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19 Feb 2025
Embarking on a culinary journey through the United Arab Emirates is an adventure. With over 26,000 restaurants and cafes, the UAE offers a diverse and vibrant food scene, each establishment striving to create a unique experience. But beyond the delectable flavours and innovative dishes, some restaurants provide something special: breathtaking views. Travel to savour a delicious meal while gazing upon iconic landmarks, shimmering cityscapes, or the tranquil beauty of the Arabian Gulf.
The Sandy Times has explored some of the UAE's most stunning dining destinations, perfect for travellers seeking to combine culinary delights with unforgettable vistas. From hidden gems nestled amidst lush greenery to the beachfront seatings overlooking bustling metropolises, these restaurants enhance dining to an art form, creating moments that will last long after the plates are cleared. Pack your bags and your appetite because this travel guide will lead you to the UAE's most visually and gastronomically rewarding experiences.
Villa 515: The ultimate travel retreat
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Villa 515, in Dubai's Jumeirah neighbourhood, offers a contemporary dining experience that combines culinary delights with a calm, verdant setting. This villa turned into a cafe provides a refreshing escape from the city's hustle, its lush greenery creating a serene backdrop for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Enjoy sipping your coffee amidst a mini oasis, the chirping of birds adding to the peaceful atmosphere. Villa 515's charm lies in its delicious menu, featuring items like avocado toast on homemade sourdough and delectable French toast and its carefully curated ambience.
The combination of natural light, comfortable seating, and the aroma from the adjoining perfume shop creates a multi-sensory experience. The place is ideal for catching up with friends, enjoy a quiet meal, or even get some work done amidst the soothing greenery. The villa's design, blending modern and natural elements, further enhances the overall experience, making Villa 515 a hidden gem in Jumeirah.
ZOI: A cultural oasis in Al Ain
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For those looking for a distinctive dining experience infused with Emirati culture, ZOI in Al Ain presents an enchanting combination of cultural engagement and delicious meals. Located in Qattara, this Emirati-owned cafe stands out with its spectacular architecture, reminiscent of a traditional fort, and a design aesthetic that beautifully represents local culture.
ZOI's charm extends beyond its visually appealing space. The cafe provides a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for gatherings with friends and family. Whether you prefer the cosy interiors with glass ceilings and earthy tones or the picturesque al fresco area, ZOI caters to all preferences.
The menu complements the ambience, featuring speciality coffee, fresh juices, and a diverse selection of Middle Eastern-inspired dishes. From breakfast to dinner, ZOI offers a range of options, including salads, small plates, large plates, pizzas, and freshly baked flatbreads. The cafe's commitment to quality extends to its amenities, including well-maintained on-site bathrooms.
A visit to ZOI is more than just a meal, it is an opportunity to experience Emirati hospitality and culture in a beautifully designed setting. Travellers exploring Al Ain will find ZOI a must-visit destination, offering a tranquil escape and a taste of local heritage. Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Al Qattara Oasis for a complete cultural and natural experience.
Pentagon Specialty Coffee: Travel-friendly two branches
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If you want a modern and sensory coffee experience, Pentagon Specialty Coffee offers an unparalleled destination with two distinct locations. The cafe provides a stylish urban setting in Abu Dhabi, while its sister location at Khorfakkan Beach in Sharjah offers beautiful seaside views. This Emirati-owned speciality coffee shop is inspired by the number five, representing its five co-founders, the five elements of coffee, and the five senses it aims to engage.
Whether you are in the city or seeking a coastal escape, Pentagon's commitment to quality is evident in its carefully selected, speciality-grade coffee, chosen with the five elements of third-wave coffee in mind: sweetness, body, flavour, aroma, and finish.
Pentagon Specialty Coffee uses a custom-made, award-winning Victoria Arduino Black Eagle machine to offer high-grade single-origin coffees. The Abu Dhabi location has a comfortable atmosphere, while the Khorfakkan Beach branch features sensational ocean views, allowing you to enjoy your coffee with the sounds of the waves. Alongside their speciality brews, Pentagon offers pastries, baked goods, desserts, and açai bowls for a perfect pairing. This cafe unites the art of coffee with a focus on all five senses, making it an indelible visit for any traveller.
Daughter & Dad: Restaurant for nature lovers
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For a heartwarming experience in the UAE, Daughter & Dad Coffee offers more than just a meal, it is a destination. Nestled within the serene Desert Palm Equestrian Centre, this family-run cafe provides a peaceful escape that feels worlds away from the city bustle.
Enjoy your coffee surrounded by lush greenery, the gentle whinny of horses adding to the peaceful ambience. It is a countryside idyll, a hidden gem waiting to be discovered, yet conveniently close to attractions like The Last Exit Khawaneej.
Daughter & Dad Coffee embraces the values of warmth and inclusivity, creating a welcoming space for all. As an all-female team, they are also passionate about female empowerment. They host workshops and events to uplift the local community. And for animal lovers, the cafe is dog friendly, making it the perfect spot to relax with your four-legged companion.
The cafe itself is a charming standalone unit that offers an airy space filled with natural light, while the views of the surrounding stables and equestrian centre add to the special atmosphere. Visiting Daughter & Dad Coffee is necessary for travellers looking for an exceptional experience in the UAE. Whether enjoying fresh waffles and coffee or simply soaking in the peaceful surroundings, this café combines community, nature, and delicious food, making it a memorable stop on any travel itinerary.
Paus;: Dubai's oasis
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Visit an urban oasis nestled in a lush, verdant garden where the gentle murmur of conversation blends with the rustle of leaves — Paus; — a wellness cafe tucked away in a converted villa on Al Wasl Road. While Paus; offers a delightful menu of all-day breakfast and nostalgic dishes, the serene beauty of its surroundings genuinely sets it apart.
The garden at Paus; is a haven of peace, a welcome escape from the bustling city. Whether you are enjoying a leisurely brunch or unwinding after a sound healing session upstairs, the tranquil atmosphere enhances every experience. Picture yourself sipping a refreshing peach blossom infusion as the soft lights twinkle in the garden after sunset–pure magic.
Even the indoors of Paus; don't disappoint. The stylish interior, bathed in natural light streaming through towering vaulted windows, creates a bright and airy ambience. It feels both modern and inviting, a perfect blend of comfort and chic design. Whether you choose a cosy spot upstairs for a bit quieter or settle into a table overlooking the garden, you will find yourself captivated by the beauty of Paus;.
Maisan15: Dubai's hidden gem for travellers
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Are you tired of the same old tourist traps? Craving an authentic experience off the beaten path? Then, prepare to be enchanted by Maisan15, a hidden gem in Al Barsha South that offers travellers an unforgettable dining experience. Maisan15 is a destination, a place where you can escape the ordinary and immerse yourself in a world of tranquillity and artistic charm.
Maisan15 is a man-made greenhouse, a lush oasis teeming with colorful plants and the soothing sounds of a central fountain. You can dine al fresco, surrounded by nature's beauty, or cosy up indoors amidst the owner's captivating artwork and a charming little library. Maisan15 offers a feast for all your senses.
Maisan15 presents more than stunning views in a leafy setting. It is about the experience: a unique menu with seasonal ingredients and a taste of local life. Enjoy a delightful meal, sip on refreshing hibiscus and saffron iced tea, and soak up the laid-back, artistic vibe. Maisan15 is a travel experience in itself, a chance to discover a hidden gem.
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