Since the turn of the 21st century, Dubai’s rapid growth has coincided with the global rise in coffee culture – so it’s little wonder the city boasts such a thriving café scene. With an estimated 8,900 coffee shops across the UAE creating a billion-dollar coffee industry, the country holds the distinction of being one of the Middle East’s largest coffee markets. As you might imagine, many of Dubai’s cafés are as much about the setting as the brew, offering customers the opportunity to enjoy an invigorating cup against some of the most breathtaking backdrops in the country. Read on to explore Dubai’s most scenic coffee spots.
Lune Lounge
Situated along Al Wasl Road, Lune Lounge enjoys unobstructed views of Downtown Dubai – made possible by the low-rise nature of the Al Wasl district that lies between the café and the city’s iconic skyline.
Locally owned, the rooftop terrace is the standout feature, but the menu is no less impressive. As one would expect, there is a wide range of coffee products on offer, from hot and iced coffee to filtered coffee, all of which are expertly crafted. The cafe also offers a sophisticated dessert selection, the perfect accompaniment to your caffeinated beverage.
With abundant seating, this establishment is the perfect setting for a catch-up with friends or a romantic date with a loved one. However, given the spectacular views on offer, this coffee shop gets busier as the evening wears on, so get there early to secure your table.
Paragone by Roasters
A Japanese-inspired coffeehouse, this establishment draws on the minimalism and elegance of East Asian culture, seamlessly blending it with the contemporary lifestyles so abundant in Dubai. The menu is a nod to the heritage that has made Japan one of the most intriguing cultures on earth, offering extravagant coffee options such as the Ronin and the Kimono. It’s not just the beverage menu that stands out here, though. The food menu is dedicated to Japanese culture and features some of the most fascinating dishes in the city; the Tamago Eel Omelette and the Japanese Pancakes are a must-try.
However, despite the absorbing menu, the main selling point of Paragone by Roasters is undeniably the breathtaking views on offer. Once again, this coffee shop benefits from its placement on Al Wasl Road, with unobstructed views of the iconic Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai skyline. Best enjoyed in the early evening, this location shimmers like the Burj Khalifa at sunset – radiant and refined.
Revo Cafe at Anantara The Palm
Located on the eastern crescent of Palm Jumeirah, Revo Cafe is based in the renowned Anantara Hotel. Offering a calm and serene experience, this coffee shop is tucked away from the city's hustle and bustle, inviting guests to enjoy a quiet brew with picturesque views of the Arabian Gulf and the iconic Burj Al Arab.
The cafe offers an expansive breakfast menu, from freshly baked croissant sandwiches to a wide array of egg dishes, culminating in the Revo Specialities – the highlights of which are surely the Revo Shakshuka and the Huevos Rancheros. The coffee menu is no less impressive, offering a wide range of hot coffee, as well as an organic iced latte and a selection of Dilmah teas and infusions and iced tea options.
The cafe is further enhanced by its comprehensive lunch and dinner menu served throughout the day until close at 10.30 pm.
Madeleine et Marcel
Nestled on the 52nd floor of Palm Tower, this boutique patisserie offers dazzling 180-degree views of the celebrated Palm Jumeirah neighbourhood. As well as its clear views, the cafe also boasts an inviting atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed breakfast or lunch.
With its conspicuous French theme, the venue pays tribute to the fabled French pastry, offering a wide range of delectable options. The fresh bagels, crepes and waffles will leave you highly satisfied, while the desserts on offer will ensure you keep coming back. There is also a wide range of juices and mocktails on offer, but the piece de resistance is unquestionably the Coffee at The View package. With its delightful selection of gourmet coffees, Madeleine et Marcel’s signature package encourages its patrons to ‘’savour every sip while soaking in the breathtaking scenery”, which is surely one of the most attractive coffee experiences in the city.
At.mosphere
While not a coffee shop in the strictest sense, At.mosphere does offer an experience known as ‘Breakfast Decadence’ – where the coffee flows endlessly. Of course, this intimate repast also comes with arguably the finest views in the city. Situated on the 122nd floor of the esteemed Burj Khalifa, the breakfast spread awakens the senses and allows for expansive views across the city – on a clear day patrons can see as far as 60 miles, encompassing views of the neighbouring Emirates of Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain and even Abu Dhabi.
Breakfast Decadence also provides a “lavish breakfast stand featuring artisanal delights’’, further enhanced by popular dishes such as the deconstructed Benedict and the tonka waffle. The wagyu charcuterie – which features exquisite meats – also dazzles in the morning light, while the Les Frères Marchand cheeses offer a refined dairy option. In addition, the mains allow you to choose two organic eggs in any style. The coffee menu features all the usual crowd-pleasers, but the coffee luwak – including Americano, Martini and Capuccino options – offers a touch of cosmopolitan elegance.
Dubai offers an abundance of options for those seeking coffee with a view. Whether you're drawn to the world-class Burj Khalifa, prefer taking in the scenery from within the iconic tower itself, or favour sweeping vistas of the celebrated Palm Jumeirah and the globally renowned Burj Al Arab, these coffee spots offer settings as energising as the beverages they serve.
