Supernova, the London smash-burger brand that built a cult following in Soho, has officially opened its first UAE outlet in Abu Dhabi. The capital launch lands at The House, a villa-style venue in Al Bateen, timed to the Eid Al Adha break.
Founded in London's Soho in 2023, Supernova built a reputation for stripped-back cheeseburgers, golden fries and soft-serve sundaes, with regular queues snaking outside its compact original site. The Abu Dhabi opening marks the brand's first permanent location outside the United Kingdom, following a sold-out Dubai pop-up earlier this year at Marsa Boulevard.
The regional rollout is being led by Belhasa Hospitality, the same group behind UAE imports such as NAC and Table Otto, according to industry trade title Hotel & Catering. The group has signalled plans for further Supernova outlets across the country, with Dubai expected to follow the Abu Dhabi debut.
What is on the menu
The Al Bateen venue keeps the original London format intact. The menu is deliberately short: a classic cheeseburger and a house hamburger, both built around the signature crispy-edged smash patties that earned the brand its Soho queues. Sides are limited to French fries seasoned with a custom salt blend, and dessert is a single soft-serve option.
Time Out Abu Dhabi, which confirmed the official opening, reported that every item on the menu has been replicated from the London original, with no UAE-specific additions at launch. Fact Magazines noted that the no-fuss format is part of the brand's appeal, with founders focused on doing the basics properly rather than expanding the menu.
Location and dining scene context
The House sits next door to the recently opened Berenjak Abu Dhabi, the Persian kebab house also imported from London, reinforcing Al Bateen's emerging status as a destination for international restaurant debuts. The cluster forms part of a wider push to broaden the capital's casual fine-dining scene beyond hotel venues.
Curly Tales reported that the Abu Dhabi launch follows months of social-media build-up, with the brand's UAE Instagram account documenting the fit-out and staff training in the weeks leading up to opening. Platinumlist Guide listed the venue as a walk-in operation with no reservations at launch, mirroring the London model.
Local coverage suggests early demand is already strong, with What's On reporting queues forming on the first weekend of trading. The brand has not confirmed opening hours for Ramadan or future seasonal adjustments, and pricing has not been formally announced, though menu items are understood to be positioned in line with the brand's London tariffs adjusted for the local market.
Sources
- Time Out Abu Dhabi - London cult burger spot Supernova is now open in Abu Dhabi
- What's On - This famous burger brand is coming to Abu Dhabi
- Fact Magazines - London's hit burger joint Supernova is coming to Abu Dhabi
- Curly Tales - Supernova to open its first UAE outlet in Abu Dhabi
- Hotel & Catering - Belhasa Hospitality announces Supernova UAE arrival
- Platinumlist Guide - London's Supernova to open in Abu Dhabi
