Finding a great cup of coffee in Dubai isn’t difficult, but the best cafes in Dubai offer so much more than just a caffeine fix. These are the collaborative hubs where creative minds meet, where you might strike up a conversation with a stranger or perhaps seclude yourself from the world to work on that novel you’ve always been meaning to write. From unique cafe themes to pet-friendly outposts, there’s truly something for everyone.
THE SIX: Where Board Games Reign Supreme
If your weekend isn’t complete without a trip to the Burj Khalifa, consider rounding up your gaming buddies and heading to THE SIX. One of the best board game cafes in Dubai, it boasts a library of over one thousand games and team gurus to guide you through the rules. Don’t leave without sampling the finger-licking fare, featuring snacks, shareable plates, sliders, and noodle bowls.
Café Bateel: A Gourmet Date Oasis
For decades, Bateel has been a pioneer in the world of luxury dates. Now, the brand is bringing its expertise in all things gourmet to your plate with airy cafes across the UAE. Stop by Café Bateel in Dubai Mall for a quick bite and walk out with more than a few bags loaded with their delectable confectionery and Danish pastries. Indulge your sweet tooth with their inventive take on tiramisu, featuring layers of vanilla madeleine sponge dunked in mandarin juice and smothered with Italian mascarpone.
Saya Creek Harbour: A Dior-Themed Tea Escape
Have you heard whispers of a Dior cafe in Dubai? Maybe your Instagram feed has been flooded with images of vintage coffee mugs adorned with the Dior logo? The answer lies at Saya Creek Harbour, one of the best tea cafes in Dubai. The tableware is themed around the iconic luxury fashion house, creating an elegant and immersive experience. Treat your Instagram followers to a slow-motion video of afternoon tea served in a Dior-themed cup.
Forever Rose Cafe: A Floral Paradise
Life may not always be black and white, but Forever Rose Cafe manages to leverage both colors to maximum effect with its themed cafes. The result? A highly Instagrammable spot where you can capture endless selfies between spoonfuls of mouth-watering desserts and light bites. Revel in the afternoon tea experience, delivered to your table in a concept dollhouse-style box.
Café de Paris: A Taste of French Charm
While you may not be able to sip on coffee every weekend along the banks of the Seine, Café de Paris Dubai offers the next best thing. Serving a soulful take on French gastronomy, Chef Sacha Enjalbert creates comforting meals that feel just like home. Make the most of the buy-one-get-one deal on unmissable a la carte breakfast dishes—think classic French croissants, baguettes, and pain au chocolat.
% Arabica: Coffee Artistry at its Finest
Forget everything you’ve ever known about your morning cup of joe—this is coffee artistry elevated to bold new heights. In a bid to create a concept coffee chain that was uniquely Japanese, founder Kenneth Shoji struck gold and now has over 90 stores worldwide, including Brooklyn. Start your day with a brisk boost from % Arabica Cafe Dubai’s signature blends, sourced from their own coffee farm.
Cassette: A Retro-Inspired Hub
Food, design, and art collide within the retro-inspired confines of Cassette. Designed as a collaborative hub, it’s one of the best cafes to work in Dubai, whether you need creative inspiration or a brainstorming session. The menu features a robust selection of breakfast staples, mains, and desserts. Families will love the kids’ menu with croissants, pancakes, and more. Start your day on a hearty note with the breakfast skillet, which can be upgraded with smoked salmon for a truly memorable meal.
The Strand: Beachside Bliss with a View
In the quest for the best beach cafes in Dubai, don’t miss The Strand. Its beachside location and sunset views might make it one of the most Instagrammable cafes in Dubai, but the delicious menu, featuring all-day staples and main courses for lunch and dinner, seals the deal. Try the breakfast club offer, which provides a little of everything, from mains to pastries and tea or coffee.
Orto Cafe: Burj Khalifa Views and Delicious Treats
If your ideal morning includes good food, good vibes, and a great view—with the iconic Burj Khalifa towering over the azure waters in the distance—then Orto Cafe is your haven. A favorite with Emiratis, the menu features pastries and other delights, as well as specialty coffee from a homegrown roastery. Sip on the espresso tonic, a refreshing combination of two crowd-pleasers, for a perfect start to your day.
Counter Culture Café: Pet-Friendly Paradise
Looking for pet-friendly cafes in Dubai? Your furry pals are welcome to enjoy a leisurely weekend morning at Counter Culture Café. While your pets bask in the al fresco seating on the terrace, indulge in the remedy bar’s freshly pressed juices and smoothies for health-conscious sips. Discover the perfect cup of coffee for kickstarting your day, swirled with velvety smooth foam and served in a highly Instagrammable coffee cup.
bkry: Artisanal Baked Goods and Specialty Coffee
If you find yourself in the Alserkal Avenue neighborhood, the scent of coffee will inevitably lead you to bkry. This experimental bakespace delivers on artisanal baked goods unlike any other, along with specialty coffee. Bite into the perfect croissant—warm, flaky, and baked with 84% croissant butter.
Bageri Form: A Return to Baking Basics
While the world of baking might be advancing at a dizzying speed, Bageri Form isn’t afraid to strip this art form back to the basics. The payoff is handmade baked goods and treats that spotlight artisanal baking practices. Try your hand at some of their creations—maybe a bow-shaped delight lined with caramel-smooth date paste and feta cheese?
Angel Cakes: Healthy Indulgence
Craving a mid-day indulgence without cheating on your diet? Angel Cakes, backed by supermodel Natalia Vodianova, is the perfect spot. The organic cafe offers gluten-free and sugar-free treats for breakfast—but you’ll be sneaking in a few bites in between meals as well. Savor the sumptuous layers of a tiramisu that replaces conventional ladyfingers with airy Russian crepes layered with sugar-free coffee cream.
Nette: Lush Greenery and French-Japanese Fusion
If finding a spot of lush greenery amidst the towering skyscrapers of Dubai is on your 2024 bingo card, Nette is your oasis. Nestled inside the padel court at Al Quoz, French and Japanese flavors blend seamlessly in a health-conscious menu. Dig into the matcha overnight oats laden with homemade granola and fresh berries.
The Barn: German Coffee with a Burj Khalifa View
Hailing from Germany, The Barn’s very first international cafe sits in Dubai’s Al Khazzan Park. While the quaint space offers a stunning Burj Khalifa view, its Japanese architecture and incredible coffee will keep you coming back. Grab a pack of your favorite coffee beans for the house—The Barn offers beans from seven different countries!
