Anko Japanese Patisserie & Cafe: Is This The Most Aesthetic Cafe In Abu Dhabi?

Why Is Anko Different?

Anko celebrates the rich culinary heritage of Japan, and is inspired by the art of oshibana - the Japanese art of creating designs from pressed, dried flowers and leaves. Anko is a marriage of organic shapes and natural materials, resulting in a serene space reminiscent of the elegance of Japanese culture.

Everything is white and beautifully put together - the interiors are very chic, all smooth edges (reflecting the outside structure of teamLab Phenomena itself) and artfully lit alcoves. Outside, you can take a seat under the umbrellas and soak up views of the stunning blue water, gazing past the cultural district to the Arabian Sea (this was giving us big Greek island vibes). Not going to lie, we have seen our share of pretty Abu Dhabi cafes open up that are totally Insta-worthy but a letdown in the kitchen. Anko is refreshingly the opposite: the food is excellent, serving up authentic Japanese patisserie alongside savoury mains, sweets and a fabulous selection of drinks - including carefully prepared matcha and Japanese sodas.

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What We Ate At Anko 

Let’s just say we didn’t hold back! The bakery selection is so tempting, but we ordered some savoury goodies as well - balance - and brought the whole thing home with a bunch of drinks. 

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From The Patisserie Cabinet

Chocolate taiyaki (AED20) - if you’re not sure what taiyaki is, it’s the fish! 

Chocolate custard cream dorayaki (AED25) - and this one is the double layer pancake

Naruto (AED35) - a matcha and green tea cake roll

Fluffy fruit cake (AED35) - the picture perfect strawberry & cream cake

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From The Kitchen

Shokupan (AED40) - a grilled beef curry cheese toastie

Shrimp rice salad (AED70) - ultra fresh, served with carrot dressing

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Thirst Quenchers

Flat white (AED26) - classic

Matcha latte (AED35) - prepared traditionally in front of us, then iced!

Yuza tansan (AED35) - like a lemonade, but better

Jasmine silver needle tea (AED30) - served in a traditional teapot, it will transport you straight to Japan

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And What Were Our Favourites? 

Good luck visiting Anko and not ordering at least one thing from the patisserie. It’s so pretty, and the cabinet is filled with wagashi - traditional Japanese confections - that are the star of the Anko show. Naruto, the matcha and green tea cake roll and the strawberry & cream fluffy fruit cake were our sweet picks! The matcha flavour isn’t overpowering in the naruto, and both cakes have a light and spongy consistency, filled with the most delicate cream. Order one, or both, and you’ll thank us later! 

The shrimp rice salad is super fresh and healthy, filled with seaweed, shrimp, edamame, tiny popping fish eggs and veggies on a bed of rice, topped with a lovely carrot dressing for a hit of flavour to tie the dish together. We’d order the grilled beef  shokupan every day of the week: the beef was super tender and thinly sliced, the curry giving just the right hit of flavour beneath the melted cheese, the bread thick but light and perfectly toasted - what a combo!

Matcha lovers, you must visit. Your matcha bevs are carefully prepared, and it’s some of the best attention to detail you’ll find for your matcha in Abu Dhabi. You can choose the strength of your matcha - it’s carefully weighed out on a scale - and opt for a lighter or stronger taste. Coffee is very well priced for an upmarket cafe, and tea is served in the traditional Japanese style, which makes for a lovely touch. Try the yuza tansan - it’s super refreshing, and best enjoyed outside in the sun with a view of the sea, imagining you’re on holiday!

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Anything Else? 

There’s so much to try! A bunch of pan await in the patisserie display - Japan’s take on fluffy, yeasted milk bread. Taste favourites like anpan (filled with sweet red bean paste), cream pan and karepan, filled with flavourful Japanese curry and fried. Chunky cookies, daifuku, muffins, cream puffs, mochi and Japanese ice cream (that a school group was ordering by the plateful) all look delicious, and the kitchen has a bunch more mains to tempt hungry visitors. 

A visit after working up an appetite exploring teamLab Phenomena is a given - but Anko is an experience in itself, so allow time to linger over cakes, a delicious lunch, late afternoon coffee on the terrace or a hearty dinner. It’s a great spot to catch up with your friends, or even for a spot of co-working (if you don’t mind the hustle and bustle of a busy cafe). As summer eases, the terrace is gorgeous - and it’s a fabulous sunset spot that we’re tempted to gatekeep! If you’re anything like us, you’ll be itching to return after your first visit - a treat for the eyes and the stomach, Anko ticks all our boxes.

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ANKO Japanese Patisserie & Cafe | teamLab Phenomena | Saadiyat Cultural District Abu Dhabi

Open: daily | 10AM-10PM | same hours as teamLab Phenomena | last orders 45 minutes prior to close

Contact: 600 565566

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People Also Ask…

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When is the best time to visit? 

The cafe is open to the public - so visit in the morning (it will be quieter when it first opens at 10AM) and on weekdays (weekends get busy!) for the most chill experience. You’ll get bursts of people during the day, especially school groups buzzing and hungry after their visit to the exhibit. Stop by for sunset - it’s a gorgeous spot to watch the sun dip across the water behind the city. 

Is there parking available at Anko? 

teamLab Phenomena has dedicated parking - you can park there and walk around to Anko. 

I’m not visiting teamLab Phenomena, can I still visit Anko? 

Of course - it’s open to the public and you can visit anytime between 10AM and 10PM, but last orders are taken at 9.15PM. 

How do you find the entry to Anko? 

There are three entries: through the teamLab Phenomena main entrance (you have to go through bag check, so skip this if you’re not visiting the exhibit), past the main entrance (follow the signs) you’ll come to an elevator to take you up to the cafe on level 1 or you can walk all the way around to the waterfront and up the stairs to Anko! It’s easy enough - just look for the signs or ask the friendly staff. 

Is it licensed? 

Nope, no alcohol is served at Anko. Go for a fizzy yuzu tansan or a Japanese soda and enjoy it on the terrace: you get a lovely bar vibe, and you’re still fine to drive home after!

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