Where your coffee comes with a side of wagging tails
Abu Dhabi’s pet-friendly scene is quietly having a moment, and it’s cuter than you’d expect.
From waterfront cafés where dogs stretch out in the shade, to laid-back spots where water bowls appear almost as quickly as coffee, the city is making space for four-legged companions in all the right ways.
So, whether you’re grabbing a quick espresso on Yas Island, lingering over lunch in Saadiyat, or catching a game in Zayed Sports City with your pup by your side, there’s a growing list of spots that welcome wagging tails and chilled-out humans alike.
It’s casual, it’s social, and it’s very Abu Dhabi.
The best pet-friendly restaurants and cafés in Abu Dhabi
Mika
Yas Marina, Abu Dhabi
This is a stylish Yas Island spot with a relaxed, social setting and a pet-friendly twist. Dogs are welcome, with water bowls provided and shaded outdoor seating available, while smaller pups can join you indoors too. It’s licensed, making it a good choice for longer catch-ups or casual evenings. While not all sizes are allowed inside, it still offers an enticing setup for pet owners.
For further information, call 056 433 1422
Stars ‘N Bars
Yas Marina, Abu Dhabi
Right in the heart of Yas Island, Stars ‘N Bars brings a fun atmosphere with a spacious outdoor terrace. It’s a great option if you’ve got your dog with you with water bowls available, shaded seating, and staff are happy to welcome pets of all sizes. Dogs aren’t allowed inside, but the outdoor setup is comfortable enough to settle in and enjoy the action.
For further information, call 025650101
The Lighthouse
Yas Bay, Abu Dhabi
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This laid-back yet stylish spot has an easygoing, modern vibe that works just as well for a casual bite as it does for an evening out. It’s licensed, so you can linger over drinks or dinner while taking in the waterfront views. Your dog can tag along too, with water bowls ready to keep them sweet while you both settle into the chilled Yas Bay energy.
For further information, call 02 236 7831
Ritual Cafe & Studio
Reem island, Abu Dhabi
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At Ritual Cafe & Studio, it’s all about slow moments by the water, comforting plates, and easy conversations. You can bring your pets along and settle in for a quick coffee or lunch while enjoying the waterfront views. The space feels open, calm, and social at the same time, perfect for unwinding with your dog, meeting friends, or just watching the water go by.
For further information, follow@ritual.uae on IG
25 Minutes to Tulum
Bab Al Nojoum Hudayriyat
25 Minutes to Tulum, Bab Al Nojoum Hudayriyat in Al Hudayriyat offers a laid-back coastal dining spot with a beach-inspired aura just minutes from the city. It’s pet-friendly, welcoming dogs of all sizes, with shaded outdoor seating and attentive dog-friendly staff. While there are no indoor pet areas, it’s a great stop for coffee, food, and waterfront atmosphere.
For further information, follow @25minutestotulum on IG
Badou
Fahid Island
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Badou in Fahid Island is a chilled out spot where dogs are welcome to join you outdoors. There’s shaded seating, and the staff are friendly with pets, making it an easy choice for a casual outing. All dog sizes are allowed, though there’s no water bowl or treats provided, so it’s best to bring your own essentials.
For further information, follow @badou.ae on IG
Crunch & Munch Café
Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi
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Crunch & Munch Cafe is a go-to in Al Bateen for an enjoyable outing with your dog. Grab a shaded outdoor table and enjoy a coffee or bite while your pup unwinds beside you. The flow is easygoing, the staff are super pet-friendly, and dogs of all sizes are welcome, making it a simple, fuss-free stop.
For further information, call 02 633 3433
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Marcella
Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
Marcella is a solid choice on Yas Island for a relaxed meal with your dog by your side. Set along the waterfront, it offers outdoor seating with lovely views, making it easy to settle in and enjoy the atmosphere. The space is casual, family-friendly, and well-suited for a carefree outing with your pet.
For further information, call 056 545 7290
Nalu Restaurant
Hudayriyat Island, Abu Dhabi
Now pet-friendly, Nalu Restaurant is a great place for a pleasant outing with your dog. Set within Surf Abu Dhabi, it offers a breezy, waterfront setting with an easy-going energy. Visit in the morning from 8am to 12pm, when pets are welcome, and enjoy a calm start to the day together by the waves.
For further information, visit hudayriyatisland.ae
Paradiso
Yas Bay, Abu Dhabi
This charming Italian dining eatery inspired by La Bella Italia serves classic flavours with a modern, easygoing twist. The venue stays lively from day to night with music, creating a social, feel-good setting. It’s also pet-friendly, so you can bring your dog along while you enjoy shared plates and drinks at the table in a welcoming, informal atmosphere.
For further information, call 052 394 6236
Art Market
Yas Bay, Abu Dhabi
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Set along Yas Bay, this creative waterfront hangout blends art, coffee, and community in an easygoing setting at Art Market. Dogs of all sizes are welcome, with shaded areas, water bowls, and staff happy to accommodate pets both indoors and outdoors. It’s a cool place to spend time together and enjoy a casual stop by the water with your dog.
For further information, follow @artmarketuae on IG
Diablito
Yas Bay, Abu Dhabi
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This is a lively venue on Yas Island with a comfortable outdoor setup and shaded seating, making it a decent option for a casual stop with your dog. While staff are dog-friendly, only certain sizes are welcome, and there are no indoor pet areas. It’s best suited for a quick visit, offering a social ambience rather than a fully pet-inclusive experience.
For further information, call 025651175
Jones the Grocery
Al Muneera, Abu Dhabi
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Boasting a relaxed waterfront café in Al Muneera, Jones the Grocery offers am inviting spot for casual dining with quality café-style dishes and coffee. It’s pet-friendly, with water bowls available for dogs and shaded outdoor seating along the promenade. A good place to unwind, whether for breakfast, lunch, or a coffee stop, with a welcoming ambience for both guests and their dogs.
For further information, visit jonesthegrocer.com
Le Noir Café
Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
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Le Noir Café is cosy café on Al Saadiyat Island with a calm, relaxed feel that makes it an easy stop for coffee or a light bite. It’s pet-friendly, with water bowls available for dogs, so you can settle in comfortably whether you’re indoors or outside. This is a nice low-key spot to unwind, catch up with friends, or take a quiet break by the island’s idyllic surroundings.
For further information, call 024484859
Boozaji
Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
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This just might be one of the most fun hangouts around as the café even provides its own dog ice-cream – yes, you heard right. Located on Saadiyat Island, Boozaji is the perfect spot for slow afternoons and easy meet-ups and dogs of all sizes are welcome. The indoor pet-friendly setup means you’re not limited to outdoor seating and there’s also shaded space, friendly staff, and that nice extra touch with doggie ice-cream.
For further information, call 0558992346
B Club Abu Dhabi
Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi
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Dogs are more than welcome at B Club Abu Dhabi, making it an easy go-to when you don’t want to leave your pup behind. The vibe is cosy and pet-friendly, just keep it simple; small dogs can hang out indoors, and all pups should stay on a leash and close by.
For further information, call 055 203 8900
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