In the mood for golden pastries, hearty steak frites, or a catch-up over cheese and grapes? Abu Dhabi’s lineup of incredible French restaurants has just what you’re looking for
From cosy, cottage-like bistros to award-winning, film-star-frequented hotspots, the capital is brimming with authentic French dining experiences.
As part of Yalla’s dining series, this definitive guide rounds up the very best French restaurants in Abu Dhabi, curated by our local experts and trusted by food lovers across the UAE.
If you’re craving French flair, this is the only list you need.
Bord Eau by Nicolas Isnard
Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi
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Brimming with elegant old-school charm, Bord Eau is one of Abu Dhabi’s veteran fine dining French restaurants.
Specialising in contemporary French-inspired creations that look as intricate and beautiful as actual works of art, it’s the perfect spot for romantic dates and treating those who you really want to impress.
The creation of MICHELIN-starred French chef Nicolas Isnard, each and every inventive recipe will blow you away.
Tried and tested: The decadent set menu packages take away the tricky decision-making process, while the highlights of the à la carte selection include the silky and tender Australian Wagyu beef tenderloin, and the photo-worthy Belle Hélène pear, housed inside a dramatic chocolate sphere.
For bookings: 02 509 8555
Address: Qaryat Al Beri Khor – RB2 – Abu Dhabi
Read more about the restaurant: Bord Eau by Nicolas Isnard
Visit website: Bord Eau by Nicolas Isnard
Fouquet’s Abu Dhabi
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Located under the shimmering dome of the world-renowned Louvre Abu Dhabi, French fine dining doesn’t get more luxurious than Fouquet’s Abu Dhabi.
Founded in Paris, and accustomed to hosting the rich and famous (Tom Cruise has even visited the Abu Dhabi branch a couple of times), its magnificent menu effortlessly showcases France’s timeless recipes, ingredients, flavours and rich culinary culture.
Blending classic dishes with contemporary creative plates, the seasonal special menus are always unmissable, while the award-winning French pastries will impress even the most hard-to-please food connoisseur.
Tried and tested: The iconic dover sole with creamy mash is extraordinary in its simplicity, while the crème brûlée is far too good to share.
For bookings: 02 205 4200
Address: Al Saadiyat Island – Cultural District – Abu Dhabi
Read more about the restaurant: Fouquet’s Abu Dhabi
Visit website: Fouquet’s Abu Dhabi
La Petite Maison Abu Dhabi
The Galleria Al Maryah Island
Widely considered to be one of the best restaurants in Abu Dhabi, La Petite Maison (or LPM as it is more commonly known) is a legendary UAE capital hotspot.
Completed with a bright, beautifully decorated dining room and pretty waterfront terrace, the always-fully-booked weekend brunch is a capital institution, while the business lunch offers a rather affordable way of sampling such of its most adored signature recipes.
The portions are surprisingly generous portions for a place so up-market, and the stunning bar serves up a superb selection of unique and very extravagant mixed drinks.
Always unfailingly brilliant, every visit is like being whisked off to the French Riviera.
Tried and tested: It’s hard to know where to start. From the starters, the burrata with sweet cherry tomatoes is next level unbelievable, while the delicious warm prawns are raved about for many good reasons.
For your main, go for the salt-baked sea bass or ribeye, and don’t forget the side of potato gratin (the creamiest and most indulgent version you’ve ever tasted) and finally always save room for a slice of the iconic vanilla cheesecake.
Oh, and be brave and give the garlic escargot a whirl, won’t you? They’re sensational spread on some of the fresh French crusty bread, honest.
For bookings: 02 692 9600
Address: The Galleria – Al Maryah Island – MI1 – Abu Dhabi
Read more about the restaurant: La Petite Maison Abu Dhabi
Visit website: La Petite Maison Abu Dhabi
Le Beaujolais
Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi
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Nestled in the hustle and bustle of Hamdan Street, Le Beaujolais French restaurant is one of Abu Dhabi’s oldest and most authentic French restaurants.
A precious hidden gem with a loyal following of fans, it excels in hearty, no frills, homecooked French brasserie classics, and the rustic chalkboard list of ‘plat de jour’ always offers something new and tempting to try.
Adorned with checked tablecloths and art deco light fixtures, the vibe is pleasantly old school, while the service is famously friendly, too.
Tried and tested: Explore the extensive selection of French grapes and specialty meats, and arrive hungry and ready to devour the generously sized stuffed chicken breast with wild mushrooms, Grandma’s shepherd’s pie and other traditional French comfort foods.
For bookings: 02 633 3555
Address: Novel Hotel – Hamdan Bin Mohammed St – Al Danah – Zone 1 – Abu Dhabi
Read more about the restaurant: Le Beaujolais
Visit website: Le Beaujolais
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Les Dangereux
Al Mamsha, Saadiyat Island
One of the most recent stars on Abu Dhabi’s thriving French fine dining scene, the very elegant Les Dangereux attracts a stylish and sophisticated crowd.
Offering Instagrammable plates and striking mixed drinks, all set against views of the bright blue Arabian Gulf, everything from the aromatic French onion soup to the fresh oysters on ice and rich beef Bourguignon is flawlessly prepared with the finest ingredients.
It will soon become your new favourite spot on the Mamsha Al Saadiyat boardwalk.
Tried and tested: Think brunch is only a weekend thing? Well, not at Les Dangereux. The four-course brunch with unlimited beverages is available every day of the week, and it includes a taste of all the hotspot’s most popular dishes.
Or, for a lighter but equally delicious feast, don’t miss the fresh and crunchy green goddess salad, or the juicy lemon-grilled French shrimp, pulled straight from the wood fire.
For bookings: 052 677 2947
Address: Novel Mamsha – Al Saadiyat Island – SDN1 – Abu Dhabi
Read more about the restaurant: Les Dangereux
Raclette Brasserie & Cafe
Mamsha Al Saadiyat
Another French hotspot on the vibrant Mamsha Al Saadiyat boardwalk, Raclette Brasserie & Cafe is one of Abu Dhabi’s most picturesque French restaurants.
Famed for its excellent cheese and wine deals, ladies’ night offers and stunning views, the extensive à la carte menu offers lots to get excited about too.
If you’re looking for a different way to start your day, the unique French breakfasts will more than hit the spot, while the steak frites, vol au vent au champignon, cordon bleu are amongst its many other highlights.
Tried and tested: Go for the full Alpine chalet experience and indulge in the traditional fondue or, if you’re really hungry, opt for one of the mammoth 50cm-long filled baguettes (you might be forced to share) or the epic, raclette-cheese topped Angus burger.
For bookings: 056 996 6898
Address: Lilac 5 Bldg – Jacques Chirac St – Al Sa’Diyat Cultural Cultural District – SDN1 – Abu Dhabi
Read more about the restaurant: Raclette Brasserie & Cafe
Visit website: Raclette Brasserie & Cafe
Le Bistro By Salmontini
Le Royal Meredien
Famed for its premium, delicately flavoured house-smoked salmon, Le Bistro By Salmontini offers a unique mix of French bistro classics and Japanese sushi.
But before you judge, be rest assured that the combination really works.
Offering overflowing cauldrons of mussels and salmon wellington encased in golden pastry, served alongside creative maki rolls and light sashimi, it’s got something for everyone, and some cracking weekly deals, too.
Tried and tested: Don’t miss the epicurean salmon filet (it changes every week according to the chef’s preference), or the French entrecote served with golden fries. If you’re there for breakfast, the eggs benedict will exceed your every expectation.
For bookings: 02 557 4460
Address: Al Danah – Zone 1 – Abu Dhabi
Read more about the restaurant:Le Bistro By Salmontini
Visit website: Le Bistro By Salmontini
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