Bua Thai Cafe

Bua Thai Cafe is a small, informal Thai restaurant at Yas Bay on Yas Island. It was one of the new Bib Gourmand entries in the 2026 Michelin Guide Abu Dhabi, a recognition of good cooking at good value, and it offers a relaxed alternative to the island's hotel restaurants.

The café is cosy and colourful, tucked into a large retail complex in the centre of Yas Island. It is not a place for a long, formal dinner; instead, the appeal lies in simple, authentic Thai food served in a friendly setting. Counter seating makes it easy to drop in alone, and Michelin lists it as good for solo dining, while the terrace comes into use in the cooler months.

At lunchtime the kitchen serves simple Thai dishes, and the full menu covers the classics of Thai cooking. The Michelin inspectors recommend the steamed hagao dumplings, the chicken green curry, and, to finish, mango sticky rice. Balancing a curry with lighter dishes and rice is a good way to share among two or three people, and the staff can advise on how spicy each dish is if you prefer milder flavours.

The restaurant suits couples, solo travellers, families and anyone staying on Yas Island who wants an affordable, relaxed meal. It is especially convenient after a day at Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, SeaWorld or Yas Waterworld. Prices are moderate for the quality.

According to the Michelin Guide, the café opens from midday every day, closing at 23:00 from Sunday to Thursday and at midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Bookings are handled by the restaurant directly, and booking ahead is recommended, particularly at weekends, when the small dining room fills quickly. Wheelchair access is available, and cards are accepted. Dress is casual, and the café works just as well for a quick lunch between activities as for an unhurried evening meal.

Yas Bay is reached most easily by taxi or by car, both from the Yas Island hotels and from central Abu Dhabi. Arrive early in the evening if you have not booked, as the small room fills quickly at peak times, and combine your meal with a stroll around Yas Bay before or afterwards.