< PreviousThe Great Outdoors 40 November 2022 timeoutabudhabi.com CAFÉ 302 Café 302 is an Abu Dhabi favourite known for its tasty food and vegan-friendly options. Plant- based aÀcionados are in safe hands here. The outdoor terrace is quaint, serving up omelettes, breakfast sandwiches, tofu Benedict, shakshouka and a whole lot more. This is one of the best spots for outdoor breakfasts in Abu Dhabi you need to add to your hit list. O Open daily 8am-11pm. Al Maha Arjaan by Rotana, Hamdan Street, rotana.com (02 610 6666). CIRCLE CAFÉ Head along to the Mangrove Village branch of this popular breakfast spot and take a seat in the restaurant’s garden area for one of the best spots for outdoor breakfasts in Abu Dhabi. There’s an unlimited breakfast deal on weekends where diners can Àll plate after plate with popular dishes like avocado toast, Turkish eggs, a breakfast wrap, pancakes and more with a hot drink for just Dhs60. Now that’s a meal deal. O Open daily, 8am-10pm, Mangrove Village, circle-cafe.com (02 666 0829). HOME BAKERY Take a walk into Umm Al Emarat Park and hang a quick right to Ànd Home Bakery. Outside there’s a small seating area for diners to pitch up at and watch the world go by. They won’t be distracted for long, however, with breakfast dishes including scrambled egg burek, saffron karak French toast, avocado toast, Turkish eggs and more also vying for your undivided attention. Is there anything more idyllic? O Open daily 8am-11pm. Umm Al Emarat Park, Mushrif, homebakery.ae (02 446 6511). It’s chilled, chic and we’ve never been served anything here we didn’t enjoy. Enjoy excellent coffee alongside some top breakfast dishes including tahini avo toast, eggs royale, stuffed croissants and Sandersons’ own take on a full English. And of course, if you haven’t cottoned on to the theme here, you can go al fresco with your brekkie. We call that sunny side up. O Daily 8am-10pm. Al Seef Village Mall, Khalifa Park Area (02 222 1142). TASHAS For fans of breakfast, Tashas is an Abu Dhabi institution. There isn’t a more popular spot in the mornings. When you see the stunning outdoor terrace, with chilled vibes and buzzing atmosphere, you’ll understand why there’s always a queue. It’s worth waiting for. O Open Sat-Wed 8am-11pm, Thu-Fri 8am-midnight. Al Bareen Marina (02 445 0890). NO FIFTY SEVEN BOUTIQUE CAFÉI Looking for one of the best outdoor breakfasts in Abu Dhabi? It’s chic, it’s cool, on trend and hipster-friendly and as well as being Insta- affable the food is also tip-top. If you’re lucky enough to grab a table in the outdoor garden area you’re in for a treat as you settle in, enjoy the breeze and wrap your gums around breakfast options including eggs benny, French toast, burrata scramble on plenty more. Get in the frame. O Open daily 9am-10.45pm. Masha Al Bateen, instagram.com/no57cafe (02 441 6100). NOLU’S The original branch of this popular Afghani- Californian café is still a huge hit and enjoys an ace setting at Al Bandar peering out to the waters of the Arabian Gulf. On the menu there’s plenty to be excited about as you chill outdoors with your choice of superfood oatmeal, eggs Benedict, breakfast burrito, pancakes. O Open daily 9am-10.30pm. Al Bandar, Al Raha Beach, nolusrestaurants.com (02 557 9500). RACLETTE BRASSERIE & CAFÉ Posh doesn’t even begin to cover it at this French spot on Mamsha. With so many options on the menu, you’ll have to hold onto your beret until you choose. Are we on our way there for breakfast outside? Oui oui. O Open daily 9am-9.30pm. Mamsha Al Saadiyat, instagram.com/racletteuae (02 546 2277). SANDERSON’S Quickly becoming one of the best outdoor breakfasts in Abu Dhabi, Sanderson’s has been a big hit since opening and it’s easy to see why. Raclette Brasserie & Café Café 302The Great Outdoors timeoutabudhabi.com November 2022 41 TAWA BAKERY With cool views out over the water towards Yas Island, Tawa Bakery has an inviting outdoor area on the balcony. This gluten-free café has loads to offer for the Àrst meal of the day, but be sure to sample the Belgian wafÁes, eggs Benedict, and buttermilk pancakes. Dreamy. For super stacks of pancakes in Abu Dhabi click here. O Daily 10am-10pm. Al Muneera, tawa.ae (02 556 6900). THE THIRD PLACE CAFÉ Looking to have a working breakfast? Third Place Café has two beautiful outdoor spaces with loads of greenery. Bring a book or laptop, and get ready to gorge on a range of breakfast dishes including a full English, omelettes and more. Just remember to keep track of the time, Nolu’s “You’ll have to hold onto your beret until you choose what to eat”The Great Outdoors 42 November 2022 timeoutabudhabi.com it’s all too easy to let it run away from you in this sweet spot. Luckily, if that happens, you’re well placed for lunch. O Open daily 8am-10.30pm. Corniche Road, Khalidiya, thethirdplaceuae.com (02 681 1877). Beautiful parks AL AIN PARADISE HANGING GARDEN Taking a trip to Al Ain? With its world record- holding hanging baskets and meticulously manicured grounds (plus its mini Eiffel Tower), Al Ain Paradise Hanging Garden is a stroll in the park full of utter joy. O Open 24/7 when in season. Off Nayhan the First Street, Al Ain. AL KHALEEJ AL ARABI PARK A wildly popular waterfront spot where just the waft of the Àred-up barbecues is enough to entice you in, especially on a Friday or Saturday night. O Free. Khaleej Al Arabi Street. AL KHUBEIRAH DOG PARK Want to take your furry friend outside for the day? The newly opened Al Khubeirah dog park has you covered. The Al Khubeirah dog park offers a secure and gated environment for dogs, including dedicated spaces for large and small dogs, play equipment, open green spaces, and more. O Open daily 6am-10pm. Al Khubeirah. KHALIDIYA PARK Joyous for joggers but also great for families, this is a mainstay of the capital’s park life. It has plenty of kiosks to grab a refreshment from and lots of activities for the little ones. O Free. Open daily 8am-10pm. Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street. BASRA PARK A ladies-only venue in Al Ain, Basra Park offers a respite from the busy world of motherhood, with plenty to keep the kids entertained. Shaded areas, swings, slides and climbing frames are all available. O Free. Open daily 24/7. Al Ain, Zayed Al Awwal Street. CAPITAL PARK A welcome oasis in the middle of the city with a large lake that has its own fountain show along with a cafeteria and plenty of distractions for the kids. Head here for some week-day bliss or a relaxing weekend with a great book. O Free. Open daily 8am-10pm. Al Danah (02 417 3711). CORNICHE PARKS Choose between Recreational, Formal and “Enjoy numerous cabanas under which you can take shelter, or set out a picnic basket”The Great Outdoors timeoutabudhabi.com November 2022 43 Lake and every which way you’ll Ànd some welcome respite from your busy working week. The latter is particularly Instagram-worthy. Let’s get outdoors in Abu Dhabi on the Corniche: a classic. O Free. Off Corniche Road. DELMA PARK Fitness fans head here in their droves, but you can also relax awhile safe in the knowledge there are refreshments available and even a game of chess should you wish to show brain over brawn. Free. Delma Street. HERITAGE PARK A secluded spot opposite Mina Port that is ideal for a family picnic, or burying yourself in a book, or a birthday barbecue. You choose. O Free. Off Al Firdous Street, Corniche East. KHALIDIYAH GARDEN Plonk yourself down for a picnic under the date palms and marvel at the keep-Àt fans whizzing around you. The water feature and playground will keep the kids occupied, too. O Free. Between 30th and 16th Streets, Al Khalidiyah. KHALIFA PARK A wide expanse of green (500,000 sq metres in total), a miniature train, museum, gym and library make this a prime example of how to keep both brains and bodies active, even when you’re just chilling. O Dhs2. Next to Ministries Complex, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street. MANGROVE NATIONAL PARK Okay this isn’t your typical park, but it’s a stunning landmark that you can’t not visit. The thriving ecosystem is a sanctuary for a variety of birds and marine life. The route is dotted with numerous cabanas under which you can take shelter, or set out a picnic basket. O Free. Eastern Mangroves, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street, ead.ae. REEM CENTRAL PARK A communal hub for the Reem residents, the restaurants, Áowing fountain, skateboard park, sports courts and children’s playgrounds are all brimming with fresh sea air. O Free. Reem Island. SHEIKHA FATIMA PARK This sweet spot in Al Bateen is home to a skatepark, green space, playground and plenty of places to eat after you spend time outside. While you’re there, check out the newly opened Sola Restaurant & Café. The perfect spot for a day outdoors in Abu Dhabi. O Free. Open daily 10am-10pm. Al Bateen (02 444 0444). UMM AL EMARAT PARK Whether its the Wisdom Garden, Animal Barn, Children’s Garden, Botanic Garden or Shade House you head for here, this is the mother of all parks, and a huge family favourite in Abu Dhabi. The food options are great as well. O Dhs10. Al Mushrif (02 666 9559). YAS GATEWAY PARK Tucked in between all the other attractions Yas Island has to offer, this split park provides both serenity in its chilled-out green spaces and activity in its tennis courts and kids’ play areas. O Free. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Highway, Yas Island. Waterpark fun DRAGON BOATING Looking for something sporty to do outdoors in Abu Dhabi? Dragon Boating is a tremendous team sport that evokes a real spirit, and plenty of paddle power. The Capital Dragons are a welcoming crew who’ll embrace even complete amateurs. What are you waiting for? Get Àt and make new friends in the process.This is one of the most exhilarating things to do in the capital, and it’s great to do with your mates too. O capitaldragons.weebly.com. FREE DIVING Underwater adventures have never been so exhilarating, especially when you can hold your breath long enough to truly swim with the Àshes. Of course, you’ll need to get some good training before you dive in. If your lung capacity isn’t quite there yet, you can always try good ol’ scuba diving, too. Head here for a wholesome weekend trip away with your friends, or enjoy a solo dive into the deep, blue sea. O Prices and times vary. freedivinguae.com (056 976 1000). FLYBOARDING Want to Áoat into the skyline outdoors in Abu Dhabi? Just keeping your balance as you’re projected from the ocean is a thrill enough but when you can look like a Àlm star doing so, now that’s something else. O Prices and times vary, seasport.ae (02 553 5497). JET SKIING James Bond wannabes will love the chance to recreate that famous scene from The Spy Who Loved Me on a jet-ski. The rest of us would be glad just to not tragically bail out while doing so. Let’s get outdoors in Abu Dhabi. O From Dhs225 for a lesson with Captain Sam’s. Al Bateen Jetty (056 477 7970). KITESURFING A kite school made for riders by riders, Eywoa’s instructors will have you pulling off some natty tricks in no time. Plus, they’ll show you some secret surÀng spots we’ll all be envious of. O From Dhs300. eywoa.com (056 329 2695). KAYAKING There’s only place any would-be kayaker should head in the capital, and that’s the Mangroves. An afternoon adventure here will make your Instagram followers green with envy. Get outdoors in Abu Dhabi. Heritage ParkThe Great Outdoors 44 November 2022 timeoutabudhabi.com you’ll Ànd all sorts of wonderful wildlife at the emirate’s largest zoo outdoors in Abu Dhabi. If you’ve never fed a penguin, here’s your chance. Feeling brave? There are also opportunities to dine with lions at Al Ain Zoo. We’re roaring and rearing to go. O Dhs32 (adults) Dhs10.5 (kids three to 12). Open daily, 9am-6pm. Nahyan the First street, Al Ain, alainzoo.ae (800 966) AL WATHBA WETLAND RESERVE The UAE’s Àrst protected wetland has counted 250 different bird species on its guest list. This stunning spot outdoors in Abu Dhabi has sights for Áamingo fans, with a Áamboyance of some 4,000 of them making this their home from autumn to spring. O Open winter months only. Al Wathba, ead.ae. MANGROVE NATIONAL PARK Nature’s gift to Abu Dhabi, this sprawling site of brilliant biodiversity protects the city’s coast from the tide while giving a home to herons, Áamingos, foxes, turtles, dolphins and more. This is one of the most gorgeous spots outdoors in Abu Dhabi for a relaxing weekend. O Near the Eastern Ring Road (02 445 4777). O Dhs160 (adult), Dhs130 (children under 11). Noukhada Adventure Company, Sultan Bin Zayed The First Street, noukhada.ae (02 558 1889). STAND-UP PADDLEBOARDING Also at its Ànest within the Mangroves, this is a perfect pursuit for you stand-up guys and girls. Paddling your way serenely surrounded by nature. What’s not to love about it? Especially when the worse you are, the more of a workout you’ll Ànd you get… O From Dhs120. Captain Tony’s, Eastern Mangroves Marina (02 635 0040). WAKEBOARDING Looking an exhilarating time outdoors in Abu Dhabi? Al Forsan trains some of the UAE’s Ànest exponents of wakeboarding thanks to its one-of-a-kind water cable park system that runs at speeds of up to 38kph. Get on board. O Prices and timings vary. Al Forsan International Sports Resort, Al Forsan (02 556 8555). Wildlife encounters ABU DHABI FALCON HOSPITAL Being the national bird of the UAE, caring for these fabulous Áying machines is a 24/7 job at this hospital and museum where you can also see dynamic displays of patients back in full Áight. Take in their magniÀcence and awe at their stunning beauty. O Near Abu Dhabi International Airport (02 575 5155). AL AIN ZOO Rhinos, giraffes, tigers, hippos and crocodiles, “You’ll find all sorts of wo wildlife at the emirate’s larThe Great Outdoors timeoutabudhabi.com November 2022 45 SIR BANI YAS ISLAND More than 10,000 animals roam free on this incredible island, with the Arabian oryx its most chilled-out attraction. Gazelles, giraffes, hyenas and cheetahs can also be spotted, along with some amazing archaeological sites. Let’s get outdoors in Abu Dhabi. O Al Gharbia, Abu Dhabi. ““EEnnjooy sommee frresshh aairr wwhhille yoouu cchhaasee tthoossee eenndoorrphiinss”” AL HUDAYRIAT ISLAND You’ve probably taken the drive over the bridge (which is impressive in itself) to Hudayriat Island before for a weekend sunbathing session, but did you also know that you can hire bikes here? Two loops are available in 10km and 5km, making this a great option to exercise outdoors in Abu Dhabi. Or, if cycling isn’t your thing the still waters by the public beach are ideal for a spot of wild swimming. O Free. Open daily 8am-7pm. Hudayriat Island. AL WATHBA CYCLE TRACK Looking for interesting places to exercise outdoors in Abu Dhabi? Next to the camel- racing track and with views of sand dunes for as far as the eye can see, this is deÀnitely not your average cycling track. Here you can tackle anything from a leisurely eight kilometres to a calf-aching 30-kilometre loop. But with such a stunning backdrop, you won’t have time to think about how tired you are. O Free. Open daily 24 hours. Al Wathba Cycle Track, E22 Abu Dhabi-Al Ain Road, sportinabudhabi.ae. THE CORNICHE This eight-kilometre iconic stretch on the Corniche is one of the best places to exercise outdoors in Abu Dhabi. Lined by a wide boardwalk that’s perfect for walking, jogging or cycling, there’s always a great vibe here in the early morning or even as people head here for their daily work out. Water stations are found along the way and the route lets you take in some of the most iconic buildings in the capital such as Emirates Palace and The St. Regis Abu Dhabi. O From Dhs20 (bike hire for 24 hours). The Corniche, bikeshare.ae (800 292 253). THE GALLERIA AL MARYAH ISLANDi Feeling like the world is on your shoulders? Luckily you can namaste your way out of that funk. Well now you can take part in free outdoor yoga sessions three times a week at one of the most popular shopping malls in the city. The classes take place on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday mornings from 8.30am to 9.30am at the Sky Park at The Galleria Al Maryah Island. O Free. Mon, Wed, Sat, 8.30am-9.30am. Al Ain Zoo onderful rgest zoo” The Corniche Al Hudayriat Island46 November 2022 timeoutabudhabi.com Food timeoutabudhabi.com/food-drink Stunning views, beautiful décor, and delicious coffee. Prettiest cafés If you love café culture, pretty locations, and taking pixel-perfect food photos for the ‘gram, you’re going to love these pretty cafés. From artsy to beachy to whimsical, we have every kind of pretty café you could ask for. Let’s get caffeinated. Alkalime Saadiyat Island is certainly one of the most beautiful places in Abu Dhabi, and Soul Beach is simply gorgeous, so it makes sense that one of the prettiest cafés in Abu Dhabi would be located there. Alkalime is a feel-good restaurant that serves up thoughtful, tasty and wholesome dishes that are good for you. If you’re there for breakfast we’d recommend the smashed avocado with pomegranate seeds for Dhs38. The vegan Cauli-pizza is out of this world, too. The restaurant manages to bring the tranquil beach vibes inside with boho-chic décor and huge windows that look out to the sky and water. A truly pretty café experience, especially if you save time for a walk on Soul Beach afterwards. O Open daily, 9am-9pm. Soul Beach, @alkalime_uae (054 449 1547). Aptitude Café Another beautiful place to enjoy your coffee by the water, Aptitude Café also features a view of the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Featuring plenty of greenery, swaying palms and indoor and outdoor seating, this zen spot is a great place to go before or after you visit the exhibit at the Louvre Abu Dhabi. If you’re looking for a meal with your coffee, we’d recommend the country Greek salad with cucumber, tomato, olives, onion and feta for the perfect Brunch & Caketimeoutabudhabi.com November 2022 47 light bite (Dhs48). The steak sandwich is another winner with grilled Àlet mignon, onion marmalade, and emmental cheese for Dhs80. Sky, water and the beautiful Louvre Abu Dhabi – during an Abu Dhabi sunset it’s even prettier in pink. O Open daily, 9am-10pm. Louvre Abu Dhabi @aptitude.ae (050 988 5445). Breath Café Want to feel like you’re in wonderland? You need to head over to Breath Café. It has a faux-grass Áoor, trees that grow through the Al Saadiyat. With huge windows, bright and interesting décor, and an outdoor terrace that feels like an escape from the city, this café is one of the prettiest places to chat about art and culture. We’d recommend the Mona Lisa pizza with turkey ham and mushrooms for Dhs69 if you want the full artsy experience. O Open daily, 8am-10pm. Manarat Al Saadiyat, @larte.abudhabi (02 657 5888). Rain Café Puffy rain clouds, soothing blue tones, and a rare treat for Abu Dhabi residents: it’s raining down pretty at Rain Café. With locations across Abu Dhabi including the Abu Dhabi Corniche, Muroor and Yas Mall, this café is the perfect pretty location to have a delicious coffee and a snack or meal during a lazy afternoon. No matter the location, the décor is always cute. Try the kunafa cheesecake for Dhs44, or put a pretty twist on your usual coffee and order a rose latte for Dhs28. O Abu Dhabi Corniche, Muroor, Yas Mall (02 677 7366). Montauk Boutique Café and Restaurant If you’re looking for luxe beach house vibes like the ones you’d Ànd in The Hamptons look no further. Montauk Boutique Café and Restaurant serves a photogenic line-up of carefully crafted dishes and desserts and a pretty ambiance that makes you feel like you just stepped off the beach. We’d recommend the avocado and beetroot cheese toast with toasted sourdough, smashed avocado, beetroot and cheese emulsion, feta and pine nuts for Dhs65. A pretty purple dish for a pretty venue. The coffee is delicious too. O Open daily, 9am-11pm. Al Bateen, @montaukabudhabi (02 546 6255). ceiling, and a quirky water feature. You’ll Ànd yourself expecting to see a fairy any minute. This spot is like your childhood visions of a whimsical tea-party come true. Plus the food is delicious, too. Plump for the chilli chips croissant sandwich with cheddar cheese, tomato, lettuce and mayo on a soft croissant stuffed with crushed crisps for Dhs26. They also serve a fantastic blueberry salad with baby spinach, arugula, green apple, strawberry, blueberry, feta cheese, avocado and walnut with strawberry dressing for Dhs49. A magical kind of pretty. O Open daily, 9am-11pm. Dhafra, @breathcafe.ae (02 444 4219). Brunch & Cake This picture-perfect spot in Al Bateen Marina deÀnitely deserves a mention as one of the prettiest cafés in Abu Dhabi. Pastel pinks, yellows and cream colours create a soothing environment with sunlight streaming in from the glass terrace. Cuddle up in one of the comfy nooks or settle into a casual lounge chair while you sip coffee and read or catch up with a friend. The décor is very pretty, but the food is also easy on the eyes with eggs benny on a charcoal wafÁe for Dhs75, and zucchini blossoms with mushrooms, pesto mayo, parmesan and mozzarella cheese for Dhs65 as just two of the highlights. You might come for brunch, but don’t forget the cake. O Open daily, 9am-11.30pm. Bateen Marina, @brunchandcake (800 4726362). Larte Ristorante The most art-deco of all the cafés on this list, Larte Ristorante is a café, restaurant and bar that serves up classic Italian dishes in the heart of Saadiyat’s cultural district: Manarat Montauk Boutique Café and Restaurant Alkalime “Your childhood visions of a whimsical tea-party come true”Food 48 November 2022 timeoutabudhabi.com AL BATEEN IS brimming with cafés and M1 has opened up shop in a road Àlled with a number of them, near the café-centric marina. Hold that yawn because M1 is a multi-level and muti-sensory (as they say) all-day dining space trying to do things differently. The casual eatery is by no means revolutionising the dining scene, but its presence and popularity is already clear. It’s a chic space still in its infancy, but M1 appears to be a number one for many as friends and couples are gathered in the café and restaurant. Walk up the marble steps and the door will open to a grand café on the bottom that is busy at most hours of the day. (M1 is open from 8am to the later evening hours.) This is a large venue, and it is nowhere close to empty. There is still an intimate feel. Those wanting more substantial fare can make their way to the second Áoor for the darker, moody restaurant. A third Áoor lounge is also in the works with a private members’ social club. Speciality coffees are what’s always popping on all Áoors, but M1 does more. This is a casual eatery with café favourites from pizzas and pastas, presented with Ànesse and reÀnement Àtting of the stylish interiors. M1 knows its crowd and is M1 Café and Lounge OOpen Mon-Thu 8am-midnight, Fri-Sat 8am-1am. Unlicensed. Al Bateen, m1cafelounge.com. intent on giving the people what they’re after. In a lot of cases that is a ragtag assortment of crab salad, maki, short rib fettucini and coffee. Tick, tick, tick. The sticky toffee date pudding with ice cream and honeycomb is another clear hit. As for the whole multisensory WHAT IS IT... A chic café and restaurant with casual, all-day bites drawing in crowds at all hours WHY GO... A grand mixed venue in the foodie and coffee spot of Al Bateen that knows its demo “Speciality coffees are what’s always popping” experience, M1 has patrons pretty well covered in terms of taste and sight (these are the pretty plates we expect of Abu Dhabi cafés). Scents coming out of the kitchen and the chilled mood add to the space. With long opening hours, you can enjoy it all day and night. Time Out reviews anonymously and pays for its meals RESTAURANT IN FOCUSFood timeoutabudhabi.com November 2022 49 the dishes are made, including veggie options. There is also a separate gluten-free menu. We start with the Greek salad, and it’s so brilliantly colourful and tasty. It’s an unbeatable classic, and just as good as any of the versions we remember tasting on actual Greek islands. Mains include hot plates, pasta, rice and of course plenty of wood and charcoal options from the outdoor kitchen. Choose your grills and your sides and watch the chef WHAT IS IT... A chi-chi restaurant that Greek dreams are made of WHY GO... If you love a delicious selection of colourful, tasty and unbeatable Mediterranean classics Mazi O Licensed. St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Island, restaurant.saadiyat@stregis.com (02 498 8888). “Watch the chef whip up grills over the open flames” THE PARTY BRUNCH GET YOUR CAMERA ready before you step into Mazi because no expense has been spared with the design that recalls chi-chi holidays (or at least dreams) of Greece. The inside is stunning, but the outside might just take the cake thanks to the outdoor grill, palm trees and Saadiyat Island vibes. Our server seems genuinely excited by the menu, and after a few bites we can see why. The aforementioned grill is where most of whip them up for you over the open Áames. (Remember we said to have your camera ready.) Have a sweet tooth? Whether you’re after something light or you want something decadent, it’s covered. Try chocolate olives or the signature loukoumades that come in a mini crate with a spring of lavender on the side. There’s a lot to look at during a visit to Mazi, but there are plenty of incredible things to taste, too.Next >