Opened in 2022, Taon Korean Restaurant quickly made its mark in Abu Dhabi by offering authentic Korean cuisine blended with Japanese culinary techniques. Within just a year, it earned recognition like the Time Out Abu Dhabi Award for Asian Cuisine and a spot among the Best Korean Restaurants in 2024. Located inside the Sofitel Hotel at Corniche, Taon offers a stylish and welcoming atmosphere that combines elegance with comfort.

Key highlights:
- First Korean fine dining restaurant in Abu Dhabi
- Timeout Abu Dhabi Awardee 2023 for Asian Cuisine
- Located in the 5-star Sofitel Hotel at Corniche

PROFILE

Taon Korean Restaurant opened in 2022. The name "Taon" means "all luck comes here" in Korean. Some Korean partners started it. They wanted to bring real Korean food to Abu Dhabi. The restaurant mixes Korean flavors with Japanese techniques. This combo makes the food extra special. Taon got awards fast. It won the Timeout Abu Dhabi Award in 2023 for Asian Cuisine. It was also shortlisted as one of the Best Korean Restaurants in 2024 by Time Out. Pretty cool for a place that's only been around for a few years.

AMBIENCE

Walking into Taon feels like teleporting to Korea. No joke. The place has an oriental style interior that's super clean and well decorated. Fancy but not too much. They have private dining rooms if you want some privacy. Perfect for special occasions or business meetings. There's also a lounge area for more casual eating. You can choose what fits your mood. The restaurant sits inside the Sofitel Hotel at Corniche. This spot is in the heart of Abu Dhabi. From some tables, you might catch nice views. The whole vibe is upscale without being stuffy.

MUST-TRY

The Korean BBQ Ferris Wheel is their showstopper dish. It looks amazing and tastes even better. Korean Fried Chicken here is a big hit. Crispy outside, juicy inside, and packed with flavor. Kimbab is another signature item worth trying. It's like Korean sushi but with its own special twist. The Beef Galbi and Bulgogi get tons of praise from customers. The meat is super tender and the marinade is spot-on. For something hot and filling, try the Beef Budae stew. It warms you up from the inside. Chicken Kawbarow is another dish people keep coming back for. The flavors are unforgettable.

FOOD

All dishes at Taon are made with high-quality ingredients. They source locally when possible. Their seafood comes directly from Korea and Japan. It's shipped straight to their kitchen. The menu has both traditional Korean dishes and some Japanese options. You get lots of choices. They cook everything from scratch daily. No shortcuts here. The Korean BBQ option lets you cook at your table. It's fun to do while chatting with friends. Their lunch set menu is a good deal at AED99. It comes with generous starters too. The food isn't just tasty but looks pretty too. They pay attention to presentation. Spice levels can be adjusted for most dishes. Just ask your server.

SERVICE

The staff at Taon are super friendly and attentive. They know when to check on you and when to give space. Servers explain dishes with real excitement. They seem proud of what they're serving. Jessica, who manages the place, gets special mentions in many reviews. She makes sure everything runs smoothly. The waitstaff are quick but don't rush you. They let you enjoy your meal at your own pace. They're good at giving recommendations if you're not sure what to order. Trust their suggestions. For big groups, they're extra helpful with organizing the table and timing the dishes right.

PRICING

Expect to spend between AED 200-350 per person for a full meal. It's not cheap but fair for what you get. The lunch set menu offers better value at AED99. Good for trying the place without spending too much. Some reviewers mention hotel guests and ADNOC staff get discounts. Worth asking about if that's you. The Korean BBQ options might seem pricey at first. But the quality of meat makes it worth it. Private dining rooms might cost extra. Check when booking if you want one. Overall, prices match the fine dining experience they offer. You pay for quality and service.

SUMMARY

Taon brings authentic Korean flavors to Abu Dhabi with a Japanese twist. The food is fresh, flavorful,and beautifully presented. The restaurant works great for different occasions. Business lunches, family dinners, or special celebrations all fit here. With its location in Sofitel Hotel, the ambience is upscale yet comfortable. The private dining rooms add extra appeal for those wanting privacy. The staff make the experience special with their attentive service. They know the menu well and guide you through it. While not budget-friendly, the prices reflect the quality of ingredients and preparation. The lunch set menu offers a more affordable way to experience Taon. For Korean food lovers in Abu Dhabi, Taon is a must-visit. Even if you're new to Korean cuisine, this place makes for a great introduction.

FAQs

What are the opening hours of Taon Korean Restaurant?
Taon is open seven days a week. Lunch hours are 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Dinner service runs from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM. The last order is taken at 9:30 PM.

Do I need to make a reservation at Taon Korean Restaurant?
Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner and weekends. The restaurant can get busy, and having a reservation ensures you won't have to wait. They have private dining rooms too, which definitely need advance booking.

Does Taon Korean Restaurant serve alcohol?
Yes, Taon offers alcoholic beverages. They have a wine selection available to complement your meal. The restaurant is located in the Sofitel Hotel, which allows them to serve alcohol unlike some other establishments in Abu Dhabi.