Coffee culture is big in Abu Dhabi. Whether you’re looking for a straight-up espresso or the delicate flavours of local qawha there’s something for every coffee connoisseur in this dynamic and diverse city.
There are, of course, plenty of chain coffee places, but amongst the Starbucks and Costa outlets that you will find in every mall and dotted around the city side streets, there are some real independent gems.
Here’s our guide to the 10 best coffee shops in Abu Dhabi.
Best Coffee Shops in Abu Dhabi
% Arabica, Al Bateen
The renowned Japanese-owned global chain has several branches in Abu Dhabi, including in Al Bateen. The large, open-plan space is the perfect place to clear your mind or organise your thoughts. Beans are sourced from over 30 countries providing a real taste adventure for real coffee lovers.
- Open daily 7.00 AM – 12 Midnight Monday to Friday and 7.00 AM – 1.00 AM on Saturdays and Sundays.
% Arabica, Al Bateen Marina, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi, +971 2634 1333
For more details about other % Arabica locations click here.
Alkalime, Mamsha Al Saadiyat
Sitting on the Al Mamsha beachfront promenade, Alkalime is a great choice for vegans and those that are lactose intolerant as well as those looking for a healthy non-vegan option.
The beautiful Saadiyat beachfront cafe, or ‘wellness restaurant’, serves up premium beans topped up with a choice of almond, coconut or soya milk. There are various vegan and refined sugar-free cakes and desserts on offer as well as a variety of healthy snacks and main dishes.
- Open Monday to Wednesday 8.00 AM – 9.30 PM, Thursday to Saturday 8.00 AM – 10.00 PM and Sunday 9.00 AM -10.00 PM.
Alkalime Healthy Restaurant, Mamsha Al Saadiyat Turquoise 7, Abu Dhabi +971 54 449 1547
Blacksmith Coffee Company, NYU
Ethically sourced beans and a focus on sustainability are the headliners at this cafe. The fact that the coffee tastes good, the staff are friendly, and the atmosphere allows for both quiet work, and friendly get-togethers, makes it incredibly popular with University staff and students as well as passers-by.
- Open daily 7.00 AM – 10.00 PM
Blacksmith Coffee Company, New York University Abu Dhabi D2 Building, Saadiyat Marina District, Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi +971 2 650 1881
Coffee Architecture, Mamsha Al Saadiyat
Coffee Architecture is another lovely beachfront cafe in the Mamsha area. Here locally inspired sweet treats can be washed down with high-quality beans. Try the date cake or the baklava brioche for a real taste experience!
- Open Monday to Thursday 9.00 AM- 10.00 PM, Friday and Saturday 9.00 AM – 12 Midnight and Sunday 9.00 AM -10.00 PM.
Coffee Architecture, Mamsha Al Saadiyat Turquoise 9, Abu Dhabi, +971 55 446 3433
Joud Coffee, Al Bateen
A long-standing Abu Dhabi favourite now has new premises at the Forsan Central Mall, Yas Mall and Al Qana, as well as on Al Salaam Street and in Khalifa City, but the original Al Bateen branch continues to be very popular.
Expertly made coffee is the reason that you visit Joud, but it is very easy to be tempted by the delicious menu, which includes breakfast quesadillas, filled croissants and delicious French toast.
At the Al Bateen branch, the living room-style atmosphere makes it the perfect place to read a book or study – just make sure you aren’t table-hogging for too long!
- Open daily 8.00 AM -11.00 PM
Joud Coffee, Khaleej Al Arabi Street, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi, +971 56 525 8235
For more details about Joud Coffee’s locations across the city click here.
Le Cafe, Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi Corniche
There’s no denying that the coffee served at the Emirates Palace is smooth and aromatic, but what really sets it apart is the fact that your morning cappuccino comes topped with real gold!
If drinking the glitzy stuff doesn’t pull you in, taking coffee at this magnificent 5-star hotel, gives you the opportunity to take a sneaky peek around one of the world’s most luxurious properties as well as the chance to indulge in some of the tastiest cakes and pastries anywhere in Abu Dhabi.
- Open Daily 10.00 AM – 9.00 PM
- Advanced booking required
Le Cafe, The Emirates Palace Hotel, Abu Dhabi Corniche, Al Ras Al Akhdar, Abu Dhabi, +971 2 690 7999
Local, Al Zeina
The perfect place for an early morning caffeine fix. We’re talking seriously strong espresso and expertly made flat whites. If you’re visiting later in the morning, one of their handcrafted paninis, followed by a gooey chocolate brownie, makes the perfect lunch.
- Open daily 7.00 AM -10.00 PM
LOCAL Cafe, Al Zeina Block C, Al Raha Beach, Abu Dhabi +971 2 555 3339
Rain Cafe, Al Nahyan
Serving up Kunafa Cheesecake, Honey Pudding as well as Rose Lattes and Karnak Chai as well as the usual cappuccinos, Rain Cafe has its finger firmly on the Abu Dhabi pulse.
The stylish, yet laid-back cafe is a little sanctuary in the city heat and the perfect place to stop for coffee on your way into the city.
- Open Monday to Friday 7.00 AM – 11.30 PM and Saturdays and Sundays 8.00 AM -12 Midnight
Rain Cafe, Mohammed Bin Khalifa Street, Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi +971 58 161 4461
Shot Cafe, Various Locations
With locations across the city, Shot Speciality Cafe is another great spot to pick up your daily dose of the strong stuff. In addition to the usual hot and iced coffees found in most coffee shops, Shot also serves up bullet coffees and affogato as well as more exotic concoctions like rose and matcha lattes.
There is also a selection of sweets and desserts available – all with a local twist.
- Open daily 7.00 AM-11.00 PM.
Locations include Al Bateen, Galleria Mall and the Al Raha Food Trucks. For more details about Shot Click here.
The Drawing Room, St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort
The drawing room appears on this listing not because of the coffee, which, although excellent, isn’t the major attraction…
This is a coffee shop for those that love their cakes and pastries. The selection of cakes, macaroons, muffins and biscuits on offer is huge, and each is totally delicious. The pastries are baked to perfection and served with high-quality condiments.
Something else that sets The Drawing Room apart is the fantastic service, which really is second to none at this plush 5* resort. The whole experience is topped off by beautiful views across the gardens towards the Arabian Sea beyond.
- Open Daily 8.00 AM – 10.00 PM.
- Advanced booking is advised
The Drawing Room, St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, +971 2 498 8888
There is truly a cafe for every occasion in Abu Dhabi. These are just some of the many wonderful coffee shops across the city. We hope that you enjoy exploring them all!
Before you go… Important things to consider 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.
- Check the most up-to-date COVID entry rules for 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:
Take me back to the best in Abu Dhabi Dining
Please note we are not a travel agency. This site is a travel blog to help newcomers to the UAE self plan their trip, we cannot book your flights, hotels, visas or connections for you. We may make a small commission if you click on any of our hotel or tour recommendation links.
Abu Dhabi Travel Planner
