Best Breakfasts in Abu Dhabi: 20 Places to Start the Day
From heritage Emirati pancakes to French croissants and Mediterranean bowls, Abu Dhabi's breakfast scene spans everything you need to start the day right.
The queue outside Art Market opens early, and by 7.30 the terrace overlooking Yas Bay already has the look of a place where the morning matters. Ethically sourced ingredients, regional coffee roasters, strong opinions about eggs — this is breakfast as commitment. The capital has moved far past the hotel buffet model, though those still have their place. You'll find Michelin-starred heritage cooking, sourdough artisans, and cafés where the coffee is treated with the same care as the pastry. This list ranks the twenty best spots by what they do best: whether it's authenticity, for those seeking real Emirati flavors; accessibility, for the early risers and the busy; or style, for those who want their breakfast to feel like something more than fuel. Most open between 7 and 9 a.m., though a few open earlier and some stay open all day. Book ahead where noted; show up early where crowds gather.
Art Market
Yas Island, Yas Bay Waterfront · Café, coffee, ethically sourced ingredients · 7:30 am–10 pm
French toast with orange zest and cinnamon, organic porridge with coconut, almond butter and berries, and the kind of coffee that deserves a second visit just to taste it again. Equal parts café, concept store, and creative platform, Art Market champions regional roasters and small-batch blends. The outdoor terrace looks onto the water; the mood is quiet enough for focus but never empty.
Erth
Al Hosn, North Parking · Michelin-starred Emirati cuisine · 12 pm–11 pm
Khubz rigag (thin bread with eggs and cheese), and creative twists on international favourites like an Emirati-style French toast drizzled with Sidr honey. Nostalgic and experimental in equal parts, the chefs at Erth make the most of local ingredients to create fabulous plates. Book ahead and come hungry.
Café James
Al Qana and Reem · French-inspired café · 7 am–7 pm
Minimalist aesthetic with fresh menu inspired by French flavours, with dishes like scrambled champignon and croquettes madame alongside their signature shakshuka with spiced meatballs, avocado croissant and hand-made scones. No fuss, no noise, just breakfast done well.
Otaku
Al Gurm Plaza · Japanese café · 8 am–11 pm
Mangrove views, dreamy desserts and Japanese vibes, this Emirati-owned gem serves up those legendary fluffy pancakes (mango soufflé, anyone?), crispy banana katsu, and seriously sippable Spanish lattes. Small, intimate, worth the detour.
Chic Society
Mamsha Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island · Mediterranean café · 8 am–10 pm
Big picture windows looking out onto Saadiyat's white, palm-strewn sands and blue waters, with a minimalist, design-led dining room filled with potted plants and oozing zen. Serves everything from eggs Benedict on a croissant and garlicky Turkish eggs to fluffy banana bread with citrus mascarpone, acai bowls and French toast.
Market at EDITION
Al Bateen, The Abu Dhabi EDITION · Healthy all-day dining · 6 am–11 pm
Breezy all-day dining space specialises in healthy fare, with dishes including rye quinoa and chia porridge, super fruit bowls, chilli scrambled eggs and a range of power boost drinks with turmeric or beet. Marina views from the outdoor space overlooking Al Bateen.
Meylas
Al Muneera Island, Al Rahah · Traditional Emirati · 8:30 am–11 pm
Chefs here are all about recreating tastes and flavours reminiscent of family homes. All-day menu features classics like Mohalla (a traditional sweet flatbread, served with local honey and cheese), Chbaab (traditional pancakes served with date syrup, local honey and cheese) and Khameer (traditional yeast bread served with date syrup, local honey and cheese).
The Lighthouse
Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island · Mediterranean · 7 am–10 pm
Mediterranean-inspired dishes from its sunny terrace at Yas Bay Waterfront and is one of the most popular breakfast restaurants in Abu Dhabi. Healthy options include chia bowls, fruit salad, homemade granola and Turkish eggs. Waterfront views, no pretension.
Sarabeth's
Saadiyat Island · Bakery-café · 8 am–10 pm
Known for its soulful breakfast and brunch offerings, including soufflé pancakes, stacks of sweet treats topped with seasonal fruit, and egg dishes such as Benedicts and omelets. Bakery case, stocked with croissants, muffins, and granola. Customers particularly rave about the French toast and cappuccinos.
Cuiscene at Fairmont Bab Al Bahr
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque area · Breakfast buffet · 6:30 am–10:30 am weekdays, 6:30 am–11 am weekends
Sumptuous breakfast buffet featuring artisanal breads and a variety of international and local cuisine, from freshly baked pastries to live cooking stations. Stunning views of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. AED 129 per person with coffee and juices.
Knead Bakery & Patisserie
Al Nahyan · Bakery and café · 7 am–7 pm
Homegrown bakery and patisserie in Abu Dhabi's Al Nahyan neighbourhood, housed within a converted villa. Serves a tempting array of freshly-made breads and sweet and savoury bakes and pastries from its specialist bakery, alongside breakfast, salads, and pasta dishes.
Keki
Al Bateen · Japanese bakery · 9 am–1 am
Small Japanese bakery easy to miss, but you definitely want to make a stop. Step inside for breakfast and you'll immediately be hit with the incredible smell of pastries mid-bake. Intimate space, with just a few places to sit and a long display case filled with croissants, quiches, pastries, and Japanese cheesecakes.
Al Danah · All-day café · 8 am–10 pm
stockLocal and expat favorite in the Al Danah area of Abu Dhabi. Famous for its extensive breakfast offerings, and it is open all day. Ideal place to have a relaxed breakfast. Casual, reliable, no surprises—just good coffee and proper food.
Denny's
Abu Dhabi Mall, Tourist Club Area · 24-hour diner · Open 24 hours
Serving its signature slams, burgers and sandwiches for more than 60 years. Breakfast treats at Denny's include waffles, Moons Over My Hammy, scrambled eggs, Avo toast, a grand slamwich and much more. Open 24 hours, this is one of the most versatile breakfast restaurants in Abu Dhabi, perfect for early risers or night owls.
Olea
Saadiyat Island, The St. Regis · Mediterranean all-day dining · 6:30 am–10:30 am breakfast
Mediterranean-influenced all-day dining venue at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, offering a luxurious breakfast experience. Elegant setting with panoramic ocean views, provides both indoor and alfresco seating. Live cooking stations serve a variety of Mediterranean dishes, including signature waffles, pancakes, French toast, and fresh seafood.
Aqua at Rosewood Abu Dhabi
Saadiyat Island, Rosewood Abu Dhabi · All-day dining · 6 am–10:30 am
Variety of global cuisines and live cooking stations offering freshly baked pastries, artisan bread, vibrant fruit platters, and savory hot dishes. Don't miss the doughnut wall and made-to-order omelettes, pancakes, and waffles. Every plate comes to the table fresh.
Lebanon Flower Bakery
Multiple locations · Lebanese bakery · 6 am–11 pm
Beloved bakery specializes in manakish, the delicious Arabic cheesy bread that has become a local favorite. Menu also features an enticing selection of cakes, pastries, lamb rolls, and shawarma. Locals often flock to the bakery in the early morning to purchase pastries for breakfast.
Multiple locations (Nadja, Al Khalidiya, Al Dhafrah) · Bakery · 6 am–10 pm
stockAlmost 40 different manakish to choose from including tuna, Nutella and banana, labneh and cucumber. Of course, there are loads of cheese choices as well. Fresh, always busy, and worth the wait for the warm bread.
Jones the Grocer
Multiple locations, Khalifa City · Gourmet café · 7 am–8 pm
Gourmet breakfast experience featuring artisanal breads, eggs cooked to perfection, and a variety of coffee blends. Known for its high-quality ingredients and stylish ambiance. An Australian chain that understands what a good morning requires.
Love Vibe Café
Khalifa City · Quick-service healthy café · 7 am–6 pm
Quick service without compromising food quality. Food is consistently fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. You can walk in, order, and enjoy a delicious breakfast in under 30 minutes. For those who need to eat and run but refuse to compromise.
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