6 Unique Cafes in Yas Island Abu Dhabi for an Instagram-Worthy Experience
Coffee culture has taken the UAE capital by storm, with many unique and trendy coffee shops and cafes in Abu Dhabi popping up in every corner of the city, serving up speciality brews and delicious all-day breakfasts, with a side of warm hospitality.
But it’s nowhere other than Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island that you’ll find coffee worship, tasty bites and swoon-worthy interiors (and exteriors too, in some spots) come together for that envy-evoking, ‘grammable cafe experience.
If that’s just the kind of coffee scene you’re after, then hold on to your cup because we’ve rounded up some of the most charming and Instagram-worthy cafes and coffee shops in Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island.
Here are six places to get your caffeine fix and snap some gorgeous shots while you’re at it:
1. Drop Coffee
Drop Coffeehas brought its award-winning brews to Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, along with its first-ever food menu designed in partnership with renowned UAE chef Reif Othman.
As far as speciality coffee in Abu Dhabi goes, this homegrown concept has all the right ingredients: imported coffee beans roasted daily and prepared by expert baristas using nine different brewing methods from around the world.
On the food front, the menu features classic breakfast fare like shakshuka, avocado toast, and eggs benedict, healthy options like acai bowls, chia pudding and granola and Greek yoghurt, as well as hearty lunch and dinner fare like burgers, pasta, and salads.
And if that wasn’t enough, this Yas Island coffee shop also impresses in the aesthetics department, with a minimalistic interior accented by plants, wooden textures and spa-like tones and an equally beautiful outdoor area right on the waterfront.
Opening Hours: 8 a.m. - 11 p.m. daily.
2. The Lighthouse
Many cafes in Abu Dhabi (or anywhere else, for that matter) are places where you pop in for a quick coffee fix and a bite to eat. But what do you say of one in which, on top of that, you can also shop for special gifts, meet and collaborate with fellow creatives, play board games with other patrons, work in blissful quiet and savour gourmet meals, speciality coffee and even signature cocktails?
That’s The Lighthousefor you, one of the best cafes in Abu Dhabi, a bakery, curated gift shop, bar and Mediterranean-inspired restaurant with a waterfront terrace for aperitivo and al fresco dining, located in Yas Bay Waterfront.
To top it off, their decor gives off a chic living room vibe with its earth-toned furniture, potted plants, soft lighting and bookshelf and tables lined with inspiring reads. therefore, no matter where you sit, you’ll feel right at home and have something beautiful to photograph.
Opening Hours: 8 a.m. - 12 a.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. - 1 a.m. on weekends.
3. Roastery
The Roastery in W Abu Dhabiis another Yas Island gem that perfected the art of coffee brewing. The baristas here, believing that every moment holds an emotion and a mood, base their handcrafted coffee creations on how best to complement and match those feelings.
Aeropress? Chemex? V60? French press? You name it, they have it. Their menu also includes traditional coffee choices like latte, cappuccino, macchiato and more, as well as teas and soft drinks.
The Roastery delivers on the ambience, too. This Yas Island cafe’s industrial chic design takes inspiration from the city’s footbridges. Its trademarks are the furniture in the shape of oil barrels and the metal hoops lining the interior.
There’s also their monochromatic colour scheme, highlighting the contrasting shades of white (the colour of the kandora, the Emirati traditional attire for men) and black (the colour of the abaya, its female equivalent).
Every subtle design detail about this coffee shop in Abu Dhabi references the city’s culture and customs in a fresh and modern way, so don’t let your camera battery run out when you’re here.
Opening Hours: 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. daily.
4. Boroughs
Exposed brick walls, black and brown hardwood floors, pendant lighting, pipes and ductwork on the ceiling, leather seats, chalkboard menus, and a mix of rustic, industrial, and vintage accents in Yas Marina can only mean one thing: you’re in Boroughs.
A trendy Yas Island coffee shop by day and a lively bar by night, Boroughs ticks all the right boxes for those looking for a cosy ambience, excellent service and a menu that runs the gamut from all-day breakfast and healthy eats to international mains, gourmet sandwiches and croissants, decadent desserts, protein shakes and of course, coffee.
Grab a seat inside and watch the baristas work their magic with the espresso machine, or bask in the sun and take in the views of Yas Marina from their outdoor seating area, where superyachts and sleek cars make for a great backdrop.
Opening Hours: 5 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. Monday to Friday and 7 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
5. EL&N London
Step into pink paradise at London’s most Instagrammable cafe, EL&N (short for “Eat, Live and Nourish”), right here in the heart of Yas Bay Waterfront.
Their branch in Yas Island is every Barbie girl’s dream come true. We’re talking plush pink velvet sofas, pastel-hued walls, neon lights, marble countertops, and flowers-on-flowers-on-flowers galore everywhere you look, so cameras at the ready!
But that’s not all this cafe in Yas Island has up its sleeve. It also has an extensive 10-section menu that ranges from healthy choices like smashed avocado toast, eggs florentine, smoothie bowls, and vegan options to indulgences like pain au chocolat, pancakes, and a selection of sweet treats to go with its signature coffee blends and brew bar creations.
Pro Tip: If it’s your first time at EL&N and you’re looking to try a drink that’s every bit delicious as it is Insta-grid-worthy, then browse the “Instagrammable lattes” section of their speciality lattes menu and choose from eight awesome flavours like red velvet matcha, activated charcoal, toasted pistachio, and more.
Opening Hours: 10 a.m. - 12 a.m. daily.
6. Forever Rose Cafe
Ever dreamed of stepping into the pages of a fairytale? Then make your way to the Forever Rose Cafe in Yas Mall, a floral boutique concept in an enchanting, storybook-themed cafe setting, complete with luxury coffee shop and restaurant service.
Its design, created by founder Ebraheem Al Samadi, is built like a 2D illustration, so you’ll feel like you’re part of a beautifully drawn world. The minute you go in, you’ll notice that the decor is entirely monochrome, with white tables and floors. The room, plates, and cups are also illustrated in black and white, and intricate details are added to the walls. This way, only you, the food and drinks stand out in colourful contrast — a genius mix of fantasy and reality.
In keeping with the high standards this Abu Dhabi cafe has set for itself, all dishes and drinks on the menu, designed by executive chefs, are made fresh in-house with the finest ingredients. So, whether you’re in the mood for something hot, cold, savoury or sweet, you’ll find it at this artisan all-day dining concept.
The place also houses a selection of luxury gifts, like long-lasting roses, premium chocolates, unique jewellery, diamond collections, and perfumes, so you can take home a little bit of magic with you.
Opening Hours: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and 10 a.m. - 12 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
Sample Coffee (and More) at the Best Cafes on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island
Abu Dhabi coffee shops can’t get more diverse, creative and Instagrammable than these Yas Island beauties. From pretty in pink to industrial-chic, floral fantasy or traditional Emirati style, there’s a cafe for every mood and occasion here.
So gather your friends, grab your cameras and make a pit stop at every last one of these trendy cafes for your morning cuppa or afternoon pick-me-up and a photo op to remember.
Check out Yas Island offersand packages for the best deals and discounts on your next visit to the Island’s top attractions, theme parks, concerts and more.