Abu Dhabi (UAE), is not particularly a low-budget destination, so without the benefits of having a discount card as a resident, visiting Abu Dhabi can be quite expensive. Therefore, I made a short list of places to eat, which are not crazy expensive.
1. First Clique cafe
I found this cafe by accident, but will definitely come back to try out more dishes! They offer multiple breakfast options including a fresh juice and coffee and tea, sandwiches, pizzas, a variety of main courses, shakes and juices. It is located at Marina Square on Al Reem island and as you can see on the picture, there is a great outdoor seating area, which is pretty rare in Abu Dhabi.
2. Fresh fish from Al Mina fish market
You can either choose to eat at one of the small (very) local restaurants or go for take away by walking into the fish market, looking around and picking your favourite! Ask them to clean and prepare it with the spices of your preference and take it home or have a picknick and eat it outside. The prices are good, fish is amazing and you can’t really get it any fresher than this!
3. Stroopwafel Cafe
Ever heard of a Stroopwafel? It’s a crunchy caramel cookie from the Netherlands, so as you can imagine, I expected the owner to be Dutch, or at least the menu to have some Dutch items. Unfortunately, they only offered the actual stroopwafel cookie and the owner just studied in the Netherlands. Nevertheless, they have a big menu with many different options, including healthy ones.
4. NovaBeach cafe
One of the (VERY!) few restaurants located along the beach and beautiful Corniche, and not part of a hotel, which makes it affordable.On the terrace you can enjoy the sun with a cold drink or even have a bite. They offer eggs, salads, sandwiches, wraps, snacks, juices and different main courses. Just be aware that there is no alcohol being served.
5. Lebanese cuisine – Saj Way
A pretty big ass menu of Lebanese and other Arabic dishes and platters. Although it isn’t the prettiest restaurant to have lunch, your wallet and stomach will definitely be happy with this place! They have multiple branches across the city and deliver as well!
6. Havana Cafe
Walking into this restaurant does not give you the best first impression, and even though this is the one that counts, I gave them another chance and was happy to discover their enormous terrace with a pretty good view of Abu Dhabi’s skyline. The perfect spot to go after a day of shopping in Marina Mall and you’re starving as the menu is endless and portions are great!
Travelbecks 
Thanks for these recommendations. Love to visit sometime
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