Where To Eat in Al Bateen: All The Best Cafes and Restaurants To Try

3 Fils

The Edition, Al Bateen

A transplant from Dubai, 3 Fils is a welcome addition to Al Bateen’s dining scene. There’s some cracking food on the menu - the same dishes that inspire massive queues for a coveted table in Dubai - with everything from sushi to succulent seafood, some inventive mystery dishes and all-Wagyu everything making up their signature Japanese offering. Make sure you grab dessert - new dishes are added regularly, and were all polished off super fast last time we visited, and you’ll find some more niche dishes too - like tamagotoro nigiri and caviar (AED125) topped with quail egg, otoro, caviar, nikiri sauce. The seaweed salad is also a ‘can’t skip’ plate - it’s delicious. 

3 Fils is a gorgeous spot for your next dinner date, with views over Al Bateen Marina and the iconic Abu Dhabi skyline in the distance. If you time your arrival for golden hour, it’s especially pretty. The staff are fun, and really knowledgeable - if you’re not fussed or fussy, let them recommend everything - and their playlist will have you bopping in your seat. Oh, and keep in mind you can’t book - walk-ins only!

Timing: daily | 12PM - 12AM

Contact: 056 591 1772

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Library Bar

The Edition, Al Bateen 

Part of The Edition hotel on Marsa Al Bateen marina, Library Bar is a chic little spot that feels a bit like a hidden speakeasy. Inspired by a library (hence the name), its artwork is inspired by the written word, and like a library, it’s quieter and tucked away - you can seclude yourself in a corner for a peaceful drink or an intimate date night. There’s a big focus on mixology and expertly crafted drinks. Keep an eye out for pop-ups and guest spots - the guys from Panda & Sons did a takeover all the way from Edinburgh last year - and give their evening brunch, the aptly named Writer’s Block, a try, it’s a nice one. 

Open: daily | 5PM - 1AM | 2AM on weekends

Contact: 02 208 0000

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Tashas

Al Bateen

Another marina stalwart, Tashas is quite the Abu Dhabi institution - and has since seen a spin off by way of the chic Flamingo Room at The Galleria. We love an all day breakfast menu, and Tashas serve up your breakfast favourites until 6PM daily, but their main menu and sweet are well worth a try as well. The picture perfect Al Bateen backdrop is also ideal for a wander post-meal and the hustle and bustle of the sunny Marina brings a relaxed holiday vibe. 

Tashas is always busy - not always a sure thing in Abu Dhabi - and attracts plenty of locals. The interiors wouldn’t be out of place in a lifestyle magazine, with lush plants and stylish touches that strike the right balance of elegant but approachable. A lovely spot to linger over your food and soak up the sunset, their enclosed terrace with plenty of greenery is especially welcome in the summer months. 

Open: Monday - Saturday | 8AM-midnight | Sunday | 8AM-11PM

Contact: +971 2 445 0890

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Art House Cafe

Al Bateen

If you like to get creative, Art House is the one for you! Paint a plate and enjoy some tasty food while you’re at it - an easy way to pass an afternoon. Did we once spend 5 hours here? Yes. Are we sorry about it? Definitely not! This one feels like a proper day out with your friends or family - the space is quirky and set back from the street, with plenty of corners to tuck yourself away in and busy yourself painting up a storm.  

It wouldn’t be out of place in Bali or California - perfect if you’re craving a summer reprieve without the airfares. Suitable for all ages and skill levels, you can take the little ones along or head in with a group of mates and let the creative juices flow! Take your work of art home with you, or donate it to join the hundreds of others that line the walls - then see if you can spot it on your next visit! As for the menu, food is your classic cafe fare: plenty of tasty sweets and savouries, from pancakes to smoothies, burgers to breakfast. It’s not badly priced, and the portions are good. 

Open: daily | 9AM - 11PM

Bookings: 02 666 0175

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Public

Al Bateen 

A relative newcomer to the neighbourhood, Public is located on Marsa Al Bateen Marina. Pretty interiors and big windows make it a lovely option for summer when you want some outside vibes inside, and the food is really, really good! Hearty, wholesome and well portioned - you won’t leave hungry! There’s plenty of Italian favourites - we really love their spag bol - and as usual, we can’t pass up a good tiramisu when there’s a slice going. It’s a great spot for a relaxed date night, and one we’ll return to on the regular. 

Open: daily | 9AM - 11.30PM

Contact: 0508174244

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Osk Croissanterie 

Al Bateen 

If the cool minimalist vibe doesn’t immediately lure you inside, the smell of freshly baked croissants will definitely do the trick! When the door swings open and Osk’s smiling staff welcome you in, be prepared for some stomach rumblings. Matcha lattes - and the cult sakura matcha, a matcha-strawberry blend that is garishly, brilliantly pink and green - head out the door every few minutes to waiting cars (Osk does a roaring takeaway trade for locals). 

The glassed-in viennoiserie at the back gives you a peak at the good stuff: golden, flakey pastries lined up by the trayful. Watching the bakers at work feels like a new kind of meditation - maximum relaxation! Good luck choosing what to eat - it all looks and smells amazing. We rate the cookie croissant, served with your choice of frothed milk (coconut recommended!) - ready to dunk and devour! 

Open: daily | 7AM - 11PM

Contact: 02 886 7977

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