Meylas Abu Dhabi focuses on local flavours, heritage and ambience to create a traditional Emirati dining experience.
Get a taste of the unique Abu Dhabi food celebrating fresh, locally sourced ingredients from across the UAE. From salads to sweets, everything served has its place within Emirati food culture – with a few modern adaptations.
With a name that roughly translates as ‘meeting place for family and friends’, Meylas has a casual, welcoming atmosphere to match its menu. Whether you want a traditional breakfast, laidback lunch or relaxing evening meal, it’s a prime spot for authenticity.
Accessible and delicious Emirati food. Meylas aims (and succeeds) in turning generational dishes created with local ingredients into tasty meals that anyone new to the style will enjoy.
The open kitchen and shelves lined with pantry items that take in every colour of the rainbow. The decor is a real Middle Eastern blend of heritage and modernity.
Bedouin saloona – a stew of vegetables, chicken or lamb and traditional spices that’s served with white rice. Or balaleet – traditional noodles flavoured with saffron and cardamom, served all day.
The informal, welcoming atmosphere suits families of all ages looking for a local breakfast, midday snack, fulfilling meal or simply some Emirati tea, coffee or cool drinks.
The main reason most people stop by Meylas is that it serves up some of the most genuine Emirati food in Abu Dhabi – hence its popularity with locals and international foodies alike.
A spread of Arabic breads and chbaab (Arabian pancakes with cheese and date syrup) await at breakfast, alongside various sweet teas.
There’s a range of salads, soups and sides, such as lemony chickpeas, sweet potato fries and lentil soup. For something substantial, choose between meaty mains like balaleet and majboos or jabab (Emirati bread topped with cheese, dates and honey).
Leave some room for dessert though, as luqaimat (donuts drizzled in date syrup) and batheeth (pitted dates flavoured with cardamom and saffron) are two of many sweet Emirati treats on the menu.
Meylas brings the heart of an Emirati home to life as a restaurant, not just in the dishes served but the decor too. Dark red chairs, knotted wood tables and embroidered pillows build a warm, homely feel, with artwork that adds a modern touch.
Staff are welcoming for guests of all ages from breakfast through to dinner, encouraging families and friends to meet up in a relaxed atmosphere. It works, as the Abu Dhabi restaurant is incredibly popular with locals.
Its Al Muneera beachfront location offers the additional benefit of wonderful views when you dine. Plus, the eatery has its own food van, which might be open outside if it’s not in action elsewhere across the city.
Located along the Al Muneera beachfront, Meylas offers wonderful views out over Al Raha Creek to Yas Island opposite (just a 15-minute drive away). Easily accessible off the E10, Meylas is set close to the Al Muneera visitor’s car park – ideal if you’re driving to the island.
Meylas is just a ten-minute drive from Abu Dhabi International Airport, making it the perfect place to stop off at after you arrive or before your departure.
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Dive into some fast-paced fun at the world’s first Ferrari theme park on Yas Island. With the quickest rollercoaster on the planet and 40 other thrilling rides, it’s a dream for speed fans.
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For a spot of retail therapy at the heart of Yas Island, explore three levels of luxury shopping, dining and entertainment options at Yas Mall.
White sands, blue waters and natural mangrove surroundings make Yas Beach a peaceful and scenic setting. Soak up the sun or get out on the water in a kayak or jet ski.
The Al Muneera Visitors Car Park and Green Parking Al Muneera (open 24/7) are the closest parking options. Both are just a few minutes’ walk from Meylas.
Look out for the Meylas food truck parked up at popular Abu Dhabi and UAE events. Follow the truck on Instagram to see its next spot.
Yes, Meylas offers both takeaway and delivery services. Delivery is available across Al Muneera, Al Raha and Madinat Khalifa. You can also look out for the Meylas food truck or book it for a special event or occasion to bring the taste of Meylas to you.
There’s no real dress code at Meylas, as it styles itself as a meeting place for families and friends. The laid-back cafe culture means causal dress is fine, whether you visit for breakfast, lunch or an evening meal.
No, there’s no need to book a table in advance at Meylas, you can simply turn up and walk in. You can make reservations if you wish though. It can be quieter earlier in the day, when indoor and outdoor seating is often available. In the evening it often gets busier with local visitors, which creates a friendly and exciting buzz.
Yes, Meylas opens at 8.30am, so is a prime spot for a mid-morning breakfast. Choose from a range of Arabic breads and Middle Eastern pancakes and pair with one of the various sweet teas or Emirati coffees.
Details are subject to change, so take a look at the Meylas website for the latest opening times, menus and policies.
No, Meylas doesn’t serve alcohol. It has both a hot and cold drinks menu, however, so there’s plenty to quench your thirst. Choose from local teas such as saffron, ginger and anise, Emirati coffee with dates and cooler options including fresh orange juice and other popular soft drinks.
