We list the best places to enjoy a plant-based dining experience!
Abu Dhabi
Sontaya
A beautiful restaurant at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, set amongst a series of floating pavilions that look out to the beach and across the turquoise Arabian Gulf. Sontaya offers a dedicated vegetarian menu with plenty of vegan options, enjoy Green Papaya Salad, Tofu Curry, and Vegetable Fried Rice to name a few.
The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, +971 2 498 8888
COYA Abu Dhabi
Famed for its Peruvian cuisine COYA has adapted its colourful and flavourful Latin American fare to the plant-based movement. Recreating some of its much-loved dishes for vegans and vegetarians to enjoy, think tableside Guacamole and Portobello Mushroom Skewers.
COYA Abu Dhabi, +971 2 306 7000
Sole
A relatively new restaurant, Sole is located in Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers. The team here have been quick to adapt the menu to their plant-based following. The wholesome menu includes Tuscan Soup, Fennel Bulb and Rocket Salad, Orecchiette Pasta, and an Eggplant and Chickpea Polpette.
Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, +971 2 811 5555
Hoi An
One of Abu Dhabi’s most popular go to places for great vegan dining Hoi An at Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, offers a range of vegan Vietnamese flavours. Be sure to speak to chef for any questions or concerns, the team here are well versed in vegan requirements.
Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, +971 2 509 8555
Punjab Grill
With a talented culinary team Punjab Grill offers one of the largest and (in my opinion) tastiest range of vegan food in Abu Dhabi. Tuck into a stater of Watermelon, Sprout Chaat, Mint and Tamarind, mains of Tofu Massaman Curry with Pandan Rice and finish with a Dense Chocolate Cake dessert.
Venetian Village, +971 2 449 9839
Pachaylen
One of the first restaurants in Abu Dhabi to have launched its own dedicated vegan menu this Thai gem has remained a firm favourite. Highlights include Steamed Rice Dumpling with Taro and Vegetable Soya Sauce, Deep Fried Crispy Tofu with Sweet Tamarind Sauce and Peanut and Wok Fried Tofu with Cashew Nuts and Chili.
Anantara Eastern Mangroves Abu Dhabi Hotel, +971 56 503 5121
Villa Toscana
If you are craving Italian cuisine check out Villa Toscana. The menu offers Classic Minestrone Soup, Gluten Free Spaghetti with Rocket Pesto and Walnuts and Gluten-Free Pennette Puttanesca style with Tomatoes, Olives, and Capers.
The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, +971 2 694 4444
Rosewood Abu Dhabi
Rosewood has gone all out with its vegan options from special Vegan Vibes nights to Vegan Afternoon Tea. Whatever you are in the mood for Rosewood is likely to have it in a dedicated vegan menu or a vegan option.
Rosewood Abu Dhabi, +971 2 813 5550
Dubai
Akira Back Dubai
Hands down this is our go-to place for the best vegan food in town. With over 23 dishes on their dedicated vegan menu Akira Back sets the standard for vegan dining in Dubai. Our favourite dishes include AB Tacos, Creamy Spinach Salad, Spider Rolls, Truffle Rice Clay Pot, and Eggplant Miso to name a few. The menu is large and diverse which means you will not be stuck eating the same dish every time you visit.
W Dubai – The Palm, +971 425 5555
Indochine
A favourite with New Yorkers and world travellers since its opening in 1984, Indochine is a timeless classic that combines stylish ambience, tropical décor and exotic French Vietnamese cuisine. Its vegan dishes range from Pomelo Salad, Crispy Eggplant and Ca Ri Chay (Vietnamese Curry).
Gate Precinct Building 3, DIFC, +971 4 208 9333
Il Borro Tuscan Bistro
Frequently referred to as ‘The Best Restaurant in Dubai’ this Jumeirah Al Naseem restaurant was one of the first to launch its own vegan menu. Highlights of the menu include Tuscan Spaghetti, Aubergine Parmigiana with Vegan Béchamel and Risotto. Want to finish with something sweet? Try the Vegan Chocolate Tart.
Jumeirah Al Naseem, +971 4 275 2555
Marina Social
Upon our last visit we were surprised to learn that this popular Dubai Marina restaurant not only offers a range of tasty vegan dishes, but that British Chef Jason Atherton and his team have extended their creativity to create a unique and extremely tasty dedicated vegan menu. Vegan menu highlights include Baked Roasted Beetroot Salad, Candy Walnuts with Beetroot Puree, Pumpkin Risotto, Wild Mushrooms with Pumpkin Oil and KFC – Korean Fried Cauliflower.
InterContinental Dubai Marina, +971 4 446 6664
Akiba Dori
Japanese Street Food gets a vegan twist at this cool and trendy venue. Located in Dubai Design District, Akiba Dori offers a range of tasty plant-based street food from Maki Rolls, Tofu Salads, and a pizza, adequately named The Vegan.
Dubai Design District, +971 4 770 7949
LPM Restaurant & Bar
Another one of our favourite restaurants La Petite Maison offers consistent quality produce and remarkable service. We understand that French cuisine does not historically lend itself to vegan dining however that hasn’t deterred the team at LPM making introductions to its menu such as quinoa and lentil salads.
DIFC, Dubai, +971 439 0505
The Duck Hook
If you think vegan dining is all about salads and tofu, think again! The Duck Hook serves up the best Vegan Roast in Dubai. The larger-than-life dish comprises of a Mushroom and Beetroot Vegan Patty, Braised Red Cabbage, Olive Oil Roasted Potatoes, Roasted Root Vegetables and Vegan Gravy. If that doesn’t have you drooling check out the Vegan Bangers and Mash. Leave room as they also have a selection of vegan desserts available.
Dubai Hills Golf Club, 800 666 353
Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Beach
We want to highlight the hotel as a whole, at the end of 2020 all its restaurants, BiCE, Trader Vic’s, Mango Tree and Wavebreaker added vegan dishes to all their menus.
Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Beach, +971 4 318 2319
Nassau
Nassau is the latest restaurant from the popular Chef Silvena Rowe, taking diners on a culinary tour of the Mediterranean. Drawing on Rowe’s eclectic European-Arabian heritage, diners can expect modern dishes such as Vegan Greek Salad, Iceberg Wild Green Leaves Salad and Smoked Aubergine and Cherry Tomatoes.
Jumeirah Golf Estates, +971 4 360 1816
BOCA
If you mention BOCA to any vegan in Dubai the first thing they will say is, ‘try the Vegan Paella’ and it’s the perfect recommendation. Made with mixed local Vegetables, local Herbs, Black Garlic Aioli and Bombita Rice, you’ll get a ‘mmm’ with every bite.
Gate Village 6, DIFC, +971 4 323 1833
The MAINE Land Brasserie
From light bites such as the Lentil Salad, perfect for lunch, or beautifully plated dishes like the Beetroot Tartare to hearty meals like the No Meat Short Rib, Maine offers a dedicated section of the menu to its plant-based offerings.
Business Bay, +971 4 577 6680
Miss Tess
The dedicated vegan menu will ensure you don’t leave Miss Tess feeling hungry. Choose from Veggie Gyoza, Mixed Vegetable Tempura, Tao Dumplings, A Very Corny Salad, Tofu and Green Soup and much, much more!
Taj Dubai, +971 50 498 8505
Ronda Locatelli
Boasting one of the largest vegan menus in Dubai, with over 40 dishes, Ronda Locatelli proves that fine dining can mean vegan dining. Try everything from the Pizza, Pasta to Salad, you won’t be disappointed.
Atlantis, The Palm, +971 4 426 2626
Bounty Beets
Boasting delicious organic, gluten-free and vegan options, Bounty Beets promotes wellness through healthy eating, going green, and inspiring a positive community overall. Vegans can indulge in fun dishes like, ‘Mr. Rice Guy’, Sticky Rice, Edamame, Sweet Corn, Seaweed, Avocado, Carrot, Cucumber, Baby Radish, Scallion, Sesame Garnished with Spicy Mayonnaise and ‘Bunbelievable’, Sesame Bun, Beyond Plant-Based Burger Patty, Chipotle, Tomato, Onion, Lettuce, Cheddar Cheese served with Cajun Sweet Potato Fries.
Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, +971 4 511 7373
The Eloquent Elephant
Renowned for its delicious pub-grub, The Eloquent Elephant recently revamped its menu to appeal to plant-based customers. Highlights include, Vegan Meat Tacos, shredded Soy Curls and Avocado Cream and Veganuary-Vegan Inspired Curry.
Taj Dubai, +971 4 438 3131
Tom&Serg
Vegans are spoilt for choice as Tom&Serg offers a range of vast and tasteful vegan dishes. Start your day with Gluten-Free Granola, an Acai Bowl, or Avo On Toast. If it’s a main dish you are after the Vegan Buddha Bowl is a must, wash it all down with a Totally Tropical Smoothie.
Al Quoz, +971 56 474 6812
Folia
Meaning “from the leaves” in Latin, Folia is a concept developed by celebrated Chef Matthew Kenney in partnership with HRH Prince Khaled Bin Alwaleed Bin Talal Al Saud’s KBW Ventures and presented in the Resort as a stand-alone menu. Featuring refreshing options for health-driven individuals, Folia proves healthy eating can be delicious. Try the Meatless Burger on your next visit.
Four Seasons Resort Dubai At Jumeirah Beach, +971 4 270 7777
