With just two weeks to go, Taste of Abu Dhabi has revealed its full festival line-up, including all 16 restaurant menus, cooking feature schedules and its full entertainment programme, ahead of three days of food, music and family fun at Gateway Park North, Yas Island, from 13–15 November.
Presented in partnership with BMW Abu Dhabi Motors, this year’s festival brings together headline chefs Gino D’Acampo, Thomas Straker and Rachel Allen, exclusive festival dishes, free coffee workshops, live music and the all-new Candy Land Kids Zone. Adding to the excitement, for the first time at Taste, visitors will be among the first in the capital to experience two restaurant concepts ahead of their official Abu Dhabi openings.
Two restaurants make their debut at Taste ahead of Opening
For the first time ever, Taste of Abu Dhabi will give visitors an early taste of two exciting upcoming additions to the capital’s dining scene, making their city debut at Taste of Abu Dhabi festival.
Building on the expertise and reputation of 99 — an internationally recognized fine-dining brand, 99 | TANJUN brings a fresh and distinctive approach to Japanese dining. Rooted in the same commitment to quality ingredients, precision and Japanese craftsmanship, TANJUN introduces its own identity: contemporary, dynamic and approachable.
Also making its debut is La Broche by Bocuse, bringing rotisserie classics to Yas Island for three days only. The appearance offers a first taste of the concept ahead of the opening of Brasserie Monsieur Paul at Saadiyat Grove.
Explore both their Taste- exclusive menus now on the festival website!
Sixteen restaurants: Exclusive dishes and full menus revealedWith all 16 restaurant menus now available on the Taste website, visitors can plan their festival food trail and discover signature flavours alongside dishes created exclusively for the event. Each restaurant will serve three to five tasting dishes, offering plenty of opportunities to sample something new.
Standout Taste- exclusive dishes include:
- 99 | Tanjun – Gyu Robata:Layered beef skewer with aka miso and chilli garlic rayu.
- La Broche by Bocuse- La Broche Signature Chicken Sandwich: French farm-raised rotisserie chicken in a crusty baguette, served with signature dipping sauce
- Soraya – Khoresh-e Bamieh:Slow-cooked beef croquette with tomato and okra stew.
- Oak Room – Oak Room Sliders:Sliders with charred pepper relish, smoked cheddar and truffle aioli.
- Marcella – Salt Cod Croquettes:Salt cod croquettes served with squid ink aioli.
- Almayass – Lamb Chops:Grilled lamb chops with a special marinade
- Ramen Bar- Soba Noodle Salad:Buckwheat noodles with korean dressing, edamame and tofu
From Caribbean-inspired flavours and Asian specialities to Italian favourites and indulgent desserts, the menus offer something for every palate. Visitors can explore the full restaurant line-up and menus on the festival website now.
Celebrity chefs, live-fire cooking and free coffee & pasta making workshops
This year’s star studded culinary programme will be led by Gino D’Acampo, Thomas Straker and Rachel Allen, with live demonstrations and interactive workshops bringing festival-goers closer to the chefs and their cooking. For those looking to turn up the heat, at the Keeta Firepit celebrity chefs and pitmasters will take to the flames for live open-fire cooking.
Guests can also get hands-on with Jo’s KITSCHEN and discover how to make fresh pasta from scratch in fun and interactive 30-minute workshops. Coffee lovers can also join free hands-on barista workshops by SHOT Coffee, exploring coffee beans, roasts and brewing techniques. Full cooking feature schedules are available online.
A sweeter festival for families
New for 2026, the Candy Land Kids Zone will bring a colourful, candy-themed playground to the festival, featuring inflatable rides, games and creative activities. Highlights include Candy Mountain, The Sugar Spin and Marshmallow Meadow, alongside arts and crafts such as chef hat and apron decorating. Rides and activities are priced individually.
Beyond the food, visitors can enjoy a new music concept featuring live performances and DJs throughout the weekend, licensed lounges and gardens for guests aged 21 and over, and an array of alcohol-free drinks from Drink Dry. An artisan vendor village and brand activations will add even more to explore across the festival.
Two weeks to go – book ahead
With the festival just 14 days away, visitors are encouraged to secure their tickets in advance. VIP tickets and Taster Packages are selling fast, with advance tickets available online until 12 November, subject to availability. Ticket prices increase at the door.
Advanced tickets can be purchased now at https://abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net/event-tickets/tasteofabudhabi
Maddy Spicer, General Manager of MENA Live Events, said: “We’re so excited to bring Taste of Abu Dhabi back this November. This year, we’re particularly excited to give visitors a first taste of two concepts ahead of their Abu Dhabi openings, alongside a fantastic selection of festival-exclusive dishes. With our celebrity chefs, free coffee workshops, brand-new Candy Land Kids Zone and non-stop entertainment, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. With just two weeks to go, we can’t wait to welcome everyone to Yas Island.”
Taste of Abu Dhabi takes place from 13–15 November 2026 at Gateway Park North, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, in partnership with BMW Abu Dhabi Motors.
For tickets, restaurant menus and the latest festival updates, visit www.tasteofabudhabifestival.com.
