Looking to eat a little greener? Curious about trying a veggie or vegan diet? Abu Dhabi is chock full of vegetarian and vegan food, whether you’re looking for fine dining or a casual bite to eat. And let’s not forget about plant-based desserts.
With the number of people switching to meat-free and plant-based diets growing constantly in the past few years, it is no surprise that most restaurants in the capital provide vegetarian menus meaning the choice of cuisine is vast too.
From fully vegan cafes to places chock full of vegetarian plates – if you’re looking for vegetarian and vegan food options, here are some of the best restaurants in the city.
Alkalime
Ready to feel seriously good? Alkalime is all about wholesome food and tranquil vibes, with tonnes of vegan and vegetarian options on the menu to choose from. If you’re looking to eat some great plant-based dishes before dipping your toes in the sand, this is the spot. We’re going for the pecan pumpkin pie on our next visit – sweet potato, pumpkin, coconut sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon and coconut milk. Yes, please.
For more autumnal dishes to try in Abu Dhabi click here.
Soul Beach, Saadiyat Island, instagram.com/alkalime_uae (054 449 1547).
BLOOM Vegan Kitchen
This delivery-only vegan joint is an environmentally conscious brand which specialises in fresh and healthy homemade dishes. Serving up tasty plates which are all 100 percent vegan-friendly and served in packaging which is 90 percent recyclable, the menu includes nutritious breakfast plates like hummus veggie toast, colourful quinoa bowls, huge mushroom burgers and more. It’s the perfect accompaniment for a night in with a movie.
Wondering what to watch while you eat in?
For fantastic movie reviews click here.
www.bloomvegankitchen.com.
Brunch & Cake
Brunch & Cake has long been known for its lovely plates, but did you know there’s a special veg menu to try? The menu has vegan-friendly dishes to help people tap into a plant-based, sustainable lifestyle. And because this is Brunch & Cake, all of the plant-based menu items are made for Instagramming.
Open Sun-Wed 10am-1am, Thu-Sat 10am-2am. Unlicensed. Al Bateen Marina (800 4726362). brunchandcake.com
Café 302
Going vegetarian in Abu Dhabi? One place that has long had vegan and vegetarian interests at heart is Café 302. And the Time Out award-winning spot is always increasing its plant-based offerings. Veggies can happily munch away at afternoon tea, breakfast, lunch and dinner.
For the prettiest cafes in Abu Dhabi click here.
Al Maha Arjaan by Rotana, Fatima Bint Mubarak Street (02 610 6666).
Foodshed
Looking for vegetarian and vegan food options in a cute little rustic café? Foodshed has excellent coffees and so many super healthy dishes, it always attracts a crowd. Strong vegan options include the cinnamon-spiced vegan pancakes and the whole roasted cauliflower with a tahini-pomegranate sauce. There are several great choices for dessert, too, including freshly baked vegan cinnamon rolls.
For beautiful places to get breakfast outdoors click here.
Open daily 7am-10pm. Bloom Gardens, Khalifa Park, instagram.com/foodshed.ae (02 671 1113).
Guilt Free Café
This vegan café at Umm Al Emarat Park offers everything from “chick in” burgers and matchstick fries to vegan bowls, tofu wraps and beetroot risotto, so you’ll definitely be spoilt for choice if you’re vegetarian in Abu Dhabi.
For vegan treats to get on your radar click here.
Prices vary. Open daily 8am-9pm. Umm Al Emarat Park, Mushrif (052 277 3333).
Jones the Grocer
This Aussie café is super-popular throughout the capital with carnivores, veggies and vegans alike. The beef burgers might be a buzzword, but the plant-based options are just as incredible. We’re going for a cauliflower wrap – yum.
Looking to break your vegan streak? Jones has an incredible cheese subscription box, click here to learn more.
Various locations including Pearl Plaza Tower, Al Khalidiyah, jonesthegrocer.com (02 639 5883).
Market Kitchen
Market Kitchen at Le Royal Meridien has a whole day dedicated to veggies. Head there for the vegetarian Wednesdays set menu for all things veggie and vegan. The unlimited sharing menu offers seven savoury and two sweet dishes paired with healthy mocktails and soft drinks for Dhs250 per person. You can also get mixed and house drinks for Dhs400 per person.
Dhs250 (soft) Dhs400 (house). Wed, 7pm-10pm, Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi marketkitchenabudhabi.com (800 101101).
Punjab Highway
If you’re looking for vegetarian food, you can’t go wrong with this incredible hidden gem next to Electra Park. We’re talking paneer tikka, kadai paneer, chili gobhi (one of our favourite dishes of all time) and crispy veg samosas. You might be a little hard pressed to find vegan dishes though.
For 30 brilliant dishes you need to try in Abu Dhabi right now, click here.
Electra Park (02 641 1165).
Pizza di Rocco
Whether you want to order in or eat out, Pizza Di Rocco’s vegan pizza is always a showstopper. Choose anything from a simple but elegant vegan margarita, to a “Beyond Baja” with tomato sauce, vegan mozzarella and topped with Beyond Meat, sundried tomatoes, onions, sweetcorn, guacamole and chilli flakes. There is something for everyone.
For more vegan pizza joints click here.
From Ds51, pizzadirocco.com (8007 6226).
Salam Bombay
For a low-cost Indian option, try vegetarian-only Salam Bombay. It has a menu that goes on for pages and pages, but everything we’ve tried has been fantastic.
For the best budget Indian restaurants in Abu Dhabi click here.
Electra Street (02 677 7076).
Sweet Greens
Providing healthy and wholesome meals, Sweet Greens is one of our favourite new places for a guilt-free lunch or a tasty smoothie. The cool spot also hosts a vegan brunch, in the traditional sense on Fridays. Furthermore, you can listen to talks from health coaches about why the vegan diet is so beneficial. The friendly restaurant is only big enough to seat a few people, so make sure you book your spot in advance.
Looking for more brunches in Abu Dhabi? Click here.
The Clubhouse, Rihan Heights (02 633 5563).
The Raw Place
Ready for some food that’s sure to make you feel good? The Raw Place offers a selection of organic vegan meals and fresh detox juices. There are lentil lunches, mung bliss balls and other light bites, as well as hot soups.
Creating your foodie bucket list? Click here for the 50 best restaurants worldwide.
Prices vary. Open Sat-Thu 7pm-11pm; Fri 8am–11pm. Sheikh Khalifa Street, Al Markaziyah (02 633 4677).
