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
1. % Arabica, Al Bateen
The renowned Japanese-owned global chain has several branches in Abu Dhabi, including our favourite in Al Bateen. The large, open-plan space is perfect for clearing your mind or organising 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 until 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.
2. Alkalime, Mamsha Al Saadiyat
Sitting on the Al Mamsha beachfront promenade, Alkalime is a great choice for vegans, lactose intolerant, and non-vegans looking for a healthy option.
The beautiful Saadiyat beachfront cafe, or ‘wellness restaurant,’ serves premium beans topped with a choice of almond, coconut, or soya milk. Various vegan and refined sugar-free cakes and desserts are also 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
- Learn more at wearealkalime.com
3. Blacksmith Coffee Company, NYU
Ethically sourced beans focused on sustainability are this cafe’s headliners. The coffee tastes good, the staff are friendly, and the atmosphere allows for quiet work and friendly get-togethers, making it incredibly popular with University staff and students and 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
- Learn more, including workshop information at blacksmith.ae
4. 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
- Learn more at thecoffeearchitecture.com
5. Joud Coffee, Al Bateen
A long-standing Abu Dhabi favourite now has new premises in locations including 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 why you visit Joud, but you will be tempted by the delicious menu, including breakfast quesadillas, filled croissants, and 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 don’t table-hog 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
- Learn about Joud Coffee’s locations across the city at joudcafe.com
6. 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 sets it apart is that your morning cappuccino comes topped with real gold!
If drinking the glitzy stuff doesn’t pull you in, having coffee at this magnificent 5-star hotel allows you 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
7. Local, Al Zeina
This is 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.
However, the secret is out on this hidden suburban gem. Parking out front is tight, and table availability can be sparse. They’ve now doubled the shop’s size to accommodate guests indoors and outdoors. Gents can also get a shave at the attached barbershop.
- Open daily 7.00 AM -10.00 PM
- LOCAL Cafe, Al Zeina Block C, Al Raha Beach, Abu Dhabi +971 2 555 3339
- Now also open at Al Mamsha on Saadiyat Beach – Learn more at
8. Rain Cafe, Al Nahyan
Serving Kunafa Cheesecake, Honey Pudding, Rose Lattes, Karnak Chai, and 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.
Recent years have seen this local favourite expand substantially, with branches now also in Yas Mall, on the Corniche, Hudayriyat Island, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Baiyas Tower, and in Al Ain. This utterly instagrammable cafe is quickly becoming an Abu Dhabi staple!
- 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
- See all branch locations and learn more here
9. 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.
- Learn more at shot.ae
10. 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 who 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 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 café for every occasion in Abu Dhabi. These are just some of the many wonderful coffee shops across the city that really stand out for their masterful brewing and brilliant settings. We hope that you enjoy exploring them all!
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 and 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.
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