The 10 Best Coffee Shops in Dubai
Dubai's cafe and coffee scene has evolved significantly from its Starbucks-dominated past along Sheikh Zayed Road. A plethora of homegrown spots now offer exceptional coffee experiences, emphasising not only exotic beans and skilled baristas but also ambience, service, and food quality.
The Ultimate Guide To The Most Famous Coffee Shop
1. Orijins
Nestled amidst the vibrant energy of Gate Village and the Four Seasons Hotel DIFC, Orijins beckons connoisseurs of classic coffee. Renowned as one of Dubai's best cafes, it offers a curated selection of three coffee blends, perfectly complemented by irresistible pastries. Boasting a minimalist charm, Orijins boasts spacious interiors adorned with sleek marble slabs and sleek plastered walls. This cafe is usually filled with sophisticated locals, who appreciate the café’s art-fused coffee in a design-driven ambience. From rich espressos to velvety milk-based concoctions, including their coveted oatly, its menu tantalizes the palate. Open until late, Orijins invites patrons for a late-night coffee rendezvous within DIFC's vibrant realm.
2. La Nena Coffee
La Nena Coffee, located in Dubai's eclectic Al Quoz neighbourhood, is a multifaceted gem blending café culture, design studio, and homeware store. A captivating fusion of aesthetics and taste, it offers exceptional coffee alongside delectable bites like bagels and croissants. Set against the backdrop of Dubai's most unique interiors, La Nena Coffee is a testament to Al Vida Group's Galician heritage, showcasing local materials and traditional design sensibilities. Since its inception in 2020, it has enchanted design and coffee aficionados as both a furniture store and a pet-friendly cafe.
3. The Grey
At the heart of Al Safa, The Grey defines itself as a place for exploration, situated amidst the "grey areas" of life. Boasting a serene courtyard for evening retreats and a chic outdoor seating area, it offers robust, smooth coffee served in earthen-style cups upon sleek grey slabs. As the name suggests this upscale café is characterised by a monochromatic design enhanced with sleek terrazzo accents.
You'll find this high-end cafe always flanked by luxury cars proving its hype as one of Dubai’s best coffee shops. Weekdays witness remote workers immersed in laptops, while weekends see friends relishing leisurely breakfasts. From truffled scrambled eggs to house-made pastries, The Grey is loved by patrons for its food and coffee. Its minimalist, grey-hued interiors, designed by XO Atelier, exude sophistication and are complemented by an extensive coffee and culinary menu, making it a standout among Dubai's coffee lovers.
4. Brunch And Cake
Brunch & Cake, a local gem, beckons with its cosy ambience, ideal for sharing coffee moments with loved ones. Each dish, from vibrant foods to pink coffee, begs to be captured for Instagram. Renowned not only as one of Dubai's best coffee shops but also one of the best breakfast spots in Dubai, Brunch & Cake made its mark since its Barcelona inception in 2019.
Embracing a boho-chic vibe under the motto 'In Grandma We Trust', its menu offers delights like acai bowls, halloumi pancakes and fantastic coffee. Due to its immense popularity, additional branches have sprouted across Dubai in the Jumeirah Islands, Palm Jumeirah, Al Wasl, and Al Bateen. Despite occasional table scarcity, the experience is always worth the wait.
5. Lulu & The Beanstalk
Situated within the towering ICD Brookfield complex in DIFC, Lulu & The Beanstalk stands out as the sole licensed cafe on our list. Founded by two filmmaker sisters, it pays homage to their storytelling grandmother. This cosy yet vibrant space offers respite from the corporate vibe outside, transforming from a daytime haven for DIFC workers into a lively cocktail bar with resident DJs at night.
coffee shop, cocktail bar, bookshop, and co-working space, Lulu & The Beanstalk offers a totally unique experience for caffeine addicts. Boasting whimsical decor and a diverse menu, it caters to both coffee enthusiasts and cocktail aficionados, promising a memorable experience from day to night.
6. EL&N DIFC
Hailing from London, EL&N has swiftly become a cult favourite and Instagram sensation in Dubai. Its iconic flower wall, now updated with neon signs and fashion illustrations, has made it one of the trendiest cafes in Dubai. But it's not all just show, EL&N promises some amazing types of coffee, offering London favourites, Dubai specials, and an array of Instagram-worthy drinks.
Since its highly anticipated Dubai debut in January 2022, the vibrant pink establishment in DIFC has captivated patrons with its neon lighting, pastel hues, and floral motifs. Indulge in delights like Biscoff hot chocolate and s'mores cooking pan desserts or opt for healthier options like pink vitamin boost bowls and fresh EL&N juice.
7. Drop Dubai
Drop Coffee boasts daily-roasted imported beans brewed through nine distinct techniques. Choose from their trio of speciality coffees or opt for classic favourites from their extensive menu.
With clean and minimal interiors, this café offers the ideal setting to satisfy your coffee cravings. Renowned for its high-quality brews and Instagram-worthy aesthetic, Drop Coffee caters to coffee aficionados with an array of offerings, from bottled cold brews to creamy lattes making it a strong contender in our list of best coffee shops in Dubai.
8. Nightjar Coffee
Nightjar Coffee Roasters in Alserkal Avenue offers a laid-back ambience perfect for post-gallery strolls with friends. Renowned for its 'damn good coffee,' roasted and brewed in-house, it also delights with cold brew teas and refreshing mocktails. This trendy spot in Al Quoz exudes a Shoreditch vibe, making it a top choice for coffee lovers exploring the art scene.
Helmed by coffee connoisseur Leon Surynt, Nightjar blends elements of a coffee house and late-night dive bar, featuring speciality beans sourced directly from Rwanda, Brazil, and Colombia. With creative libations, industrial-chic decor, and hearty fare, Nightjar attracts Dubai's cool crowd seeking an understated yet vibrant coffee experience.
9. Common Grounds
Inspired by Melbourne's vibrant coffee culture, Common Grounds has emerged as a beloved destination in Dubai, renowned for its fresh smoothies, nourishing salads, and exceptional coffee. With six outlets scattered across the city, including Mall of the Emirates, DIFC, JLT, JBR Beach, Dubai Hills Mall, and Nakheel Mall, this community-driven cafe caters to every craving throughout the day. Light, minimalist interiors combined with lush greenery create a serene ambience.
Must-try dishes include the acai bowl, hearty salads, and freshly baked treats. Offering a variety of espresso-based drinks, matcha, chai, and Spanish lattes, Common Grounds ensures a delightful experience for all, with a focus on speciality coffee roasted in-house. Queues are common, particularly on weekend mornings, attesting to its popularity. Backed by the team behind Tom&Serg, Common Grounds embodies its name, striving to be the go-to place for enthusiasts seeking breakfast, lunch, or a midday pick-me-up.
10. Nomad Day Bar
For a versatile experience encompassing quick bites, coffee indulgence, or leisurely afternoons, head over to Nomad Day Bar. Operated by the acclaimed Nightjar Coffee Roasters, this all-day café at 25hours Hotel Dubai One Central offers more than just culinary delights.
Rustic outdoor seating provides a charming backdrop for savouring international cuisine and engaging conversations. Nomad's creative meeting rooms cater to casual meetings, events, and co-working, making it an ideal retreat for those seeking tranquillity amidst the city bustle. With its serene ambiance, top-notch offerings and splendid coffee Nomad stands out as one of Dubai's best coffee shops.