Small plates
Avocado waffle at Sola Café and Restaurant
Dhs49. Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Park (02 546 3558).
It’s avocado. It’s a waffle. It’s surely a combination made for the ’gram. Light up your followers’ lowly feeds by giving them a glimpse into how Abu Dhabi takes breakfast to the next level. Natch. Sola’s avocado waffle comes with smoked salmon and guacamole, with your choice of additional halloumi (Dhs12) or an extra egg (Dhs7). Sounds sweet, savoury, and just a little bit unusual. That egg isn’t the only thing that’s extra…
Read the full review here
Batata harra at Mosaic Restaurant
Dhs25. Nadja (02 633 6376).
An oldie, a goodie – and a location you might not have checked out until now. There’s no time like the summer to get stuck in. This tasty dish of fried potato cubes sautéed with coriander, chili pepper and garlic is an authentic Lebanese staple. Literally “spicy potatoes”, it’s usually served as a lunch or breakfast dish, and makes a great addition to a mezze with its combination of crunch and heat. Get them at Mosaic Restaurant as a foil to your shish tawouk or grilled kafta.
Chilli gobhi at Punjab Highway
Dhs20. Tourist Club Area (02 641 1165).
Looking to spice up your Saturday (or any other day, for that matter)? Punjab Highway is a local favourite for a reason. Located near Electra Park in the Tourist Club Area of Abu Dhabi, what the venue lacks in size it makes up for in absolutely massive flavour. Little wonder it’s always packed. One of its best dishes is the chilli gobhi, a fried cauliflower dish that’s the vegetarian’s equivalent to chicken wings (stay with us). These crispy, spicy, sweet and sour cauliflower florets are true craving-crushers. Bonus fact: Did you know Electra Park is one of Abu Dhabi’s oldest parks? It’s a great place to shoot hoops, read a book, or take the kids to play on the playground right in the heart of the city.
Read the full review here
Dirty chilli dog at The Gang
Dhs40. Marsa Mina (058 530 0033).
Hot diggity. If you’ve been looking for a great hot dog in the city, you should stop whatever else you’re doing and make a beeline to The Gang. This local street food fave was created by Emirati siblings and has been visited by a whole load of famous faces, including royalty… And why not? This is seriously good, seriously fun food. Our pick? The dirty chilli dog, stuffed full of signature spicy beef chili sauce, fresh onion, jalapeños and cheese. Plus the pictures will look pretty barbe-cute on your feed.
Falafel platter at Zahrat Lebnan
Dhs16. Al Dhafra (02 642 4208).
This Al Dhafra haunt is an established favourite for a casual meal out. You can’t miss the huge branch while driving down Hazza Bin Zayed Street; and you’ll typically find it buzzing with people chatting and eating on the outside terrace. Zahrat Lebnan has a huge variety of dishes that are perfect for sharing, but it’s hard to beat the falafel platter. Ground chickpeas, parsley, tava beans and herbs, deep fried and dipped in tahini sauce? And for only 16 of your hard-earned dirhams? Yes, please.
Read the full review here
Jamaican beef patty at Kingston 21
Dhs50. Al Raha (02 546 8500).
This new restaurant in Al Raha is Abu Dhabi’s first Jamaican-owned and -run restaurant. It serves all the authentic food from the Caribbean nation you could possibly hope for (and then some). The menu is full of classic plates such as ackee, salt fish and jerk chicken. Our vibe? That Jamaican beef patty is a dish you don’t want to miss, made fresh from scratch every day. Flaky crust, spicy filling. Get them while they’re hot, in every sense of the word.
Read the full review here
Scrambled egg bun at Egg Bun
Dhs25. Reem Island (050 772 7950).
Sometimes it’s the simple things in life that leave the biggest impressions. Egg? Meet bun. This fun pop-up just opened on Reem Island, and it specialises in just this breakfast favourite, with a couple of riffs on the theme (shakshouka bun, anyone?). Try a brioche bun stuffed with buttery scrambled eggs, American cheddar and a homemade house sauce. Cracking. And while you’re at it, have you been to Reem Central Park? With outdoor dining, green space, a skateboard park and multiple playgrounds it’s the perfect place to eat your scrambled egg bun with family.
Sesame prawn toast at Hakkasan
Dhs85. Emirates Palace, Corniche (02 690 7739).
Feeling fancy? This global brand, which first opened in London and has since gained Michelin stars around the globe, is the place for you. And while you’re there, you don’t want to miss its sesame prawn toast. This dish originated in Hong Kong as an early example of fusion cuisine. It combines prawn paste, traditionally used in Hong Kong dishes, with toast, which was brought in from Europe. Prawn toast is now a crispy and delicious staple and a plate we’ve never known to disappoint at Hakkasan in Abu Dhabi.
Big plates
Afghani pizza at Nolu’s Downtown
Dhs60. The Galleria Al Maryah Island (02 644 1516).
If you’re craving pizza but want something a little more exciting than a margherita, get yourself over here to try the Afghani pizza at Nolu’s Downtown. This restaurant at The Galleria Al Maryah Island is known for its delicious dishes and casual vibe. It’s the perfect place to stop for lunch or dinner after a day of shopping. Go off-piste with this special pizza, which arrives topped with beef chapli, mozzarella, tomato, coriander, mushrooms, peppers, garlic, onion and jalapeños. Fiery.
Avocado and beetroot cheese toast at Montauk Boutique Café
Dhs65. Al Bateen (02 546 6255).
Ready for some chilled out summer vibes? Montauk transports you to a beach house in New York that’s so convincing you can practically hear the east coast waves. Go for breakfast and try the vibrantly hued avocado and beetroot cheese toast with your coffee. Not only is this purple twist on avocado toast totally ’grammable, it’s delicious too. Munch on toasted sourdough, smashed avocado, beetroot and cheese emulsion, feta and pine nuts. The first bite will make you say “whaaat?”. The second will make you say “why am I only just eating this for the first time?”. Add a poached egg for Dhs10 or scrambled egg for Dhs14.
Read the full review here
Biryani at India Palace
Dhs42. Tourist Club Area, Al Salam(02 644 8777).
Going to India Palace is an Abu Dhabi experience you should have at least once. The huge restaurant, draped in pretty lights, is hard to miss while you drive down Airport Road. When you go, we recommend asking for one of the partitioned rooms for a private dining experience. India Palace is especially known for its biriyani, and if you’re looking for something spicy (and why wouldn’t you be?), the murgh masala biryani includes pieces of chicken layered with homemade masalas and basmati rice.
Read the full review here
Breakfast Royale at tashas
Dhs112. Al Bateen Marina (02 445 0890).
tashas is forever popular, especially for a weekend breakfast – and it’s easy to see why. A meal at this lovely restaurant in Al Bateen Marina is the perfect way to start your Friday morning. The breakfast royale includes two poached eggs, asparagus or spinach and lemon sauce on rye toast. This dish comes with your choice of salmon (Dhs112) or beef bacon (Dhs78). After breakfast, have a wander around the marina, where there are so many cafés to visit you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing where to have a follow-up coffee…
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Cauli-pizza at Alkalime
Dhs55. Saadiyat Island (054 449 1547).
Thinking of going vegan? There’s a new feel-good restaurant on Saadiyat Island: Alkalime. Located across from Soul Beach, everything about the restaurant (from the décor to the food itself) is designed to make you feel good. The restaurant won Aldar’s 2019 Manassah competition for young entrepreneurs, and is now open for Abu Dhabi healthy food enthusiasts to sample. Try the cauliflower pizza topped with homemade marinara sauce and cashew cheese for something different this summer.
Read the full review here
Dirty mellow rice at Beach House
Dhs180. Park Hyatt, Saadiyat Island (02 407 1138).
If you’re looking for a special seafood rice dish, look no further. The dirty mellow rice dish at Beach House features king crab, octopus, tomato and spring onions. Beach House overlooks the blue waters of Saadiyat beach and serves homemade dishes from the Mediterranean coastline. It’s a perfect getaway from the city and this dish isn’t the only one that’s hard to beat here. Fun fact: Did you know Saadiyat means happiness in Arabic? With a bowl of dirty mellow rice and a view of the ocean, we’re certainly feeling those vibes.
Read the full review here
Egg and bacon bap at PJ O’Reilly’s
Dhs49. Le Royal Méridien, Khalifa Street (02 695 0515).
Fancy an Irish breakfast? PJ O’Reilly’s is a classic Irish pub in the heart of Abu Dhabi. Long-term residents and newcomers usually have a soft spot for the pub that makes every patron feel like a regular. The outdoor patio is especially popular for its poolside views and relaxed atmosphere, but this summer you’ll want to seek refuge in the air-conditioned indoors. This breakfast comes complete with crispy bacon, fried egg, grilled sausage and brown sauce. Not a bad way to start your morning.
Read the full review here
Jab-cea at Hankook Korean Restaurant
Dhs55. Al Nahyan (02 642 3399).
Craving authentic Korean food? On a bit of a budget? Hankook Korean restaurant is a hidden gem in the heart of Abu Dhabi’s Al Nahyan area. Always bustling and packed with delicious aromas, Hankook is an ideal place to head with a group of friends so you can sample lots of different dishes, especially if you haven’t had much Korean food before. The jab-chea is made with crystal noodles, sliced beef, mushrooms and peppers, stir-fried in a soy-based sauce. Grab your chopsticks and make sure you’re wearing comfy pants.
Lalla mussa dal at Signature by Sanjeev Kapoor
Dhs69. The Galleria Al Maryah Island (02 666 4343).
Loopy for legumes? Signature by Sanjeev Kapoor at The Galleria Al Maryah Island serves avant-garde Indian cuisine that can be described as art on a plate, and this riff on a classic dal is no different. Sanjeev Kapoor is a master of his craft: blending style with substance in one-pot mains that are easy to love. Lalla mussa dal is a slow-cooked, creamy black lentil stew packed with flavour. A hug in a bowl.
Read the full review here
Paneer roulade at Punjab Grill
Dhs99. Venetian Village, Al Maqtaa (02 449 9839).
Punjab Grill’s dishes are as inventive as they are delicious. Try the stuffed paneer cannelloni baked and served with makhani andsaag. Tender cubes of paneer are tucked into cannelloni, swimming in warm gravy. Don’t pass up on ordering some butter naan to mop it all up with.
Read the full review here
Rigatoni at L’arte Café
Dhs 78. Saadiyat Island (02 657 5888).
Feeling artsy? Manarat Al Saadiyat is well known for its art exhibitions and events, but you might not know there is an Italian restaurant tucked away amongst the art. Next time you’re at an exhibition, make sure you stop by L’arte Café to discuss the art over an Italian dinner. Our pick? Keep it simple with this rigatoni pasta with aubergine and tomato sauce. The best part? The fresh, creamy burrata laden on top. Delightful.
Read the full review here
Tiger prawns in chilli mint sauce at Tamba
Dhs128. World Trade Centre Mall (02 672 8888).
Tamba is a long-time favourite of ours for its lively ambiance, perfectly cooked dishes and attentive service. It’s no wonder we keep going back. The next time you go, you have to try the tiger prawns in chili mint sauce. They’re shrimp-ly the best tiger prawns we’ve had in a long time. (Sorry, not sorry.)
Read the full review here
Truffle pizza at Market Kitchen
Dhs105. Le Royal Méridien, Khalifa Street (02 674 2020).
You can barely go to a restaurant in Abu Dhabi without catching a comforting whiff of truffle. And if you’re a fungi fan, it’s time to sink your teeth into the black truffle pizza with fontina cheese at Market Kitchen. This restaurant is all about market freshness and high quality ingredients. It’s easy to settle into the warm atmosphere, especially when there’s a pie as indulgent as this in front of you.
Read the full review here
Udon Noodles at UDN
Dhs 42. Old Airport Road (050 648 9310).
Are you craving fresh, tangy udon noodles? We don’t blame you. Abu Dhabi’s first UDN house is newly-opened and specialises in all things udon. It makes its noodles from scratch and in-house every day to guarantee freshness. And as you’re here it’s time to get stuck into the fat strings, swimming in an unctuous sauce. You can have your udon with chicken, beef, tempura shrimp or wagyu if you’re feeling a bit extra.
Sweet things
Bombolone at Dolci & Capprici
Dhs20. Istiqlal (02 631 1030).
Wishing you could travel to Italy this summer? Fret not, Dolci & Capprici is bringing Italy to Abu Dhabi with its authentic menu, and especially its desserts. One bite of a bombolone will take you to the streets of Rome. Try this tasty traditional dessert with pistachio or Nutella filling. Bursting with creamy centres, these light and airy treats are the perfect partner for a cup of coffee.
Read the full review here
Cheesecake at Mazaj Bab Al Bahar
Dhs55. Fairmont Bab Al Bahar (02 654 3333).
Sweet tooth? Round off your meal with a slice of Oriental rose-flavoured cheesecake with pistachio ice cream on the side. A mish-mash of flavours that work perfectly, this one really hits the spot. The beach garden majilis here is an especially nice place to have a bite and look out at the beachfront views (if you can brave the heat).
Classic Milk Cake at Gudee Pizza & Café
Dhs49. Al Dhafra (02 449 9977).
Soft creamy cake swimming in condensed milk? Yes, please. Most people visit Gudee Pizza & Café in Al Dhafra for its fun pizzas (such as the truffle mac ’n’ cheese version) and Afghan food. But the next time you visit, you definitely shouldn’t skip on the desserts. We’d recommend the classic milk cake, which is as light as it is tasty. Like a little sweet cloud of happiness. You’re welcome.
Doughnuts at Dot’s Café
Dhs42. Al Hudayriat Island (054 556 2638).
Dot’s Café is a cute little food truck that has swept through Abu Dhabi’s Instagram feeds like nobody’s business. Dot’s Café serves sweets that you’ll be thinking about long after they’re gone. Swing by for a sweet set of doughnuts. Pillowy, and in a range of fun flavours, they come in boxes to share, but if you can part company with any, then you’re a better dining companion than us.
French toast at Alba Terrace
Dhs95 for one person. Al Bateen (02 208 0000).
They say it’s the most important meal of the day –and who are we to argue with ‘they’? What makes brekkie better? When it’s unlimited. Head to Alba Terrace to get stuck in – where a highlight is the French toast. Blueberry compôte and cardamom caramel make for a classy, and tasty, morning meal.
Read the full review here
Matilda Cake at Parker’s
Dhs75. Umm al Emirate Park, Mushrif (02 621 5381).
This dessert has been rocking Abu Dhabi social media feeds. Parker’s special rich chocolate dessert is made with sponge cake, ganache and chocolate flakes and it’s a monster. Inspired by the movie Matilda, it’s a brave diner that attempts this wedge of chocolate alone. We’d recommend taking a little stroll around the beautiful Umm al Emirate Park to walk it off afterwards. Or a nap. Either way it’s worth the indulgence. And your followers will appreciate the ’grammable pics.
S’mores at Brick Rooftop Kitchen & Bar
Dhs39. Aloft Hotel, ADEC (02 654 5000).
It’s getting a bit too hot for campfires lately, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on any childhood treats. If you’re craving s’mores you can get them at Brick Rooftop Kitchen & Bar. Gooey chocolate, crunchy graham crackers and fluffy marshmallows baked into a sweet dish? We’re always up for s’more.
Read the full brunch review here
