Abu Dhabi’s Best Breakfast Restaurants, chosen by local residents!
Every day should start with a delicious breakfast – particularly when you’re on holiday!
The good news for lovers of the morning meal is that Abu Dhabi has a huge variety of breakfast spots. There’s everything from healthy eating joints to inspired international buffets to help you kickstart your day and stave off hunger.
Whether you’re heading to the beach or have a back-to-back day of sightseeing ahead of you in the capital, our list of the best places to get breakfast in Abu Dhabi will ensure that you don’t go hungry.
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1. Jones the Grocer
Jones the Grocer serves a range of healthy—and not-so-healthy—breakfast grub in Abu Dhabi. The upmarket Australian chain prides itself on using quality ingredients throughout the comprehensive menu and firmly holds a grip as one of the best breakfast restaurants in Abu Dhabi.
Their breakfast menu offers many old faithfuls to fill the hunger void, including the traditional English breakfast as more ‘modern’ choices like the Amazonian açai bowl or the smoked salmon buckwheat crepe, all of which must be enjoyed with Jones’ delicious single-origin coffee.
Where to find Jones the Grocer: Various locations, including Al Mamoura, Khalidiya, Al Muneera, Al Raha Gardens & Masdar; open times vary 7:30 am-8:00 am daily.
2. Meylas
If you want to experience a traditional Emirati breakfast, head to Meylas in Al Muneera. The name of this outlet means ‘a place that gathers people,’ and Meylas certainly knows how to gather people! The warm and welcoming atmosphere is popular with Emiratis and cuisine-loving expats alike.
Meylas uses local ingredients to share real UAE flavours in traditional recipes passed down through the generations, culminating in a memorable dining experience.
Located in the modern Al Muneera Beach Plaza, this charming restaurant gives a decorative and culinary nod to the past, serving traditional breakfast dishes such as egg, chamber, and mohalla.
If you’re wondering what to choose, we highly recommend the chbaab – a traditional pancake dish served with date syrup and cream cheese, washed down with Haleeb bei Jangibel (a hot, sweet, ginger-flavoured milk drink) or Meylas’ delicious thyme tea.
Where to find Meylas: Al Muneera Beach Plaza, Al Raha, Abu Dhabi; open from 9:00 am.
3. Art House Cafe
The original Art House Cafe in the Al Bateen area is a work of art in itself. Furnished with recycled pallets and oil drums and decorated with hand-painted plates, the place is an inspiration for any budding artist.
The menu is as eclectic as the cafe itself, with delicious traditional breakfast food offerings, including avocado toast, eggs benedict and traditional Arabic shakshuka. The tiramisu pancakes are not to be missed if you have a sweet tooth!
As well as the Al Bateen branch, there is a smaller Art House cafe in Al Bandar in the Al Raha Beach area. This is a great choice if you would like to take a waterfront stroll after breakfast and are seeking a family-friendly venue.
Both venues offer customers the opportunity to paint their own plates while they wait for their food to be served for a small fee (20 AED at the time of writing).
Where to find Art House Cafe: Al Huwelat St, Bateen Area, Opp Al Bateen Villa No 15, Abu Dhabi; open from 9:00 am and in Al Bandar, Al Raha Beach, also open from 9.00am.
Learn more about Art Hosue Cafe here
4. Market at EDITION
Those craving an elegant and healthy breakfast in Abu Dhabi should head to the Market restaurant at the EDITION hotel in the swanky Al Bateen Marina.
Award-winning chef Tom Aikens has designed an imaginative menu for this healthy lifestyle restaurant, combining locally sourced, organic ingredients with international flavours.
As well as signature detox juices and smoothies, there are numerous cereal and egg-based dishes and some very well-constructed breakfast specials like lobster and asparagus muffins. The açai bowl with coconut shavings and goji berries definitely gets 10/10 in our book!
Situated in Al Bateen, winter mornings on the outdoor terrace offer you breathtaking views of the city.
Where to find Market at EDITION: Marina, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi; open from 6:30 am.
5. Cafe 302
This casual and friendly breakfast joint serves up delicious fresh fruit and vegetable juices, a variety of omelettes and egg-based dishes, as well as the classic full English. The food is of a high standard and the service is truly second to none.
Special dietary requirements can be a worry when travelling, but Cafe 302 has considered everyone on its menu.
Those taking the plant-based path will appreciate Cafe 302’s vegan selection, which includes tasty treats such as coconut chia muesli, blueberry rice pancakes and spicy masala uttapam. Gluten-free options are also available upon request.
With its modern design in the heart of Abu Dhabi, this is a cool urban spot to chat over breakfast before heading out into the city.
Where to find Cafe 302: Al Maha Arjaan by Rotana, Fatima Bint Mubarak Street, Abu Dhabi; open from 8:00 am.
6. tashas
Breakfast in Abu Dhabi is always a winner at tashas. The branch in Al Bateen offers a light and airy, relaxed, yet stylish setting for the most important meal of the day.
There’s no need to leave the duvet behind too early as this all-day breakfast at tashas is served until 6pm. Many of the breakfast options have a Spanish twist and include some truly delectable and indulgent combinations.
We recommend ’flavours of citrus’, containing sliced citrus fruits, banana, honey and lemon yoghurt, halva and oat crumble with mint, rose syrup, pomegranate and preserved ginger as a lighter option. Alternatively, the breakfast bun is sure to keep you going for most of the day!
tashas offers great feel-good food in one of Abu Dhabi’s most established neighbourhoods for a memorable start to the day (we just wish they opened a little earlier in the morning, but this is one for your leisurely ‘brunchers’!). Don’t miss the beautiful outdoor seating in the winter months.
Where to find tashas: Al Bateen in Abu Dhabi; open from 9:00 am.
7. Café Arabia
A popular haunt for many locals and expats, Café Arabia really is a very special place.
Run by a Lebanese art enthusiast, the café itself firmly sets you in the Middle East, with hanging lanterns, beautiful traditional furniture and a mesmerising collection of paintings and photographs with local subjects. There’s a book-swap service and spaces for large groups, providing a lovely community atmosphere that invites you to stay well beyond breakfast.
The cosy home away from home offers a vast menu with something for everyone. Cafe Arabia will keep you satisfied whether you want to start your day with Karak tea and shakshuka, avocado toast or a pancake stack.
Where to find Café Arabia: Villa No. 637, 15th Street (Opposite Al Emarat Park); open from 8:00 am
8. Society
This contemporary dining joint is relatively new to the Abu Dhabi dining scene but has instantly won applause from those who love its healthy and wholesome breakfasts and minimalistic, chic styling.
Utterly instagrammable and utterly tasty, menu favourites here include their moist banana bread, gorgeous and filling acai bowls and divine avocado toast with cream cheese and toasted nuts. Locally, aficionados will agree their Shakshuka is up there with the best!
Located on the Mamsha beachfront in Saadiyat island, it is also up there as one of the most beautiful Abu Dhabi breakfast places with a sea view. Stroll it all off with a walk along the promenade or take in the rest of your day at the relaxing Soul Beach.
Where to find Society: Mamsha Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi; open from 8:00 am daily.
Learn more about Society Restaurant here
9. Denny’s Abu Dhabi
OK, maybe not what you expected on an Abu Dhabi breakfast list, but hear us out!
Denny’s is always there to satiate big appetites with its American-style menu, bumper portions and reasonable prices. Located close to the entrance of Abu Dhabi Mall, Denny’s is a convenient stop for people staying in the Tourist Club or Al Zahiyah area (and it’s conveniently open 24/7 if you have early risers!!).
This is a great restaurant choice for families as there is an informal atmosphere as well as a huge variety of food on offer – the spread will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.
The extensive menu includes a number of pancake options (such as the tres leches pancake breakfast), waffles and omelettes as well as signature ’slam’ dishes like the ’All American Slam’ containing scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese, bacon strips, sausage links, eggs, hash browns and a choice of bread.
It’s the perfect breakfast place in Abu Dhabi for ultra late-night munchies or those suffering from jet lag. Come here if you are far more interested in getting a hearty stomach full of traditional breakfast food at a good price than impressing friends on the ‘gram.
Where to find Denny’s: Abu Dhabi Mall, Tourist Club Area (Al Zahiyah), Abu Dhabi; open 24 hours.
10. Tawa Bakery
Formerly situated in Al Muneera, Tawa Bakery is Abu Dhabi’s only completely gluten-free restaurant. Tawa bakery has got the gluten-intolerant covered, serving everything from gluten-free cakes and pastries to delicious Mexican-style eggs and some amazing burgers for later in the day.
Now fully settled into its new premises in the Al Zahiyah Area and developing a huge fan base in the heart of the city, this family-friendly eatery is a must-visit for healthy food.
Where to find Tawa Bakery: 10th Street, Al Zahiyah Area, Abu Dhabi; open from 8.00am.
11. The Lighthouse
Situated in picturesque Yas Bay, The Lighthouse is a great spot for breakfast with a view in Abu Dhabi. This Mediterranean-inspired restaurant serves up a range of egg-based dishes, including scrambled eggs with truffles and spicy shakshouka, as well as chia and açai bowls. There are also a variety of breads and pastries on offer, including some very tempting doughnuts!
This is a great spot for families, especially in the cooler months. After breakfast, take a stroll along the promenade or head to the skate park or children’s playgrounds located just around the corner.
Where to find Lighthouse: Yas Bay, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi; open from 8.00am
12. Art Market
Another lovely breakfast venue in Yas Bay is Art Market. The chilled-out cafe allows art, music and leisure to connect. There’s plenty to look at and even a barber to give you a trim.
Whilst the art on the walls is stunning, the food looks even better!. Carefully arranged bowls of fruit and granola topped açai, porridge with toasted seeds and date syrup, and chia pudding with orange and lemon zest, are as much a feast for the eyes as the stomach.
Less healthy options include French toast and daily baked pastries. The menu also includes an ‘on toast’ section, which includes favourites such as smashed avocado, eggs Benedict, and beetroot hummus, as well as peach and pistachio-topped toast served with ricotta and honey.
Art Market definitely feels like a cool spot, ideally suited to those looking for a laid-back but stylish start to the day.
Where to find Art Market: Yas Bay, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, open from 7.30am
13. Taste at The Bridge Wellness Hub
A newbie to our list for 2024, this Saturday morning all-you-can-eat breakfast spot in Al Qana has become the talk of the town! We still need to check it out, but with all the buzz, we thought only fair to add it to our list for now if you’re trying to work out where to get your brekkie fill this weekend!
Their breakfast offering has plenty of healthy options and is priced at a very reasonable AED 75 (or AED 45 for your littles under 12)
Where to find Taste: The Bridge Hub, Al Qana, Radban area, open from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm
Learn more about the Bridge here or call 02 616 4540
Before you go… Important Things to Consider When Planning a Trip to Abu Dhabi
- Pop into our essential planning information page; it includes everything you need to know about getting around Abu Dhabi, a handy guide on what to pack, as well as top tips for first-timers on the dos and don’ts, laws, and customs in the UAE.
- Start planning your itinerary around the 60+ top places to visit in Abu Dhabi
- Don’t forget to pack your travel insurance!
- Discover the best places to stay in Abu Dhabi, or bag a bargain on your accommodation here:
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