Dubai’s coffee culture is thriving, thanks to a burgeoning scene of cool homegrown cafes and coffee shops serving from sunrise all the way into the small hours. Be it a health-focused vegan eatery in a garden setting, hipster co-working space, cavernous city centre hangout, boutique-cum-coffee shop or a vibrant bolthole with a killer dessert menu, here are the best cafés and coffee shops in Dubai to start your 2024 off right.
The chicest cafes and coffee shops in Dubai now
Orijins
Origins sits on the ground floor of DIFC’s Gate Village, turning the heads of passers-by with its brilliant lights and gleaming white and cool slate interiors. Perennially packed with elegant locals – the sign of a great coffee shop – this cavernous space merges the worlds of art and coffee, delivering a design-led aesthetic filled with textures, lines and curves and offering everything from espresso and filter to drip and milk-based serves (of which there are plenty of types to choose from, including coveted Oatly). The coffee shop and hangout also serves a variety of moreish, and highly Instagrammable, pastries and cakes, along with artisan teas. The space comes alive at night, open until 10:30pm on weekdays and midnight on weekends and is the place to enjoy a late-night coffee meet in DIFC.
Gate Village 8, DIFC; @orijins
La Nena Coffee
La Nena Coffee lies in Dubai’s trendy, yet slightly gritty, Al Quoz neighbourhood: a café, design studio and homeware store all in one. Visitors can sip on great coffee and enjoy a menu of snacks and treats while enjoying, arguably, the most unique coffee shop interiors in Dubai. The concept is the brainchild of Al Vida Group, born in Galicia, Spain and known for its use of local materials and traditional design techniques. A homeware haunt for design lovers since 2020, the cafe is the newest addition, and what’s more, it’s pet friendly and welcomes furry friends.
Al Quoz, @lanenacoffee
Apricot Delicatessen
Apricot Delicatessen is a charming European-Mediterranean Café in the heart of Downtown Dubai, walking distance from Dubai Mall and the Burj Khalifa – so the perfect pit stop in between shopping or exploring. Embracing summer living, and the abundance the season brings across the globe, cuisine is inspired by fresh seasonal flavours of the Mediterranean – with signature dishes including the Bodrum Breakfast Board, perfect for groups and families, homemade ‘Malatya Muse’ Apricot Jam, Mandarin-glazed salmon, Apricot sliders and more. Take a seat in the cosy courtyard garden complete with white lounge chairs and bright pink florals, or in the bright and breezy cafe itself. There’s all sorts of coffee, from classic espresso and milk-based drinks to V60 and Turkish coffee, along with matcha, Spanish lattes and five variations of iced coffee to choose from – complete with a choice of almond, oat or soya milk.
Downtown Boulevard; apricotdubai.com, @apricotdubai
Splendour Fields
From Eatx – the masterminds behind cult breakfast hotspots like Tom&Serg, The Sum of Us, Common Grounds and Hawkerboi and the best coffee shops in Dubai – comes Splendour Fields. Located in the shiny new The Park development in JLT, the all-day cafe and coffee shop, deli, grocer, florist and ‘urban garden’ captures the essence of Australia’s laid-back, beachy coffee culture. The design-led dining space is bright and breezy with picture windows, colourful artwork and a soothing colour palette, while outdoor seating overlooks a stretch of parkland with plenty of trees. There’s also a children’s play area to keep the little ones entertained. Splendour Fields is open seven days a week and offers Eatx’s signature coffee and freshly baked bread from the group’s in-house bakery Rise&Dawn, alongside classics like ricotta hot cakes, almond granola, apple and cinnamon porridge and mushroom and truffle Benedict.
JLT; @splendourfields, eatx.com
The Grey
Located on the popular Al Wasl Road, The Grey is one of Dubai’s most stylish cafes and coffee shops in Dubai, thanks to its minimalist, and – you guessed it – grey-hued interiors. Interiors are the wow factor here, designed by acclaimed agency XO Atelier and with lots of contrasting monochrome, reflective material and original artwork. The result is an overwhelming sense of space and relaxation, made even more special with the high-grade coffee and menu of both healthy and indulgent dishes. The coffee menu is extensive and intriguing, with classic brews and V60, but also serves like ash coffee, butterscotch lattes, charcoal oat lattes and expresso orange, and there are fruity mocktails, fresh juices and smoothies. Food-wise, tuck into inventive dishes like avocado yoghurt with granola, coconut porridge, Turkish eggs, truffled scrambled eggs and burgers, salads and desserts.
Al Wasl, Al Safa 1; @thegreydxb, the-grey.co
Paus
‘A nice happy place’ reads the sign outside Paus, a stylish coffee shop-cum-wellness centre housed in a residential villa on Al Wasl Road. Paus is different to most of Jumeirah’s trendy coffee stops, offering not only great coffee, smoothies, juices, cakes, salads and wraps, along with delicious all-day breakfasts and cooked items but a series of holistic treatments that focus on healing for the body, mind and soul. Along with dining in the earthy, minimalist space with rattan touches and potted plants or in the greenery and sun-filled front courtyard, guests can head upstairs in the earthy, minimalist villa, guests can opt for treatments like reflexology and reiki or massages and facial ‘maderotherapy’ (a technique to improve lymphatic drainage).
Al Wasl Road; pausdxb.com/cafe, @pausdxb
Comptoir 102
Designed as a chic villa and home to an outdoor garden, health shop and organic cafe, Comptoir 102 is a lifestyle destination as it is a coffee shop. The boho-chic haven in Jumeirah 1 is a hub for healthy living. There’s a strong focus on sustainable, wholesome food – ingredients sourced from local organic farms, and plenty of vegan and sugar, gluten,- and dairy-free choices. The cafe hosts daily yoga sessions, and the store sells everything from candles and clothing to homemade cakes and spice mixes. Smoothies, juices and loaded salads (of which many are vegan) and home-made nut milk make this spot stand out on Dubai’s coffee shop and cafe scene.
Jumeirah 1; comptoir102.com
Tom&Serg
Tome&Serg is a much-loved staple of Dubai’s coffee shop and weekend brunch scene, paving the way for the coffee culture we know in Dubai today, and as a result, one of the best coffee shops in Dubai. The brainchild of two Dubai-based entrepreneurs, Aussie Tom Arnell and Spaniard Sergio Lopez. and first outpost of the renowned Eatx group, the cool, Aussie-like cafe is housed in a two-story trendy Al Quouz warehouse taking a no-frills (just incredible quality) approach with its freshly roasted and ground and with a menu of hearty dishes from around the world – think banana and hazelnut bread with spiced-maple poached pears and mascarpone, Turkish eggs, Baghdad scramble and banh mi baguettes. Pair this with ever-smiling staff and you’ve got one of the best coffee shops in Dubai.
Al Quoz; tomandserg.com, @tomandserge
riina
A partnership behind serial entrepreneur and former Real Housewives of Dubai star Nina Ali and the founders of perennial hotspots Casette and Nette comes riina – a chic new all-day restaurant in Dubai’s leafy Tilal Al Ghaf community. The new spot sits in the heart of the stylish new Majid Al Futtaim development and is set to become its beating heart for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and great coffee. Diners can enjoy organic design touches like textured walls, natural stone, wood, glass and curves, along with colourful marble and pops of coral and aquamarine, alongside a menu of wholesome Mediterranean-inspired dishes which are additive and preservative-free (the restaurant’s name means ‘purity’.) Grab a seat on the terrace to gaze over the park and blue lagoons beyond and enjoy, not only great coffee, matcha and teas, but freshly blended smoothies, fresh juices, health shots and mocktails.
Distrikt, Tilal Al Ghaf; open 7am-11pm Monday – Sunday; @riina.cafe
Lulu & The Beanstalk
Part cool coffee shop, part cocktail bar, part bookshop, part co-working space and part hip after-work hangout, Lulu & The Beanstalk is one of the city’s newest independent venues. Located in ICD Brookfield Place, the concept is the baby of two filmmaker sisters Wafa Tajdin and Amirah Tajdin, whose love for storytelling (and their grandmother Lulu) has resulted in a whimsical, fairytale-esque spot complete with soaring bookshelves (home to over 1,000 books), undulating sofas and plenty of cosy corners. Come in the day for killer coffee, matcha, avocado toast, vegan Reubens, and an AED80 business lunch, or in the evening for sharing platters, cocktails and small-batch organic grapes and artisan hops. A no-laptops after 6pm policy, shift in mood lighting and a carefully curated soundtrack make this just as much a spot for the day as the evening.
ICD Brookfield Place, DIFC; lulusbean.com, @lulus.bean
Brunch and Cake
Brunch and Cake has become one of the most popular coffee shops in Dubai since arriving from Barcelona in 2019. The boho-chic restaurant goes by the motto ‘In Grandma We Trust’, with a menu including everything from healthy acai bowls to fluffy halloumi pancakes. The venue proved so popular in Jumeirah, that a second branch opened at The Pointe, Palm Jumeirah, followed by two further outposts in Al Wasl and Al Bateen. At peak times you might struggle to get a table, but it’s always worth the wait.
Various locations; brunchandcake.com
Le Guépard
Entering the experimental dining venue Le Guépard in Alserkal Avenue feels like falling down the rabbit hole into Alice’s Wonderland. While the design-focused new eatery is set to be known for its modern international cuisine, it’s also the perfect spot to stop for a stylish coffee. Located at the front of the warehouse venue is a reservations-only coffee shop with gleaming flooring, panelled walls, palms and plush colourful seating.
Alserkal Avenue; @le_guepard_dubai
Sereni-tea
Tania’s Teahouse, the pink-hued coffee lovers’ paradise on Jumeirah Beach Road, has a more subdued little sister, Sereni-tea. The brand-new cafe sits on the peaceful grounds of the Keyani wellness centre in Umm Suqueim and focuses on promoting serenity (see what they did there) with soothing earthy, minimalist interiors and a tranquil outdoor patio. All dishes are gut-healing and anti-inflammatory and cater to all dietary requirements from sugar and dairy-free to vegan and paleo. The ‘mindful menu’ highlights include fresh juices and fantastic coffee along with dishes like Eggs Royale-Tea, served on a juicy portobello mushroom, chia pudding, lentil salad, veggie wraps and sugar-free chocolatey desserts.
Keyani Wellness Center, Al Manara; taniasteahouse.com
Nightjar Coffee
Nightjar has been drawing those passionate about their coffee to Alserkal Avenue since it opened, thanks to an in-house roastery and their commitment to long-term relationships with the farms from which they source their coffee beans. Part roastery, part eatery, part party hangout, expect more than just a delicious cup of coffee – there’s also an extensive menu of all-day breakfasts, salads and light plates described as food inspired by Al Quoz. A bonus? Nightjar’s got nitro cold brew on tap. Nightjar also opened a second venue in the shiny Citywalk development last year, which is also worth checking out.
Alserkal Avenue; nightjar.coffee; @nightjar.coffee
Common Grounds
Inspired by Melbourne’s trendy, health-conscious coffee culture, Common Grounds has become one of Dubai’s go-to spots for delicious, fresh smoothies and juices, great salads and sandwiches and, even more importantly, fantastic coffee. With six outlets across the city, in Mall of the Emirates, DIFC, JLT, JBR Beach, Dubai Hills Mall & Nakheel Mall, the community-led all-day cafe is perfect for any time of day, be it for morning breakfast, a post-gym shake, mid-afternoon coffee, or even, a healthy supper. Cafes are light, minimalist, breezy and full of greenery, and hero dishes include the acai bowl – arguably the best in Dubai loaded with granola and fruit – the hearty salads (order them mixed) and the selection of freshly bakes cakes and treats. Choose from regular espresso-based drinks – the coffee roasted in-house – matcha, chai and Spanish lattes, plus there’s all the best non-dairy milks.
Various locations; eatx.com, @common.grounds
The Sum of Us
One of several highly successful, ultra-cool cafe concepts by Eatx, the group behind Tom&Serg and Common Grounds, The Sum of Us is a little bit of everything: a bakery, a roastery, a gourmet café, you name it. Located on the edge of DIFC, everything that can be made in-house is, from the melt-in-your-mouth sourdough to the piping hot coffee, that uses Arabica beans roasted in the in-house micro-roastery.
Burj Al Salam, Sheikh Zayed Road; eatx.com, @thesumofus
Nomad Day Bar
Located in the fantastical lobby of the quirky 25hours Hotel Dubai One Central, Nomad Day Bar is a partnership with the city’s favourite coffee brand, Nightjar Coffee Roasters. Coffee lovers no longer have to queue at Alserkal Avenue or Time Out Market for the famous brew, as the all-day outpost has its signature blend and a selection of draught offerings like cold brew and kombucha, all operated by one of Nightjar’s own original employees. The food menu features Nightjar classics as well as wholesome, healthy options and on-the-go pastries and sandwiches, and there’s even seating outside in the soaring courtyard – with festoon lights and cosy lounge seating. Expect the same original Nightjar vibes, just in the city’s coolest hotel.
One Central; nomaddaybar.com, @nomaddaybar
EL&N DIFC
Known for being one of the most photographed cafés in London, EL&N café made its long-awaited Dubai debut in January 2022. The bright pink eatery, located in DIFC, offers a feast for the eyes and mouth, with neon lighting, sea green touches, pastel and hot pinks throughout, florals and fashion-inspired art, along with a menu of delicious breakfast and all-day items. Indulge in a Biscoff hot chocolate and s’mores cooking pan dessert, or detox with a pink vitamin boost bowl and fresh EL&N juice.
Gate Village Building 02, DIFC; ae.elnlondon.com, @elan_cafe
Late Lounge
Located on Al Wasl Road, Late Lounge is a fabulous neighbourhood coffee shop that draws in crowds with its Benedict-loaded croissants, an array of chocolatey desserts and dishes like Turkish eggs and cheese toasties. Guests can sit on the sun-drenched timber deck and enjoy a speciality coffee or opt for the design-led inside space with lots of wood and rattan touches.
Al Wasl Rd; @late.ae
Forever Rose
Designed to feel like something straight out of a storybook, Abu Dhabi’s Forever Rose Cafe made its Dubai debut in 2020, serving up an all-day menu of healthy eats and treats at its home in the city’s Box Park. The Instagram-friendly 2D cafe is designed entirely in monochromatic shades of white and grey, from tables and chairs to the ceiling and walls, leaving only the cafe’s food and drink in colour.
Box Park, foreverrosecafe.com, @foreverrosecafe
Amongst Few
Trendy brand Amongst Few is known for its premium streetwear and footwear, but those browsing the brand’s store will be delighted to find an equally stylish café. The Amongst Few Café is industrial chic with stripped-back walls and flooring and pops of greenery, plus two shaded courtyard areas to make the most of the cooler weather. Coffee is fantastic, with all the premium plant-based milk and snacks, including vegan ‘Snickers’ bars and cookies. Make sure to try the Middle East breakfast bowl, with poached eggs, spicey potatoes, homemade smoked paprika hummus and pesto, mixed greens, avocado and halloumi with toasted sourdough. One the best homegrown brands and coffee shops in Dubai under one roof – what more could you want.
Al Wasl Rd, Umm Suqeim 1; @amongstfewcafe
Boston Lane
For those in the know, it’s easy to while away a day checking out all the cool cafes and concept stores in The Courtyard, a tucked-away avenue of hidden gems in Al Quoz. Among them is Boston Lane – an Aussie-inspired cafe with delightfully feminine accents like floral arches and walls of baby pink. Its menu is just as inviting, with colourful juices, freshly brewed coffees and a hearty menu of breakfast and lunch dishes.
Al Quoz; bostonlane.com, @bostonlanedubai
Alchemy Dubai
A sleek, futuristic space with an inventive coffee menu to match, Alchemy Dubai is in a villa opposite Dar Wasl Mall. They’re serious about coffee – with a concise menu of brews that include the aero press, piccolo and cold drip. A coffee shop with a cause – the brand carefully selects where it sources its beans to give back to farmers around the globe.
Dar Wasl; alchemydubai.com, @alchemydubai
Wild and the Moon
An import from Paris, Wild and the Moon has European is bursting with European charm. We love the long oak tables, stripped-back minimalist decor, constant hum of background music, hanging plants spilling from the industrial-style ceiling and colourful menu of healthy juices, bowls and desserts. The menu is also largely vegan-friendly and gluten-free.
Alserkal Avenue; wildandthemoon.ae, @wildandthemoon
Arabian Tea House
A hand-painted sign welcomes you to the ‘old house and secret garden’ at Arabian Tea House in the old neighbourhood of Bastakiya, and the bougainvillaea-covered entrance leads into an unexpectedly spacious courtyard. Sun-dappled beneath large trees, it’s done up in shades of azure and white, with rattan and wood and capacious armchairs with plump cushions; soft organza awnings waft in the breeze. Tea connoisseurs will enjoy the 100 varieties, all served in ornate pots and sipped from delicate glasses.
Bastakiya; arabianteahouse.net, @arabianteahouse
XVA Art Café
A fusion of history, art and heritage, the XVA Art Hotel is worlds away from Dubai’s typical ultra-modern hotel design aesthetic. But even if you’re not checking in to one of the 14 unique guest rooms, an afternoon at the XVA Art Cafe is well worth adding to a Dubai itinerary. Located in the heart of the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, seats are available in the calming courtyard or gallery-like inside space, with a menu of Middle Eastern-inspired vegetarian dishes on offer.
Al Fahidi; xvahotel.com, @xvagallery
100 Café at The Hundred Wellness Centre
Within the calming oasis of Jumeirah’s The Hundred Wellness Centre, 100 Café is a serene spot serving a specially curated menu of health foods, alongside cold-pressed juice, organic tea and speciality coffee. Open daily except Fridays, it’s a beautifully bright space in whitewashed hues complemented by floor-to-ceiling windows that gaze out over the garden. Complete your calming trip with a visit to the holistic wellness centre and clinic – with everything from emotional therapies to pilates and physiotherapy on offer. This fantastic offering, make the 100 Cafe one of the most unique coffee shops in Dubai.
Jumeirah 1; thehundred.ae, @thehundredwellness
The Lime Tree Cafe
As one of the oldest and most trusted Coffee Shops in Dubai, The Lime Tree Cafe has proven so popular that the homegrown cafe now has seven branches across the city, from the original in Jumeirah 1 to the hip Al Quoz district to openings in malls including Ibn Battuta, Springs Souk and Nakheel Mall. While they might be famous (and rightly so) for their homemade carrot cake, they also offer freshly baked scones, cookies and cakes as well as breakfast and lunchtime light bites.
Various locations; thelimetreecafe.com
Roseleaf Cafe
Tucked inside Dubai Garden Centre, Roseleaf Cafe is a light, airy cafe with personable service and generous slices of freshly baked cakes reminiscent of the traditional cafe inside garden centres across rural towns in England. They’re serious about their hot drinks, serving seasonal, single-origin coffee as well as organic options, all batch-roasted by local roasters. More of a tea drinker? Roseleaf offers a variety of premium whole-leaf tea from Australia, served in traditional porcelain china teacups.
Dubai Garden Centre; roseleafcafe.com, @roseleaf.cafe
Cassette
Cassette is situated in The Courtyard, a sun-drenched hidden oasis amongst the warehouses of Al Quoz. It’s has industrial interiors interjected with leafy foliage and a small terrace scattered with a handful of tables plus a small corner filled with vinyls for sale and the kind of playlist that makes guests want to hang around all day, which is easily done thanks to the impressive menu of all-day eats.
The Courtyard, Al Quoz; cassette.ae, @cassettedxb
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