Shawarma lovers in Abu Dhabi have countless options, but only a few places truly stand out. The city’s food scene blends authentic Middle Eastern flavors with modern twists, making it a paradise for shawarma enthusiasts. From cheesy innovations to classic Syrian-style wraps, every restaurant offers a unique take on this beloved dish. Whether you prefer juicy, slow-roasted meats or crispy, grilled variations, the search for the best shawarma in Abu Dhabi leads to some unforgettable spots. These eateries deliver bold flavors, generous portions, and a true taste of the region’s culinary heritage.
ZAHRAT LEBNAN – DEFENCE ST
In Abu Dhabi’s diverse food scene, Zahrat Lebnan – Defence St offers a true taste of Lebanese cuisine. The restaurant consistently delivers authentic flavors, featuring a menu filled with grilled meats, mezze platters, and freshly baked bread. Each dish is crafted using time-honored techniques, ensuring a rich, traditional dining experience. Patrons frequently praise the restaurant’s quality, authenticity, and generous portions, making it a local favorite. With every bite, Zahrat Lebnan stays committed to preserving Lebanese culinary traditions.
Beyond its food, the restaurant is recognized for warm hospitality and excellent service, creating a welcoming environment. The casual yet charming atmosphere blends Lebanese culture with modern comfort, making it a versatile choice. Whether you’re here for an intimate dinner or a family gathering, the ambiance suits all occasions. The restaurant serves large portions, satisfying both solo diners and those enjoying shared platters. Every meal feels like a home-cooked feast, ensuring guests return for another authentic experience.
Situated on Defence Street, the location is convenient for both residents and tourists exploring Abu Dhabi. Over the years, Zahrat Lebnan has built a reputation for its consistency and flavorful dishes. Those craving authentic Lebanese cuisine can rely on this establishment for a satisfying meal. Fresh ingredients, expert preparation, and a commitment to excellence define its identity. Due to its popularity, making a reservation is advisable, especially during busy hours.
REEM SHAWARMA
Nestled in Abu Dhabi’s busy streets, Reem Shawarma has quickly earned recognition for its authentic Syrian flavors. Since opening in May 2024, it has attracted food lovers with its perfectly marinated meat and rich seasonings. The menu includes both chicken and beef shawarma, each prepared with carefully selected spices. Chicken shawarma is tender and juicy, thanks to its slow marination and expert cooking process. The beef shawarma, in contrast, has a deep, smoky taste that appeals to meat lovers.
Reem Shawarma takes pride in quality and attention to detail, making every sandwich memorable. Their partnership with Careem Food has introduced special promotions, including free shawarma events. This initiative has helped them attract even more shawarma enthusiasts, expanding their loyal customer base. The restaurant’s atmosphere merges modern aesthetics with Syrian influences, providing a comfortable dining space. Whether you want a quick bite or a relaxed meal, the welcoming setting enhances the experience.
Located in a prime area, Reem Shawarma has established itself as a top destination for Syrian street food. Their dedication to authentic preparation methods sets them apart in Abu Dhabi’s competitive food scene. The team ensures that every wrap is well-balanced, flavorful, and satisfying. Customers who prefer dining at home can benefit from fast and efficient delivery services. With an expanding menu and growing popularity, Reem Shawarma continues to impress shawarma lovers across the city.
SHAWARMA STATION
With branches in Khalifa City, Al Shamkhah, Bawabat Al Sharq Mall, and Shabiya, Shawarma Station is a trusted name. The restaurant specializes in traditional shawarma, but also adds creative twists to appeal to modern tastes. Their Grill & Shawarma Combo is a standout, featuring shawarma, grilled chicken, fries, and nuggets. It also comes with four different house-made sauces, elevating the flavors in every bite. Whether craving something classic or unique, the menu offers plenty of choices.
Beyond sandwiches, Shawarma Station serves customizable platters, allowing diners to mix meats, sides, and sauces. The Shawarma Station 9 Combo includes both chicken and meat shawarma, paired with fries and extra dips. Their freshly baked manakish, including Lahma Bajeen Manakish, provides another delicious option. These dishes reflect Middle Eastern flavors, while still appealing to customers who want variety. Quality ingredients and expert preparation ensure every meal is both fresh and flavorful.
Unlike fast-food shawarma spots, Shawarma Station values authenticity, while maintaining a modern touch. Their fruit-infused mojitos, including pomegranate and watermelon, add a refreshing contrast to the savory menu. Each location is designed for casual meetups, family outings, or late-night cravings. With a strong focus on consistency and customer satisfaction, they continue to gain a devoted following. Whether dining in or ordering takeaway, Shawarma Station delivers some of Abu Dhabi’s best shawarmas.
THE CHEESE SHAWERMA
Tucked away in Abu Dhabi’s dynamic food scene, The Cheese Shawerma is not your typical shawarma joint. This place takes the humble wrap to a whole new level, blending rich, melty cheese with perfectly seasoned meat to create an indulgent, unforgettable experience. Instead of simply layering chicken or beef in a pita, they elevate it with a variety of cheese-infused creations, making every bite creamier and more flavorful.
One of their standout items is the Flat Shawarma, where the fillings are spread evenly over flatbread, topped with gooey cheese, and grilled to perfection. This dish combines crispy textures with the juicy tenderness of traditional shawarma, making it a fan favorite. They also offer stuffed shawarma sandwiches, where cheese oozes from the wrap as soon as you take a bite, creating a mouthwatering contrast between the crisp bread and velvety filling.
Aside from their signature cheese-infused items, The Cheese Shawerma regularly introduces seasonal specials, particularly during Ramadan, when they offer Iftar meals that include shawarma platters with spiced rice, hummus, and freshly baked bread. Their sauces are another highlight, offering an extra layer of richness—whether you prefer classic garlic, tangy tahini, or a special spicy cheese sauce.
For those looking for an unconventional yet addictive take on shawarma, this spot is an absolute must-visit. Whether you’re craving a traditional wrap with a cheesy upgrade or a completely reimagined shawarma experience, The Cheese Shawerma delivers creativity with every bite.
AL ZAIN BROASTED & SHAWARMA
Located in Al Zahiyah, near Abu Dhabi Mall, Al Zain Broasted & Shawarma is a hotspot for those who love shawarma but also want a crispy, deep-fried twist. Open daily from 10 AM to 2 AM, it’s a lifesaver for late-night cravings and hungry shoppers looking for a quick, filling bite.
What sets Al Zain apart is their perfectly balanced shawarma flavors—each wrap is generously packed with marinated meat, slow-cooked to tenderness on the rotating spit. Whether you opt for chicken shawarma or beef shawarma, you’ll get a sandwich packed with smokiness, spice, and just the right amount of creamy garlic sauce.
But shawarma isn’t the only reason to visit. Their broasted chicken—fried under pressure for a crisp, golden crust and juicy interior—is just as famous. Many regulars love to order a shawarma-broasted combo, pairing a hot, crispy chicken leg with a loaded shawarma wrap and fries.
The bread here is also a highlight. Instead of using regular pita, they often serve their shawarma in freshly baked saj bread, which adds an extra chewiness that soaks up all the flavors beautifully.
For those who want to try something beyond just a wrap, Al Zain’s shawarma platters allow you to enjoy the sliced meat over rice, along with salad and dips. With large portions, affordable pricing, and a well-seasoned menu, this place is a go-to for anyone craving hearty comfort food in the heart of Abu Dhabi.
BAIT EL KHETYAR
For authentic Middle Eastern street food, Bait El Khetyar is a well-known name among Abu Dhabi locals. The restaurant is famous for serving one of the best shawarmas in town, focusing on quality ingredients. Their recipes stay true to traditional flavors, using time-honored techniques to create deeply satisfying meals. Every dish highlights authentic seasoning, ensuring a taste that feels both rich and familiar. Unlike commercial spots, Bait El Khetyar prioritizes flavor, portion size, and freshness.
Their signature shawarma is crafted with thinly sliced, marinated meat, grilled to perfection. Each wrap features warm, freshly baked Arabic bread, enhancing the smoky aroma. Instead of overpowering sauces, they keep it simple, allowing the meat’s charred, spiced flavors to shine. One of the most popular options is their special shawarma sandwich, loaded with double filling and extra garlic sauce. Freshly cut vegetables add a subtle crunch, making every bite satisfying.
For bigger appetites, shawarma platters provide generous portions of sliced meat, served with hummus, pickles, and saj bread. Their house-made sauces, including tangy tahini and spicy red sauce, bring extra depth. Unlike smaller wraps at fast-food chains, their shawarmas are thick, meaty, and deeply flavorful. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of spices, smokiness, and rich marinades. Bait El Khetyar remains a must-visit for those craving a true shawarma experience in Abu Dhabi.
KARAM AL SHAM RESTAURANT
If you ask Abu Dhabi residents where to find shawarma done right, Karam Al Sham Restaurant will likely be on the list. This spot is all about authenticity, bringing the rich flavors of Syrian-style shawarma to the UAE. Unlike commercial fast-food joints, Karam Al Sham sticks to traditional methods, slow-roasting meat to perfection and wrapping it in homemade saj or markook bread for an unbeatable texture.
The chefs at Karam Al Sham create perfectly juicy chicken shawarma, seasoning it with garlic, lemon, and Middle Eastern spices. They marinate the beef shawarma with bold flavors, stacking the meat high and grilling it slowly over open flames. This method enhances the meat’s richness, creating deep, smoky flavors that keep diners coming back. Every bite delivers a balanced combination of spice, char, and tenderness, ensuring an authentic experience.
Diners love the Karam Al Sham special shawarma, which chefs press and toast to perfection. They grill the wrap until the bread turns golden and crisp, keeping the inside soft and flavorful. For those with larger appetites, they serve a shawarma platter packed with sliced meat, fries, and salad. They add a generous portion of creamy garlic sauce, elevating the meal’s richness. The warm saj bread complements the flavors, making the platter a favorite among regulars.
Karam Al Sham also takes their side dishes seriously. Their fattoush and tabbouleh salads provide a fresh, zesty contrast to the richness of the shawarma, while their hand-cut fries and pickled vegetables round out the meal beautifully.
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