Dubai’s coffee culture is flourishing, with the Emirati city having come a long way since the perfunctory Tim Hortons and Starbucks that represented almost the only option for those who chose to live a life well-caffeinated. Today, there are an array of homegrown cafes serving quality coffee right into the small hours of the day (with most featuring dedicated Ramadan opening times), with some of the best coffee shops and cafes in Dubai roasting their own beans and offering a selection of innovative beverages alongside traditional coffees. Many feature chic, well designed interiors that act as a bonus drawcard to keep patrons coming back.
From industrial-chic concepts with vegan-friendly eats to Instagram favourites and lesser-known boltholes, these are the best cafes and coffee shops in Dubai.
1. La Nena Coffee
A mainstay on Instagram feeds, La Nena Coffee is located in Dubai’s avant-garde Al Quoz neighbourhood. A hybrid cafe if ever there was one, La Nena Coffee is also a design studio and retail space, meaning patrons can caffeinate while perusing homeware and decor. The brainchild of Spanish-born Al Vida Group, La Nena Coffee creates an intimate space through organic shapes and textures with curvilinear rooms rendered in warm, earthy tones.
Address: 23 Street 14B, Al Quoz, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
2. Drop Coffee
Homegrown Emirati brand Drop Coffee has three outposts in Dubai, Dar Al Wasl, Al Khawaneej Walk, and Level Shoes in Dubai Mall. We’d recommend getting your caffeine fix at the Dar Al Wasl cafe, for its minimal yet visually rich aesthetic which features exposed concrete, ceramic tile mosaics, terrazzo tile flooring, and statement banquette seating. Drinks are served by first-class baristas from around the world (with the cafe’s roasts also taking a global approach), with the cafe also exploring alternative brew methods to ensure you get the perfect cup of coffee.
Address: 56VV+CW, Al Wasl Rd, Al Wasl, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
3. Orijins
A regular haunt for content creators and design enthusiasts, Orijins serves great coffee and cool design in spades. Clad in neutral tones, the urban oasis is anchored by monolithic granite and marble bar counters while sculptural and textural furniture and decor add visual interest. The coffee shop and consummate hangout spot serves espresso, filter, drip, and milk-based coffees (complete with non-dairy alternative milks) as well as a variety of delectable pastries and cakes.
Address: Al Mustaqbal St, Trade Centre, DIFC, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
4. Heal
Combining a cafe with homeware store, the ambience in Heal matches the name; whitewashed walls, an abundance of greenery, and earthy decor work to create a soothing, serene vibe. In addition to espressos and classic milk-based coffees, Heal boasts a robust menu of pressed juices, smoothies, teas, and healthful meals.
Address: 30 Al Manara Rd, Umm Suqeim, Umm Suqeim 2, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
5. Roseleaf Cafe
A bright and airy cafe within The Garden Concept, Roseleaf Cafe combines cultural influences from the Middle East, Australia, and New Zealand. Simple yet delicious meals take centre stage, with the kitchen helmed by chef Ved, formally head chef at Melbourne institution Tonka. Naturally, good coffee is in abundance with house beans sourced up the road from Nightjar Coffee Roasters, complemented by a hearty bakery offering of artisanal cakes and tarts (don’t go past the Rose & Honey Basbousa).
Address: 733 Sheikh Zayed Rd, inside The Garden Concept Store, Al Quoz, Al Quoz Industrial Area 3, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
6. XVA Art Cafe
Traditional design meets a new age approach to cuisine in the XVA Art Cafe. Located within the hotel of the same name in the historic Al Fahidi Neighborhood, XVA Art Cafe serves thoughtful Middle Eastern vegan and vegetarian food within a beautiful courtyard.
7. Charlie Lane
Those working in the Internet City and Financial Centre are treated to a cosy mid-work respite courtesy of Charlie Lane, which serves fresh, healthy meals alongside coffee made using locally sourced beans.
Address: Staybridge Suites, Al Sufouh, Dubai Internet City, Dubai, United Arab Emirates / Staybridge Suites Financial Centre, Trade Centre, Trade Centre 1, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
8. Lulu & The Beanstalk
Founded by filmmaker sisters Wafa and Amirah Tajdin, Lulu & The Beanstalk is a coffee shop, bookstore, co-working space, and post-work haunt all in one. Named after the sisters’ grandmother Lulu—who liked telling stories as tall as a beanstalk—Lulu & The Beanstalk is a vibey space akin to a film set, serving up killer coffee alongside lunch favourites like spicy chowder, sliders, and rice ‘n’ peas. As a licenced venue, come nighttime the lights and dimmed and cocktails are on the cards (with the no laptops rule kicking in at 6pm), with a line-up of resident DJs setting the tone for a good night.
Address: Icd Brookfield Place, Al Mustaqbal St, Trade Centre, DIFC, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
9. Le Guépard
Potentially the city’s most exclusive dining venue, French restaurant Le Guépard has made a name for itself thanks to its whimsical Alice in Wonderland style decor. To the front of the warehouse venue is an equally stylish cafe, with the reservations-only coffee shop taking on a comparatively pared-back tone with plush colourful seating and pared-back panelled walls. Stop in for a mid-morning croissant and coffee.
Address: Alserkal Avenue, Unit 57, Al Quoz, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Words by Theo Rosen
