Vegetarian Restaurants in Abu Dhabi - Where to eat the best vegetarian food

With local cuisine rich in meat such as chicken, lamb and seafood, the Abu Dhabi food landscape was once a difficult place for vegetarians. Where could they get good lean food?

But with the influx of emigrants to the UAE and the growing trend toward healthier eating, the city is now teeming with clean veggie restaurants as well as delicious vegetarian dishes for those who don't eat meat from Abu Dhabi. Some restaurants even offer vegan dishes for those who don't eat dairy products.

Here's a list of 13 vegetarian restaurants in Abu Dhabi for vegetarians to eat at.

1. Indian by Nature

As the name suggests, this restaurant specializes in great Indian cuisine. You can find it in Najda and Al Markaziya. It is known for its great thalis and chats, as well as desserts such as jalebis and mango kulfis.

With a purely vegetarian menu, the restaurant is the first in Abu Dhabi to offer an all-weather iftar buffet. For 42 dirhams you can dine out. There is a constantly updated menu of salads, soups, dals and chat between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. during Ramadan.

Cost for two: 80 dirhams.

Opening hours: from 8:30 to 23:00.

2. Saravanaa Bhavan

For those who crave good South Indian food, enjoy a slice of Chennai at Saravana Bhavan. In fact, you can find it at Madinat Zayed and Mussafah Shabiya. Here you will be offered delicious idlis, vadas and other various dishes.

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Although the name may not sound promising, even the dried dosa fruits have won the praise of visitors! Of course, like any South Indian restaurant, it serves delicious coffee.

Cost for two: AED 60.

Opening hours: 8 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

3. Benjarong

Benjarong offers Asian cuisine with a special focus on Thai food. Pad Thai, green curry and pancakes are excellent and the portions are also quite generous. They do gluten-free dishes to order here.

Visitors enjoy the unique, subtle flavors of Benjarong and the beautiful atmosphere, so the restaurant is a lot of fun.

Cost for two: 350 dirhams.

Opening hours: from 12:30 to 15:30, from 19:00 to 23:00.

Golden Spoon Vegetarian Restaurant

This restaurant, located in Madinat Zayed, offers an all-you-can-eat menu of delicious North Indian cuisine.

Enjoy sarso ka saag, makki roti, fresh parathas and paneer lababdar among other offerings. Vegan dishes are available to order here.

Cost for two: 80 dirhams.

Opening hours: 9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

5. Panda Bao Bao

If you are craving for Asian food other than Indian food, Panda Bao Bao's vegetarian dishes are sure to satisfy your hunger. This restaurant in Al Dhafrah has delicious food at a fairly reasonable price with a pleasant atmosphere.

Vegetarian dumplings and noodles are recommended. There is a home delivery service!

Cost for two: 90 dirhams.

Opening hours: from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

6. Bareburger

Tired of finding only meat patties on American food menus? The Bareburger at Marina Mall gives you the opportunity to create your own burger.

Salad offerings include fresh mushrooms, radishes, romaine sprouts, alfalfa and quinoa. Don't forget to try the vegetarian onion rings and fries.

Cost for two: 170 dirhams.

Opening hours: 12:00-24:00.

7. Indigo

Indigo is one of the oldest gourmet restaurants in Abu Dhabi. Although they also have seafood, vegetarian dishes are highly recommended.

Don't forget to try the delicious vegetable biryani, potato and cashew pies, chaat and dal mahani.

There's an open kitchen, a set menu, and a great view of Al Marya Island.

Cost for two: 300 dirhams.

Opening hours: from 12:30 to 15:30, from 18:30 to 23:30.

8. El Sombrero

This restaurant has plenty of meatless dishes to satisfy sudden Mexican food cravings.

Located at the Sheraton Hotel in Al Markazia, El Sombrero restaurant will please every vegetarian. On Fridays, it offers unlimited food for 250 dirhams from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

If you're craving to enjoy a good cocktail, alcohol is also served here.

Cost for two: 350 dirhams.

Opening hours: 6 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.

9. Roberto's

Roberto can be found at the Rosewood Hotel on Al Marya Island. It offers fine Italian cuisine with vegetarian dishes such as spinach tortellini and pasta with basil and fettuccini sauce.

The simple but stylish furnishings will pleasantly surprise you, and a great view of the waterfront is also provided.

Cost for two: AED 500.

Opening hours: from 12:00 to 16:00, from 19:00 to 1:00.

10. Latitude

This restaurant at Yas Viceroy in Abu Dhabi is popular for its picturesque pool parties, but the food here is pretty good too!

Vegetarians can enjoy hummus and vegetables, edamame appetizers and crisp garden salad while sipping a cocktail by the pool.

Here they take orders for vegan and gluten-free versions of their dishes.

Cost for two: 400 dirhams.

Opening hours: from 12:00 to 1:00.

11. sambusek

To go to the UAE and not taste Middle Eastern cuisine? Samsusek on Al Marya Island offers sumptuous Lebanese cuisine as well as many vegetarian dishes for those who do not eat meat.

Try the beet mutabbal, baba ganoush and smoked hummus while enjoying the beautiful view of the bay from the restaurant. A hookah is also available here.

Cost for two: 350 dirhams.

Opening hours: from 6:30 to 2:00 p.m.

12. azura

Azura in Al-Hubair offers a wide variety of dishes, including Japanese, Arabic and Middle Eastern cuisine, as well as a well-stocked bar.

The dining area has a beautiful view of the Abu Dhabi skyline. Azura is a popular night bar with great food. The lunch menu includes healthy vegetarian options, namely roasted corn, fresh beans, edamame, roasted almonds and avocado.

Cost for two: 350 dirhams.

Opening hours: 12:00-24:00.

13. nahaam

This restaurant can be found in Jumeirah at Etihad Towers in Al Khubair. The menu includes healthy dishes such as detox and kale salad, avocado and edamame, as well as other vegetarian delights such as feta falafel salad, avocado tacos, vegetarian paella and porcini mushroom pizza.

There's a grill buffet with vegan dishes. Naham is known for its Friday brunches.

Cost for two: 350 dirhams.

Opening hours: from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

The aforementioned restaurants, which strive for healthier eating and responsible meat consumption, have plenty of food options for vegetarian foodies to fully enjoy Abu Dhabi's culinary prowess.