WE PUT SOME OF THE CAPITAL’S BREAKFASTS TO THE TEST. SO HOW DID THEY FARE?
THE LIVING ROOM CAFÉ
The breakfast at TLRC is vast – plenty of pastries and a decent selection of crepes as well as the more standard egg options. We like the mammoth Simona’s Extra Special Breakfast – a full English to you and me.
Extra brownie points for the variations you can have with just about every menu item: we add sautéed mushrooms, onions and cherry tomatoes.
Drinks: The coffee here is spot on and is guaranteed to put a zing in your step. There’s also a choice of Australian milkshakes, smoothies and fresh juices.
Ambiance: TLRC offers a snug and chilled space for everyone. There’s a kid’s corner too.
Would we go back?
The welcoming staff, unique specials and family vibe will bring us back for sure.
Khalidiya Village, behind Khalidyah Mall. Sun-Thu 7.30am-11.30pm, Fri-Sat 8am-11.30pm. Contact:02 639 6654 www.thelivingroomcafeabudhabi.com
CIRCLE CAFÉ
The breakfast menu here covers all the essentials from pancakes and muffins to scrambled eggs and bagels.
There are baked goodies as well as a gluten-free full English for those who want to eat but can’t process wheat. The French toast with caramelised banana and the eggs benedict are standouts.
Drinks: The espresso is strong and rich, the cappuccino light and refreshing. There’s a great choice of fresh juices and fruity concoctions. The tangy kale lemonade is
a showstopper.
Ambience: Relaxed and inviting – and the attentive staff make sure you aren’t left wanting.
Would we go back? Absolutely – the chilled café is a great place to stop for a light bite in the morning.
Gardens Plaza, Al Raha Gardens. Sun-Thu 7.30am-11.30am, Fri-Sat 9am-midnight. Contact: 02 556 1550 circle-cafe.com
JONES THE GROCER
This Aussie deli offers a decent selection of breakfast, whether you’re craving the usual or something less ordinary. We suggest the traditional English – egg (scrambled, poached or fried) on sourdough toast, sausages wrapped in beef bacon, slow roast tomato and creamy mushrooms with basil pesto.
Most of the dishes are under AED 50 including pancakes, eggs on toast and halloumi and zucchini fritters.
Drinks: There’s a wide range of coffee made from Indian and Ethiopian beans as well as a selection of juices, smoothies, milkshakes, cordials and more.
Ambience: It’s laidback, especially during weekdays. The service is prompt and friendly.
Would we go back? Definitely: there’s still a lot to try and it’s a relaxing start to the morning.
Various locations including Pearl Plaza Tower, next to Oryx Hotel, Al Khalidiya. Sun-Thu 8am-11.30am, Fri-Sat 9am-3pm. Contact: 02 639 5883 www.jonesthegrocer.com
CAFÉ ARABIA
This villa-based café has the usual – full English, continental, omelettes – as well as traditional Arabic dishes.
The grilled halloumi saj roll is average, but the winner is the Palestinian shakshouka, poached egg in a spicy tomato sauce. There’s a vegetarian version, too, served with spinach and a mild garlic sauce. Both are served with pita.
Drinks: There’s a wide selection including cold and hot coffees, teas, milkshakes and fresh juices. We like the mochaccino frappé as well as the regular Americano, which isn’t bad either.
Ambience: It’s quirky: a beautiful mess of artwork, books and chandeliers.
Would we go back? Yes, if it means more of that delicious shakshouka and mochaccino…
Café Arabia, 15th street, opposite Mushrif Park. Sun-Thu 8am-noon, Fri-Sat 9am-2pm. Contact: 02 643 9699 www.facebook.com/CafeArabia
NO. 57 BOUTIQUE CAFÉ
You won’t find greasy fry-ups at this stylish café, which balances casual and classy with finesse.
The small menu ranges from a breakfast burrito to chia seed pudding. Our standouts? Scrambled eggs served on an open croissant with sautéed wild mushrooms and truffle or the brioche French toast served with mixed berry compote and a gooey caramel sauce.
Drinks: They serve strong, smooth brews from Dubai’s RAW Coffee Company as well as tea, juice and our favourite, the sea salt hot chocolate.
Ambiance: The interior is stunning: an industrial fusion of charcoal, marble, oak and steel. We only wish it was busier to create a buzz.
Would we go back? Definitely – our mission is to try everything on the menu.
Building 2, Al Marasy, Al Bateen. Sun-Thu 9am-11.30pm, Fri-Sat 9am-12.30pm. Contact:
02 441 6100 www.no57.co
