What makes a café the best? A café is like a home away from home; the best ones always have a regular or two.
You may come for the great coffee, but you stay for everything else. If you are traveling to a new place, it’s a wonderful way to get a sense of the local culture.
The problem with big places like Dubai is that there are so many cafes! How do you know where to go? If you are anything like me, the atmosphere is what steals my heart. Luckily, Dubai has plenty of cafes that will steal yours too!
1. Brunch & Cake
Originally from Barcelona, Spain, this charming café have three branches in Dubai, the one in Al Wasl being the most popular.
Their slogan “In Grandmothers we trust” embodies their approach to food; home-cooked meals lovingly made with wholesome, organic ingredients.
Brunch & Cake, particularly the branch in Al Wasl, has such a relaxed, inviting atmosphere. The interior style is modern bohemian with a touch of Barcelona.
There is rattan, pampas leaves, plenty of comfortable boho seating and lots of greenery. The overall décor and aesthetic are incredibly instagramable!
The high ceilings and open-concept kitchen create a very breathable ambiance. There is also a stone pizza oven and the cutest cake stand that is just begging to be photographed!
Outside, two glass domes create a private dining experience while still allowing diners to enjoy the view.
The food is as visually pleasing as the interiors. Many menu items are so beautifully created that you almost don’t want to eat them!
Vegans will be delighted to have a selection of mouth-watering meals. However, there are sadly no vegan dessert and pastry options.
- Location: Al Wasl, Jumeirah 1
- Trading Hours: Weekdays 8:00 am – 10:00 pm, Weekend 8:00 am – 11:00 pm
- Website: Brunch & Cake | Al Wasl
- Phone Number: +971 04 726 362
2. Arabian Tea House
If you love authentic Middle Eastern food, head to Arabian Tea House. You will not be disappointed! Not only is the food flavorsome, but the service is excellent, and the entire experience is a must for anyone visiting Dubai.
Arabian Tea House is part of a government initiative to preserve the culture and heritage of UAE, allowing visitors to experience and learn more about the traditional lifestyle.
You will be served authentic Arabian cuisine at Arabian Tea House, with plenty of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.
The décor is gorgeous! The neutral tones of sand and white are accented by bright blue, creating a fresh, inviting ambiance.
There is a cozy outside area with tables and floor seating on cushions and rugs. The décor is finished with blue flowerpots scattered throughout the venue.
- Location: Al Fahidi – Bastakiya Opposite Musalla Post Office
- Trading Hours: 07:30 am – 11:00 pm
- Website: Arabian Tea House (Instagram)
- Phone Number: +971 4 353 5071
3. The Choco Monarch
For sweet tooth lovers, The Choco Monarch is bound to satisfy your cravings! This cute little café offers a selection of sweet treats, desserts and pure Belgium chocolate.
The focus of this café is on the food, with minimal attention given to interior decorating.
While the décor is not as aesthetically pleasing and instagrammable as many other cafes, the ambiance is cozy and welcoming. Besides, the chocolate will win you over!
The desserts are incredibly satisfying and beautifully displayed. Try the crepes and pancakes for a sweet breakfast or their waffles. Another favorite is the chocolate milkshake.
The Choco Monarch is a must-visit haven for chocoholics and anyone craving something sweet.
- Location: Al Ghurair Center, Deira
- Trading Hours: Weekdays 10:00 am – 11:00 pm, Weekend 10:00 am – 12:00 am
- Website: The Choco Monarch
- Phone Number: +971 4 255 1183
4. Cafe Rider Custom
Do you love motorcycles, specialty coffee and good vibes? Café Rider has it all! The café is inside a custom motorcycle workshop, and witnessing the work done on the motorcycles while you enjoy a cup of coffee, is what sets this café apart.
Old-world charm meets Industrial; that is the feeling you get when you walk into Café Rider. Motorcycles are on display and form part of the décor.
With its exposed ceilings, the warehouse building gives the space an industrial ambiance, while brown leather chesterfield couches add warmth. The overall atmosphere is relaxed, non-pretentious and welcoming.
The café has two levels, with a small library on the top level. There are many seating options, from couches for a laidback lunch to tables adequate for remote work.
Best known for the coffee that they roast themselves, Café Rider also has an astonishing menu! The variety of items is guaranteed to satisfy hungry customers from all walks of life. There are vegan and vegetarian options too.
Popular items on their menu include burgers (try the halloumi burger), eggs benedict for breakfast and the shakshouka. And, of course, their home-brewed coffee!
- Location: Industrial 3, Al Quoz
- Trading Hours: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Website: Cafe Rider
- Phone Number: +971 4 321 4411
5. Tom & Serg
Dubai has many over-the-top, glamorous cafes and restaurants, but Tom & Serg is not one of them. Instead, this café took a unique approach: industrial yet homely.
Situated in a warehouse in Al Quoz, the location is part of the allure of Tom & Serg. The high ceilings were left bare to expose the pipes and vents and give an industrial feel to the space.
The concrete floor and hanging lights further compliment the décor style.
Tom & Serg is one of the brands of EatX, the Australian group of eateries, and is one of their most beloved brands.
The food is a mix of healthy and comforting, and their tasty breakfasts have earned them a name as one of the best breakfast spots in Dubai!
If you love fine coffee and a casual, welcoming atmosphere, this is the café for you! Their french toast, served with salted caramel, is one of the best you will find in Dubai! The second must-try item on their menu is the eggs benedict.
- Location: 15a Street, Al Quoz 1
- Trading Hours: Weekdays 8:00 am – 4:00 pm, Weekends 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Website: Tom & Serg
- Phone Number: +971 56 474 6812
6. Sikka Café
This charming café serves authentic Arabic and middle eastern cuisine. The perfect place to enjoy a delicious Emirati-style breakfast, accompanied by great coffee!
Sikka café is beautifully decorated with wooden furniture and shades of light greys, greens and pastel blues. The style is eclectic, homey and warm. The interior reminisces an old library or study, and the wall ladder adds to the library feel.
The hanging lights are a striking décor feature. During the evenings, the warm, yellow light of the pendants creates a cozy ambiance. This is a family-friendly café with a casual vibe.
You can expect exceptional service at Sikka Café. The managers and staff take great care to treat each guest with the utmost hospitality, and it is no surprise that many return year after year.
As for food, the breakfast is phenomenal! Other tasty items include the Arabic Mezza, falafels and hummus.
- Location: Al Safa St, Al Wasl
- Trading Hours: Weekdays 9:00 am – 12:00 am, Weekends 9:00 am – 1:00 am
- Website: Sikka Cafe (Jumeirah)
- Phone Number: +971 4 385 6524
7. Cassette
Cassette is a French café with a modern touch. The gorgeous interior of this café, combined with the friendly service and delicious food, makes Casette one of our top must-visit cafes in Dubai.
Indoor and outdoor seating is available, and both are so inviting it is hard to choose! The interior of the café has a very dark wooden floor, but the light walls and high ceilings create a light, airy feel.
The pillars, beams and staircase are accentuated with a sea-foam green paint that adds to the uplifting vibe inside.
Stepping outside, you wonder if you are in Europe or Dubai, with the classic french bistro table, paved floors and greenery of the plants. Such a chilled vibe! Pet owners will be stoked to know that Cassette is pet-friendly.
The café serves Parisian dishes with a few international dishes here and there to welcome everyone. It is a fantastic place for brunch! The Eggs benedict is a firm favorite, and there are also plenty of vegan and vegetarian dishes to try.
- Location: The Courtyard, Al Quoz
- Trading Hours: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Website: Cassette
- Phone Number: +971 04 349 1966
8. La Farine Café & Bakery
La Farine is a French Café and Bakary that serves French and European cuisine and is a firm favorite among many business people visiting the Marriott hotel regularly.
Unlike many French eateries that are often decorated with shades of whites and gold, this café has a much bolder style.
The warm, wooden floors and dramatic color scheme of dark greys and shades of green give the café an ambiance of opulence.
The highlight of La Farine is most surely the pastries. They have the best pastries and croissants! In true French style, the abundant variety of pastries all looks like works of art.
The afternoon tea is an event to experience, with a selection of the prettiest mini pastries and exotic teas.
La Farine is not only the perfect spot for your morning coffee and pastries but also ideal for business meetings, with a “business lunch” menu dedicated to such events.
Along with the delectable foods, contemporary décor, and ample vegetarian options, the service at La Farine is impeccable!
- Location: Sheikh Zayed Rd, Business Bay
- Trading Hours: 6:00 am to 12:00 am
- Website: La Farine Café & Bakery (Marriott)
- Phone Number: +971-4-414-3000
9. L’Occitane Café
この投稿をInstagramで見る
You may have heard of L’Occitane En Provence, the beauty and wellness company, but did you know that they also have a café? That’s right! And like their other brands, the café is vibrant, fresh and aesthetically pleasing.
The café at City Walk is delightful. The interior is chic and modern, exactly what you can expect from a French café.
Like many french cafés, you will find a variety of bread and pastries, but here you will also find the best macaroons and a range of breakfast items, from sweet to healthy.
Try the vegan spirulina chia pudding for a deliciously healthy breakfast, even if you are not vegan.
If spirulina doesn’t sound quite as appetizing to you, do not be dismayed. There are plenty of mouth-watering items to choose from! L’Occitane Café are praised for their croissants, eggs benedict and turmeric lattes.
Not only is the food delicious, but it is so beautifully displayed, perfect for the gram! Best of all? Guests at the café receive free samples of their beauty products and a small discount on selected beauty and wellness items.
- Location: Al Safa Street, City Walk, Al Satwa
- Trading Hours: Weekdays 9:00 am – 12:00 am, Weekends 9:00 am – 1:00 am
- Website: L’Occitane Café
- Phone Number: +971 4 346 1825
10. Café Society
Do you enjoy socializing in style? Step into the glamorous Café Society, where you are guaranteed to be treated like a VIP!
Café Society is a beautifully decorated café that pays tribute to 20’s glamour with its art-deco décor.
Think elegant marble-top tables, gold trimmings, and velvet upholstery. The gold and rich colors of the chairs, including a deep purple, create a warm and cozy ambiance. Yet, the atmosphere is unpretentious and welcoming.
One of the most striking things about Café Society is their outstanding service. With so many cafés and restaurants in Dubai, many offering the same items on their menus, the service you receive can make or break your experience.
Café Society serves an extensive range of breakfast dishes, pancakes, waffles, crepes, and bread and cakes. The food is attractively displayed and reasonably priced.
While you can order pizza and pasta on take-away, you will miss a sophisticated dining experience. Visit for breakfast instead.
- Location: Tamani Marina Hotel, Dubai Marina, Al Sufouh
- Trading Hours: 9:00 am – 11:00 pm
- Website: Café Society
- Phone Number: +971 4 318 3755
11. The Duchess
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
Enjoy exquisite food, great coffee and a view of the ocean at The Duchess. Sounds fantastic, right?
At The Duchess, you will be spoilt for a choice of sweet treats, cakes, crepes and drinks. They have a wide assortment of treats, including a chocolate fondant.
However, you will also find breakfasts and an ala carte menu here. In addition, the café has a tasting menu to entice adventurous foodies.
The atmosphere at The Duchess is comfortable, with modern décor and ample indoor and outdoor seating. Furthermore, the friendliness of their staff adds to their welcoming environment.
Be sure to try their Arabic coffee and Spanish latte. The dutchess pancake is excellent if you are craving something sweet for breakfast.
- Location: Jumeira Beach Road, Jumeira
- Trading Hours: 8:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Website: The Duchess
- Phone Number: +971 4 557 1444
12. DailyDose Coffee Lounge
Walking into DailyDose feels like coming home. This is not an overstatement; they actually have a living room inside the café, complete with a TV and Netflix!
The wonderful idea of adding this cozy space makes DailyDose the perfect place for parents to enjoy a peaceful coffee with friends while the little ones are occupied watching Netflix.
The space at DailyDose is so cozy that you can easily spend your entire day here. Warm earth tones of greys and browns make the space feel comfortable yet airy. Lush green plants add a pop of color and give an indoors-outdoors feel.
There is also outdoor seating that is equally inviting, with comfortable lounge areas and huge umbrellas. In addition, they offer valet parking as parking spaces can sometimes be limited, especially during peak times.
The coffees and breakfasts come highly recommended. Their breakfast bowls are among the most popular, particularly the Açai super bowl. There are plenty of sweet treats, but vegan and vegetarian dessert options are limited.
- Location: 170 Jumeira Road, Jumeirah
- Trading Hours: 08:00 am – 12:00 am
- Website: @dailydoseae (Instagram)
- Phone Number: +971 4 343 9999
13. Revo Café
この投稿をInstagramで見る
Revo Café is calm and quiet, the hotspot café for remote workers. The café has a lovely view over the ocean that adds to its relaxing atmosphere.
If you find yourself in The Palm area, Revo Café is not to be missed! Praised for their exceptional service and very hospitable staff, the experience at Revo Café will leave you waiting to return.
The ambiance of the café is easy-going, thanks to the rustic interior style and spaciousness.
Revo Café is a magnificent breakfast spot. Bed and Breakfast guests at the Anantara hotel can enjoy breakfast here.
Must-try menu items include their breakfasts, croissants from the bakery and muffins. The muffins are out of this world!
- Location: Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort, Palm Jumeirah
- Trading Hours: 8:30 am – 10:30 pm
- Website: Revo Cafe (Anantara)
- Phone Number: +971 4 567 8304
14. Common Grounds (MOE)
この投稿をInstagramで見る
Another brand of EatX, the Australian group of eateries, to make our list of great cafes. If healthy food is more your thing, Common Ground is your place. This café is one of the best spots in Dubai to find nutritious food.
Here you will also find a selection of specialty coffees, lattes and teas. Their V60 Pour Over single-origin coffee is some of the best you will find in Dubai! Likewise, their breakfasts are superb. Among the favorites are their Açai bowls and wraps.
However, do not feel dishearted if you prefer a more traditional breakfast. The scrambled eggs, benedicts, omelets and french toast are all fantastic and reasonably priced.
The atmosphere at Common Grounds is contemporary yet casual. The café has a neighborly feel that has turned many visitors into regulars.
- Location: Level 2, Mall of the Emirates
- Trading Hours: Saturday to Wednesday 8:00 am – 10:45 pm, Thursday to Friday 8:00 am – 11:45 pm
- Website: Common Grounds
- Phone Number: +971 50 478 1094
15. Seva Table
Seva Table is one of Dubai’s best 100% fully vegan cafes, although many would argue that it is indeed the best.
When you visit Seva Table, you will be transported to a magical place that feels more like Bali than Dubai.
The interior style of the café is earthy, nature-inspired and rustic. There is a wonderful dining area inside, with a little library filled with books for you to read.
Outside, a zen-like garden awaits. There is plenty of dining space outside, many with floor-seating. The garden is much larger than the indoor area, and many herbs grown here are used in the dishes.
It is the ideal spot to read, study or spend a relaxing afternoon with friends. The café has no wifi, as guests are encouraged to connect with others and be present.
Seva Table is a haven to connect and nourish your body, as well as your mind and soul. All food is plant-based and free of gluten, cane sugar and other nasties.
It should be noted that the service is slow, as stated on their website. Food is lovingly made with no rush but well worth the wait.
- Location: Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah
- Trading Hours: 8:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Website: Seva Experience – Cafe
- Phone Number: +971 56 534 2899
16. Roseleaf Café
Lovingly described as a hidden gem, Roseleaf Café is a little aesthetic café with a fresh, vibrant, yet warm atmosphere. Located in the grand Dubai Garden Center, it provides a peaceful break to the weary plant shopper.
The café has a serene, cozy atmosphere, offering homemade foods that are freshly prepared daily. Their homemade lasagne is delectable, and there is a vegan version too. For breakfast, you can’t go wrong with scrambled eggs.
However, what Roseleaf Café is most loved for is its crowd-pleasing cakes. Indulge in the Victoria Sponge cake, or try their tasty carrot cake. Tea and cake, anyone?
In addition to the cakes on their menu, the catering team at Roseleaf Café can easily whip up a custom cake for your special event.
However, they ask for 72-hour notice as their cakes are handmade with only the best ingredients and sourced locally.
- Location: Dubai Garden Center, Al Quoz
- Trading Hours: 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Website: Roseleaf Cafe
- Phone Number: +971 4 399 1662