10 Of The Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Abu Dhabi

Overflowing with everything from fine dining to cheap and cheerful holes in the wall, it can be surprisingly hard to track down the best vegetarian restaurants in Abu Dhabi. With a little digging, there are definitely treasure troves of veggie goodness to uncover - whether you're a long-time vegetarian or simply looking to mix it up a bit and explore plant-based cuisine. Here are a few of our favourites - from regular restaurants with a cracking vegetarian offering, to pure vegetarian restaurants and right across the spectrum to vegan-friendly dinner spots, lock in for the best veg restaurants in Abu Dhabi - and if we missed your favourite, let us know! 

Golden Spoon Restaurant

Al Danah

Any list of pure vegetarian restaurants in Abu Dhabi would be seriously lacking if Golden Spoon was missed: it’s a must-visit. Located in the heart of downtown, this popular on-island eatery serves a delightful range of North Indian and Chinese vegetarian dishes that will leave even your non-veg mates with a full belly and a smile on their faces. 

Don’t pass up a plate of fresh manchurian - this Indian-Chinese dish is always a winner and bursting with flavour - and the dahi ke kebab, a great version of this North Indian favourite. The relaxed atmosphere makes it a lovely spot for families or groups, and it frequently tops our list when we’re asked about the best vegetarian food in Abu Dhabi.

Open: daily | 9AM - 11PM

Contact: 02 633 7155

Alkalime Healthy Restaurant

Mamsha Beach

If you’re in the mood for something a little more bougie - and dining with a view - Alkalime at Mamsha Beach on Saadiyat offers a stunning beachfront experience alongside their delicious vegetarian menu. Health-focused, modern dishes are the order of the day here - and they score big points for being both nutritious and insta-worthy! The cafe itself has a great vibe - there is a cute retail corner if you fancy a browse, and it’s a great shout for a remote working day, with tables to settle into for maximum productivity as you sip on your favourite matcha, smoothie, tea or coffee. 

When you visit, don't miss the Arabic breakfast basket - it’s like girl dinner, but vegetarian - filled with lots of picky bits. Dig into their colourful sweet potato pancakes, or go for a smoothie bowl - packed with fresh fruits and superfoods, it’s exactly the sort of dish you’d want to enjoy with endless blue skies and the Gulf spread before you: holiday mode, activated! With special attention to dietary requirements and a healthy ethos, it is up there as one of the top vegetarian restaurants in Abu Dhabi for health-conscious diners. The relaxed vibe and picturesque location make it an excellent choice for a casual breakfast with friends or lovely lunch by the beach to keep your energy levels high. 

Open: daily | 8AM - 10PM | Sundays from 9AM

Contact: 054 449 1547

Tashas 

Marsa Al Bateen

While it might not be a pure vegetarian restaurant, this tops the list for several of our vegetarian mates as their favourite cafe in Abu Dhabi. Why? Hailing from South Africa, Tashas has made its mark on Abu Dhabi's dining scene with a focus on fresh, wholesome dishes, a relaxed but chic atmosphere, and a desirable location by Al Bateen Marina. Ideal for brunch or a laid-back dinner - we love stopping in for some tapas and a cold drink after a walk by the water - their menu has a lot to love for vegetarians. 

Our picks? Try the Greenland quesadilla - a filling feast of avo, feta, pistachios, mozzarella, greens & basil pesto mayo - or pretty much any of the breakfast dishes, all are super satisfying. Check out their ‘inspired by’ menus as well, they change things up regularly and there is usually something new to try - you’ll find no sad vegetarians at Tashas Café. It consistently ranks among the best veg restaurants in Abu Dhabi for a reason.

Open: daily | 8AM - 12AM

Contact: 02 445 0890

West to West Kitchen African & Caribbean Restaurant

Al Danah

Ok, these guys aren’t strictly vegetarian, but they have a brilliant veg and vegan menu so they’re a must try for vegetarians - their dishes boast an excellent depth of flavour and some really homey African and Caribbean soul food. Another feather in their cap? West to West Kitchen stands out among the best vegetarian restaurants in Abu Dhabi that offer delivery - indeed, the restaurant only hosts a couple of tables so grabbing a stack of dishes to go is your best bet! 

Try the ground nut stew - there’s a chicken version as well, as with many of their dishes, so if you order online make sure you’re choosing the right ones! - and their  Sierra Leonean vegan awojoh binch wrap - both vegetarian options that are sure to delight even the pickiest taste buds. The delivery option is perfect if you have a group with mixed dietaries - you’re not serving up a sad lettuce for your vegetarian friends while everyone else has a feast - making it one of our favourite restaurants with vegetarian food for groups in the city.

Open: Tuesday - Sunday | 12PM - 10PM | until 11PM Friday - Sunday

Contact: 02 671 9119

GALA Restaurant

Tourist Club Area - Al Zahiyah

Fancy a fine dining vegetarian experience in Abu Dhabi without the price tag? Gala Restaurant ticks both boxes, making this new(ish) kid on the block definitely worth a visit. It’s bright and spacious, with plenty of natural light and a welcoming vibe - ideal for catching up with friends or enjoying a quiet meal mid-week. The menu is bursting with delicious vegetarian and vegan options, showcasing all your favourite Indian dishes but with gorgeous presentation and some inspiration from around the globe - check out their take on tacos, falafel and gnocchi. If you’re in the ‘Indian food isn’t very pretty’ camp, GALA will change your mind. 

This is one you’ll want to schedule in a return visit for: we pretty much demolished everything we tried. Our highlights? Sambal paneer tikka with mint foam, bite-sized margarita kulcha and gulab jamun churros with rabri mousse for dessert is a non-negotiable - the waitress almost had to pry the pot of mousse from our hands. Save room! For something different, check out their afternoon tea - a fresh take on the Abu Dhabi afternoon tea scene that’s full of flavour. 

Open: daily | 11.30AM - 11.30PM

Contact: 02 449 0488

Café 302

Al Maha Arjaan Hotel Al Danah

For a laidback café experience on-island, Café 302 is an ideal choice. A relaxed spot, it’s a welcome breath of fresh air from the busy - and hot - streets of downtown Abu Dhabi, and paired with the extensive vegetarian menu, this makes for one of the top vegetarian restaurants in Abu Dhabi. 

Café 302 serves everything from salads to hearty main dishes - including vegetarian and vegan burgers! - and don’t sleep on their breakfast - their waffles are excellent, but good luck finishing them. Smoothies and healthy juices are yummy if you’re working remotely and want some sustenance, and they’re vegan friendly too, with a variety of milk and other substitutions available. It’s one of our vegetarian friends' first choice for breakfast, so we’ve tried and tested it many times over and it has her tick of approval. 

Open: daily | 6AM - 11AM

Contact: 02 610 6688

Bonna Anne Ethiopian Restaurant

Al Zahiyah

Bonna Anne Ethiopian Restaurant is a delightful culinary gem in Abu Dhabi, particularly beloved by vegetarians and those looking to explore the rich flavours of Ethiopian cuisine. The atmosphere is warm and inviting - as are the staff - which adds to its charm. It’s not purely vegetarian, but it’s a great addition to your roster of vegetarian restaurants if you want to branch out and try something new. 

You’d be hard pressed to visit Bonna Anne and not try the traditional injera, a sourdough flatbread that serves as both base and utensils for much of the menu. If you’re new to Ethiopian cuisine - or like us, love to try a bit of everything - go for the vegetarian platter. Served up on the quintessential injera bread, you’ll typically find a variety of stews like shiro (chickpea stew), misir wot (spicy lentils), and gomen (collard greens). The flavours are rich and aromatic, and you can mix and match. Don’t feel intimidated by the menu - the staff are more than willing to explain the dishes or make recommendations. Share with friends if you don’t mind a hands-on approach so you can try more - just lean into the communal element of eating Ethiopian food and have fun with it. 

Open: daily | 10AM-12AM

Contact: 02 491 2128