It is easy to get swept away in Abu Dhabi’s sandy haze, but a quaint café off the Corniche offers an oasis of color in a desert of browns and creams. The cotton-candy walls glow red, pink and blue in the afternoon sun, bringing warmth to the conversations in Arabic, English and French. Hand-knit quilts hang behind modern red sofas, a kind of hip grandmother’s décor. It is Zyara’s cozy atmosphere that invites a visit. Abu Dhabi’s kaleidoscope community has certainly taken note of this resto-café, and on Friday afternoons the tables are full of businessmen, young expats and families alike catching up or reading the newspaper. The smiling staff will make you feel at home as you sink into their plush couches, coffee and book in hand, to catch up on your readings. Zyara is a welcomed change from the white walls of Sama’s fifth floor study rooms.

“I really enjoy how its super quiet and I never see anyone I know there,” said senior Amelia Kahn. “I know some of the waiters and everyone there recognizes me and says welcome back when I come in. I am sort of a regular.”

By Nicole López del Carril/The Gazelle

Zyara, which opened in 2003, is a quirky Lebanese cafe that serves homemade Middle Eastern food. With an upcoming expansion in Dubai Media City, Zyara is already making its name known across the Emirates. Although the restaurant in Dubai is known primarily for its shisha, the intimacy of the less smoky Abu Dhabi locale is apparent.

The menu is mid-level expensive, but the ambiance makes up for the few extra dirhams spent. For a good book-accompanying drink, try their karak tea for 18 AED or a cappuccino for 20 AED.

If you are with a hungrier crew, make sure to try one of their signature dishes.

“The foul is great, the hummus with meat is outrageous… and the fatteh is absolutely outrageous,” Kahn said.

By Nicole López del Carril/The Gazelle

At only a six dirham cab ride away from Sama, Zyara is an easy afternoon escape. Plan a weekend brunch trip with your friends or get away for a solo coffee run. Whatever your reason, make sure you plan a long stay at Zyara to savor the slow afternoon sun over the Corniche.