Hanbok is a contemporary Korean restaurant where couture-inspired interiors, considered storytelling, and refined cooking come together.
Abu Dhabi is home to world-class restaurants, from celebrity chef-fronted concepts to homegrown favourites. Now, it is about to welcome a new South Korean restaurant, Hanbok Abu Dhabi. FACT first reported about Hanbok in February 2025, but the official date has now been revealed, which will be early 2026.
Located on the promenade at The Galleria Al Maryah Island, Hanbok Abu Dhabi is a fine-dining Korean restaurant. This picturesque waterfront spot is already home to some of the capital’s most renowned restaurants, including COYA Abu Dhabi, La Petite Maison and Nusr-Et, making it a go-to for foodies in the capital. And with Hanbok Abu Dhabi joining The Galleria’s restaurant repertoire, the capital’s gastronomic scene is poised to reach new heights.
Named after Korea’s traditional attire, Hanbok carries with it ideas of ritual, elegance, femininity and restraint. Here, the concept steps beyond the wardrobe. The spirit of the hanbok informs the space, the textures and the flow of the room, so that the restaurant feels like a living, breathing interpretation of Korean identity rather than a backdrop.
The interiors, crafted by DBM Studio, set the tone. Vertical layers of fabric appear to float from the ceiling, soft and weightless, recalling the sweep of a hanbok skirt in motion. As the light shifts throughout the day, it plays gently across these textile planes, so the room seems to move with you. The effect is immersive and cinematic, with a couture sensibility that feels both intimate and elevated.
The restaurant begins with a sculpted bar, followed by a corridor that offers a peek into the open kitchen before leading to the dining area. Once seated beneath the floral chandelier and flowing fabric installations, you’re perfectly set for an unforgettable meal.
That approach continues onto the plate. Korean flavours that are bold, emotional and story-rich are reworked through a contemporary lens. Expect a focus on balance and contrast, where fire and softness, richness and delicacy, memory and innovation sit side by side. Offering Korean flavours with a contemporary twist, Hanbok Abu Dhabi is expected to feature a menu of classic dishes. You’ll get to indulge in grilled meats and meticulously crafted specialities that highlight the complexity of Korean cuisine. Expect these dishes to be paired with a fine selection of beverages. While specific details remain tightly under wraps, excitement is already building for what is set to be a standout addition to Abu Dhabi’s restaurant scene.
Yoann Grillet, Founder and CEO of Fuse Holding, envisioned Hanbok as a space where eras quietly intersect. “Hanbok was imagined as a sanctuary where the past and present meet in quiet conversation,” Grillet shares. “A place where heritage doesn’t merely decorate the room but breathes through every detail. We want guests to feel embraced – to experience Korean culture in a way that is poetic, sincere, and deeply human.”
Hanbok Abu Dhabi comes to the capital from Fuse Holding, the masterminds behind the newly opened Kiyoshi in Dubai and the soon-to-open Isabel Mayfair Abu Dhabi. With such prestigious credentials behind Hanbok Abu Dhabi, you can expect a world-class gastronomic experience.
Check in with FACT for the latest things to do in Abu Dhabi.
GO: Follow @hanbokabudhabi on Instagram for more information.