15 Best Cafes in Abu Dhabi: Hidden Gems for Work & Leisure (2026)
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.
1. Sandersons
Location: Andalus Al Seef Resort & Spa
Sandersons is a bright, breezy café offering a tranquil escape with its Mediterranean-inspired design and garden-style terrace. With sunlit interiors, neutral tones, soft woods, and tropical greenery, it’s the kind of place that instantly calms you.
The menu focuses on wholesome, nourishing dishes made from fresh, sustainably sourced ingredients. You’ll find a globally inspired selection, from Aussie-style smashed avo and acai bowls to Middle Eastern lamb koftas, gourmet burgers, and hearty salads. Their speciality coffee, detox juices, and guilt-free desserts round out the experience, making Sandersons the best cafe in Abu Dhabi for health-conscious foodies and café culture lovers alike.
2. Blacksmith Coffee Company
Location: Souq Al Mina
Blacksmith Coffee Company specialises in speciality 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. Milestones Coffee
Location: Abu Dhabi Mall
Milestones Coffee is a speciality café born in the UAE, known for its beautifully roasted beans and passion for creating a refined yet relaxing coffee experience. From hand-brewed V60S and bold espresso shots to creamy lattes, everything is crafted with care. The menu also includes pastries and light bites that complement the coffee without overpowering it.
This is the kind of café that invites you to linger. Whether you’re working remotely or catching up with a friend, the interiors are cosy and bright, with comfortable seating and a calming atmosphere.
4. Art House Café
Location: Al Bateen
Art House Café is have artistic interior, featuring furniture made from reclaimed 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 speciality coffee, the drinks are well-prepared and consistent. The location also offers indoor and outdoor seating, making it suitable for both work and relaxation. Its position near the Corniche makes it a convenient stop for tourists and residents alike.
5. Cloud 9 Cafe
Location: Marsa Al Bateen Marina
Cloud 9 Cafe 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 the best cafe to work in Abu Dhabi.
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
Location: Al Maha Arjaan by Rotana
Café 302 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. Juan Valdez Café
Location: Abu Dhabi Mall
Juan Valdez Café brings a piece of Colombian coffee heritage to the UAE, offering 100% Colombian Arabica beans that are bold, aromatic, and deeply satisfying. The drinks range from velvety cappuccinos and cold brews to rich espresso-based options, all served with attention to origin and flavour.
It's a must-visit for coffee lovers looking to explore beyond the usual blends, with light bites and pastries available to round out the perfect sit-down experience.
8. Third Place Cafe
Location: Corniche Road
Third Place Cafe is 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.
9. % Arabica
Location: The Galleria Al Maryah Island
It has a clean, open design and overlooks the waterfront promenade. The café offers indoor and outdoor seating, 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 mall visitors seeking a quiet spot for coffee or a short work session.
10. Caffè Nero
Location: The Galleria Al Maryah Island
Caffè Nero offers a calm, practical space for working or reading. The seating layout includes individual tables and corner booths for added 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. Tim Hortons
Location: Abu Dhabi Mall
Tim Hortons brings the comfort of classic Canadian café culture with its signature brewed coffee, doughnuts, and hearty breakfast options. The menu is simple yet satisfying, featuring crowd favourites such as iced cappuccinos, bagels, and signature Timbits.
This cafe in Abu Dhabi mall is a solid pick with its fast service, wallet-friendly pricing, and all-day accessibility. It’s great for solo sips or casual catch-ups, with cosy seating and a relaxed atmosphere.
12. Coffee Architecture
Location: Mamsha Al Sadiyaat
Coffee Architecture is an artisan speciality cafe founded by a local coffee enthusiast and brewed around the love of quality beans and craftsmanship. Built with a minimalist, bright aesthetic, its design blends white and light wood tones for a serene, inviting vibe that complements the coastal setting along Saadiyat Island’s Mamsha promenade.
The café is celebrated for its handmade, single‑origin coffees such as cold brews, cortados, and cappuccinos, crafted by skilled baristas who take pride in every pour.
13. Louvre Abu Dhabi Café
Location: Al Saadiyat Island
The café inside Louvre Abu Dhabi 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
Location: Al Rahba
Café Mandarina is 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
Location: Galleria Mall
Joe & The Juice is a global café and juice bar concept originating from Copenhagen, Denmark, known for combining fresh juices, smoothies, speciality coffee, and hearty sandwiches in a vibrant, energetic setting.
The café’s lively atmosphere and modern interior make it a popular choice for a quick breakfast, brunch with friends, or a casual lunch break. With locations across Abu Dhabi, Joe & The Juice stands out for its healthy, flavorful menu and dynamic café style, perfect for visitors who want a refreshing alternative to traditional coffee shops.
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.
