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Time Out Abu Dhabi

The best spots for solo dinners in Abu Dhabi

Dining alone doesn't have to mean grabbing a quick bite before diving straight into your phone – Abu Dhabi has plenty of spots where eating independently is an experience to relish in all its entirety. Whether you're in the mood to treat yourself to a delicate lunch, linger over a coffee in a chic setting or tuck into fresh seafood by the beach, these solitary-friendly restaurants have got you covered. So, next time you find yourself flying solo, skip the takeaway and head to one of these places where you can eat, relax and maybe even meet a few new friends along the way (or, let's be honest, just enjoy your own company). Bon appétit. Best places for solo dining in Abu Dhabi Art Market (Credit: Art Market) Breakfast alone? That just means no one will judge you for ordering both the French toast and the organic porridge – because, honestly, why choose? Art Market takes the most important meal of the day seriously, serving up a curated selection of fresh, locally sourced ingredients in dishes that feel like a warm hug. Whether you're diving into coconut-laced porridge, cinnamon-spiced French toast or something piled high on toast, this Yas Bay spot is perfect for those who like to start their day with great food, great coffee and zero distractions. Open Mon-Wed 8am-9pm, Thu-Fri 8am-11.30pm, Sat 7.30am-11.30pm, Sun 7.30am-9pm. Yas Bay, Yas Island, (052 917 1523). Bait El Khetyar (Credit: Bait El Khetyar) Solo dining is all about hidden gems and Bait El Khetyar is as hidden (and as gem-like) as it gets. Tucked away between shops for car parts, this unassuming Lebanese eatery is proof that great food doesn't need a fancy postcode – just a killer menu and a loyal following. Whether you're grabbing a quick shawarma on the go or settling in for a leisurely bite, you can't go wrong with the akawi cheese manaeesh sprinkled with black sesame. Plus, with prices that feel like a throwback to another era, there's no need for dining companions to split the bill – because you've got this one covered. Open 7am-12am. Al Najda Street, Al Danah, @bait_elkhetyar (02 633 3200). Beau Restaurant (Credit: Beau Restaurant) Not all solo dining experiences need to be candlelit affairs – sometimes, you just want a ridiculously good burger without the fuss. Enter Beau Restaurant, where you can enjoy one of Abu Dhabi's fanciest patties in peace, no awkward sharing required. This upscale fast-food spot ditches the diner aesthetic for something sleeker, making it the perfect place to treat yourself to a top-tier burger without feeling like you're at a greasy joint. The smash toast with Angus beef, melted cheese and a buttered bun is a standout, while the grand chicken burger with fried chicken, tartare sauce and more cheese is pure indulgence. No small talk, no compromise – just you, your burger and pure bliss. It doesn't get much better than that, right? Open Sun-Thu 10am-11pm; Fri-Sat 10am-midnight. Marina Mall, @beaurestaurants (02 441 0722). Breath By The Beach (Credit: Breath by the beach) Solo day out? Make it an especially great one by heading to Al Hudayriyat Beach. And you better be ready because in this corner of the capital, surf, sun and seriously good food await. Breath By The Beach is the kind of place where you can settle in, sip on a perfectly brewed coffee and pretend you're on a mini beach holiday – no itinerary required. Sounds great, right? The menu is packed with solo-friendly delights, from indulgent French toast to fresh sushi rolls, plus the kind of avo truffle scrambled eggs that make you feel like you're winning at life. Grab a seat, soak up the sea breeze and enjoy the perks of dining at your own pace. Open 7.45am-11.45pm. Breath By The Beach, Al Hudayriyat Beach (02 877 8839). Cacti (Credit: Cacti) Not every solo meal needs to be a grand event – sometimes, you just want a stylish little escape where you can enjoy great food without the fuss. Enter Cacti, a sleek new spot in Marsa Al Bateen that's as quiet as it is delicious. Whether you're in the mood for a leisurely lunch or a relaxed dinner, this is the kind of place where you can dine undisturbed, maybe with a book in one hand and a fork in the other. The menu is a global affair, featuring everything from creamy beef spaghetti with Australian tenderloin to fig and honey mustard salad, sushi rolls and a selection of desserts worth lingering over. Consider this your one-stop shop for all things tasty. Open Sun-Thu 9am-11.30pm; Fri-Sat 9am-midnight. Marsa Al Bateen, @ (02 622 5467). Din Tai Fung (Credit: Din Tai Fung) Few things are more satisfying than a solo dim sum feast and Din Tai Fung makes it an art form. This globally adored Taiwanese chain has made its mark in Abu Dhabi, serving up legendary xiao long bao – those delicate, soup-filled dumplings that have earned serious foodie cred worldwide. Beyond dumplings, the menu is packed with comforting soups and heaping bowls of noodles, perfect for refuelling after a marathon shopping spree at The Galleria. Plus, solo dining means you get to hoard the whole basket of dumplings without negotiating for the last one. Win-win. Open Sun-Thu 11am-10.30pm, Fri-Sat 11am-12am. The Galleria Al Maryah Island, @dintaifungae (02 446 7273). The Irish Vickers (Credit: The Irish Vickers) Riding solo doesn't always mean you're averse to a lively atmosphere. And for that, The Irish Vickers is a top choice, especially for those who want to soak in a bit of energy without needing company. This pub may be packed, but there's always room for one more at the bar – whether you're settling in for a perfectly poured drink or digging into a classic Irish breakfast (available any time of day, by the way). From pizzas to fish and chips, lamb shank to wings, the menu delivers comfort in spades. Plus, with big games on the screens, it's the perfect spot to grab a bite and join the buzz without feeling out of place. It's a winner. Open Mon-Thu 3pm-4am, Fri-Sun 12pm-4am. WTC Mall, @irishvickers_wtc (02 886 9636). Let's Matcha croissant at Let's When it comes to solo mornings, Let's is the kind of place that makes you want to linger. Forget rushing through your coffee – here, you're encouraged to take your time, savour each bite and let the Mediterranean-Middle Eastern dishes work their magic. From burrata zaatar to Turkish eggs and fresh pastries, every dish feels like a personal treat. And the local coffee? It's the perfect companion for your solo breakfast adventure. So, whether you're catching up on some reading or just enjoying the quiet (because 'me time' is the best time), Let's is the ideal place to start your day your way. Open 8am-12am. Al Saray Street, Khalifa City, @ (02 886 7740). Li Jiang (Credit: Li Jiang) Solo dining never looked so stylish. Whether you're after a quiet moment of indulgence or a front-row seat to one of the best views in Abu Dhabi, Li Jiang has you covered. This award-winning Asian fusion spot delivers on both flavour and atmosphere, with an outdoor terrace overlooking the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – perfect for a solo meal with a side of scenery. The menu is a solo diner's dream, packed with dishes you can mix and match to suit your cravings. Slurp up a fragrant bowl of soup, dive into expertly crafted sushi or savour hand-pulled noodles and spicy curries at your own pace. Just be sure to book ahead – this spot is always in demand. Open 5pm-11pm. The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, Khor Al Maqta, (02 818 8203). Majlis by Pierré Hermé (Credit: Majlis by Pierré Hermé) If solo dining is an art, then consider Majlis by Pierré Hermé your personal gallery of indulgence. The UAE's only outpost of the legendary 'Picasso of Pastry' is tucked inside the Rosewood Abu Dhabi, making it the perfect spot for a quiet moment of self-care – preferably with a macaron (or three) in hand. Whether you're here for a flawless flat white from The Espresso Lab or a delicate pastry that looks almost too good to eat, this is solo snacking at its most refined. There's no need to share, no need to rush – just sit back, sip and savour. Oui, très très bien, indeed. Open 7am-11pm. Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island, @rosewoodabudhabi (02 813 5550). Mamafri (Credit: Mamafri) Solo dining is all about treating yourself and Mamafri makes that incredibly easy. A firm favourite among locals, this Emirati-owned spot delivers bold Southeast Asian flavours in a setting that feels effortlessly cool. Whether you're grabbing a quick bite or settling in for a full feast, the dusty pink interiors and stylish neutral tones make it a space you won't mind dining solo in – especially when the food is this good. The menu is stacked with standouts like crispy beef over mashed potato, mie goreng, Malaysian curry and ramen that packs a punch. Feeling indulgent? The Wagyu sando is an elite solo treat – no sharing necessary. Open Sun-Thu 12pm-1am, Fri-Sat 12pm-2am. Sheikha Fatima Park, (02 666 3312). Marmellata (Credit: Marmellata) If you're a pizza lover flying solo, Marmellata is the place where the pizza does all the talking. This gem at Mina Zayed serves up a rotating menu of pizzas that span from traditional to uniquely regional. Local ingredients like desert-grown mushrooms and figs from Liwa bring a fresh twist to the classic pie. They don't take reservations, so get there early – because once you taste their creations, you'll be glad you did. Whether you're grabbing a quick bite or lingering over a couple of slices, Marmellata offers the perfect solo pizza experience. Open Wed-Sun 4pm-9.30pm. Mina Zayed, @marmellatalove (055 802 9355). Oak Room (Credit: Oak Room) If you're looking to treat yourself to something a bit fancy, Oak Room is the place where satisfaction meets sophistication. With sleek décor, impeccable service and a menu that's all about premium meat and simple, yet bursting flavours, here you'll savour a meal in style. When you do feel like having a little chinwag, take your time and chat with the knowledgeable meat sommelier to find the perfect cut (or go for the beef-tasting menu if you're feeling indecisive). Either way, this is a solo dining experience that's guaranteed to hit all the right notes. Open Mon-Sat 6pm-11.30pm, Sun 12.30pm-5pm & 6-11.30pm. The Abu Dhabi EDITION, Al Bateen, (02 208 0000). Ryba (Credit: Ryba) When dining solo, sometimes you just want to be fully immersed in your meal and Ryba makes that easy. Located at Souq al Mina, this no-frills seafood haven delivers some of the freshest catches around – think succulent shrimp, flaky fish and lobster cooked just the way you like it. The best part? You're right in the heart of the action, so you can enjoy both the food and the welcoming atmosphere. Trust us, though – you won't need company here. With flavours this good, you'll be too busy savouring every bite. Open 12pm-12am. Mina Zayed, @ (02 584 5645). Sand & Koal (Credit: Sand & Koal) Solo dining with a side of sunset vibes? Yes, please. At Sand & Koal at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, you can sink into the sand, enjoy fresh seafood in all its glorious forms (raw, smoked, charred) and let the atmosphere do the rest. While the ambience invites lounging during the day, it's at sunset when the magic happens – fire dancers take over the stage, adding an extra touch of excitement to your solo feast. Perfect for those who want to indulge in tasty seafood and soak in the view, all while enjoying a meal that feels as special as you are. [Please note: Sand & Koal closes from June until October] Open Mon-Fri 5pm-1am, Sat 1pm-1am, Sun 3pm-1am. Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental Abu Dhabi, @ (02 690 7999). Taparelle Credit: Supplied When dining alone, a place with variety and atmosphere can make all the difference – and Taparelle delivers just that. This French-Italian tapas-style restaurant, which opened in December 2024, is more than just a place to eat; it's an experience. Whether you're in the mood for a quick bite while soaking up the Mediterranean-inspired vibe or want to set up camp at the co-working table for a remote work session, Taparelle's laid-back, yet stylish setting has you covered. With a menu crafted by head chef Omaka Marie Orubu, you can dive into an array of dishes like seabass carpaccio, wood-fired tomato or scallops grenobloise. There's also a special breakfast menu for the early birds. Plus, with its unique nod to Beirut's history through its salvaged wooden shutters, it's a solo dining spot with a story. Open noon-11pm. Breakfast from 9am-noon. Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Cultural District. (02 657 5832). More food in Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi's best restaurants: Everywhere you should eat at least once Your dinner inspo is sorted All the new restaurants opening in Abu Dhabi The new places you need to try 30+ amazing business lunch deals in Abu Dhabi So many options