Who wouldn’t like to explore new and unusual coffee shops in Abu Dhabi? There are many hidden gems and unique cafes in Abu Dhabi. If you’re the kind of person who likes to try new, cool, and quirky cafes, then you should visit the top 8 unique cafes we have been to this year. We have visited all 8 coffee shops and ranked them to make it easier for you:
1. The Espresso Lab
For you to have the best combination of culture and coffee, the best coffee shop in Abu Dhabi is The Espresso Lab. Located on Abu Dhabi’s oldest landmark, The Espresso Lab is suitable for people who like to enjoy their coffee with a view and spend time with great people. It has a small indoor space but is considered one of the outdoor coffee shops in Abu Dhabi and has a spectacular view of Abu Dhabi’s skyscrapers during sunset. It’s usually very busy from 5-9 PM so if you prefer a quiet, relaxing time we recommend you visit in the morning. Their specialty coffee includes a different variety from cold drip and Fika, to Affogato. You should try the traditional Emirati dessert which was an impeccable combination with their cold drip coffee. Their staff are really sweet and passionate about what they are doing. After finishing the great coffee, you could go and have a look at the Qasr Al Hosn landmark nearby which is only a 2 minute walk from The Espresso Lab.
Location: Qasr Al Hosn, Abu Dhabi
Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 10:00 PM
2. Breath Cafe
If you are looking for a place to relax and feel calm, maybe accidentally step into a flower garden, then Breath Cafe is the best option for you. It is one of the well-known coffee shops in Abu Dhabi where you can simultaneously be indoors and outdoors. The interior design of this coffee shop is filled with flowers, but the exterior is a bright blue color that just draws you in. Their coffee tastes really good which is suitable with their wide range of desserts. Even if it’s a café, they have got really good food that is different from any others. They are known for their amazing breakfast and you should try it when you want to have a relaxing morning in a garden. Their prices are really affordable for such good food and drinks compared to other coffee shops that over exaggerate. The staff of the coffee shop were so friendly and welcoming. The best time to visit is in the morning 10 AM or 5 pm.
Location: Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan St.
Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 11:00 PM
3. Forever Rose Cafe
Forever Rose is a unique café in Abu Dhabi that is located between the old and new buildings of Galleria mall. The theme of the coffee shop is designed with 2D illustrations. Forever Rose Café’s menu includes a variety of coffees, desserts, and some small croissants. The prices are reasonable compared to other popular cafes. It was a unique experience visiting this café because we felt we were in another dimension. It is a quick get away from reality and not to mention, the environment of the place is inspirational and elicits such happiness because the walls were covered in portraits of Sheikh Zayed. The entire décor of the café, the cups, and even the plates is instagrammable. We recommend you visit Forever Rose Café as soon as possible to enter another dimension and try something new.
Location: The Galleria Level 2, Al Maryah Island
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
4. Boomah- The Owl Cafe
Did it ever cross your mind to have coffee with an owl? Well Boomah café in Abu Dhabi gives you this unusual experience. You can have coffee while watching the various types of owls in a second room separated by a glass wall or you can go in and pet the owls. The café itself was actually quite small where the tables were closely located but the atmosphere was comfy and makes you feel at home. The owl enclosure contains a “shelf” on which the owls sit on, and you can go in after paying an extra fee of 70 Dhs. They give you a small tour about the types of owls, they also let you pet them and take as many photos as you like. It was quite bustling with activity and the staff seemed a little overwhelmed which is understandable since they’re still in their soft opening.
Location: The Walk Al Seef, Abu Dhabi
Opening Hours: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
5. Bloom Room Cafe and Flowers
Bloom Room Cafe and Flowers is a new concept in Abu Dhabi. We think Bloom Room would be the go-to place for coffee and flower lovers in 2020. It elicits an elegant ambience with their dusty rose seats, and marble stairs that takes you to an underground flower shop. They create beautiful flower arrangements using seasonal flowers that are ready to be bought. Enjoy the floral scent with a cup of coffee and pair it with any of their freshly baked homemade desserts. You should try their Rahash cookies with your coffee, and their peanut butter hot chocolate is a favorite of customers. If you do pass by, their Signature Avolato ice cream is a must try, it’s the perfect creamy way to end your Bloom Room experience. But you should keep going back because soon enough they’re going to host different workshops for you try out.
Location: Hazza Bin Zayed the First St – Abu Dhabi
Opening Hours: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM
6. Unicorn Cafe
Whoever says that unicorns are a fantasy sorry but that’s not true. Unicorn Cafe is one of the unique coffee shops in Abu Dhabi that many people like to visit. It’s a small, cozy coffee shop. They are famous for their unicorn shaped cakes and coffee which is truly an instagrammable, fairy tale kind of café. For people who love the sweet taste of coffee, you will definitely enjoy this unique coffee shop in Abu Dhabi. However, since the place is small it can be crowded at certain times. We recommend visiting in the morning or before 7 PM. You must visit Unicorn Café this year where you will be transported to an alternate universe.
Location: Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan St. – Abu Dhabi
Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
7. Local
Who knew you could have a cup of coffee, get a haircut, and shop for exclusive sneakers all in one place? Local is a cool concept and unique coffee shop located in the heart of Al Zeina Complex in Abu Dhabi. This is the trendy new spot that you should visit if you want to try a cool new concept. This new favorite local coffee shop provides an urban yet cozy feeling decorated with Persian rugs and plants. The staff was friendly and there was this overall open atmosphere that makes it a good reading spot for you to get comfortable with your cup of coffee. Needless to say, it is also the perfect place to work if you have some catching up to do. If you like custard filled donuts, then Local’s freshly baked donuts are a must try with your coffee- there’s vanilla and chocolate filling.
Location: Al Zeina Complex
Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
8. Oud Cafe
An authentic coffee shop near Al Wahda Mall, it is one of the hidden cafes in Abu Dhabi and is located right in the middle. What makes Oud café special? Their signature coffee and desserts suits everyone’s tastes because they let us easily customize our coffee. The desserts elevated our visit to another level because it was creatively served to us where they melted the chocolate and assembled the dish right in front of us. It was truly satisfying and became the best Snapchat video we ever filmed. The décor of the café is very eye-catching. There’s a pleasant and homey atmosphere with a long Arabic seating area and small tables that are comfortable. However, it was disappointing that there was no live oud playing in the background, but they did play modern Arabic music. In hindsight, their service was excellent and fast, and the staff were very cheerful.
Location: Al Wahda – Sultan Bin Zayed the First St
Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Choose one of the cafes and begin visiting Abu Dhabi’s hidden gems!