"It may be a little hard to find but this all-day eatery hidden away among the apartment blocks of Al Muneera Island is well worth seeking out. It began life as a food truck but now the two sisters behind it have a thriving business where their passion for their country and its food culture are clear for all to see. The chefs in the on-view kitchen prepare a menu of authentic and satisfying Emirati dishes." - Michelin Inspector
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"Meylas’s location in a modern residential complex, across the water from the Yas Marina Circuit F1 racetrack, may not seem like the most natural setting for an authentic Emirati meal, but the food here is as genuine as it gets." - Nicola Chilton
"Emirati Flavor and Ambiance Starting out as one of the United Arab Emirates' first food trucks, Meylas is no longer so much about grabbing a quick bite of local culture on the go, as it is about experiencing the traditional flavours in a small cafe decorated like a "canteen" from a bygone era. You will feel like you're at the start of the modern development in the UAE. Dallah (traditional coffee pots), henna, shopping bags, postcards, and children's games are on display and for sale if you choose to take a bit of that culture home with you. Of course, the food and hospitality is at the center of attention. Locally sourced ingredients contribute to chbaab, a pancake served with date syrup and salonat badu, the traditional bedouin stew made with chicken or lamb. At the end of the meal, you'll find several sweets like khabees that are spiced with cardamom and saffron or legeimat, which reminds me of a donut hole sweetened with dates syrup and topped with sesame seeds. Coffees and teas are prepared the way they used to be and should not be passed up at the end of the meal while you mull over the days events. I recommend ordering a smattering of anything that looks interesting off the menu to share."
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"Meylas first lures patrons with its modern Middle Eastern fusion and Instagram-ready open kitchen. Shaikha Al Kaabi, a young Emirati, opened Meylas with the mission to make Emirati food accessible to everyone. The food though, takes its cues from the classics of the cuisine. Dishes follow recipes passed down through the generations and are prepared with local ingredients. Standouts range from balaleet, simple noodles with saffron and cardamom, to salonat badu, a bedouin stew with lamb and rice." - Jenna Scatena
Food was nice and staff very friendly. Located within a residential complex and not too far from where we were staying on Yas Island. Our first time trying Emirati cuisine and it was nice. Chicken and lamb was tender and rice was flavourful. Liked the setting of the place with an open concept kitchen and decorated with a retro feel mix with tradition.
Shekhar “Shekhoooo”
Google
Food was great however missed the authentic Emirati flavor. Surprised few Emirati food was missing from the menu.
Location is awesome to enjoy a coffee and chill out with freinds or colleagues.
Asma Alqa
Google
08/11/2024
Amazing place, definitely recommend. You finally feel like you are in a more traditional environment. We got there for a very early lunch around 12 pm so it wasn't crowded yet. All the food was delicious, especially the traditional salounat lamb dish. Will be one of my favorite memories of visiting Abu Dhabi.
Fahad Khalil
Google
Amazing and a wonderful local vibe experience, enjoyed sitting and listening to local background music which added to the experience of the local food.
Ordered a traditional plats which each gives you a different experience of culture.
Service is amazing and providing all meals, extras and beverages on a timely manner.
Overall recommend do recommend who ever is looking for a local food treatment.
Isabelle Claus Teixeira
Google
Absolutely delicious! Everything was very tasty, perfectly prepared, nice location and quiet place. A must go.
Saif S
Google
I went their today, 9th of augest 2025, for lunch. I ordered so many dishes. Most of them matched my taste. Makboos lamb was my fav. Also, i liked rigag with laban. Their green mango salad was also interesting. Price is reasonable(aed 300 for two) and area also nice. What i did not like is that their chairs are not very comfy.
Aya Seif El-Nasr
Google
Meylas Emirati Restaurant in Al Muneera offers an authentic taste of Emirati cuisine in a beautifully traditional setting.
The food is rich in flavor and made with love, bringing the essence of home-cooked meals to every dish.
The ambiance is warm and inviting, and the service is top-notch.
A perfect place to experience local flavors and culture!
Katy Bailey
Google
Delicious food. Visually stunning. Great hospitality. Fantastic experience of sampling traditional Emirati food!