Enjoy fabulous food at the best restaurants in Al Ain
When it comes to restaurants in the UAE, we often think bigger cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the go-to destinations for food connoisseurs. But very few of us know that the quiet city of Al Ain is budding with a medley of eateries worth exploring. Promising a gastronomic adventure, these top restaurants in Al Ain offer unique flavours for discerning foodies.
Top Restaurants in Al Ain
From traditional Indian restaurants in Al Ain to cosy cafes, there’s plenty to love about the dining options in this serene oasis. Therefore, finding a good restaurant in Al Ain is not difficult anymore. Here are the top Al Ain restaurants that promise to take you on an unforgettable culinary adventure.
Al Dallah Al Shameyah Restaurant & Café
Al Dallah Al Shameyah Restaurant and Café is a sought-after restaurant in Al Ain that features an eclectic mix of authentic Syrian and western delicacies. It offers indoor and exquisite outdoor dining areas with a special kids’ play area.
The expansive menu has everything from soups and salads to charcoal grilled meats, curries, pan dishes, hanging skewers and manakeesh to name a few. Pair your favourite from the menu with a refreshing beverage and add a shisha session for the ultimate get-together.
- Cuisine: Syrian
- Average price for two: AED 150
- Opening hours: 11:00 am to 02:00 am
- Location: Behind Bint Al Nour Centre, Ain Al Faydah
- Contact: +971-3-722-8199
SOLIDAIRE
Living up to its ‘Heritage with a Twist’ tagline, Solidaire Al Ain combines antique elements with modern aesthetics into its interiors. This blend extends into their menu as well.
Absorbing the Middle Eastern culture while often adding a Mediterranean touch, this Al Ain restaurant boasts a variety of Levantine food on its menu. If you are up for trying something new, try their Soret Ouzi, a dish made of baked dough stuffed with spiced rice and shredded lamb meat.
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Average price for two: AED 175
- Opening hours: 10:00 am to 01:00 am (Al Hili Mall) | 09:00 am to 01:00 am (Al Jimi Mall)
- Location: Level 1, Hili Mall, Al Hili | Behind Al Jimi Mall, ADIB, Al Jimi
- Contact: +971-3-765-0600 (Al Hili) | +971-3-766-2800 (Al Jimi)
Coriander Restaurant
Coriander Restaurant in Al Ain invites you on a culinary journey to experience the rich flavours of sub-continental cuisines in India.
Blending intricate ingredients into traditional recipes, the restaurant never fails to present its patrons with authentic Indian delicacies. Cooked with a perfect amalgamation of flavours and fragrances, the crispy okra, seafood biryani, butter chicken and lamb kebabs offer Indian cuisine lovers a deeply gratifying experience.
- Cuisine: Indian
- Average price for two: AED 185
- Opening hours: 11:30 am to 12:00 am
- Location: Ground floor, Entrance no. 5, Al Bawadi Mall, Zayed Bin Sultan Street, Al Khrair
- Contact: +971-3-785-0500
Tanjore
If you are looking for fine dining restaurants in Al Ain, there is a good chance you will narrow down the search to Tanjore, located at Danat Al Ain Resort. While it has been around in the food industry for over three decades, this luxury dining option in Al Ain has won numerous awards and the loyalty of countless guests.
Essentially Indian, the restaurant turns up the nostalgia with the folk-inspired décor that includes antique-style pottery, intricate Moroccan lamps and ethnic upholstery and wall art.
You can devour sub-continental specialities, such as tangy Tandoori fish tikka, fiery chicken Chettinad curry, or eggplants simmered in thick peanut-based sauce, prepared on traditional tandoori clay ovens.
- Cuisine: Indian
- Average price for two: AED 200
- Opening hours: 01:00 pm to 11:00 pm
- Location: Level 3, Danat Al Ain Resort, Al Sarooj – Al Ain
- Contact: +971-3-704-6000
IL FORNO
If you’re on the lookout for an Italian restaurant in Al Ain, head over to Il Forno to enjoy scrumptious delicacies from various parts of Italy. From antipasti to paninis, zuppe, pizza and pasta, there’s an impressive lineup of tempting dishes on the menu.
- Cuisine: Italian
- Average price for two: AED 140
- Opening hours: 01:00 pm to 12:00 am
- Location: Food Court, First Floor, Al Jimi Mall, Al Jimi
- Contact: +971-3-763-9900
India Palace
Another royal addition to the slew of Indian restaurants in Al Ain is India Palace. It is not just an exquisite dining option for Indian expats but a much wider segment that includes UAE nationals who enjoy various gourmet offerings there.
Apart from the delicious taste, India Palace Al Ain is also known for its exemplary service. A few highlights from this Indian restaurant in Al Ain include Coorg-style biryani, cheese-stuffed seekh kebabs and deep-fried milk dumplings called gulab jamun.
- Cuisine: Seafood and Indian
- Average price for two: AED 170
- Opening hours: 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm
- Location: Town Square, Salahuddin Ayub Street, Town Centre – Al Ain
- Contact: +971-3-766-6545
The Coffee Club
An Australian concept, The Coffee Club is more than a café where people come for a caffeine fix. While offering a cosy, unpretentious atmosphere, it boasts wholesome meals – from healthy options to downright indulgent varieties available all day. This makes The Coffee Club one of the unique restaurants in Al Ain.
Their menu also features signature Middle Eastern ingredients that locals enjoy, such as Arabian breakfast, sumac chicken salad and za’atar grilled chicken.
- Cuisine: International
- Average price for two: AED 200
- Opening hours: Depends on the branch
- Location: Ground floor Al Jimi Mall – Al Ain | Al Bawadi Mall
- Contact: +971-3-784-0771 | +971-3-722-7151
Pizza Di Rocco
If traditional-style gourmet pizza piques your interest, drop by Pizza Di Rocco. From classics like Margherita and Formaggi to the artisanal varieties, these hand-tossed pizzas are crafted with homemade ingredients and baked in a cupola-style traditional oven.
Vegan pizza options are also available. This popular Italian restaurant in Al Ain has a tempting selection of starters, pasta dishes, and a few beloved Italian desserts, such as tiramisu and Dulce de leche cheesecake.
- Cuisine: Italian
- Average price for two: AED 180
- Opening hours: 11:00 am to 01:00 am
- Location: Hamdan Bin Mohammad Street, Al Towayya
- Contact: +971-3-762-3533
PizzaExpress
For an irresistible Italian experience, a visit to PizzaExpress Al Ain comes highly recommended. Although it is located in a mall, this fast-food restaurant in Al Ain has successfully established its own individual vibe with intriguing wall art and intelligent use of space.
While it is the pizza varieties that draw hungry shoppers, they will be tempted to start off with an interesting selection of appetisers like calamari, baked mushrooms and grilled halloumi cheese.
- Cuisine: Italian
- Average price for two: AED 235
- Opening hours: 11:00 am to 11:30 pm
- Location: Al Ain Mall, Othman Bin Affan Street, Kuwaitat
- Contact: +971-3-762-3533
NANDO’S
Sink your teeth into some of the most delicious and juiciest Portuguese-style grilled chicken at Nando’s. Topped with their signature spices and lip-smacking sauces, Nando’s is one of the most popular restaurants in Al Ain. Enjoy the menu classics along with your favourite beverage.
- Cuisine: Portuguese, African
- Average price for two: AED 200
- Opening hours: 11:00 am to 12:00 am
- Location: Level 1, Al Ain Mall, Othman Bin Affan Street, Al Murabaa, Kuwaitat
- Contact: 600-542-525
FAQs
What are some of the best cafes in Al Ain?
Trachy Cafe, Cafe Nero, Cafe Du Roi, PappaRoti and Hash Cafe are some popular cafes in Al Ain. These cafes are the ideal hotspot for freshly brewed tea or coffee paired with delicious desert or savouries.
Which restaurants have the best pizza in Al Ain?
Pizza Express is one of the highest-rated pizza places in Al Ain. However, there are other options as well, such as Vapiano, Italian Pizza, Crust Pizza & More, Pizza Di Rocco and Ayla Restaurant.
This completes our list of best restaurants in Al Ain, where you can grab a tasty bite from an assortment of cuisines. If you are travelling up to the northernmost city of the UAE, do not forget to check out our top picks for restaurants in RAK.
Staying in Dubai and are on a budget? Look at this list of affordable restaurants in Dubai that fit every budget. From upscale to budget-friendly, we have also compiled a variety of restaurants in Sharjah that satisfy the discerning palate of every foodie.
