15 Best Cafes in Abu Dhabi: Hidden Gems for Work & Leisure (2025)
Abu Dhabi’s café scene has grown steadily over the past few years. What was once limited to hotel lounges and international chains has now expanded into a wide mix of independent coffee shops, roasteries, and lifestyle cafés. These cafés offer a space to work, meet, or simply take a break.
For remote workers, freelancers, and students, many cafés now provide reliable Wi-Fi, quiet seating areas, and a relaxed environment. At the same time, others are designed for social gatherings, offering views, creative interiors, and all-day dining menus.
In this guide, we list 15 cafés in Abu Dhabi that stand out for both work and leisure. These include hidden spots that locals prefer and new places that expats are beginning to discover.
Best Cafes in Abu Dhabi for Coffee Lovers
Abu Dhabi offers a growing number of cafés that focus on high-quality coffee. These cafés are known for their attention to brewing methods, bean origins, and customer experience. The following options are ideal for those who enjoy carefully prepared coffee in well-designed spaces.
1. % Arabica
% Arabica is a well-known Japanese coffee brand with a branch near the Corniche in Abu Dhabi. The café uses beans sourced from around the world and roasts them in-house. It is popular for its high standards in espresso and pour-over brewing.
The interior follows a clean and open design, with large windows and natural light. Seating is limited but comfortable. The location near the Corniche makes it easy to visit for a quick coffee or a short break during a walk or cycle in the area.
2. Blacksmith Coffee Company
Located in Al Reem Island, Blacksmith Coffee Company focuses on specialty coffee. It uses single-origin beans and offers a variety of manual brewing methods, including Chemex and V60. The space is designed with a simple, clean layout and neutral colours.
The Blacksmith Coffee Company is often quiet during the day, which makes it suitable for individuals who want to enjoy coffee without distraction. The café also offers basic food options, such as sandwiches and pastries, which are prepared fresh on-site.
3. Elixir Bunn Coffee Roasters
Elixir Bunn is based in Al Nahyan and is known for its strong focus on roasting. The café roasts its own beans and offers detailed information about their origin, flavour profile, and roast level. Customers can choose from a variety of espresso-based drinks or try filter coffee options.
The seating area is small but functional, and the staff are knowledgeable about the coffee process. This café is often visited by people who have a strong interest in coffee and want to explore different brews.
4. Art House Café
Art House Café is located near the Corniche and is part of the Etihad Modern Art Gallery. It is known for its artistic interior, which features furniture made from reused materials and walls covered in artwork. The café serves a standard range of coffee drinks, including espresso, cappuccino, and iced options.
While the focus is not solely on specialty coffee, the drinks are well-prepared and consistent. The location also includes indoor and outdoor seating, which makes it suitable for both work and relaxation. Its position near the Corniche makes it a convenient stop for tourists and residents alike.
Best Cafes to Work in Abu Dhabi
Some cafés in Abu Dhabi are designed to support people who need a quiet space to work or study. These cafés provide reliable Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, and a calm atmosphere. Many of them also offer power outlets and a menu suitable for longer stays.
5. Cloud 9 Cafe
Cloud 9 Cafe is located in Marsa Al Bateen Marina. It is known for its peaceful setting and scenic view of the boats and water. The café includes both indoor and outdoor seating. The indoor space is quiet during the day, which makes it suitable for work or study.
Tables are spaced out to provide privacy, and Wi-Fi is available throughout the area. Power sockets are also placed near several seats. The menu includes coffee, fresh juices, and simple food items such as salads and sandwiches.
6. Café 302
Café 302 is located inside Al Maha Arjaan by Rotana in the city centre. It is popular among professionals and remote workers because of its layout, which includes booth seating, large tables, and soft lighting.
The café offers stable Wi-Fi and several charging points. Its menu focuses on healthy options, including vegan and gluten-free meals, which makes it a good place to stay for longer hours. It also opens early, which suits those who prefer to start work in the morning.
7. Brunch & Cake
Brunch & Cake has a branch in Al Bateen. The space is open, bright, and includes both communal and private seating areas. It is often used by people looking for a relaxed place to work on laptops or meet in small groups.
The café has Wi-Fi and some plug points, though it can get busy during peak meal times. The menu offers all-day breakfast, light meals, and drinks. The furniture is comfortable for extended use, and the large windows give the café a lot of natural light.
8. Third Place Cafe
Third Place Cafe is located near the Corniche, close to the beach area. It has a quiet and friendly environment and is popular with students, remote workers, and small business owners.
The café includes several tables with access to power outlets, free Wi-Fi, and a selection of hot and cold drinks. It also offers basic food items such as wraps, pastries, and salads. The name “Third Place” refers to its goal of being a place outside of home and office where people can spend time and get work done.
Hidden Gems Inside Abu Dhabi Malls
Several cafés inside Abu Dhabi’s shopping malls offer more than just convenience. These cafés are located in busy retail spaces but still provide a quiet and comfortable environment for short breaks, light work, or social meetings.
9. % Arabica (Galleria Mall)
This branch of % Arabica is located in The Galleria Al Maryah Island. It has a clean, open design and overlooks the waterfront promenade. The café includes seating both indoors and outdoors, with direct views of the water and city skyline.
Coffee is prepared using single-origin beans, and the menu includes espresso-based drinks and manual brew options. The location is ideal for people visiting the mall who want a quiet place for coffee or a short work session.
10. Caffè Nero (Nation Towers Mall)
Caffè Nero inside Nation Towers Mall provides a calm and practical space for working or reading. The seating layout includes individual tables and corner booths that offer more privacy. Wi-Fi is available and reliable, and the café has several plug points for charging devices.
The drink menu includes a range of coffee, tea, and cold beverages, along with pastries and sandwiches. It is located on a quieter floor of the mall, away from heavy foot traffic, which helps keep noise levels low.
11. Fix Dessert Chocolatier (Abu Dhabi Mall)
Fix Dessert Chocolatier is found in Abu Dhabi Mall and is known for its selection of sweets and drinks. While smaller than most cafés, it provides a neat space for short meetups or casual breaks during shopping.
Seating is available for small groups, and the area is generally quiet on weekdays. The menu includes hot chocolate, coffee, milkshakes, and plated desserts. It is not mainly used for work, but the relaxed environment can suit quick laptop use or short planning sessions.
12. Forever Rose Cafe (The Galleria)
Forever Rose Café is located in The Galleria and stands out for its floral and black-and-white themed interior. The décor includes floral arrangements, wall art, and elegant table settings. The café offers a wide range of food and drink items, including afternoon tea sets, desserts, coffee, and non-caffeinated drinks.
Although it is mainly visited for leisure, the seating is comfortable and quiet during off-peak hours, which makes it suitable for one-on-one meetings or relaxed conversations.
Cafes with a View or Unique Ambience
Some cafés in Abu Dhabi stand out because of their location or design. These places also provide an experience. Whether it’s a view of the water, a quiet outdoor setting, or a cultural space, these cafés attract people who want something different.
13. Louvre Abu Dhabi Café
The café inside Louvre Abu Dhabi is located in the museum’s public space. It is open to visitors and does not require a museum ticket to enter. The setting is calm and artistic, with furniture and decor that match the modern design of the museum.
The café has indoor seating and outdoor tables that face the sea. It serves coffee, tea, juices, and a small menu of light food options. Many people visit for a short break after walking through the museum, but it can also be a quiet place for reflection or light reading.
14. Café Mandarina
Café Mandarina is located at Al Rahba, on the Mandara Equestrian Club property, about 30 minutes outside the city centre. It is known for its open-air setting and connection to the farm and horse stables.
The café follows a farm-to-table approach and uses fresh ingredients in its food and drinks. It includes outdoor seating with views of the farm, making it suitable for those who want to spend time in a natural environment. Wi-Fi is available, and the atmosphere is usually quiet during mornings and early afternoons.
15. Joe & The Juice
Joe & The Juice is located in the Al Dana area near Aldar HQ, one of Abu Dhabi’s most recognisable office buildings. The café is modern and efficient, serving coffee, smoothies, and light food items such as sandwiches and bowls.
Joe & The Juice has a sleek interior with bar seating and high tables, which appeals to office workers and people in the area. The café includes fast Wi-Fi and a layout that allows for quick stops or short work sessions. It is often used by professionals who work in or around the Aldar HQ building.
Final Thoughts on Finding the Best Cafe in Abu Dhabi
Choosing the best cafe in Abu Dhabi depends on your purpose; some people need a quiet space to work, while others look for a place to relax or meet friends. Across the city, cafés offer different settings, from waterfront views to creative interiors and farm-style environments.
As the café culture in Abu Dhabi continues to grow, more places are offering a balance between good service, comfortable seating, and reliable internet. We hope this guide helps you find a spot that suits your routine; whether for work, a short break, or a weekend visit.