Hakkasan Abu Dhabi

Hakkasan Abu Dhabi brings world-renowned modern Cantonese cuisine to the heart of the UAE capital, nestled within the opulent surroundings of the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental. The restaurant offers a sophisticated dining experience that merges authentic Chinese culinary traditions with contemporary flair, creating a destination that is as celebrated for its dramatic, moody interiors as it is for its meticulously crafted dishes. From the moment guests step inside, they are enveloped in an atmosphere of understated luxury, where intricate wooden lattice screens, deep blue lighting, and the gentle energy of the open kitchen set the scene for an unforgettable evening.

Widely regarded as one of the finest Chinese restaurants in the region, this establishment has earned a loyal following among discerning diners, hotel guests, and culinary travelers. The kitchen is led by a team of master chefs who source premium ingredients to execute signature recipes and seasonal creations with precision. The menu is designed to be shared, encouraging guests to explore a range of flavors, textures, and aromas that define Cantonese fine dining at its best. Every plate that arrives at the table is a testament to the artistry and technical skill that the Hakkasan brand has cultivated across the globe.

Signature Dining Experience

A meal at this Emirates Palace venue is more than just dinner; it is a curated journey through Cantonese culinary heritage. The tasting menus, particularly the signature menu, are the ideal way to experience the full breadth of the kitchen’s capabilities, featuring a carefully sequenced progression of dishes that balance sweet, savory, smoky, and umami profiles. The chefs honor tradition while embracing innovation, resulting in creations that feel both timeless and exciting.

The restaurant’s design enhances the sensory experience, with the main dining room and intimate private spaces offering views of the bar, the skyline, or the kitchen’s theatrical wok stations. The lighting is designed to flatter both the food and the company, with tables spaced generously to allow for private conversation. It strikes a rare balance between a vibrant social scene and a romantic, secluded retreat.

Signature Menu Highlights

The à la carte and tasting menus are anchored by globally recognized Hakkasan signatures that have been perfected over years of service. These dishes have become synonymous with the brand and are celebrated by loyal patrons for their consistency and flair. Below is a selection of the most iconic plates that define the experience.

• Peking duck with caviar: A luxurious reinterpretation of a Chinese classic, featuring crispy skin, delicate pancakes, and a decadent dollop of caviar.
• Stir-fried black pepper ribeye beef: Tender pieces of premium ribeye wok-fried with a bold, aromatic black pepper sauce and fresh merlot mushrooms.
• Roasted silver cod with Champagne and honey: A signature main course that pairs buttery, flaky cod with a lightly sweetened Champagne-honey glaze, achieving a sublime balance of richness and acidity.
• Crispy duck salad: A textural masterpiece combining shredded crispy duck with pomelo, pine nuts, and shallots in a fragrant, tangy dressing.
• Rainbow har gau: Vibrant, hand-pleated dumplings filled with fresh prawn and bamboo shoots, their translucent, multicolored skins a visual delight.

Dim Sum Craftsmanship

Dim sum holds a place of honor on the Hakkasan menu, prepared daily by specialized chefs who treat each dumpling, bun, and roll as a miniature work of art. The har gau, siu mai, and black truffle dumplings are particularly revered, showcasing the delicate touch required to create translucent wrappers and perfectly balanced fillings. The Saturday lunch service is an especially popular time to enjoy an extended dim sum feast in a more relaxed, daytime setting.

Beyond the classics, the kitchen frequently introduces seasonal dim sum that highlights rare ingredients or festive themes. This dedication to craftsmanship extends to the accompanying dipping sauces, which are made in house and designed to complement without overpowering the delicate flavors of the dumplings. Guests often pair their dim sum with a selection from the extensive tea menu, curated to match the subtlety of the dishes.

Curated Beverages & Tea Ritual

The bar program is a destination in itself, featuring creative cocktails inspired by Chinese ingredients and the five elements. Drinks like the Hakka and the Smoky Negroni incorporate lychee, chrysanthemum, and lapsang souchong, delivering a sensory narrative that parallels the food menu. The wine list is equally ambitious, with a strong focus on Champagne, Burgundy, and Grand Cru selections that can stand up to the bold flavors of the cuisine while complementing delicate seafood and dim sum.

The tea experience is central to the Hakkasan philosophy. A dedicated tea sommelier can guide guests through rare and aged teas, including pu-erh, oolong, and delicate white teas served in the traditional Gong Fu style. This ritual offers a non-alcoholic pairing option that rivals the complexity of any wine flight, reflecting the Cantonese dining tradition where tea is both a palate cleanser and a celebration of hospitality.

Private Dining & Special Occasions

For milestone celebrations, corporate dinners, and intimate gatherings, Hakkasan Abu Dhabi provides private dining rooms that can be configured to suit various group sizes. The spaces echo the restaurant’s signature design language while offering discreet, personalized service. Customizable tasting menus, floral arrangements, and dedicated servers ensure that every event feels exclusive and seamless.

The restaurant is a favored venue for anniversary dinners and wedding proposals, with the team known for going above and beyond to create memorable moments. Reviews frequently highlight the genuine warmth of the service staff, who anticipate needs without intruding, and who possess deep knowledge of the menu’s nuances. It is this combination of world-class surroundings, flawless execution, and heartfelt hospitality that keeps guests returning.

Location & Atmosphere at Emirates Palace

Situated on the West Corniche Road in the Al Ras Al Akhdar district, Hakkasan is integrated into the legendary Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, a property synonymous with Arabian luxury. Arriving at the hotel is an experience in itself, with its grand domes, lush gardens, and sweeping views of the Arabian Gulf setting a majestic tone. The restaurant’s entrance is discreetly marked, opening into an immersive, lantern-lit corridor that transitions guests from the palatial opulence of the hotel into a sleek, modern Chinese cocoon.

The evening timing—from 6 PM until 12:30 AM most nights, plus a Saturday lunch service from noon to 3:30 PM—makes it a prime choice for after-dark dining and weekend socializing. The dress code is smart elegant, and the atmosphere attracts a cosmopolitan mix of UAE residents, international travelers, and business leaders. The buzz of the dining room, the clink of cocktail shakers, and the soft pulse of curated music create an electric yet refined energy that defines the Abu Dhabi nightlife scene.