Tucked away in a residential area of Al Bateen Harbour, it’s not likely you’ll find tourists at No. FiftySeven Boutique Cafe, unless they happen to stumble by from the nearby The Abu Dhabi EDITION while walking around the waterfront.
Even Abu Dhabi locals might stop to figure out what building the minimalist café is located in (building two), but once you’re orientated in Al Marsay, it’s easy to find No. FiftySeven Boutique Café. And it is definitely worth seeking out.
No. FiftySeven Boutique Café is a modern café and restaurant, and in evidence of that, it began as a popular UAE supper club. It’s also clear that the inviting café has someone with design experience. No. FiftySeven has a cool (not cold) Scandi vibe, with white marble floors, pale blonde wood, white walls and plants strewn across its indoor and outdoor spaces. The outdoor patio seating is obviously more Abu Dhabi than Stockholm with the tropical foliage and views of quiet Bateen Marina.
Buzzier eateries like Brunch and Cake, Spin and % Arabica are located just a short walk away in Al Bateen Wharf, but No. FiftySeven feels a world away. However, that is not to say the café lacks in popularity or Instagrammable vibes. No. FiftySeven makes use of trendy ingredients like activated charcoal (in the popular pancakes) and even has mini croissant cereal in tribute to the viral trend. Yes, the Al Bateen spot is on TikTok.
There are meals for all times of day (as well as takeaway options), including things to share and signature soft drinks. (The spot is unlicensed.) The menu is balanced with healthy food that doesn’t feel that way, along with more indulgent dishes, looking at you, deep-fried mac ‘n’ cheese.
Breakfast is popular and only served until 12.30pm, and it can get busy on weekends. We bet customers would love all-day breakfast (we would), but the cutoff time forces you to try other delicious things on the menu, which are equally note-worthy, especially the ‘grammable desserts.
Whether you’ve never sunk your teeth into the chicken katsu sando or crème brûlée French toast yet, or you order them on the regular, staff will greet you with open arms. (Socially distanced, of course.)
No. FiftySeven Boutique Café is so much more than a croissant-and-coffee café. (Remember the mini croissant cereal?)
Portions are hearty and you’ll leave well fed and watered after sipping one of the signature drinks.
It’s hard to truly call anything a hidden gem, but it’s clear that No. FiftySeven Boutique Café is a local favourite worth searching out.
What is it
A relaxed, minimalist café in Al Marsay Al Bateen Harbour for residents in the know
Why go
To discover a go-to local spot with really good grub you’ll want to come back to
