Berenjak Abu Dhabi Guide 2026: Persian Menu, Prices & Reservation Tips

Aug 5

3 min read

The intoxicating aroma of charcoal-grilled lamb kababs and freshly baked sangak flatbread greeted me the moment I stepped inside Berenjak Abu Dhabi at Marsa Al Bateen. Ornate vintage Iranian mirrors, warm patterned tiles, and plush velvet seating create an atmosphere that feels like a rustic Tehran kabab house reimagined with high-end Soho flair.

After taking London by storm and earning a Michelin Bib Gourmand, founder Kian Samyani has brought Berenjak's celebrated Persian concept to the UAE capital. Here is my first-person dining review covering the best dishes to order, average menu prices, opening hours, and how to secure a table at Marsa Al Bateen in 2026.

What Makes Berenjak Abu Dhabi Special?

a view of a city at night from the top of a skyscraper — representative image, photo by photohound via unsplash

Berenjak is built on the spirit of traditional Iranian home cooking and neighborhood kabab shops. Located in the picturesque Marsa Al Bateen marina district, the Abu Dhabi outpost pairs authentic Persian recipes with an elegant waterfront backdrop.

Unlike overly formalized fine-dining venues, Berenjak emphasizes communal dining where hot breads, flavorful cold mazeh dips, and charcoal-grilled skewers are shared family-style. The open kitchen lets diners watch master chefs bake bread in clay tandoors and work the open charcoal grill.

Authentic Persian kabab house concept origin from Soho, London
Waterfront location at Marsa Al Bateen with indoor and outdoor seating
Freshly baked bread (Taftoon and Sangak) made continuously in open clay ovens
Focus on high-quality halal meats charcoal-grilled to order

Must-Try Menu Highlights & Flavor Guide

Smashed potatoes — representative image, photo by jennifer burk via unsplash

Start your feast with the signature Mazeh appetizers. The Kashk-e Bademjan (smoky charcoal-grilled eggplant dip with whey and crispy onions) paired with warm Taftoon bread is an essential opener. The Black Truffle Hummus also offers a delicious modern twist.

For the main event, the kababs take center stage. The Kabab Koobideh (minced lamb shoulder with onion and saffron) is wonderfully juicy, while the Kabab Jujeh (corn-fed chicken marinating in saffron, lemon, and yogurt) melts in your mouth. Pair them with Zereshk Polo—fluffy saffron rice studded with sweet-sour barberries.

Tip: Always order an extra basket of fresh Sangak bread—it is baked to order and perfect for scooping up every last bit of Kashk-e Bademjan.

Berenjak Abu Dhabi Prices & Cost Breakdown

📸 7 Apr 2026 — representative image, photo by soubhik via unsplash

Dining at Berenjak offers great value considering the quality of ingredients and prime marina location. Small Mazeh dips range between AED 35 and AED 65, while fresh oven breads cost between AED 12 and AED 20.

Signature kabab skewers range from AED 85 for chicken jujeh to AED 160 for premium lamb chops (Brat-e Lamb). Expect an average cost of around AED 220 to AED 300 per person for a full meal with appetizers, mains, and mocktails.

Atmosphere, Dress Code & Reservation Advice

The vibe at Berenjak is vibrant yet relaxed, making it suitable for both casual lunches and special evening dinners. The dress code is Smart Casual—stylish shorts and shirts are fine for outdoor daytime dining, while evening service leans toward chic casual wear.

Given the restaurant's immediate popularity following its opening, walk-ins often face long wait times during peak evening hours. Booking online at least 3 to 5 days in advance is highly recommended for dinner reservations.

Location & How to Reach Marsa Al Bateen

Berenjak is situated within the Marsa Al Bateen Marina complex in Abu Dhabi. The area features ample basement parking as well as dedicated valet parking right outside the entrance.

If traveling from Dubai, the drive takes approximately 75 minutes via the E11 highway. Take the Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street exit toward Al Bateen for direct access to the marina promenade.