Looking for the best cafés in Abu Dhabi?
Whether you’re after the perfect flat white, a photogenic brunch spot, or a cosy space to catch up on work, the capital is home to an ever-growing café culture that caters to every taste and vibe.
From artisanal coffee roasters to hidden gems and family-friendly favourites, this guide offers that special something that keeps locals and visitors coming back.
These are, in our opinion, the best cafés in town, because we’ve tried them, loved them, and think you will too.
So, grab your coffee to go, or better yet, stay a while. Let’s explore Abu Dhabi’s standout café scene.
Alkalime
Saadiyat Island
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Overlooking the Arabian Gulf and the white sands of Mamsha Beach, you’ll struggle to find a cafe in Abu Dhabi with a better view than Alkalime. Specialising in healthy, organic, and mainly vegan and vegetarian dishes, the boho-chic decor is completed with hammocks and trailing vines, while everything from the nut milks to the vegan cheese is made in-house from scratch.
For bookings: 054 449 1547
Ritual Cafe & Studio
Reem Central Park, Abu Dhabi
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Overlooking the mangroves and blue waters around Reem Island, Ritual feels like a little escape from the city without actually leaving it. Set inside Reem Central Park, it’s a great spot to stop by after a morning kayak, a waterside stroll or simply when you fancy a coffee and something good to eat.
The menu focuses on fresh, wholesome food made with quality ingredients, alongside good coffee, snacks, sandwiches and comforting favourites.
Beyond the café, Ritual also has a meditation room hosting yoga classes, art therapy, healing workshops and pop-up events.
For bookings: 050 263 7100
Society
Mamsha Al Saadiyat
The idea here is about more than just food and drinks, with Society putting connection and thoughtful hospitality at the heart of the experience.
You can expect refined simplicity, a warm atmosphere and a menu made for lingering. Its peaceful position along the quieter end of the Mamsha boardwalk only adds to the appeal.
For bookings: 02 886 7735
Art Market
Yas Bay, Abu Dhabi
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Committed to bringing the Abu Dhabi community together and nurturing creativity, Art Market is more than just a place to enjoy high-quality food and coffee.
Owned by one half of house and techno duo Abu Dhabi House Movement, it hosts art classes, family events and a packed calendar of community happenings, making it a welcoming spot for all ages.
There’s also plenty to tempt hungry visitors, with breakfast and lunch options ranging from easy morning bites and coffee to wholesome plates, while the expansive kids’ menu ensures little diners feel just as at home.
For bookings: 971 52 917 1523
Circle Cafe
Saadiyat Island, Marina Mall
Abu Dhabi offers an abundance of great cafe breakfasts, but nothing beats Circle Cafe’s legendary all-you-can-eat deal.
At Circle Café, the menu is all about fresh, tasty ingredients and plenty of choice throughout the day. Start with one of its breakfast favourites, then come back for healthy salads, sandwiches and power bowls at lunchtime.
And, of course, there’s always room for something sweet, with homemade cakes and desserts alongside a good selection of coffees and drinks.
With locations across Abu Dhabi, including Saadiyat Island, Marina Mall and Mangrove Village, Circle Café is an easy spot to drop into for a relaxed breakfast, casual lunch, coffee catch-up or something sweet when the craving strikes
For bookings: 02 448 4255
Le Noir
The St. Regis Sadiyat Abu Dhabi
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A place for every member of the family, Le Noir comes complete with an indoor kids’ play area packed with books and games, and a varied children’s menu offering all kinds of nutritious and tasty specialties tailored for younger diners.
Located just opposite the entrance to The St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, furry friends are welcome on the outdoor terrace, while the menu spans an extensive selection of breakfasts, mammoth salads, burgers and plenty of veggie and vegan options.
For bookings: 02 448 4859
Mysk
Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
A cafe and flower shop rolled into one, mysk is one of the prettiest places in Abu Dhabi to grab your morning coffee. A central part of the dynamic community that surrounds NYU Abu Dhabi, it hosts weekend markets, art workshops, and more, while the revolving line up of beautiful, freshly made cakes and pastries are just as creative as the fresh florals filling the counters.
For bookings: 02 626 9343
The Turtle Cove
Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
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Offering photo-worthy concoctions such as ube (purple yam) matcha and blue spirulina matcha, all topped with tiny chocolate turtles, cafes don’t get more Instagrammable than The Turtle Cove.
Tucked away inside the idyllic community of Hidd Al Saadiyat, the interior has a beachy, surf-shack vibe, while the rather extensive menu spans all your favourite classic coffees, along with smoothies, breakfasts, salads, baked treats and much more.
For bookings: 02 886 4899
Auro
Al Mina, Abu Dhabi
Hidden away in Souq Al Mina at the end of Zayed Port, Auro is one of the city’s most unique and special cafes. A family-owned brand that has specialised in premium quality, and ethically sourced Ethiopian coffee for over 70 years, all the beans are carefully roasted here in Abu Dhabi, and hand selected to ensure that the taste and texture is consistently incredible.
The team are always happy to talk you through their different blends, and you can also purchase bags of coffee to take home, and find further branches at 421 Arts Campus and inside Deerfields Mall.
For bookings: 050 126 6793
LOCAL
Al Zeina, Abu Dhabi
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Unashamedly hipster and trendy, each branch of LOCAL includes a ‘curated retail space’, barbershop, and even a premium sneaker laundry. However, these much-loved, and proudly Abu Dhabi-born cafes are far more than just places to be seen.
Crafting each and every beverage with immense care and precision, the menu spans a wide selection of white, filter and special coffees, while the sandwiches and pastries are really rather good as well.
For bookings: 02 555 3339
Cafe 302
Al Maha Arjaan by Rotana
Nestled on the always bustling Hamdan Street, Café 302 is one of those well-established Abu Dhabi cafes that never goes out of fashion Offering plenty of cosy corners and a wide terrace where you can watch the world go by, it’s perfect for both work and socialising, while all the food is fresh, expertly prepared and served in hearty helpings.
Ranging from top-value breakfast platters to special buffet nights, there’s always a fun new experience to try, while the free breadbasket and homemade dip doesn’t hurt either.
For bookings: 02 610 6688
Knead
Delma St, ADREA, Abu Dhabi
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Famed for its fresh sourdough and authentic French pastries, Knead Bakery is one of Abu Dhabi’s greatest hidden gems. This premium artisan bakery and patisserie draws a loyal crowd of regulars, including remote workers, with handcrafted sourdough bread, flaky croissants, specialty coffee and an ever-changing selection of sweet treats and creative snacks.
From a leisurely breakfast to a coffee and pastry pick-me-up, there’s plenty to tempt even the strictest of healthy eaters.
For bookings: 050 951 0585
Third Place
Al Khalidiya, Abu Dhabi
Designed to be the ‘Third Place’ between work and home, this iconic cafe has been a hub for students and remote workers since 2014. If you like complete silence while you work, the upstairs contains a quiet ‘work zone’, while the homey main café features an eclectic scattering of squishy sofas, comfortable armchairs and overflowing bookshelves selling second books.
For bookings: 02 681 1877
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