Barbassi is a sandwich restaurant in Al Mina, Abu Dhabi.
Editorially verified October 2, 2026 by Elliot Marsh, TableJourney editor. Source.
Why locals love it: A canteen-style sandwich counter in a subtle corner of the M39 creative neighbourhood in Mina Zayed, with room only to order and sit for a quick bite.
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Address: M39, Mina Zayed, Al Mina, Abu Dhabi
Mina Creamery scoops ice cream in weekly-changing flavours such as blueberry earl grey and halwa salted saffron at its first shop in Mina Zayed, Abu Dhabi.
OrderWhichever flavour is new that week, or olive oil with za'atar and halwa salted saffron.
Why locals goA homegrown ice cream brand that began as a delivery operation and opened its first shop in the MiZa district of Mina Zayed, near Barbassi.
TipBest Bites says each week brings a new flavour, with past ones including blueberry earl grey, white choco matcha and a cheeseboard ice cream.
Mina Creamery scoops ice cream in weekly-changing flavours such as blueberry earl grey and halwa salted saffron at its first shop in Mina Zayed, Abu Dhabi.
OrderWhichever flavour is new that week, or olive oil with za'atar and halwa salted saffron.
Why locals goA homegrown ice cream brand that began as a delivery operation and opened its first shop in the MiZa district of Mina Zayed, near Barbassi.
TipBest Bites says each week brings a new flavour, with past ones including blueberry earl grey, white choco matcha and a cheeseboard ice cream.
Dubai Special Kabab Grills has served kebabs in Abu Dhabi since 1987 and trades near the Ministry of Finance on Al Falah Street, an Urban Treasure.
OrderTikka bil roub, saffron chicken, kebabs and the sultani kebab that Khaleej Times names.
Why locals goRun since 1987, it moved after redevelopment to a site near the Ministry of Finance on Al Falah Street, and some diners drive in from Liwa.
TipKhaleej Times says the yoghurt-based tikka bil roub recipes have stayed unchanged for generations, and some diners drive four hours from Liwa for it.
Hankook serves Korean hot pot, cook-at-the-table meals and fried chicken on Defence Road in Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi, open daily from 11:00 to 23:00.
OrderCook-your-own hot pot or a big bowl of Korean fried chicken, both named by Best Bites.
Why locals goEach table has its own stove for cooking at the table, and eight private booths sit in a room Best Bites says will not win awards for looks.
TipBest Bites says the dishes it tried cost AED 56 to AED 68, and that the room has eight private booths and tasting menus.
Nowhere Cafe serves speciality coffee, pastries and all-day breakfast at the West Entrance of Yas Marina Circuit on Yas Leisure Drive, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.
OrderSpeciality coffee with a pastry, or the all-day breakfast served from 08:00 until 17:00.
Why locals goNamed among the top 10 lesser-known places in a 2026 tourism-department survey, it sits at the West Entrance, Gate 20, of Yas Marina Circuit.
TipThe Huntr lists breakfast from 08:00 until 17:00 daily, and the cafe is the official coffee partner of Etihad Arena.
Art House Cafe in Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi, is furnished with recycled pieces, and guests can paint a plate for AED 20 or a miniature brick for AED 10.
Why locals goKhaleej Times reports a 2026 tourism-department survey that ranked it first among Abu Dhabi's lesser-known places, with nearly 78 per cent of visitors calling it one.
TipThe shakshuka is What's On's pick of the brunch menu, and mask painting costs AED 30 if you want a longer sit.
Fonda Colombiana serves empanadas, arepa de choclo and patacones con carne desmechada from a colourful villa on Al Mihtham Street in Al Manhal, Abu Dhabi.
OrderEmpanadas, arepa de choclo with cheese and patacones con carne desmechada, as Best Bites advises.
Why locals goDownstairs in a villa on Al Mihtham Street, with murals on the walls and hammocks outside, so Best Bites says it takes a little hunting to find.
TipSeating runs from inside with air conditioning to outside among hammocks, and the restaurant takes reservations on WhatsApp.
