1762 The Gourmet Deli

There is a new cafe in town that takes great coffee seriously.  1762, named after the year of the supposed invention of the sandwich, is another of our Dubai babies, that having grown and matured, realized a substantial market exists in Abu Dhabi as well.  When I stopped in for lunch on a usual Monday, the place was packed with a line out the door, and not a table free. Unfortunately the Abu Dhabi location is tiny compared to the JLT location in Dubai.  

They have a massive business lunch crowd that will pop in for the extremely popular spicy, cheesy Jalapeno Chicken wrap, or the Roast Beef Yorkshire Pudding wrap and a healthy grain or kale salad...but they also cater to those that want something a little different.  For example, as popular as it may be in the rest of the world, this is one of the only cafes in town where you can find Avocado Toast (not to mention on Cape Seed loaf, topped with mustard cress).  And their Sweet Potato Salmon Fishcake makes a creative healthy alternative to the usual lunchtime fare.  If you are one to always prefer the traditional Arabic flavors (I never seem to get tired of them), then you have to try the Arabic Flatbread Toastie.  It is a modern, grilled sandwich, stuffed with my absolute favorite, melty halloumi, tomatoes, courgettes, olives, za'atar and mint. 

 What I like best about 1762, is that they take traditional ingredients and make them a bit more interesting, in a simple and clean way.  For example, their breakfast menu is scattered with quick and healthy mouth-watering bites, like The Buckwheat and Beetroot wrap or the Kale Me Burrito.  They also go a bit extravagant with their filled croissants that extend into the dessert arena, being lime meringue, banofee or red velvet.  Unfortunately, I didn't get to trying those, but I did taste of few of their special desserts.  The carrot cake was super moist and the slice is plentiful.  Another favorite is the Coconutter.  A dense chewy recipe featuring toasted coconut and buttery cookie crust.  But, their desserts (and salads too) rotate, so you will have to get there on the right day if you are looking for something specific.

While 1762 prides themselves on their varied food offerings, the coffee is just plain excellent.  It is nice to find a café that can make a cappuccino that tastes like strong coffee with a little milk, oh hey, that's a cappuccino.  They don't do any crazy coffee concoctions, but instead stick to the basics and do them very well.  I only wish I lived closer, because getting the little one in the car seat is a process on its own, and pretty impossible before coffee.  I also have to mention the amazing staff.  They are all very friendly and excited to be the new café in town.  Not to mention, amazing help with the kiddies too.  Hopefully they will open on the weekends soon.  With the large concentration of apartments in the area, I can't see why they shouldn't. 

1762

Ground Floor, Al Ain Tower, Al Khalidiya, Abu Dhabi

Open 8am to 6pm Sun- Thurs; Currently Closed Fri and Sat

Phone: 8001762