Looking for the ultimate spot to get fresh bread in the capital? You’re in luck, since we’ve rounded up the best bakeries in Abu Dhabi. Whether you’re after some freshly-baked rye, a custom-made cake, flaky pastry or warm pie, this list has you covered. Abu Dhabi is bursting with sweet spots for a bite.
We also have the best pancakes in Abu Dhabi, top chocolate desserts in Abu Dhabi and best pizza in Abu Dhabi, too.
But there’s nothing better than the smell of freshly baked bread. Follow your nose to one of these delicious spots.
Al Sultan Bakeries & Markets
Love a freshly baked manakish? If the simple cheese option isn’t exciting enough for you then a trip to Al Sultan Bakeries & Markets might be in order. There have almost 40 different manakish to choose from including tuna, Nutella and banana, labneh and cucumber. (Of course, there are loads of cheese choices as well).
Various locations including Nadja, Al Khalidiya and Al Dhafrah.
Al Ulya Portuguese Flavours Café
If you’re after brilliant Portuguese baking, look no further than Al Ulya. Flaky, buttery croissants, almond tarts, Portuguese croquettes, coconut bread and more awaits you at this hidden gem in the Al Wahda area of Abu Dhabi. The signage is in Portuguese, so if you’re stuck for where to start just ask the staff for a suggestion (the signature egg tarts are always a good shout).
Open daily, 9am-10pm. Al Ramlah Street, near Abu Dhabi Bus Station (02 583 8727).
Keki Japanese Bakery
If you’re after an authentic Japanese bakery, Keki is your place. Located in Al Bateen, the small Japanese bakery is easy to miss, but you definitely want to make a stop. Step inside for breakfast and you’ll immediately be hit with the incredible smell of pastries mid-bake. It’s an intimate space, with just a few places to sit and a long display case filled with croissants, quiches, pastries, and Japanese cheesecakes. (Do not sleep on the cheesecakes). Get thee to Keki.
Open daily 9am-1am. Al Bateen (02 309 3999).
Knead Bakery & Patisserie
Searching for the best bakeries in Abu Dhabi? You knead this bakery in your life (sorry not sorry). Knead Bakery & Patisserie serves up warm croissants, smooth cheesecakes, freshly-baked breads, cakes and Danishes – are you hungry yet? Knead is all about lovingly prepared baked goods with layers of flavour. It also sells granolas, spreads and honey, so you can take the Knead experience to your own breakfast table.
Open daily, 7am-10pm. Villa 10, Plaza 30, Fatima Bint Mubarak Street order.knead.ae (050 951 0585).
Lebanon Flower Bakery
Stacked with an impressive range of pastries and sweets, visitors can be forgiven for losing themselves in the stacks. With prices as low as Dhs6 for a manakish and ingredients including eggs, spinach, labneh, meat, olives, and honey, it would be a wasted journey not to plump for the Lebanese traditional flatbread. We’re eyeing the desserts, too.
Open daily, 5am-1am. Zayed the First Street, W4 (02 666 9928).
Mister Baker
Planning a birthday party in Abu Dhabi? Mister Baker is the go-to place to order a birthday (or any other) cake. There are Mister Bakers across the UAE, and the one on Hamdan Street has been around forever. You may be disappointed with the choice on display if you’re popping in for a quick sweet fix, but you can still walk away with a box of their small cookies and savoury bites. Better to call ahead and order something special.
Mister Baker, Hamdan Street, Tourist Club Area (02 678 0055).
Tawa Bakery
Tawa Bakery is one of the best bakeries in Abu Dhabi, even before you find out that everything on the menu is gluten free (how do they do it?). A strict no-gluten policy has helped the team at Tawa create a taste that distinguishes itself from the pack. It features the usual café spread, plus a display counter of decadent desserts. Head there to dine-in or take your baked goods home.
Open daily, 4pm-11pm. Al Hisn, W3 tawa.ae (800 8292).