From sleek espresso bars tucked inside design hubs to lively, welcoming cafes packed with groups of friends, Dubai’s coffee shop scene is booming. Expect to find everything from large, frothy, creamy concoctions to painstakingly prepared single-origin espressos on the menu, as the tastes of all kinds of coffee lovers are catered for here.
Most coffee shops serve baked goods and sweet treats along with their drinks – think cookies, croissants and cakes freshly baked in-house – and many double up as brunch spots or co-working spaces, with staff generally easy-going about how long you stay.
So bring your laptop, a book or a couple of friends and prepare to while away the hours somewhere stylish over a perfect cup of coffee or two. These are the best coffee shops in Dubai right now.
1. Orto
Found on the edge of Jumeirah 3, within a beautifully converted villa, Orto is a quaint café that offers a serene escape from the bustling city and is very popular with locals. The chic and minimalist interiors are a delight, but it’s the coffee and the pastries that are the stars of the show. With a selection of regular and low-slung seating, both inside and out, Orto is the ideal spot to catch up with friends or relax after a cycle from Kite Beach.
2. The Grey
With muted tones and calm surroundings, The Grey is both warm and inviting, whilst also minimalistic and chic. The elegant decor and soft lighting results in a sophisticated and refined vibe that is supported by the rich flavours of speciality coffees, freshly baked pastries and a selection of delicious dishes. Being walk-in only, this spot is always busy, particularly on the weekends, but if you're prepared to wait, it is most definitely worth it.
3. Alchemy
Alchemy’s tranquil, all-white villa setting makes it one of the most peaceful spots in the city to enjoy a cup of coffee. The cafe uses high-quality, ethically sourced beans and avoids using pre-made syrups in favour of natural ingredients – try their raspberry latte, which contains home-made, 100% fruit syrup. Other menu highlights include the strawberry and matcha latte and tangy cascara over ice. If you’re at Alchemy with friends in the afternoon, order the shareable Patisserie Platter which comes piled with handmade pastries, cakes, and other treats.
4. The Sum of Us
Coffee is roasted on-site at The Sum of Us, a cafe-roastery-bakery hybrid a few minutes’ drive away from Dubai World Trade Centre. Organic flat whites and espressos are served alongside a menu of sourdough-based dishes and brunch staples such as acai bowls, granola and avo toast, plus freshly baked pastries. The open layout and warm interiors make it a relaxed place for a meet-up any time of day.
5. Koncrete
Tucked away in Umm Suqeim, Koncrete is about more than just coffee (although their offerings are extensive and delicious), it’s also an exhibition space and concept store. The smooth, exposed concrete floors, brick walls and minimalist furniture provide the perfect discreet backdrop to frequent art installations and there are indoor and outdoor seating options. A selection of cherry-picked products from local artisans dot the shelves and are available to buy. The warm lighting makes this a lovely space to relax with friends and enjoy an insight into the local creative scene.
6. Lava Cake
Anyone with a sweet tooth should head straight for Lava Cake cafe in Jumeirah 3, which is known for its decadent desserts, pastries and chocolates. The molten lava cakes are among the cafe’s bestsellers, with gooey-centred chocolate, red velvet, kinder and pistachio varieties all available. There are plenty of chocolatey treats to takeaway too, from the chocolate pistachio kunafa bars with candy floss to the gift boxes of mini chocolates. The coffee options are as indulgent as you’d expect, with iced rose lattes and creamy pistachio frappes a perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
7. % Arabica
This Japanese-founded, global coffee chain has several outlets in Dubai, and across the UAE. Its distinctive ultra-clean, bright white decor and serene environment makes it a great spot to enjoy a moment of calm with your morning coffee. Beans are roasted fresh in-store at % Arabica and the coffee menu is wide-ranging, offering Kyoto, Spanish and Honey lattes as well as drip coffee and espressos. The mall locations (Dubai Mall, City Walk, and Mall of the Emirates) get particularly busy at weekends, but service is reliably quick and efficient.
8. Bkry
Opening amid much fanfare last summer, Bkry is one of Dubai's newest and most hyped cafes. Housed in a revamped warehouse in the city’s artistic Alserkal Avenue district, the space has retained its industrial vibe while introducing modern and chic design elements. Be warned, there is almost always a queue, but it is worth the wait. If you're in a rush, head straight to the pick up area where you can grab pastries and coffee to go.
The floor to ceiling windows allow you to peek behind the scenes and see the magic at work as all the food is handmade, cooked and brought out to the cafe. His Royal Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum of Dubai even recently visited, giving this cafe the ultimate seal of approval. (Top tip: the pecan, salted caramel croissant is unmissable!)
9. Drop
It’s all about the aesthetics at Drop, a specialty café with branches in Dubai Mall and Al Khawaneej Walk. The latter is the larger venue, with oversized cactus plants brightening up the industrial-style decor, and a sunny outdoor terrace. Drop’s slow brew bar uses methods that are practically coffee theatre, with Aeropress, Kyoto slow drip and the Syphon Vacuum Pot, which uses pressure to create a clean, fresh flavour. Refreshing mocktail-style drinks such as the Cold Brew Spritz, served with cranberry and lemon juice are also available.
10. Raw Coffee Company
A longstanding name on Dubai’s coffee scene, Raw roasts organic, fair-trade beans and supplies many cafés in the UAE. Its roastery-cafe in Al Quoz is a bright, cheerful space, with plants on the tables and brightly painted murals on the walls. The large tables means there’s plenty of space for working or catching up with friends, and the drinks menu is expansive. Freshly brewed coffee, including Chemex, AeroPress, and espresso drinks are available, but there’s also plenty on offer for those who aren’t coffee drinkers, such as iced teas, smoothies and a long list of specialty hot chocolates.
