite different ways. 

Must-Try: Entrecote St Germain des Pres 

Le Bistrot right on Abu Dhabi's Corniche, making it one of the few French restaurants in the city that offers sea views without traveling to Saadiyat Island. The menu combines French and European cuisines, with an emphasis on fresh, quality products. The environment is sleek and polished, ideal for a romantic night or a small gathering, and the outside dining area overlooks the cityscape and the beach. 

With hours ranging from 7 a.m. to midnight, it is one of the most flexible French alternatives in the city, serving breakfast through late evening. 

Corniche, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates | Monday to Sunday: 7 am to midnight | For reservations, contact: +971547919022 | Starting from AED 305 for two | Le Bistrot

Must-Try: Coq Au Vin or the Hachis Parmentier 

Le Beaujolais in the Novel Hotel on Hamdan Bin Mohammed Street in Al Danah and is the closest Abu Dhabi has to a genuine French country restaurant. Red checkered tables, classic Parisian posters, huge mirrors, and a menu with delicacies like Coq Au Vin, Beef Bourguignon, and fresh bread create a very fascinating ambiance. The beef bourguignon in particular has developed a devoted local popularity.  

At AED 280 for two, it is one of the more affordable romantic French dinner alternatives in the city.  

F9Q6+CVP Novel Hotel, Hamdan Bin Mohammed St, Al Danah, Zone 1, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates | Monday to Sunday: Noon to Midnight | For reservations, contact: +97126333555 | Starting from AED 280 for two | Le Beaujolais

Not every meal requires three courses. Abu Dhabi features various French casual eating establishments and cafés that are equally fantastic, whether you want a quick pastry, a calm lunch, or a farm-to-table dining experience without the stress. 

Must-Try: Foie Gras Terrine 

Bentley Kitchen in The Galleria Mall on Al Maryah Island is a French European fusion restaurant with an open floor design, a bar area, and a relaxing outside patio. The menu combines traditional French meals with current European influences, making it ideal for birthday dinners, after-work beverages, and post-shopping lunches.  

The decor is light and modern, a good contrast to the more traditional French restaurants in the city. 

The Galleria Mall, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates | Sunday, Monday to Thursday: Noon to midnight; Friday and Saturday: noon to 1 am | For reservations, contact: +97126262131 | Starting from AED 360 for two | Bentley Kitchen 

Must-Try: Chef's tasting menu or Seafood Pasta 

Les Dangereux a unique farm-to-table style for serving French cuisine in Abu Dhabi. The restaurant, located on Mamsha Al Saadiyat, uses locally sourced foods and French and Mediterranean culinary techniques. Guests may pick from the complete tasting menu or the chef's selection or order à la carte.  

It intentionally departs from the typical course arrangement, giving the dinner a more free-flowing, conversational pace. 

Mamsha, Al Saadiyat Island, SDN1, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates | Monday to Friday: 10 am to 11 pm and Saturday to Sunday: 10 am to midnight | For reservations, contact: +971526772947 | Starting from AED 500 for two | Les Dangereux 

Must-Try: Signature Cafe de Paris Steak Frites 

Entrecote Cafe Paris on Yas Island's Level 1 of Yas Mall is the ultimate steak frites experience in Abu Dhabi. The restaurant focuses on steak, their secret Cafe de Paris butter sauce, and crispy frites. The bistro environment is calm, and the service is consistent.  

It's a fantastic alternative if you're already on Yas Island and want to eat French without flying to the mainland. 

Yas Mall, Level 1, Unit 161, Yas Island, Yas West, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates | Monday to Thursday: Noon to 1 am, Friday and Saturday: noon to 2 am, and Sunday: Noon to midnight | Starting from AED 875 for two | Entrecôte Café de Paris🇨🇭 

French gastronomic breakfast. PAUL Bakery on Al Maryah Island and French Bakery Corner by Sofitel near Khalifa Street are two Abu Dhabi establishments with a great reputation for morning visits. 

Must-Try: French Onion Soup or the fresh pastries 

Paul is a French bakery brand founded in Croix, France, in 1889, and its Abu Dhabi location on Al Maryah Island is a popular choice among locals. The menu includes breakfast, pastries, sandwiches, salads, and French main courses, making it one of the city's most diverse French restaurants. Fresh croissants, pain au chocolat, and omelettes are particularly recommended in Google and Tripadvisor reviews.  

These somewhat expanded hours (Mon-Thu till midnight, Fri-Sun until 1am) make it a good alternative for late-night coffee and pastries. 

 Al Maryah Island - MI10 - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates | Monday to Thursday: 8:30 am to midnight and Friday to Sunday: 8:30 am to 1 am | For reservations, contact: +97126738474 | Starting from AED 195 for two | PAUL Bakery & Restaurant 

Must-Try: Buttery Croissant 

French Bakery by Sofitel is located in Capital Plaza on Khalifa Street, in front of Tower A. It is the most reasonable choice on this list, costing AED 135 for two people, and one of the best places in town for a real buttery croissant and decent coffee. The hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., making it ideal for breakfast and coffee rather than dinner. The staff members is constantly recognized for their attentiveness and hospitality.   

F9X9+G62, Capital Plaza, front of Tower A, Khalifa Street, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates | Monday to Sunday: 8 am to 8 pm | For reservations, contact: +97125965520 | Starting from AED 135 for two | French Bakery Corner By Sofitel 

There is more to Abu Dhabi's French restaurant scene in 2026 than most people understand. LPM and Raclette are leaders in brunch and ambience; Fouquet's and Bord Eau are leaders in fine dining; and PAUL and French Bakery Corner make delicious French cuisine available around-the-clock without a reservation or a big expense. 

The most important thing to know before making a reservation is that the French eateries on Saadiyat Island and Al Maryah Island typically fill up Thursday through Sunday, so making reservations 48 to 72 hours in advance will typically spare you from disappointment.