Hakkasan Abu Dhabi — Restaurant in Abu Dhabi

Recently (October 2024) had the most humiliating and unsavory experience at any restaurant we have ever experienced. That too on a special occasion like our 7th wedding anniversary. Booked during the so called “family friendly”, “children of all ages welcome” time slot as specified clearly on their website. Confirmed while making a reservation through our hotel concierge that yes this is the family time. While we were there we were subjected to the worst treatment ever by any hospitality staff in my life. We went with our 2 children. kids were being kids. We were seated in apparently what was the family friendly hall where other families were seated as well. Within 10 minutes of our arrival, any time my children would make any sound, this young south Asian man (not sure if he was a manager or whatever) told us that we should control our children and try to keep them quiet because other patrons were complaining. There was extremely loud music like a club playing so I’m not even sure how anyone could hear any other table in that cacophony and let alone have the audacity to come to a restaurant during the family time and then complain about a family, well being a family ????. He then proceeded to hover above our table continuously and made a cleaner start sweeping around and under our table while we were sitting and eating at our table. He kept coming to complain which made me so uncomfortable that I left in the middle of dinner with my baby and took her outside. This guy has no idea what hospitality services are or what customer service should be like especially at a place where you pay so much mostly for the service and ambiance. This was supposed to be a pleasant celebration with my family for me, not a humiliation for having the audacity to bring my children to a restaurant during specified family time. I have been to several Michelin starred restaurants with my children all over the world and never have I ever been made to feel this way. The only reason I gave a single star is because of the East Asian server who was also clearly horrified by this guy and the female staff member who followed me out of the restaurant to make sure I was okay. I’m going to escalate this incident to the management of this restaurant chain because Abu Dhabi is supposed to be a family friendly city and well if Hakkasan really doesn’t care about their customers with children then they will forever lose our patronage. If you want an adults only establishment then please remove the completely false statement on your website that says families and children of all ages are welcome at the specified time. Shame on the management for luring well paying families under false advertisement and then humiliating them for showing up and also charging for the humiliation as well. And shame on the management for hiring staff (that south Asian man) that has zero training in how to deal with paying customers. He needs better training. We were civil enough to not confront management at that very moment but I will be leaving my honest review wherever I can. Families with children, take your money and time elsewhere. This is not a family friendly establishment at all. They shame families and mothers. P.s: the food looked amazing but I don’t even remember the taste because I was made to leave halfway through my meal with my child. I just remember how deflated and embarrassed I felt after waiting so eagerly the whole year to celebrate our special 7th...

When we find a special restaurant for the first time, it's like finding a secret place you want to keep all to yourself. When it comes to Hakkasan, it is so amazing in every way, you want everyone to hear about it! Then try it out for themselves.

We booked a table to celebrate my husband's 66th birthday. It's such a perfect place for special occasions, we are now planning to return for my birthday in August :)

We are so very spoiled in Abu Dhabi with the number of fine dining restaurant options of all styles of cuisine. So it says a lot when we choose to return to Hakkasan each time.

The Taste of Hakkasan menu is a perfect introduction, if you cannot decided what to order from the A la Carte Menu. As was in our case first time round.

Now that we have familiarized ourselves with the options, we will venture further afield next time. Either way, the food is delicious and top quality.

The staff are super-professional and very attentive to every detail. The service is tailored to your personal pace without long pauses or feeling rushed. As the food arrives at the tables surrounding you, it's hard to resist a look at the masterful presentation each guest has ordered. While making a mental note for the next time!

Serving of the food is orchestrated by Jenny and her team, who remembered us from our visit in May. They follow all the protocols when it comes to presenting, cleaning and clearing at your table. We felt very comfortable and safe.

We like to make our dinner reservation for 7:00 p.m. This is a good time too before it becomes very busy. Never have we been required to vacate our table for the next booking. By the time we settle our bill, the restaurant is usually at its officially mandated capacity. Yet another sign of its popularity.

There is a great vibe about Hakkasan. The music and colourful decor play such an integral part in helping to enjoy the moment and linger perhaps a bit longer than intended.

There is a sense that every staff member really wants to make your evening as memorable as possible...and they do succeed. You almost feel sad when you have to leave. That's why you need another special occasion to return again!

Of course the magic that takes place behind the glass of the visible kitchen area (at the top end of the restaurant) is what Hakkasan is all about. Without that it would NOT be Hakkasan.

The quality food, extraordinary service, colourful decor and atmosphere all blend together to make the most perfect venue and experience you could wish for.

I look forward to our next visit and would recommend you make a reservation soon. You will not be...

✨ Hakkasan Abu Dhabi – Restaurant Review

Located inside the luxurious Emirates Palace, Hakkasan Abu Dhabi brings modern Cantonese cuisine to life with style, elegance, and deep flavors. From the moment you enter, the ambiance is warm and classy — dark wood, soft lighting, and a mix of traditional and modern Chinese décor create a perfect fine-dining vibe.

🍽️ Must-Try Dishes

Signature Peking Duck with Caviar

A true showstopper!

Price: AED 388 (half) | AED 688 (whole)

With caviar: up to AED 1,388

Served with crispy skin, pancakes, hoisin sauce, and a dramatic presentation.

Crispy Duck Salad

Tossed with pomelo, pine nuts, and shallots — refreshing and full of texture.

One of their most loved dishes.

Jasmine Tea-Smoked Wagyu Beef Ribs

Smoky, tender, and melts in your mouth. Served under a glass dome of smoke.

Hakka Steamed Dim Sum Platter

Includes Har Gau, Abalone Chicken Shui Mai, and Chilean Seabass dumplings.

Price: AED 98–138 for 3–5 pieces

Delicate and beautifully crafted.

Senpei Chicken Claypot

A comforting bowl of spicy, saucy chicken goodness.

Grilled Red Snapper in Spicy Sauce

Perfectly cooked fish with bold Cantonese flavors.

Typhoon Lobster with Radish Cake

Luxurious and unique twist on seafood.

🍸 Drinks & Desserts

Hakka Cocktail: Lychee, coconut, passion fruit — tropical and refreshing.

Hong Fuen: Served with a bubble of smoke on top – very Instagrammable!

"Spikey Lemon" Dessert: A blend of lemon mousse, meringue, and white chocolate – light and creamy.

💵 Pricing Overview

Appetizers & dim sum: AED 68–138

Main courses: AED 188–988 (especially with wagyu or lobster)

Average price per person: Around AED 350–450

Tasting menus available for approx AED 500+

⭐ My Final Thoughts

If you're looking for a Michelin-star experience in Abu Dhabi, Hakkasan is a must-visit. The atmosphere is elegant, service is top-notch, and each dish is like a work of art — full of flavor, color, and creativity. While it's definitely on the pricier side, the quality and experience are worth every dirham.

Perfect for a date night, birthday dinner, or a fancy family...