Abu Dhabi’s local food used to be hard for vegetarians to find their way around because it was full of meats like chicken, lamb, and seafood. Where could they get a good meal that didn’t have meat? But now that there are more expats in the UAE and more people want to eat healthier, Abu Dhabi is full of pure vegetarian restaurants and tasty vegetarian options for people who don’t eat meat. Some restaurants even have dairy-free options for people who don’t eat meat or dairy.
The Top 12 Veggie Restaurants in Abu Dhabi
1. Indian by nature
This restaurant’s name says it all: it provides wonderful Indian cuisine. This restaurant has locations in Najda and Al Markaziya. They are well-known for their delectable thalis, chaats, and sweets such as jalebis and mango kulfis. They are Abu Dhabi’s first restaurant to provide an all-vegetarian iftar buffet. Its menu consists entirely of plant-based cuisine. Salads, soups, dals, and chaat are available for Dh 42 between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. during Ramadan. Every day, the menu varies. Take an Abu Dhabi City Tour from Dubai if you wish to experience this Indian delicacy.
2. Saravanaa Bhavan
If you’re craving some good old South Indian food, take the Full Day Abu Dhabi City Tour. This classic vegetarian restaurant in Abu Dhabi will give you a taste of Chennai. In fact, you can find it in both Madinat Zayed and Mussafah Shaniya, so you won’t have to go without their delicious idlis, vadas, and wide variety of dosas. Even though the name doesn’t sound appealing, their dry fruit dosa has received positive feedback. Like any South Indian restaurant, they also serve delicious filter coffee.
3. Benjarong at Dusit Thani
Benjarong at Dusit Thani in Al Nahyan is a high-end Asian restaurant that focuses on Thai food in particular. Their Pad Thai, green curry, and spring rolls are so good that you’ll want to lick your fingers, and the portions are also pretty big. On request, they can make their food without gluten. People love Benjarong’s unique, subtle flavours and lovely atmosphere, which makes lunch here a real treat.
4. Golden Spoon Vegetarian Restaurant
This Abu Dhabi restaurant is in Madinat Zayed and serves delicious North Indian food that is all vegetarian. Try some Punjabi dishes like sarso ka saag, makki roti, fresh parathas, and paneer lababdar. They make it easy for people with dietary restrictions by offering vegan options when asked.
5. Bareburger
Tired of looking through American food menus to find only meat burgers? At Bareburger in the Marina Mall, you can make your own burger, which means you can choose from tasty veggie patties to make your own burger. Fresh mushrooms, radishes, romaine cabbage, alfalfa, and quinoa are all part of their salad menu. Don’t forget to try their onion rings and sweet potato fries, which are both vegetarian sides.
6. Indigo
Indigo at Beach Rotana in Al Zahiyah is one of Abu Dhabi’s oldest fine dining vegetarian restaurants. Even though they also serve seafood, their vegetarian dishes are very popular. Don’t forget to try their tasty dal makhani, chaat, dal biryani, and potato and cashew nut patties. They have an open kitchen, live cooking stations as part of their set menu, and a beautiful view of Al Maryah Island from their rooftop.
7. El Sombrero
This restaurant has a lot of dishes that don’t have meat in them, so you can get Mexican food whenever you want. Even better, their live band and lively atmosphere will make sure you have a good time. The fresh guacamole at El Sombrero, which is at the Sheraton Hotel and Resort in Al Markaziya, would make any vegetarian happy. On Fridays, from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., you can eat as much as you want for AED 250. If you want a good cocktail to go with your meal, you can get one at this restaurant.
8. Roberto’s
The Rosewood Hotel on Al Maryah Island is where you can find Roberto’s. They serve high-end Italian food, like spinach tortellini and basil pesto fettuccine, which are both vegetarian options. Their simple but classy decor and beautiful view of the promenade along the water get them a lot of praise.
9. Latitude
The poolside parties at this restaurant at the Yas Viceroy in Abu Dhabi are popular with partygoers, but the food is pretty good, too. While sipping a cocktail by the pool, vegetarians can eat hummus and vegetables, an edamame starter, and a crunchy garden salad. Even better, you can ask for dishes that are vegan or don’t have gluten.
10. Sambusek
What’s the point of going to the UAE if you don’t try some Middle Eastern food? Samsusek on Al Maryah Island serves high-end Lebanese food, and there are many vegetarian options for people who don’t eat meat. Try their beetroot mutabbal, baba ghanoush, and smoked hummus while you enjoy the nice view of the Gulf from the restaurant. You can get shisha here.
11. Azura
Azura at St. Regis in Al Khubeirah serves Japanese, Arabian, and Middle Eastern food, and the bar is well stocked. From where they eat, you can see a beautiful view of the skyline of Abu Dhabi. Azura is a popular bar in the city, and its food is just as good. A healthy vegetarian box with grilled baby corn, fresh fava beans, edamame, roasted almonds, and avocado is on their lunch menu.
12. Nahaam
This restaurant is in Al Khubeirah at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers. On their menu, they have healthy options like a detox salad with kale, avocado, and edamame, as well as vegetarian options like feta falafel salad, avocado tacos, a vegetarian paella pan, and porcini pizza. Nahaam is best known for its Friday brunches, but they also have a grill buffet with options for vegetarians.
No longer do vegetarians in the UAE have to pack their own lunches, so to speak. With restaurants trying to get people to eat healthier and eat less meat, there are many vegetarian restaurants in Abu Dhabi where foodies can enjoy the Emirati capital’s food scene. As part of the Abu Dhabi city sightseeing tour, there are many vegetarian restaurants here. Get your Abu Dhabi city tour package and start your trip right now.