Bonna Annee
An absolute one of a kind in Abu Dhabi, this Ethiopian eatery has cornered the market when it comes to the cuisine of its East African motherland. The unassuming décor is part of this restaurant’s consummate charm and as soon as you tear off a strip of the freshly made injera bread and dunk it into your stew or curry you’ll be wondering why such fine fare isn’t more commonplace in the capital.
Open daily 10am-midnight. Behind Salam Street, Al Zahiyah (02 491 2128).
Burro Blanco
This hole-in-the-wall Mexican gem encapsulates the old adage ‘never judge a book by its cover’. What lies behind Burro Blanco’s rather random setting is a kitchen team beavering away to make the fresh ingredients at its disposal sing and its customers’ taste buds do likewise. The avocado fritas tower above the smashed variety that has become so hip and the signature burritos are quite simply a food fiesta worth every fils.
Open Sat-Wed 10am-11pm, Thu 11am-midnight, Fri 4pm-midnight. Beside the ADNOC petrol station, Al Khalidiya (02 309 3911).
Egg Shack Café
Tucked away on the Old Airport Road, the Egg Shack Café is one of those rare delights that can make the very most out of a humble ingredient, taking it to a level few can surpass. The Pesto Egg Benedict is a revelation, plus the ‘eggs your way’ option means you even the fussiest of eaters can put their own stamp on breakfast. For something a little out of the norm, order the Eggs Shack burger. The potato bread bun is a masterstroke.
Open daily 7.30am-5.30pm. Old Airport Road, Al Mushrif (02 666 4141).
Hankook Korean
Bustling, brilliant and a bargain to boot, Hankook is always a hive of activity. While dining alone is an option, the better one is always to gather your gang for a dazzling array of Korean dishes served with minimum fuss but maximum flavour. The menu here is made for sharing and when the stews, soups and seafood are this sublime, it would be rude not to. If you’re feeling adventurous, order the gopchang bokum. Beef intestines have never tasted so good.
Open daily 11am-2.30pm and 5pm-11pm. Opposite the Central Bus Station, Al Nahyan (02 642 3399).
Lazeez
A tremendous selection of traditional Indian dishes, including over 40 different types of biryanis, creative soups such as beetroot and pistachio, and as many tasty appetisers, grilled meats and curries as you can imagine.
Open Sat-Thu noon-midnight, Fri 1pm-12.30am. Hamdan Street, Al Markaziyah (02 677 7070).
Lebanese Flower
Also known as Zahrat Lebnan, this Muroor restaurant has been keeping the custom flowing for more than 30 years now. And it’s easy to see why foodies can’t get enough of its superb selection of Lebanese favourites. The options here are vast, but you can never go wrong with a starter of the house hummus followed by something from the grill (the kebab khashkhash is always a winner). Started the day (or finished it) hungry? The manakish are marvellous.
Open daily 8am-2am. Muroor Road, Muroor (02 304 8196).
Panda Bao Bao
What’s not to love about a cosy restaurant themed upon everyone’s favourite foolhardy bear? Panda Bao Bao is as kitsch as they come, but that’s why people love it. Aside from the cutesy trappings, you’ll find a menu brimming with brilliant bao. Along with those cracking Chinese buns, you can savour some delightful dim sum, nourishing noodles and wonderful wonton. Venues so bountiful and bargain-bearing should never be endangered.
Open daily 11am-10pm. Hazza Bin Zayed the First Street, Al Dhafrah (055 512 7461).
Pizza Di Rocco
Just a waft of the wood-fired oven’s scent here is enough to make customers’ tummies rumble but once you grab a slice of one of Pizza di Rocco’s lovingly prepared creations, you’ll be glad you eschewed one of its more famous rivals. The ‘speciali’ selection especially lives up to its billing, with the laziza (subtly bringing fresh zaatar into the mix) a real standout. Pizza this good rarely comes this cheaply.
Open Sat-Wed 11am-midnight, Thu-Fri 11am-2am. Salam Street, Al Dhafrah (02 885 3222).
Salam Bombay
Even the most hardened carnivores couldn’t deny how perfect Salam Bombay makes a meat-free night. Come here for breakfast and you’ll be treated to a Bombay sandwich or stuffed paratha that’ll set you up nicely for the day (they start at Dhs7, too). But if you arrive later on and love your paneer-based or veg curry dishes, you’ll truly be spoilt for choice. The desserts are pretty tasty, too.
Open daily 8am-midnight. Three locations including Electra Street, Al Danah (02 677 7076).
Shay Madhboot
One of Abu Dhabi’s finest and best-value breakfast spots, Shay Madhboot continues to impress with its no-nonsense approach to that most important meal of the day. The shakshuka it serves up will leave you soundly satisfied (a real bargain feed for its mere Dhs40 price tag) and the signature French toast is well worth a whirl. Karak is also a speciality here. Branch out and try the saffron-infused version.
Open Sun-Thu 7am-10pm, Fri-Sat 8am-10pm. Dihan Street, Muroor (02 621 7323).
