Unique coffee shops in Abu Dhabi

The food scene at Abu Dhabi is buzzing with unique café concepts. And for good reason. The charming cosiness of cafes has made it more than just a place to sip on your favourite brew. But there are certain coffee shop in Abu Dhabi that offers something more—places where you can make memories with the people you care about most. The capital city has several coffee hangouts where the experience itself is as interesting as the menu. So, without further ado, here are some unique coffee shops in Abu Dhabi that are a bit different from your usual hangouts.

Dose

The first thing you notice when you step into Dose is the molecular formulas written on the polished floor. If this doesn’t entrance you, then the tube-shaped neon signs on top of the counter are enough to make you stop in awe and realize how unique this coffee shop in Abu Dhabi truly is. A perfect Instagrammable hangout, Dose exudes some serious industrial vibes thanks to the luminous lighting and décor. And the food is just as good too. For a truly extraordinary dining experience, skip your regular brew for the café’s best-seller, the Japanese Hot Latte.

• Location: Opposite Zayed University, Dalma Street, Al Wahda – Abu Dhabi
• Contact: +971-02-441-9888
• Opening hours: 07:00 am to 12:00 pm

LOCAL

Fancy a trim before you tuck into a cup of steaming coffee? Visit LOCAL, a café that also comes in a close second on our list of unique coffee shops in Abu Dhabi. It’s a men’s barbershop, a streetwear store and a speciality café all rolled into one. With all the extra perks, you might think that they skimp on quality. But that’s not the case. Every cup of the caffeinated beverage is made with freshly roasted coffee beans made by trained baristas.

• Location: Al Zeina, Near Al Raha Beach, Al Raha – Abu Dhabi
• Contact: +971-02-555-3339
• Opening hours: 07:00 am to 10:00 pm

No. Fifty Seven Boutique Café

Coming up next on our picks of interesting coffee shops in Abu Dhabi is the No. Fifty Seven Boutique Café. With an ambience as unique as its name, this particular Abu Dhabi cafe is a popular hangout for hipsters, socialites, and foodies alike. The café has a firm belief that “the style of a space influences how people feel” and it shows in everything — from the wire baskets to the candles, terrariums and wooden furniture. An ideal place for anyone who wants to sip in style, N. Fifty Seven offers the perfect option for anyone looking for coffee places that are a bit out of the norm.

• Location: Building 2, A Marasy, behind ADIB, Al Bateen – Abu Dhabi
• Contact: +971-02-304-8106
• Opening hours: 09:00 am to 10:30 pm

The Art House Café

Art lovers rejoice! Eccentric and colourful, the décor at the Art House Café truly exemplifies what it is all about. Let’s just say that if you are having trouble getting those creative juices flowing, this is the place to be. Everything thing here has been repurposed to fit the theme of the café — from old suitcases that have been remodelled to add a unique decorative touch to a lamp held up by steam pipes. Art enthusiasts will also be delighted to see mural paintings of animals on the tiled floor. If your inner Picasso is calling out, they also provide plates which you can paint on, while waiting for your cup of joe!

• Location: Villa 15, Al Huwelat Street (Behind Al Bateen Mall) – Abu Dhabi
• Contact: +971-2-666-0175
• Opening hours: 09:00 am to 11:30 pm

% Arabica

Don’t be fooled by the name. While % Arabica sounds like a Middle Eastern brand, it actually originates from Kyoto. And that becomes clear once you step inside, from the cosy capsules or cabins where you can sip on a “cuppa” in peace to the Japanese coffee bags displayed floor to ceiling. The place also sells coffee beans, which is great if you would rather have the same experience at home. With a wide selection of coffees and an ambience that promotes privacy, % Arabica is truly one of the most unique coffee shops in Abu Dhabi. 

• Location: Marina Side, opposite Switch, Marsa Al Bateen, Al Bateen district – Abu Dhabi
• Contact: +971-2-634-1333
• Opening hours: 08:00 am to 12:00 pm (Sunday to Wednesday) | 08:00 am to 01:00 am (Thursday to Saturday)

Al Ulya Portuguese Café

For a taste of Portuguese cuisine and hospitality, head to the Al Ulya Portuguese Café. The logo of the cafe represents the roof of the market of Loule, an old name for Al Ulya which was a southern Portuguese city that was under Arab occupation during the Middle Ages. In addition to the historic vibes, the food at this eatery is unique for anyone who has never tried Portuguese food — from the Francesinha sandwich to traditional sweets. 

• Location: Al Ramlah Street, Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi
• Contact: +971-583-8727
• Opening hours: 07:00 am to 11:00 pm | 08:00 am to 12:00 am

Switch

The first thing you notice about Switch is the décor. Stepping into Switch feels like entering the mess hall of a futuristic space vehicle — from the curvy grey walls to the modern minimalistic furniture. Of course, patrons can always enjoy their choice of food and hot beverages on the terrace facing the Bateen Marina too. 

• Location: Unit 3, Al Bateen Wharf Retail and East Marina, Near Central Bank, Marsa – Abu Dhabi
• Contact: +971-02-556-5556
• Opening hours: 10:00 am to 01:00 am

Keki Japanese Bakery

From cute Studio Ghibli-inspired, Totoro shaped buns to authentic Japanese lighter-than-air cakes with the signature Keki stamp — this Japanese patisserie deserves a spot on our list of unique cafes in Abu Dhabi. Do try their rainbow mocha cake or macha roll. If you haven’t tried these traditional sweets before, we guarantee the experience will be worth it. Also, if the kawaii (Japanese for cute) décor and food isn’t enough to make your visit, their hot beverages will. Delicious lattes are decorated with colourful cherry blossom art and tea here is served in clear glass flasks. The place already has a regular flow of loyal patrons and you will become one of them too after spending time here. 

• Location: Gate No. 1, Al Bateen Park, Al Bateen – Abu Dhabi
• Contact: +971-2-309-3999
• Opening hours: 08:30 am to 11:00 pm

Blacksmith Coffee, Abu Dhabi

A favourite haunt for students at New York University Abu Dhabi, Blacksmith Coffee is a modern café with a Scandinavian twist, which is apparent from the décor. Coffee beans here are sourced from Kenya, Guatemala, Ethiopia and other countries, so you can count on having the best experience. A one-stop café where you can grab some healthy bites and coffee made from freshly ground beans, Blacksmith Coffee is a great coffee shop in Abu Dhabi to hang out with friends.

• Location: NYU Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
• Contact: +971-02-650-1881
• Opening hours: 08:00 am to 10:00 pm | 09:00 am to 08:00 pm (Friday) | 09:00 am to 10:00 pm (Saturday)

That’s all for our review of the most unique coffee shops in Abu Dhabi. For more options, check out our recommendations for the best coffee shops in Abu Dhabi. If you like to accompany a cup of hot coffee with something sweet, visit any of the many cake shops in Abu Dhabi too. MyBayut’s picks for best coffee shops in Dubai will also come in handy if you reside or plan to visit the emirate.