Dubai is a bustling city with a thriving café culture, offering a wide range of cafes, coffee shops, and restaurants to suit all tastes. Whether you’re looking for a cozy spot to catch up with friends, a quiet place to work, or a lively atmosphere to people-watch, there is a café or restaurant in Dubai that fits the bill.
From trendy new coffee shops to established cafeterias, the city has something to offer everyone. Here, we will provide you with a comprehensive list of the best cafes, coffee shops, and restaurants in Dubai to help you find your perfect spot.
1. Arabian Tea House
Arabian Tea House is a well-known cafe in Dubai with over 20 years of experience in providing authentic Emirati hospitality. The original location is situated in the historic Al Fahidi district and has maintained its original design since its establishment in 1997, featuring turquoise benches, white rattan chairs, lace curtains, and beautiful flowers.
Visitors can enjoy a cup of traditional Arabic coffee, known as gahwa, while admiring the charming surroundings. The cafe has expanded and now has three branches across the UAE, including locations in Jumeirah and Sharjah.
2. Forever Rose
Forever Rose is a unique cafe in Dubai located at Boxpark with a 2D monochrome theme. The exterior and interiors of the cafe, including tables, chairs, and plates, have been designed in 2D monochrome style, making it look like a storybook come to life.
The cafe, which combines art with food, offers a variety of delicious meals that are not only pleasing to the taste buds but also to the eyes. The first location of Forever Rose opened in January 2020 in Abu Dhabi and the second location opened in November 2020 in Dubai.
The cafe creates an illusion of being part of a flat illustration with clever tricks, making the real, three-dimensional world appear monochrome with white floors and tables, while only the customers, food, and beverages remain in color. Forever Rose is the perfect spot for a romantic breakfast, afternoon tea, or dessert.
3. Arrows and Sparrows
The pet-friendly cafe in The Greens is a popular spot among local residents and dog-walkers, who flock here on weekends to enjoy a healthy and wholesome meal.
The cafe offers a variety of menu items, including nutritious options like scrambled eggs with wild mushrooms and the green breakfast bowl, as well as more indulgent choices like oreo pancakes and colorful French toast.
The cafe has mostly indoor seating, but there are a few tables by the entrance that allow customers to enjoy their coffee outside on nice weather days. The cafe’s focus on healthy, wholesome dishes makes it a popular destination for those looking for a nutritious start to their day.
4. La Nena Coffee
La Nena Coffee is a Spanish artisan cafe that offers a unique and avant-garde atmosphere, inspired by La Nena Home. The cafe features warm tones and innovative interior and furniture design and serves signature coffee.
It is also fully dog-friendly, allowing pet owners to enjoy a cup of coffee in cozy and comfortable surroundings while accompanied by their furry friends.
La Nena Coffee House is connected to a furniture store that sells homewares and decorative pieces, making it a one-stop shop for all your design needs. Whether you’re a coffee lover or just looking for a cozy place to relax with your pet, La Nena Coffee is the perfect place to visit.
5. Bounty Beets
Bounty Beets is a cafe that’s a hit among Instagrammers, who love to snap a picture next to the iconic “Hello Beautiful” wall. The cafe has a playful, girly vibe, with angel wings hand-painted on the walls, a blossom tree in the center, and a lush terrace in the garden that’s perfect for bringing along your four-legged friends.
The cafe offers daily breakfast deals, a healthy ladies’ night, and a mid-week happy hour that gives you two-for-one on healthy cocktails. Whether you’re looking for a delicious meal, a fun night out with friends, or a picture-perfect setting for your Instagram feed, Bounty Beets is the perfect place to visit.
6. The Foundry
The Foundry is a unique art space in Dubai that combines a cozy cafe with an art gallery. Visitors can enjoy a cup of coffee and a bite to eat while exploring the stunning art and installations on display.
The innovative environment of The Foundry provides a space for creativity and connection, offering both the local community and the global art scene an opportunity to thrive. Located on Boulevard Crescent, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard in Dubai, The Foundry is the perfect place for those who want to enjoy a cup of coffee and admire some art at the same time.
The space was founded as a response to the evolving cultural scene in the UAE and continues to provide a platform for artists to exhibit their work and connect with others in the art community.
7. Brunch and Cake
Brunch and Cake is a popular cafe chain in Dubai with three locations: The Pointe, Al Wasl and Jumeirah Park. Known for its beautiful interiors and delicious menu, it’s a popular spot for weekend brunches.
Visitors can expect long queues due to its popularity, but the wait is well worth it. The menu features all-day eats including Breakkie pizza, pulled beef benny, and Nutella French toast. The cafe is known for its picturesque views and Insta-worthy decor.
8. Lulu & The Beanstalk
Lulu & The Beanstalk is a new cafe-bar concept in ICD Brookfield Place founded by two filmmakers, Wafa and Amirah Tajdin. The venue showcases an eclectic and playful design, featuring some of the best high-design furniture including pieces by Verner Panton, de Sede, Kooij and a custom chandelier by South African artist Adam Hoets.
The menu offers comfort food including hot and cold small plates, sharing platters, small-batch organic grapes, artisanal hops and cocktails. The cafe-bar is named in honor of the filmmakers’ grandmother and is the perfect place to enjoy good food, drinks and surroundings.
9. Boston Lane
Boston Lane is a charming cafe located in the Courtyard at Alserkal Avenue in Dubai. The cafe boasts an earthy, calming atmosphere with touches of baby pink and is known for serving some of the best toasties in Dubai.
Tucked away in an unsuspecting corner of Alserkal Avenue, The Courtyard is a picturesque strip of concept stores and cafes surrounded by a beautiful courtyard and a tranquil fountain in the center.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy and intimate spot to enjoy a cup of coffee or simply want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, Boston Lane is a must-visit destination.
10. Nette
Nette is a stylish cafe located within Matcha, one of the most popular padel destinations in Dubai. It attracts a young crowd who come to watch players compete on the bright orange courts while enjoying a drink and a bite to eat.
The cafe serves a variety of refreshing drinks and delicious food, including miso benedicts. The ambiance of the cafe is relaxed and laid-back, making it the perfect place to relax and watch the action on the courts. With its prime location in Al Quoz, Nette is a must-visit for anyone in the area looking for a unique dining experience.
11. Casette
Cassette is a stylish cafe located in Al Quoz’s picturesque Courtyard, known for its Instagram-worthy aesthetic. The cafe pays homage to music with its design, curated playlist and vintage vinyl collection.
Cassette offers a range of healthy and nutritious breakfast options, including the classic avocado toast. The Courtyard is a charming strip of concept stores and cafes with a beautiful courtyard and fountain in the center. Visitors can enjoy a delicious breakfast at Cassette while taking in the chic atmosphere.
12. Hoof Cafe
Hoof Cafe, a newly opened cafe in Dubai Mall, offers a unique and fresh coffee experience. The interior is designed with natural elements such as wood furniture and light-colored walls, inspired by its Sharjah branch.
Hoof Cafe sets itself apart by offering different coffee blends in each of its branches, ensuring that every visit is a new and exciting experience. Customers can enjoy a unique and personalized cup of coffee while relaxing in a warm and comfortable atmosphere. The cafe is located on the second floor of Dubai Mall, providing a convenient and accessible location for coffee lovers.
13. Circle Cafe
Circle Cafe is a popular chain of cafes in Dubai, known for its light and airy interior design and affordable all-you-can-eat weekend breakfast. Founded in 2003, Circle Cafe now has a dozen locations spread throughout the city, including DIFC, Jumeirah Islands, and Dubai Media City.
The cafe offers a variety of breakfast dishes, with the all-you-can-eat breakfast deal being one of the best value options in the city. For just Dhs69, customers can enjoy unlimited breakfast dishes and tea or coffee.
14. Dips Cafe
Dips Cafe is a unique cafe located in the Jumeirah Beach area, Dubai. The cafe boasts an unconventional approach to ceramic cups and dishes, which adds to its charm.
Its clean and minimalistic interior with a brutalist design provides a stylish backdrop for its artisanal menu, which includes delicious pastries and Chinese baos with a twist. The cafe is a perfect stop for those looking for a stylish, casual dining experience and is located on Jumeirah Street, Al Athar Street.
15. Common Grounds
Coffee Garden (CG) is a popular coffee shop in Dubai known for its quality coffee and delicious food. CG sources its coffee beans from its own Encounter Coffee Roasters, which is inspired by Melbourne’s coffee heritage.
With a number of locations in popular areas like JBR, DIFC, Mall of the Emirates, and JLT, customers can expect a consistently high level of service and great coffee and food.
The ambiance is welcoming and comfortable, making it a great place to stop and relax. Whether you’re a coffee lover or just looking for a delicious bite to eat, Coffee Garden is definitely worth a visit.
16. Bageri Form
Bageri Form is a popular coffee spot located in Dubai Design District known for its delicious Scandinavian-inspired baked goods. They specialize in creating mouth-watering treats like Swedish cardamon buns and Swedish semla that are highly sought after.
The interior of the cafe is designed by Bone Studio with a minimalist brutalist theme which adds to the overall atmosphere of the place. If you’re looking for a cozy cafe with a touch of Swedish flavor, Bageri Form is the place to be.
17. Comptoir 102
Comptoir 102, located in Jumeirah 1, is not just a concept store, but also features an organic cafe. This cafe has a focus on healthy, nutritious dishes that are plant-based and change daily based on available, in-season ingredients.
In addition to offering healthy options, Comptoir 102 also boasts beautiful interiors that provide a lovely setting for shoppers to take a break and enjoy a bite to eat or coffee.
18. Two Neighbors
Two Neighbors is a quirky cafe located in Madinat Badr, Muhaisnah 1, with a distinctive pink interior that is reminiscent of a Wes Anderson movie set. It features a charming picture-perfect facade and a wide range of sweet and savory treats that are sure to satisfy any craving.
Whether you’re in the mood for a light snack or a hearty meal, Two Neighbors offers a memorable dining experience in a whimsically designed setting.
19. EL&N
EL&N is a famous cafe known for its pretty pink interior, making it a popular spot for Instagram lovers. The cafe originated in London and opened its doors in Dubai last year. It features pink booths, a neon coffee counter, and various shades of cerise floral displays.
EL&N is located in the Gate Village Building 2 in DIFC, Dubai. The cafe is known for its sprinkle-topped lattes and fluffy pancakes, making it a must-visit for anyone looking for a picture-perfect cafe experience.
20. Hint
Hint is a cafe situated in the Etihad Museum, offering visitors a serene and minimalist setting to take a break and enjoy good coffee and decadent pastries after a long day of sightseeing.
The cafe is a great place to unwind and relax away from the hustle and bustle of the city, making it an ideal rest stop for those exploring the area. The cafe’s location within the museum also offers a unique atmosphere and ambiance for visitors.
21. Ella’s Eatery
Ella’s Eatery is a popular family-friendly cafe located in Palm Jumeirah. It is known for its leafy green environment and variety of breakfast and lunch options. The cafe is especially popular for its weekend breakfast offerings which include avo toast and acai bowls. Aside from breakfast, Ella’s Eatery also serves crispy pizzas, homemade burgers, and grilled meats during lunchtime.
The cafe is a perfect spot for a casual weekend breakfast or lunch with friends and family. Its location in Palm Jumeirah offers beautiful views, making it a great stop for a relaxing meal.
22. Otaku
Otaku is a cafe in Dubai known for its brutalist interior that features chipped pillars, unfinished walls, and rugged rocks. The cafe serves signature desserts and cakes, making it an interesting fixture in the cafe scene in Dubai.
The space has an ambient atmosphere and is oddly Instagrammable, attracting many visitors looking for unique photo opportunities. Otaku is located in Dubai Design District.
23. The Hamptons
The Hamptons Cafe, with its charming exterior and beach-house inspired interiors, offers a picturesque and relaxing setting for coffee, breakfast, or lunch. The cafe is modeled after The Hamptons lifestyle in the USA and features a conservatory filled with flowers.
With locations in Jumeirah Beach Road, Arabian Ranches, and Jumeirah Islands, this cafe is a popular choice for those seeking a pleasant atmosphere and good food.
The cafe’s aesthetics make it an ideal destination for those looking to take Instagram-worthy photos, while the menu offers a range of dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The cafe’s welcoming atmosphere and charming decor make it a great spot to visit with friends or family, especially for those with an appreciation for beachy vibes and relaxing aesthetics.
24. Harvest & Co.
Harvest & Co is a health-conscious cafe located at Dubai Garden Centre. The cafe is known for its desirable dishes that use the freshest farm-to-table ingredients. The glasshouse facade reflects its ethos of using fresh produce.
The cafe serves dishes such as smashed avocado on charcoal chia sourdough with Persian feta, hazelnut dukkah, and pickled shallots. It is a great spot for those looking for healthy and nutritious food options.
25. Nightjar Coffee
Nightjar Coffee in Dubai’s Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz is a popular and award-winning cafe that caters to coffee lovers. Known for its highly-caffeinated and top-quality brews, the cafe also offers unique and delicious food items such as chili scramble, pulled ox cheek benedict, and wombok salad.
With its cool and relaxed vibe, Nightjar Coffee has become the beating heart of Dubai’s coffee scene, offering a great place to socialize, work, or simply relax while enjoying the best coffee in town. Whether you’re looking for a quick pick-me-up or a leisurely brunch, Nightjar Coffee is the perfect spot for you.
26. Charlie Lane
Charlie Lane is a cosy cafe with two branches located in Internet City and Financial Centre in Dubai. The cafe offers classic dishes like chicken and waffles and blueberry pancakes, as well as a few vegan options such as Korean fried cauliflower. The cafe has an extensive menu to cater to different palates.
27. Revo
Revo Cafe is a perfect place for refreshment after a run or cycle around Palm Jumeirah. The cafe, located within the grounds of Anantara The Palm, offers a range of refreshing fruit smoothies and freshly ground coffees, along with an all-day menu of healthy options, gourmet sandwiches, and croissants with a variety of fillings.
Customers can choose to sit outside or inside and enjoy the stunning sea views. The cafe’s location and offerings make it a great spot to unwind and refuel after a busy day or workout.
28. Tom & Serg
Tom & Serg is a popular cafe in Dubai known for its classic dishes with a unique twist. The cafe serves a variety of dishes such as avo toast, fried eggs with pumpkin seeds and chimichurri, and granola made with cashew milk and coconut yogurt.
The industrial-chic design of the cafe makes it an attractive urban weekend hangout. The cafe is located in Al Quoz, Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai, and is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
29. RX Coffee Apothecary
Rx Coffee Apothecary is a hidden gem in Jumeirah 3 that takes coffee seriously, using light-roast Fuglen beans from Japan and Norway in its range of filter and espresso coffees.
The cafe’s expertly poured coffees are served in handcrafted ceramics, and visitors can also enjoy delicious food including Parklane cheesecake, truffle khachapuri, and other tasty treats. The interiors are also Instagrammable, making it an excellent spot for those looking to capture some stunning photos.
30. Amongst Few Cafe
Amongst Few in Jumeirah 1 is not just a trendy concept store but also houses a coffee shop that offers a variety of fusion food and premium organic fair trade coffee sourced from Ethiopia and roasted locally.
The cafe has a cool, industrial vibe with cement and breeze block walls, counters, and floors, and a steel and natural wood-wrapped interior. The menu boasts Thai, Italian, Portuguese, British, and Japanese fusions that are fresh and varied. The coffee shop is a haven for sneakerheads and coffee enthusiasts alike.
31. Saya Brasserie
Saya Caffe offers a picturesque atmosphere with a lot of pretty pink florals and dainty teacups and saucers. With multiple locations, including City Walk, Nakheel Mall, and The Pointe, Saya Caffe provides an Alice in Wonderland tea party atmosphere, serving tea, cake, and picture-perfect breakfast and lunch dishes. Expect an Instagram-worthy experience with over-the-top pretty pink florals.
32. Drop Coffee
Drop is a coffee shop with three outlets in Dubai: Dar Al Wasl, Al Khawaneej Walk and Level Shoes in Dubai Mall. The Dar Al Wasl branch stands out for its attractive exposed concrete, broken ceramic tile mosaic, and terrazzo tile flooring. The coffee shop boasts world-class baristas from seven different countries, ensuring a sensational cup of coffee.
33. Seva Table
Seva Table, located in Jumeirah Beach, Dubai, is a cafe and wellness center that offers plant-based dishes and various workshops. It was formerly known as “Life ‘n’ One.” The cafe is set in a beautiful secret garden infused with mantras, providing a serene atmosphere for visitors to connect with others, read a book, brainstorm, or simply daydream.
Seva Table is a wifi-free zone, allowing visitors to disconnect from their devices and focus on their surroundings. In addition to the cafe, the center offers various workshops, such as yoga, meditation, bodywork, sound healing, and energy medicine. Seva Table is an ideal destination for those who want to combine healthy food, relaxation, and wellness practices.
34. Air Speciality Coffee
Air Speciality Coffee is a small and minimalist coffee shop located in Umm Suqeim, Dubai. Designed by Bone Studio, the café features a sleek and monochromatic greyscale interior. The café’s menu includes a variety of specialty coffee beans sourced from Ethiopia, as well as delicious puddings.
Despite its small size, Air Speciality Coffee takes both its menu and design seriously, making it a must-visit for coffee lovers looking for a trendy and modern café in the heart of Dubai. The café is located at 545 Jumeirah St in Umm Suqeim.
35. The Sum of Us
The Sum of Us, located in the Burj Al Salam Trade Centre, is a popular café with a hidden terrace and Australian-inspired interiors. The café serves fresh baked goods, gourmet sandwiches, and salads, and specializes in expertly-poured flat whites.
The industrial-chic design of the café creates a unique atmosphere for visitors to enjoy. Customers can also watch the action at the adjoining Encounter Coffee Roasters while enjoying their coffee. Despite not being in the most obvious of locations, the café draws in crowds who enjoy the food, coffee, and atmosphere.
36. Orijins
Orijins is a new coffee shop located in DIFC that has quickly become popular among coffee enthusiasts and content creators. The cafe’s space, designed by VSHD Design, features high-design objects and furniture that give it a gallery-like ambiance.
Its interior boasts a beautifully curved ceiling and monolithic granite and marble bar counters, and it has a finesse in textures, surfaces, and finishings that is unmatched in Dubai.
Alongside its exceptional design, Orijins offers a wide range of coffee options and delicious food items, making it the perfect spot for a quick coffee break or a more leisurely meal.
37. Tania’s Tea House
Tania’s Teahouse, located in a two-storey villa in Jumeirah, has become one of Dubai’s most popular spots thanks to its whimsical interiors and fashion-themed teas. The breakfast menu features mermaid toast, beetroot hummus, and French toast in a teacup.
The establishment is fully booked most of the time, so a sister branch called Sereni-tea has been opened in Umm Sequeim with a stripped-back, Nordic-influenced interior design. The unique concept, vibrant colors, and Instagram-worthy presentation make it a hit with content creators and food enthusiasts alike.
38. Tashas
Tashas is a cafe and restaurant chain with six locations in Dubai, known for its friendly staff, Instagram-worthy interiors, and delicious food. Their all-day menu includes both healthy and indulgent options, catering to customers looking to maintain a balanced diet during the week and indulge on weekends.
Tashas offers classic favorites available at all locations, along with signature dishes created specifically for each branch. Their French toast is considered one of the best in the city.
39. Wild and the Moon
Wild & The Moon is a plant-based restaurant that offers healthy dishes and drinks. Its menu is designed to pack in only healthy goodness, and it is a favorite spot for gym-goers who come for cold press juice or smoothies post-workout.
The restaurant has locations across Dubai, including the original in Al Quoz, Gate Avenue in DIFC, and Emaar Boulevard in Downtown. The restaurant’s plant-based dishes and juices are made from locally sourced and organic ingredients.
Its menu features an array of vegan bowls, sandwiches, salads, cold-pressed juices, and smoothies. Wild & The Moon’s philosophy is to create a connection between what we eat, where it comes from, and its impact on our planet.