The latest and greatest in the realm of global cuisine is a deeply entrenched part of the Abu Dhabi culinary scene. And yet, there are those days when all you want is to cup your hands around a steaming cup of joe as your senses slowly drift awake. For these days, you’ll want to keep our round-up of the best new cafes in Abu Dhabi at hand.
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Choose from our discerning edit of the coolest cafes in Abu Dhabi, specialty coffee houses and ever-evolving hybrid boutiques that will ensure no two meals look the same. Coffee lovers, you are welcome.
Best cafes in Abu Dhabi: Instagrammable cafes you won’t want to miss
There are days when you are looking for a delectable plate of treats to satisfy your cravings. And there are days when you’re looking for some delectable treats for the ‘gram. On days when you are hoping for both to coincide, you’ll want to head to our round-up of the most Instagram-worthy cafes popping up on the city’s coffee scene.
First, Dubai fell in love with VIBE Cafe’s healthy approach to weekend brunch. Now, it is time for Abu Dhabi to be doused in its neon glow. Under the canopy of tropical leaves suspended from the ceiling, a hard-working team clad in lavender aprons is busy whipping up Instagrammable magic. Expect plush seating, buzzy neon signs and just overall good vibes.
Don’t leave without: Tucking into the Emirati breakfast platter with balaleet eggs, date jam and pita bread for a hearty start to your day.
Book reservations here or visit Love Vibe Cafe, Shop 10, Khalifa city community market – Khalifa City – Sector 32 – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates, +9712 622 0393
Love Vibe Cafe
Even before you set foot inside, you know that Let’s is a worthy contender for the best cafes in Abu Dhabi. Pastel seating, generous lashings of greenery, abstract artwork: check, check and check. If you arrive early, you’ll want to grab a seat at the sun-splashed deck for cozy catch-ups over bottomless cups of coffee.
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Don’t leave without: Yes, the cortado, flat white and karak are all memorable excursions from the beverage menu. But it is the hot chocolate that will keep you coming back for more.
Book reservations here or visit Let’s, 58-6 – Al Saray St – Khalifa City – Sector 33 – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates, +9712 886 7740
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Is it a florist? Is it a cafe? Your guess is as good as ours. Nisreen Bajis, a Palestinian lawyer turned restaurateur, knows how to keep the cafe’s devoted patrons on their toes. Step inside, and you’ll have a hard time tearing your eyes away from the flower counter cascading with fresh blooms in unexpected arrangements.
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Don’t leave without: Sinking a fork into the pancake stack laden with blueberry, ricotta, lime, caramelized banana and macadamia praline.
Book reservations here or visit Mysk, New York University – Al Saadiyat Island – Saadiyat Marina District – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates Hours, +9712 626 9343
Mysk
Fil Florist & Cafe
First things first: Fil is not one of those dine-and-dash places for a quick bite in between meetings. Part florist, part cafe, this place is best reserved for leisurely mornings. Under arched walls, a feeling of holistic goodness consumes the senses as you step within. Rugs, throws and pillows lend the space a cozy air that might just convince you to stay a little longer than you intended.
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Don’t leave without: Ordering seconds of the manual brews or the chilled selection of iced teas designed for hot summer days.
Book reservations here or visit Fil, 63 Al Quffal St – Al Bateen – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates Hours, +9712 666 5266
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Best cafes for breakfast in Abu Dhabi
There are few things like the perfect cup of coffee to kick off your day on a high note. Bonus points if it has some memorable breakfast classics to go with. In our round-up ahead, you’ll find the best breakfast spots to see and be seen at in the capital city.
Cafe James
Every flavor tells a story at Cafe James—each syllable designed to weave a French culinary tale. But don’t let the sleek minimalism of its all-white setting fool you. This Michelin-graded restaurant is bursting with creative flavors derived from locally-sourced ingredients.
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Don’t leave without: Treating your tastebuds to the fluffy brioche dunked in a velvety vanilla custard and topped off with a frothy cloud of whipped Chantilly cream.
Book reservations here or visit Cafe James, Shams Boutik – Al Reem Island – Shams Abu Dhabi – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates, +9712 886 9949
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On the emerald tabletops of Neighborhood Café and Bar, a wholesome lineup of farm-style breakfast options, signature burgers and desserts come to life. Veggies serve as the hero here, whether chopped into salads or drizzled over toast.
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Don’t leave without: Grabbing a sandwich and salad for lunch on-the-go. Have some time to spare? Explore their power lunch bowls at leisure.
Book reservations here or visit Neighborhood Café and Bar, Yas Creative Hub, Twofour54 C40 – Tower 2, Ground Floor – Yas Island – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates, +9712 585 8065
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Quiet cafes in Abu Dhabi are a rare find—when you find a hidden gem, you are almost tempted to keep it to yourself. No. Fifty Seven Boutique Cafe is one of those places designed to bring friends and family around the table for cozy conversations. Seasonal ingredients mingle with bold international flavors to ensure that there’s always something to look forward to on the menu.
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Don’t leave without: Experiencing an elevated version of the classic avo-on-toast with haloumi cheese and poached eggs.
Book reservations here or visit No. Fifty Seven Boutique Cafe, Building Two, Al Marasy, Al Bateen Harbour – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates Hours, +9712 441 6100
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Best dessert cafe in Abu Dhabi
Looking to satisfy that sweet tooth? We got you covered. From cakes, pastries and sweets to dessert towers, these are the must-visit havens that you will try once and keep bringing your friends back to. Bookmark these names for those days when your sweet tooth needs something more than just a sprinkle of sugar—don’t worry, we won’t tell.
It’s always brunch o’clock at this trendy spot tucked away in Abu Dhabi’s western waterfront. Under the eternal sunshine of its striped awning, guests lounge in crochet separates with raffia handbags stationed next to pastel-perfect desserts and tropical smoothies.
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Don’t leave without: Adding a snap of the signature afternoon tea to your camera roll. The tiered tower of cheesecakes, tarts and croquettes is made for endless conversations with your bestie.
Book reservations here or visit Brunch and Cake, Marsa Al Bateen Marina, shop G-9 – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates, +9712 575 4880
Brunch and Cake
The sunlight streaming in through the paneled glass ceiling is as fresh as the cup served before you at Joud Coffee: roasted in small batches and sourced through ethical partnerships with coffee traders. Take your pick from cold drip, French press or classic nitro.
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Don’t leave without: A spoonful of the saffron milk cake: a light-as-air concoction stacked with delectable dollops of cream.
Book reservations here or visit Joud Coffee, 27 Al Murouj Street – Al Muntazah – Zone 1 – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates, +9715 652 07242
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Best outdoor cafes in Abu Dhabi
Perhaps you are looking for an envy-inducing view in between quick bites of a work lunch. Or maybe you have some time free in your calendar to sit back and watch the world go by. Regardless of what you are after, these outdoor cafes in Abu Dhabi deserve a spot in your schedule.
Petal Specialty Coffee Abu Dhabi
Your quest for a 24-hour cafe in Abu Dhabi ends with Petal Specialty Coffee’s Al Hudayriat outpost. Feel the crunch of gravel under your toes as a gentle breeze rifles through your hair as you sip, slice and munch your way through a comprehensive menu.
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Don’t leave without: Sipping on a selection of cold coffees: the perfect antidote to scorching Abu Dhabi summers.
Book reservations here or visit Petal Specialty Coffee, F9H3+RX – Al Hisn – W6 – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates, 9712 546 6788
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The best things in life are meant to be shared. And you won’t want to keep this boutique coffee house’s refreshing views of Mamsha Al Saadiyat all to yourself—not when you can share them with your furry friends. As one of the best pet-friendly cafes in Abu Dhabi, wagging tails are a common sight as this specialty coffee house.
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Don’t leave without: Expanding your culinary horizons with their global selection. From Colombian beans to Kenyan coffee, there is something for everyone.
Book reservations here or visit Coffee Architecture, Mamsha Alsadyiat – Jacques Chirac St – Al Sa’DiyatCulturalCultural District – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates, +9715 544 63433
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Art galleries. Exhibitions. Performances. Regardless of what drew you to Louvre Abu Dhabi, you won’t be able to leave without ducking in for a quick bite at Aptitude Cafe & Eatery. Choose from a wide selection of sweet treats and breakfast specialties while your eyes—and your phone camera—feast on the million-dollar view.
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Don’t leave without: Digging into the watermelon and feta salad—the perfect cool-me-down option for the heat.
Book reservations here or visit Aptitude Cafe & Eatery, Louvre Abu Dhabi – Al Saadiyat Island – Cultural District – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates, +9715 098 85445
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