It’s rare to find a menu that doesn’t have a couple options for the veggie-loving, meat-avoiding folks. Step into a place that serves irresistible seafood, and you’re bound to still find a salad or a wrap on the menu replacing the halibut with halloumi and prawns with paneer.
But thankfully, the vegetarian and vegan food in Abu Dhabi brings their A-game. You never have to compromise on taste. Whether you’re after a hearty meal or a vegan-friendly dessert (or pick both, we don’t judge), we’ve got you covered.
These eight restaurants are taking veg- and vegan-friendly dishes to new heights in the city.
Vegetarian and vegan food in Abu Dhabi
Antonia
As a first-timer going through the list of veggie-friendly dishes on the menu, you’re likely to wonder why you didn’t get there sooner. Parmigiana (starters), burrata, truffle (pizzas), and a couple of spaghetti options make a nice bouquet for the vegetarians. Vegans can enjoy ortolana, prepared with organic vegetables, olives and capers, at Antonia’s Al Zeina outpost that goes by Antonia Trattoria. It’s a win-win. Don’t forget to check out the fusilli pasta with eggplant ragu, dried ricotta and basil. It’s a crowd favourite.
Open daily 12.30pm-11pm. Antonia, Mamsha Al Saadiyat, Al Saadiyat Island antoniarestaurant.com, @antonia.uae (02 667 2554).
Café 302
With more vegan burgers than meaty ones, Café 302 is one of the most vegan-friendly spots in the city. Located in Al Maha Arjaan by Rotana, the café offers a long list of veggie and vegan dishes that go beyond salads and soups. A separate menu for plant-based burgers features five different types, including sweet potato, quinoa and black bean patties. What are you waiting for?
Open every day, noon-11pm, Café 302, Al Maha Arjaan by Rotana, Al Markaziyah
Cooper’s
A fixture on our list of best sports bars in the city, Cooper’s is one of the few on the list to have a dedicated corner of the menu to vegetarian and vegan dishes. Cooper’s signature vegan burger leads the pack, with pasta and grilled sandwiches in tow. As a licensed venue, this one’s great for a match night, or if you’re out for a roaring evening with friends.
Sat-Wed noon-2am, Thu-Fri noon-3am. Cooper’s Bar and Restaurants, Park Rotana, Khalifa Park (02 657 3325).
Market
For one of the healthiest brekkies and lunches in town, go meat-less for a morning and reserve a table at Market. All-day breakfast champions superfood and fruit bowls, while lunch is a larger and heartier affair. Cauliflower, halloumi and aubergine have a glowing spot on the menu. Healthy eating in a stunning neutral setting with an abundance of plants? It’s a winning combination.
Open daily, 6.30am-1pm. Market, EDITION, Al Bateen Marina. (02 208 0000). editionhotels.com.
Nabati
Newest on this list, Nabati is entirely plant-based, and you may or may not be able to tell its dishes are not meat. This new kid on the block promises to replicate its exact taste and texture in its menu of burgers, from quarter-pounders to BBQ pulled jackfruit burger. Keep in mind though, that this is a delivery-only kitchen, and not dine-in. If you don’t fancy a burger, opt for its selection of Mexican delights, including jackfruit tacos and breakfast burritos. But the best part? Vegan desserts!
Place orders on Talabat, Deliveroo or directly. Abu Dhabi (50 399 8754) wearenabati.com, @wearenabati.
Rasoi Ghar
This light-on-the-pocket Yas Mall eatery takes you beyond tikka masala on your journey of exploring Indian food. Discover regional dishes here, such as dhokla and dal pakwan, as well as lentil soups. Rasoi Ghar is primarily a vegetarian place (egg-free desserts too), but with just a little tweaking, several dishes can be turned vegan. Pro tip from a vegetarian with a sweet tooth: don’t miss the jalebi.
Open daily noon-10pm. Rasoi Ghar, Yas Mall, Yas Island. @rasoigharuae.
Sangam Vegetarian Restaurant
Any dosa-loving person in Abu Dhabi will be quick to point out Sangam is a go-to for veggie options that don’t break the bank. Located a stone’s throw away from Word Trade Centre Mall means it’s a quick dinner option after a day of shopping. The mainstay on the menu is the dosa, a thin savory crepe in South Indian cuisine, and its many varieties. Dosa meals here, which come with a selection of dips, can be turned vegan by merely avoiding ghee in them, making the place suitable for all. Dig into other Indian dishes here at well.
Open daily 7am-4pm; 5pm-11pm. Sangam Vegetarian Restaurant, Khalifa Bin Zayed The First Street, Al Danah. sangamrestaurants.com
Sweetheart Kitchen
Delivering across Abu Dhabi and neighbouring the emirates of Dubai and Sharjah, Sweetheart Kitchen has a slew of mini meals on its menus. We’re talking sandwiches, burgers, superfood bowls and more. Avocado is a mainstay in the kitchen for veggie and vegan options, and quinoa rules the roost when it comes to nutrition bowls. Quick bites and a tad heartier Mexican dishes gives this delivery-only place a spot on our list.
Serves daily. Place orders on Careem, Deliveroo or Talabat. Sweetheart Kitchen @byswhk.
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