The ultimate guide to 40+ cafes in Dubai
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Iconic attractions like The Palm and a commendable hospitality industry aside, the emirate of Dubai is also known for its vibrant culinary experiences and artisanal coffee culture — made all the more apparent with the plethora of cafes and coffee places in almost every area in the city. From tiny hole-in-the-wall outlets with entertaining owners full of interesting stories to swanky international coffee conglomerates, there’s a wide selection of memorable cafes in Dubai. Some attract customers by offering quirky Instagrammable experiences, while others set themselves apart by offering luxurious perks, like coffee made from premium quality beans. Spoilt for choice? From wonderfully quaint cafes to the trendiest coffee shops in the emirate, here is our master list of the best cafes in Dubai.
So whether you live in a swanky rental flat in Dubai Marina or are tucked away in a family-friendly villa for rent in Mirdif, you can choose one of the cafes from this list for that early morning caffeine fix!
QUIRKY CAFES IN DUBAI
The emirate of Dubai has its fair share of quirky and kooky cafes. From coffee places where you can flip through your favourite paperbacks to those dedicated solely to board games, here are some interesting and unique coffee shops in Dubai:
BOARDGAME CAFES
Roll the dice and sip your favourite cuppa in these board game cafes in Dubai:
1. PUBLIC CAFE
Play a lighthearted game of chess or beat your partner in a game of Backgammon or any other board game at this trendy café in Dubai.
- Price for two: AED 125
- Location: One Lake Plaza Tower, Cluster T-Jumeirah Lake Towers
- Contact +971-4-451-9670
- Opening hours 08:00 am to 10:00 pm
2. THE SIX
A more recent addition to the coffee culture in the emirate is THE SIX. This is one of the best cafes to give board game establishments in Dubai a run for their money. Java junkies will also appreciate their signature blends available in a variety of hot and cold beverages.
- Price for two: AED 175
- Location: Burj Vista, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Blvd – Downtown Dubai
- Contact +971-4-334-2666
- Opening hours 09:00 am to 12:00 am
Unique cafes
Whether you are a motorbike enthusiast or love to gaze at pretty exteriors, these unique cafes in Dubai are great for those looking at eclectic avenues to spend relaxed weekends with a steaming cup of Joe in hand.
3. CAFE RIDER
When it comes to themed cafes in Dubai, Cafe Rider is one of the first options that come to mind. Motorcycles and coffee don’t usually mix, but this cafe changes that. Sip on your chosen coffee cocktails, espressos and specialty brews while gazing at custom motorcycles and relaxing on leather sofas.
- Price for two: AED 130
- Location: Warehouse 7, 14 C Street – Al Quoz
- Contact +971-4-321-4411
- Opening hours 08:00 am to 08:00 pm (Sunday to Wednesday) | 08:00 am to 10:00 pm (Thursday to Saturday)
4. SKETCH ART CAFE
Enjoy coffee in a gorgeous setting with a pencil and sketch pad in hand. Let your imagination run wild while enjoying an iced Spanish latte or munching on yummy milk cakes in this Al Safa café.
- Price for two: AED 80
- Location: Villa 1, 35 Street, Umm Ammar Road, Al Safa – Dubai
- Contact +971-4-271-2650
- Opening hours 09:00 am to 11:00 pm
5. ILA CAFE
This chic place has a delicious coffee menu and its patrons are treated to splendid views of the Dubai Creek. Try ILA Café’s lip-smacking Middle Eastern fare or their specialty brews.
- Price for two: AED 190
- Location: Al Seef, Al Seef Street – Umm Hurair
- Contact +971-4358-5822
- Opening hours 07:00 am to 12:00 am
6. ROSELEAF CAFE
Considered one of the best cafes on Shiekh Zayed Road, this charming spot is surrounded by lush greenery. There is plenty of indoor and outdoor seating in this café tucked into the Dubai Garden Centre. Some also consider it to be one of the best cafes for studying in Dubai.
- Price for two: AED 130
- Location: Dubai Garden Centre, Shiekh Zayed Road, Al Quoz
- Contact +971-4-399-1662
- Opening hours 08:00 am to 10:00 pm
INSTAGRAMMABLE CAFES
Here are some of most Instagrammable cafes in Dubai that can add some oomph to your social media feed.
7. TANIA’S TEAHOUSE
Looking for cute cafes in Dubai that make perfect fodder for the ‘Gram? Visit Tania’s Teahouse on Jumeirah Beach Road. Considered one of the city’s most Instagrammable cafes, the array of gorgeous tea cakes and light bites served with tempting beverages, are guaranteed to make you whip out your phone and start snapping away.
- Price for two: AED 190
- Location: Villa 779 A, adjacent to EPPCO Petrol Station, Jumeirah Beach Road, Umm Suqeim
- Contact +971-4-324-0021
- Opening hours 08:00 am to 10:00 pm (Sunday to Thursday) | 09:00 am to 10:00 pm (Friday and Saturday)
8. PARLOUR BOUTIQUE
The coffee cups from Parlour Boutique will be all over your social media feed once you visit. The contemporary French dining, delicate pastries and artisanal coffee blends make this cafe a winner on social media.
- Price for two: AED 205
- Location: Ground floor, One Central Building, Trade Centre Area, Dubai
- Contact +971-4-386-5333
- Opening hours 08:00 am to 08:00 pm
9. DEPRESSO
With Insta-worthy drinks to try and take a selfie with, Depresso is a definite option to try from our list of cafes in Dubai. A recent addition to the specialty cafe offerings in the city, a trip to Depresso will definitely help you make a splash on your Instagram feed.
- Price for two: AED 60
- Location: Umm Suqeim, near Kind Care Medical Centre
- Contact +971-50-244-5434
- Opening hours 07:00 am to 12:00 am
10. CULINARY BOUTIQUE
A café for shutterbug gourmands, the Culinary Boutique on Jumeirah Beach Road is famous for it’s delicious and unique offerings such as the very famous lavender coffee.
- Price for two: AED 240
- Location: Villa 56, Jumeirah 1
- Contact:+971-4-345-50023
- Opening hours 10:00 am to 10:00 pm (Sunday to Thursday) | 09:00 am to 10:00 pm (Friday and Saturday)
12. THE SUM OF US
With a café experience that is as unique as its name, The Sum of Us offers European classics with a hint of vintage vibes added to the mix. Try their freshly brewed coffees and delicious breakfast for a gourmet cafe experience in Dubai
- Price for two: AED 185
- Location: Trade Centre Area, Burj Al Salam Residence Tower, Ground Floor
- Contact +971-56-445-7526
- Opening hours 08:00 am to 09:00 pm
13. FRIENDS AVENUE CAFE
The Friends Avenue cafe is one of the best cafes in Dubai to grace an Instagram account, with stunning coffee concoctions that look like bonafide works of art. Visit any of their two branches in The Ribbon Mall or Jumeirah Lake Towers.
- Price for two: AED 140
- Location: The Ribbon Mall, Motor City | Jumeirah Lake Towers
- Contact +971-4-243-2866 (Ribbon Mall) | +971-4-554-5813 (JLT)
- Opening hours 08:00 am to 12:00 am (Motor City) | 08:00 am to 10:00 pm (JLT)
14. ARROWS AND SPARROWS CAFE
This dog-friendly café is perfect for pictures with your pooch. Plus, the food is stunningly presented! While the cafe is more popular during cooler winter months when pet owners can enjoy the outdoors with their furry companions in tow, the cafe’s cool iced caffeinated beverages keep the customers coming even when the temperatures rise.
- Price for two: AED 170
- Location: The Greens, Emaar Business Park, Building 4
- Contact +971-4-558-8141
- Opening hours 08:00 am to 10:00 pm
15. AMONGST FEW CAFE
A unique, industrial themed coffee shop, this Jumeirah cafe is best known for offering stunning views of the Jumeirah Mosque.
- Location: Palm Strip, Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 1, Dubai
- Contact +971-4-330-8965
- Opening hours 08:00 am to 11:00 pm
16. SECRET GARDEN BY L’ETO
One of the picture-perfect cafes in Dubai Mall, the Secret Garden offers patrons a floral themed experience which is also reflected in their mocktail menu. With overhanging lights and floral arrangements, its also one of the more beautiful cafes in Dubai.
- Price for two: AED 190
- Location: City Walk | Dubai Mall, Perfumery & Co
- Contact +971-4-876-7508
- Opening hours 10:00 am to 12:00 am
17. ANGELINA TEAROOM
Next on our list of good cafes in Dubai is Angelina Tearoom, a Paris-themed spot which offers a range of traditional French desserts and classic beverages.
- Price for two: AED 355
- Location: The Dubai Mall, Fashion Avenue, Ground level
- Contact +971-4-442-8814
- Opening hours 09:00 am to 01:00 am
HOMEGROWN CAFES
If you are looking for new places in Dubai for your coffee fix, try the local brands which have build a solid reputation with coffee lovers in the city. These homegrown cafes in the emirate are just as amazing as the rest of the entries on this list.
18. TWO AT SYMPHONY
Founded by two Emirati sisters, this Dubai Mall café features a specialty bar for desserts and coffee. It’s has become a favourite haunt for locals since opening in 2018 and is considered one of the highly-rated and popular cafes in Downtown Dubai.
- Price for two: AED 270
- Location: The Dubai Mall, Level 1, Downtown Dubai
- Contact +971-4-874-8672
- Opening hours 10:00 am to 11:00 pm (Sunday to Wednesday) | 10:00 am to 12:00 pm (Thursday to Saturday)
19. LOQMATO
Known for their unique take on the traditional Emirati dessert of Luquaimat, Loqmato offers a range of gooey sweets that can be complemented with their selection of hot and cold caffeinated beverages.
- Price for two: AED 80
- Location: The Dubai Mall, lower ground floor
- Contact +971-56-342-7743
- Opening hours 10:00 am to 01:00 am
20. MIRZAM
A haven for chocoholics, Mirzam is a chocolate factory that specialises in crafting the finest chocolate with roasted cocoa beans. Their wide selection of caffeinated drinks also make it an ideal choice for coffee aficionados looking for new experiences.
- Location: Alserkal Avenue, Dubai
- Contact +971-4-333-5888
- Opening hours 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
21. RAW COFFEE COMPANY
An ideal spot for die-hard coffee fans, the Raw Coffee Company creates its caffeinated concoctions from premium beans sourced from around the world.
- Price for two: AED 50
- Location: Al Quoz 1, Corner of Street 7a and 4a, Dubai
- Contact +971-4-339-5474
- Opening hours 07:30 am to 08:00 pm
22. FILLI CAFE
The café which put Dubai’s tea culture on the global map, FiLLi Café has several branches in Dubai and the rest of the UAE. The famous teahouse was the brainchild of Indian entrepreneur Rafih FiLLi, who established his first branch in Dubai.
- Price for two: AED 60
- Location: Knowledge Village, Dubai
- Contact +971-52-939-4325
- Opening hours 07:00 am to 12:00 am (Weekdays) | 08:00 am to 08:00 pm (Thursday and Friday)
23. ARABIAN TEAHOUSE
Also known as one of the more popular Emirati restaurants in Dubai, The Arabian Teahouse started its journey from the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood before expanding to another popular area in Dubai.
- Price for two: AED 210
- Location: Al Fahidi Street, Bur Dubai | The Mall, Jumeirah Beach Resort
- Contact +971-4-353-5071 | +971-4-341-2855
- Opening hours 07:30 am to 12:00 am (Bur Dubai)| 08:00 am to 12:00 am (The Mall)
24. SAYA BRASSERIE
Born in Dubai, Saya Brasserie is the perfect retreat for those looking for Middle Eastern sweet treats and traditional Arabic Qahwa. If you are more inclined to try international blends, you will love their Pistachio Spanish Latte.
- Location: Al Safa, Dubai
- Contact +971-50-541-8373
- Opening hours 09:00 am to 01:00 am
HEALTHY CAFES IN DUBAI
For the health conscious ones out there, these cafes in Dubai are excellent spots to relax with a wholesome drink.
25. HEALTHY LITTLE SECRETS
A nominee for best healthy restaurants in Dubai, Healthy Little Secrets focuses on clean eating with a menu including egg options, acai bowls and more.
- Price for two: AED 115
- Location: One by Omniyat Tower, Business Bay
- Contact +971-4-430-6820
- Opening hours 08:00 am to 12:00 am
26. THE ACAI SPOT
The Acai Spot has several branches in Dubai with the one in Centurion Tower being a highly rated one. The Brazilian cafe has an array of healthy options on the menu in addition to coffee and beverages made from popular superfood.
- Price for two: AED 135
- Location: Centurion Star Tower, Shop 20, Port Saeed
- Contact +971-50-644-9514
- Opening hours 09:00 am to 11:00 pm (Sunday to Thursday) | 10:00 am to 11:00 pm (Friday to Saturday)
27. KAD CHE
Another café for healthy eats is Kad Che. From breakfast to coffees, gourmet sandwiches and organic pressed juices, health-conscious patrons have a lot to choose from here.
- Price for two: AED 140
- Location: Shop 6, Building 7, Bay Square, Business Bay
- Contact +971-4-338-8243
- Opening hours 08:00 am to 10:30 pm
OTHER TOP CAFES IN DUBAI
From cafes in Business Bay to Umm Suqeim, here are the other best cafes in Dubai you can add to your growing culinary bucket list:
28. CIRCLE CAFE DUBAI
This café is a favourite with local residents and is also one of the best book cafes in Dubai. The well known bistro has outlets in Business bay, Dubai Media City, World Trade Centre and many more locations across the city.
- Price for two: AED 180
- Location: Dubai Studio City, Building No. 2 (EIT building)
- Contact:+971-4-276-6283 | +971-4-276-6284
- Opening hours 08:00 am to 11:00 pm (Saturday to Wednesday) | 08:00 am to 12:00 am (Thursday)
29. BROTHAUS
Brothaus is a German bakery and bistro that doesn’t fail to impress. Apart from the awesome breakfast menu, they also serve a variety of coffee, tea, salads, soups and other items.
- Price for two: AED 285
- Location: Steigenberger Hotel, Ground floor, Business Bay
- Contact +971-4-369-0000
- Opening hours 07:30 am to 11:00 pm (Saturday to Wednesday) | 07:30 am to 02:00 am (Thursday and Friday)
30. THE KANA CAFE
For those who would rather enjoy steaming hot mugs of coffee with a view, The Kana Café in Business Bay is worth visiting. In addition to the regular café fare, try their milkshakes, coffee blends and mocktails.
- Price for two: AED 120
- Location: Fifty One Tower, Business Bay – Dubai
- Contact +971-4-430-8454
- Opening hours 10:00 am to 02:00 am ( Saturday to Wednesday) | 10:00 am to 03:00 am (Thursday and Friday)
31. THE HAMPTONS CAFE
All three branches of The Hamptons Café are highly rated by patrons. The café is designed to look like the boho-chic cafes in Hampton, with a variety of eclectic brews and delicious bites on offer.
- Price for two: AED 240
- Location: Jumeirah Beach Road | Jumeirah Islands | Arabian Ranches
- Contact +971-4-331-5118 | +971-4-564-5770 | +971-4-580-8615
- Opening hours : 08:00 am to 11:00 pm (Saturday to Wednesday) | 08:00 am to 01:00 am (Thursday and Friday)
32. LEEN’S CASUAL TO GOURMET
Also one of many well known cafes in Umm Suqeim, Leen’s Casual to Gourmet offers stimulating coffee drinks in unique variations like their famous Matcha latte and beetroot latte.
- Price for two: AED 230
- Location: Beside Umm Suqeim Park, Umm Suqeim
- Contact +971-4-346-6292
- Opening hours: 07:00 am to 11:00 pm
33. WALNUT GROVE
With excellent views of The Dubai Fountain, Walnut Grove is a great place to have a cappuccino or a latte. The brand hails from South Africa and was launched in City Walk a few years ago.
- Price for two: AED 235
- Location: City Walk, Phase 2, Al Safa Road |The Dubai Mall, ground level,
- Contact +971-4-344-4441, +971-4-334-1100 (City Walk) | +971-4-335-4888
- Opening hours 09:00 am to 10:30 pm (Saturday to Wednesday), 09:00 am to 11:00 pm (Thursday to Saturday) (City Walk) | 09:00 am to 12:00 am (The Dubai Mall)
34. LADUREE
From gourmet teas to their own blends and a range of excellent drinks; there is something for every café-goer in Laduree.
- Price for two: AED 230
- Location: Level 1, The Dubai Mall | Level 1, Mall of the Emirates | Ground level, The Dubai Mall Extension
- Contact +971-4-339-8520
- Opening hours 10:00 am to 12:00 am (Sunday to Wednesday), 10:00 am to 01:00 am (Thursday to Saturday)
35. PAPPA ROTI
Pappa Roti has more than 10 outlets in Dubai alone and is a café chain that is globally recognised for its melt in your mouth, buttery buns and coffee.
- Price for two: AED 75
- Location: The Beach, Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), Dubai
- Contact:+971-4-420-0690
- Opening hours 08:00 am to 01:00 am
36. YAMANOTE ATELIER
Our next mention in the list of best cafes in Dubai is the popular Japanese eatery, Yamanote Atelier’s. Studio Ghibli fans will love the artfully decorated baked goods and sinful pastries.
- Price for two: AED 100
- Location: Al Ferdous 2, Shop 1, Wasl Road
- Contact +971-4-399-9559
- Opening hours 08:00 am to 09:00 pm (Sunday to Wednesday) | 08:00 am to 10:00 pm (Thursday to Saturday)
37. DAILY DOSE COFFEE LOUNGE
Get your daily dose of caffeine at the Daily Dose Coffee Lounge. You can enjoy their espressos, lattes and cappuccino with some yummy Benedict croissants.
- Price for two: AED 150
- Location: Opposite Mercato Mall, Jumeirah Road, Jumeirah 1
- Contact +971-4-343-9999
- Opening hours 08:00 am to 12:00 am
38. COMMON GROUNDS
From Jerk Chicken to coffee and Sweet Potato Fries, Common Grounds is one of the best places to get your daily caffeine fix.
- Price for two: AED 160
- Location: Mall of the Emirates, Level 2, Al Barsha
- Contact +971-50-478-1049
- Opening hours 08:00 am to 10:45 pm
39. GF FERRE CHOCOLATE BAR
This dessert parlour and café earns props for a chocolate-focused menu. A delicious range of hot chocolate, coffees, iced lattes and breakfast items will make you keep coming back for more.
- Price for two: AED 200
- Location: Mall of the Emirates, Level 1
- Contact +971-56-188-3849
- Opening hours 08:00 am to 12:00 am ( Saturday to Wednesday)| 08:00 am to 01:00 am (Thursday and Friday)
40. MAISAN 15
Located in Barsha South, Maisan 15 is a favourite hangout for residents. With options like Double Espresso and Lavender Latte for AED 20 apiece, it’s pretty cheap on the pocket too.
- Price for two: AED 160
- Location: Beside Maisan Towers, Barsha South
- Contact +971-4-244-7291
- Opening hours 07:30 am to 11:00 pm | 08:30 pm to 11:00 pm (Friday and Saturday)
41. DROP DUBAI
A budget-friendly coffee place on Al Wasl Road, Drop Dubai also has a menu of delicious sweet treats from filling muffins to decadent brownies.
- Price for two: AED 85
- Location: Dar al Wasl Centre, Al Wasl Road
- Contact +971-54-441-2523
- Opening hours 10:00 am to 11:00 pm
42. STOMPING GROUNDS DUBAI
As a speciality coffee hub, Stomping Grounds deserves a place on our picks for best cafes in Dubai. Owned by an Australian expat couple this cosy cafe has a great selection of blends from around the world.
- Price for two: AED 210
- Location: Villa 98, Jumeirah 1
- Contact +971-4-344-4451
- Opening hours 07:30 am to 11:00 pm (Sunday to Wednesday and Saturday) |07:30 am to 12:00 am (Thursday and Friday)
43. BOSTON LANE
With a great selection of hot chocolate, frothy coffee blends and perfect lattes, Boston Lane wraps up our list of incredible cafés in the city.
- Price for two: AED 155
- Location: The Courtyard, Al Quoz
- Contact +971-58-517-2131
- Opening hours 08:00 am to 07:00 pm
In addition to the aforementioned cafes, special mention goes out to mainstream coffee brands like Starbucks, Tim Hortons, Costa Coffee, Caribou Coffee and Cafe Nero. Other popular cafes with multiple branches in Dubai include Home Bakery, Cupagahwa, Paul, Magnolia’s Bakery, La Brioche and Le Pain Quotidien.
We hope our recommendations for the best cafes in Dubai can serve as your guide to the emirate’s top coffee shops and eateries. For experiences a little out of the ordinary, consider visiting the RoboCafe in Dubai. Our guide for cafes in Sharjah will also help you find the best cafes in the emirate. If you looking to sate your inner cookie monster, here is a list of places to buy cookies in Dubai.
For more updates on restaurants in the UAE, stay tuned to MyBayut.