Venues Open for Non-Fasters in Ramadan | Abu Dhabi

“It’s important to respect those who are fasting and avoid eating or drinking in public.” Unknown

Abu Dhabi is a melting pot of international residents and for those not fasting over Ramadan (like myself) there are a number of places open across the city during the day. Grab some breakfast, coffee, some lunch and something vital for the city’s many digital nomads, find a quiet spot to work.

Here’s a few of my favourite independent spots to hang out during the day in the holy month, some hotels may also have some venues open too but check with individual places before you visit. Other places throughout the capital are providing takeaway only while other venues are offering daytime deliveries.

Al Raha Beach Area

LOCAL – The popular speciality coffee shop will be open daily from 10am until 1am throughout Ramadan. Expect the usual premium coffee selection, cold beverages and an organic menu with a choice of paninis, wraps and baked goods (try the doughnuts) all available for dine-in or takeaway.

In addition, the barbershop will be open as normal (closed on Mondays) and is offering a special Ramadan giveaway. Every client who has a barbershop service during the holy month will be entered into the draw to win a selection of premium products and a barbershop voucher (the winner will be drawn in Eid). The Sneaker consignment store will be open daily throughout Ramadan from 6pm – 1am. LOCAL, Block C, Al Zeina, Abu Dhabi. Telephone 02 555 3339 www.instagram.com/_localuae_

Nando’s* – The Al Zeina location is open daily throughout Ramadan from 11am until midnight (1am on Friday) for dine-in, takeaway and delivery. They are also serving an Iftar meal that features some of their most popular dishes such as flame-grilled peri-peri chicken, chicken espetada, Mediterranean salad, peri-peri chips and wedges, spicy rice and coleslaw for just AED 199 for 4 or AED 119 for 2 people. Nando’s, Block B, Al Zeina, Abu Dhabi. Telephone: 02 555 8012 www.nandos.ae/eat/restaurant/al-zeina

Jones The Grocer* – Both the Raha Gardens and Al Muneera branches of Jones The Grocer will be open daily for dine-in customers from 8am – 1am (takeaway and home delivery also available). All Jones branches will be offering a special Ramadan menu with such delights as red lentil, paprika and greek yogurt soup, pistachio herb crusted lamb and sticky date and walnut cake.

Alongside the dine-in options Jones is offering an Iftar dessert box, an Iftar gourmet to go box, large cakes and Ramadan catering options. The Ramadan grazing box has a selection of sweet and savoury options to cater for up to 10 people. Visit the Jones The Grocer website for information about individual branches www.jonesthegrocer.com

Yas Island

Caffe Nero – Open in Yas Mall for dine-in and takeaway from 7am until 1am (2am at weekends) throughout Ramadan. Usual options and a good spot if you fancy a bit of peaceful shopping and a pitstop during the day. Caffe Nero, Ground Floor (next to Zara), Yas Mall. Telephone: 02 562 0256. www.caffenero.com

Shakespeare and Co** – Another Yas Mall cafe open during the is Shakespeare and co who are offering their all-day dining menu from 9am – 12 midnight. They will also be offering a special three-course Iftar menu for AED 99 per person and donating 20% of all patisserie bought after 10pm to the Al Jalila Foundation Ramadan BASMA fundraising campaign to help children who have life threatening diseases. Telephone: 02 565 0170. www.shakespeare-and-co.com

Khalifa Park Area

Foodshed – Open daily from 11am – 11pm throughout Ramadan, Foodshed will be serving its tasty selection of farm-to-table style cuisine (try the cinnamon vegan buns) as well as Ratios Coffee and cold beverage selection. The wholesome, vegan-friendly menu offers lots of healthy options and caters for most dietary requirements and food intolerances. Foodshed Restaurant, Bloom Gardens (next to Brighton College), Khalifa Park Area, Abu Dhabi. Telephone: 02 671 1113 www.foodshed.ae

Sanderson’s – The first solo venture in Abu Dhabi for successful restauranteur Sergio Lopez (formerly of Tom & Serg fame) Sanderson’s will be open from 8am – 4:30pm for non-fasters. The sustainable cafe that offers ‘mood food’ draws inspiration from international flavours and uses seasonal, fresh and nutritious ingredients to create well-presented, handcrafted cuisine and beverages. The cafe will reopen from Iftar time until 2am as well as offering a special island Paradise suhoor from 9pm. Sanderson’s, The Walk at Al Seef Resort & Spa by Andalus, Al Salam Street, Abu Dhabi. Telephone: 02 222 1142 www.wearesandersons.com

Saadiyat Island

Larte – The spacious cafe located at Manarat Al Saadiyat will be open everyday during Ramadan from 10am – 12 midnight offering it’s Italian inspired menu and coffee. They also offer a Ramadan sharing menu (see Facebook for details). Larte, Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi. Telephone 02 657 5888. www.larte.ae/

Circle Cafe – The cafe will be open throughout Ramadan daily from 8am – 11pm. Pop by for a breakfast bagel, coffee, lunch or have afternoon tea with some of their tempting cakes. Another cosy spot in the capital to set up your portable office. Circle Cafe, Saadiyat Beach and Residence, Abu Dhabi. Telephone 02 448 4255. www.circle-cafe.com

Al Maryah Island

GOSSIP Cafe and Desserts – This cute little cafe in The Galleria Mall will be open daily from 7am – 12 midnight on weekdays (Sunday – Wednesday) and from 1pm – 7pm at the weekends (Thursday – Saturday) throughout Ramadan. Enjoy sweet and savoury dishes with Emirati inspired flavours using fresh, natural and organic ingredients. Dine-in or takeaway some of the delicious cakes and macaroons. GOSSIP Cafe & Desserts, The Galleria Mall, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi.

Bentley Kitchen – The casual yet stylish European restaurant, Bentley Kitchen located in The Galleria Mall will be open for non-fasters daily from 12 noon for lunch until 1:00am throughout the holy month. I can personally recommend the fried halloumi sliders if you are looking for a light bite. Bentley Kitchen, The Galleria Mall, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi. Telephone 02 626 2131. www.bentleykitchen.com

Khalidiya

The Third Place Cafe – This eclectic cafe in converted villa in Khalidiya will be open as usual for non-fasters daily from 8am – 11pm. Plenty of space to set up your laptop and enjoy their vast breakfast menu, fresh smoothies and juices and plenty of coffee and tea choices. Try the selection of sandwiches, salads and pasta as well as many vegetarian and vegan options. The Third Place Cafe, Villa T3, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi. Telephone 02 681 1877. www.thethirdplaceuae.com

The Living Room Cafe – Located in Khalidiya Village this homely cafe will be open throughout Ramadan for both dine-in and take-away daily from 8am – 11pm. Home delivery is also available via the Talabat app. The cafe will be serving its normal breakfast, lunch, dinner menu as well as coffee and cakes. The Living Room Cafe, Khalidiya Village, Abu Dhabi. Telephone 02 639 6654. www.thelivingroomcafeabudhabi.com/

For a full guide of venues open during the day in Abu Dhabi for non-fasters visit www.foodiva.net/2019/04/ramadanabudhabi/

* Nando’s at World Trade Center Mall and Shams Boutik Mall are also open during the day in Ramadan – visit the website www.nandos.ae/eat/restaurants-all for each locations opening hours.

** Jones The Grocer locations will be open across the capital – check with the individual venue or visit the website www.jonesthegrocer.com for more information.

*** All Shakespeare and Co locations across Abu Dhabi will be open daily from 9am – 12 midnight – vist www.shakespeare-and-co.com for more information