Yas Bay Waterfront, Abu Dhabi’s most vibrant lifestyle and dining destination and home to several award-winning venues, is turning up the energy this season with six new concepts opening in the coming months. These openings, together with two new beach developments nearing completion, are set to bring fresh energy, further positioning Yas Bay Waterfront as the capital’s premier destination to eat, drink and play.
The UAE’s first microbrewery opening its second home, a casual burger concept offering elevated comfort food, a recently opened world-famous Neapolitan pizzeria, a sophisticated Iberian fine-dining venue, and a family-friendly destination blending food, fun, and entertainment under one roof — these six new additions bring fresh energy and choice to Yas Bay Waterfront. With this mix of international favourites and homegrown concepts, Yas Bay Waterfront continues to remain Abu Dhabi’s favourite place to dine, explore, and create unforgettable memories.
Where: Adjacent to Pop City
What: Neapolitan pizzeria
The world-famous pizzeria from Naples has opened its first-ever location in Abu Dhabi. Established in 1870 and made iconic by Julia Roberts’ film ‘Eat Pray Love’, L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele is celebrated for its simple, yet exceptional Neapolitan pizza crafted with the same passion and precision for five generations.
Following the success of its Dubai branches, the Abu Dhabi opening brings the "Pizza of the People" to the capital with traditional wood-fired pizza, authentic Italian ingredients and warm southern Italian hospitality, all with a view of the stunning waterfront.
Stefano Iuliano, Franchise Partner, said: “Bringing L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele to Yas Bay Waterfront is more than just opening a new location; it’s about sharing a true taste of Naples with the Abu Dhabi community. We’re excited to welcome guests to experience the same pizza that’s been crafted with love and legacy for over 150 years.”
Where: Pier Promenade
What: Craft hops and Southern-style smokehouse dishes
The UAE’s first and only microbrewery and restaurant is about to pour a whole new vibe into Yas Bay Waterfront. Following the success of its original venue in the capital, Craft by Side Hustle brings small-batch hops on site, bold smokehouse flavours, and a full menu of elevated comfort food to the Waterfront. Expect Southern-style dishes, expertly crafted cocktails, and an atmosphere built for flavour, quality and originality, all in a vibrant setting designed for gathering, sharing, and celebrating. With fresh hops brewed just metres from the table, the Yas Bay location promises the same signature energy that’s made Craft a local favourite.
Where: Adjacent to Central Abu Dhabi
What: Licensed burger joint
Bayside Burger Co., a new licensed F&B venue, brings the laid-back spirit of surf culture to Yas Bay Waterfront, just steps from the soon-to-open beach. Think juicy burgers, loaded fries, soft-serve cones and refreshing drinks, all served in a vibrant space with vintage coastal details and a relaxed, upbeat vibe. Whether you’re coming straight from the sand or meeting friends for a bite, Bayside Burger Co. is all about good food, good vibes and that unmistakable sense of summer.
Where: The pier at Yas Bay Waterfront
What: Wood fire grill with a focus on Spanish flavors
Led by acclaimed chef-owner Mario Loi, Marcella is a modern bistro inspired by Spanish and Portuguese flavours, centred around the drama of a wood-fired Parrilla Grill. Signature dishes like in-house aged ribeye meet tapas-style plates, a curated Iberian wine list and a bold cocktail selection. Marcella combines fire, flavour and sincere hospitality to create a dining experience that’s both timeless and vibrant. Marcella is Chef Mario’s second concept, following the success of Mika at Yas Marina, a restaurant praised for its Michelin-level excellence. This new venture reflects his passion for fire, simplicity, and sincere hospitality, creating a space that feels both timeless and vibrant.
“Marcella is a love letter to the flavors of the Iberian Peninsula, drawing inspiration from the sun-drenched coasts of Spain and Portugal,” said Chef Mario. “Here, we only serve dishes with exceptional produce and sincere service. Every guest is welcomed into an atmosphere that blends warmth, generosity, and attention to detail, reflecting my belief that great dining is as much about the people as it is about the plate.”
Where: Upper plaza, pier promenade
What: Indoor golf simulator, sports bar and premium leisure experience
Marking a major milestone for Abu Dhabi’s entertainment and leisure scene, Five Iron Golf UAE is set to redefine how the capital experiences sport, socialising, and technology. Spanning nearly 24,000 square feet on Yas Bay Waterfront, this first-of-its-kind concept in the region combines cutting-edge Trackman golf simulators, a tour-level Callaway club fitting studio, and a premium dining and bar experience designed for both golfers and non-golfers alike. Guests can enjoy competitive play, professional coaching, or casual fun with friends through social games such as darts, shuffleboard, and multi-sport simulators, all within a dynamic, design-led space that captures the energy of modern golf culture.
Fellow Partner Matthew Csillag said: “The global surge in demand for location-based entertainment experiences underscores Five Iron’s unique positioning, bringing together technology, hospitality, and sport to deliver a social, accessible, and premium entertainment destination.” Overlooking Yas Bay’s sparkling waterfront, Five Iron Golf will offer a lively terrace, curated events, and signature experiences that celebrate sport and community. Its arrival brings a fresh urban-meets-luxury atmosphere to the island, cementing Yas Bay Waterfront as the ultimate destination for next-generation leisure and entertainment in Abu Dhabi.
Peaksy
Where: Across Warehouse Gym
What: Fine dining and bistro with adventure zones, rooftop lounge and observatory, and a mom’s café
Set to open in late 2025, Peaksy is a premium, multi-generational destination that brings together fine dining, active entertainment, and family-friendly experiences under one roof. Located next to Etihad Arena, the concept redefines leisure at Yas Bay Waterfront with a blend of culinary sophistication and non-digital adventure designed for guests from 0 to 99.
At its core, Peaksy features a first-floor bistro led by Chef Alejandro Castro (Saya Brasserie, Osh Del Mar), a rooftop lounge and observatory offering panoramic views and handcrafted mocktails, and a ladies-only café with a soft play area for children. The adventure zones include a three-level rope park and an 11-metre climbing wall, providing active, supervised fun while parents enjoy dining or relaxation.
With dedicated spaces for birthdays, workshops, and family gatherings, Peaksy is also set to become Abu Dhabi’s premier celebration venue, purpose-built to host everything from children’s parties to corporate events. This unique combination of high-end dining, adventure, and community-driven experiences ensures Peaksy will be a place families and adults return to time and again, further energizing Yas Bay Waterfront’s social scene.
M283 Arabia covers all aspects of men's lifestyle; fashion, sports, self-care, and travel tips and destinations.
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