Photo via Google, Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe - Al AinAl Fanar Restaurant & Cafe
- Hours
- Today: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Getting there
- Next to the Al Khabisi Wedding Hall by Souq Al Zafarana, in the Al Jimi area of Al Ain
Why it’s in the log
Al Fanar sits by Souq Al Zafarana in Al Ain's Al Jimi area, serving traditional Emirati breakfast and Arabic coffee in a setting that leans into the country's older, inland pace rather than the coastal cities' polish. Mornings are the main event — chebab, balaleet, dates, and karak alongside the coffee.
It draws a strong local following, evident in a review count well above most spots on this list despite Al Ain getting far fewer visitors than Dubai or Abu Dhabi. That's less about marketing and more about being a reliable, long-running neighbourhood name.
Best in the morning, ideally combined with a walk through Souq Al Zafarana next door — the café and the souq read as one stop rather than two separate errands.
“A proper Emirati breakfast — bread, dates, Arabic coffee — in a city that doesn't get anywhere near the visitors Dubai does.”
What people said recently
From Google reviews · see all 8,092 ↗
“I recently visited Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe and had a wonderful experience. The restaurant has a beautiful UAE traditional theme and a very welcoming atmosphere, which makes the dining experience special. The food was excellent and truly…”
“Had a wonderful dining experience at Al Fanar Restaurant! The Emirati food was delicious, authentic, and full of flavor. Everything we ordered was well prepared and enjoyable. The service was also excellent, staff Charles is friendly,…”
“Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe in Al Ain is a unique Emirati restaurant that serves delicious traditional local dishes. It’s a great place to experience authentic Emirati food in a cultural atmosphere. The menu includes popular Emirati…”
Mentioned alongside
Abu Dhabi
The capital's own old quarter is smaller and quieter than Dubai's, built around the fort at its center rather than a strip of towers.
Al Ain
The UAE's inland oasis city, greener and slower than the coast, built around date palm groves and old forts.
Dubai
The old coral-stone lanes of Al Fahidi sit a ten-minute walk from the world's tallest building and get a fraction of the visitors.