YOUR GUIDE TO SOUQ AL MINA

With cooler days finally within reach, we have put together your guide to Souq Al Mina. This slice of the city is often overlooked, but is home to a bunch of epic eateries you need to have on your radar. With free parking, a play area for the kids and plenty of space to lay down a picnic blanket and watch the goings on at the port, we know you’ll love it. As the sun sinks over the water and the sky turns pink, the festoon lights turn on and the Abu Dhabi foodies turn up!

YALA KOMBUCHA

These guys could trade on vibes alone! What a refreshing experience - and not just because of the expertly curated range of kombucha on tap. The team really know their stuff, and are a delight to chat to as you choose from the flavours on offer. Were we sceptical about yuzu & chilli kombucha? Maybe. And did it make our top two flavours? Yes! What’s on tap changes regularly, which gives you the excuse you didn’t need to call in again and again. Lavender & rosemary, tropical, wildberries - Yala is your flavour oyster!

Time: Daily | 10am - 12am

Contact: 054 477 0847

MARMELLATA

It’s 5.16pm. The door of Marmellata swings open and the smell of freshly baked pizza rushes over us like a wave. Cue immediate stomach grumbling! This cult favourite is already packed, every indoor table is taken and the smiling staff are ferrying pizza to their smiling patrons. With a rotating pizza menu, delectable stuffed focaccia, and some sweet treats that could be straight from Nonna’s kitchen, turn up and dig in. No reservations? No worries - as the weather cools down, you can nab a seat outside and watch the sunset.

Time: Wednesday - Sunday 5pm - 8pm

Contact: 055 802 9355

KUZINA 22

This charming little Balkan spot really ticks the boxes, and offers some foodie faves that are a little harder to come by in the city. A spinach and cheese burek with the most crispy phyllo pastry you could ask is enough to make us sing, it’s that good. We also love the ‘Pljeskavica’ Balkan burger served on flatbread with kaymak and ajvar - an open burger that you can add the toppings to as you go, this one is really tasty, and the charcoal flavour really comes through! The service is great - friendly and genuine - and the restaurant has a lovely, minimalist vibe. Next time, I’ll take a seat outside and a cherry burek for dessert please!

Time: Daily | 12pm - 10pm

Contact: 055 145 6663

J.LATO

Not sure why I’m not writing this with a gelato in hand, more fool me! You might have seen their signature affogato doing the rounds - it’s pretty memorable - but this is arguably one of the best gelatos in Abu Dhabi. The flavours change regularly (two new ones were popped out as we ummed and ahhed over the choices) and the consistency of their gelato is *chef’s kiss*. We love raspberry basil (believe us, it WORKS) and gianduia - dark chocolate with hazelnut, while lemon, peanut butter, pistachio and salted caramel are all honourable mentions. Roll the dice and see what’s available when you visit - you won’t be disappointed!

Time: Monday | 2pm - 10pm; Tuesday - Sunday | 12pm - 12am

Contact: 02 550 4446

BRISKET

You will smell this one before you see it - in the best possible way. Maybe it’s the fresh sea air, but you’ll arrive at Souq Al Mina heading for one restaurant, and leave already planning to head back to try another one. This authentic smokehouse is a casual affair - be ready to get a little messy as the menu is heavy on burgers and sliders, including their signature BOB: brisket on burger. Roll up your sleeves, pull up a bench and enjoy some smoked meat, American-style!

Time: Daily | 12pm - 12am

Contact: 055 884 4301

FLAVORS GRILL

With an ethos of ‘fresh is best’, Flavors prides itself on using ingredients straight from the market each day. Cooking without electricity or gas, the meat is prepared front and centre on an open-fire grill. Alongside a number of steak and protein options, they have a reputation for a good burger and excellent servers that really add to your dining experience. The team also serves up woodfired sourdough croissants and historical baklava, sure to be a hit - if you can get your hands on one!

Time: Daily | 7am - 12am

Contact: 04 379 7666

ROOF COFFEE

This little haven has a cool aesthetic and is a nice spot to relax with a coffee, linger over a book or even get some work done during the week, if you fancy going a little further afield. Bonus points for free parking at Souq al Mina! Busier on the weekends, they recently launched a breakfast menu and sell fresh blooms alongside your typical café fare and sweet treats.

Time: Daily | 7am - 10pm

Contact: 055 690 3532