Dubai, UAE, 09 September 2024: Dubai has quickly become one of the Middle East’s speciality coffee hubs and home to a growing population of discerning coffee lovers seeking the best brew. According to a survey by Cint, coffee is the second most consumed beverage after tea in the UAE, averaging 14.8 million kilograms of coffee consumed in 2020 – over 4 grams per person today!
Luckily, Dubai’s coffee landscape has grown immensely in recent years with an ever-increasing spread of top-notch coffee spots competing to serve the best brew. Whether a pick-me-up at the start of the day, a midday coffee break or a caffeinated catch-up with friends, we’re spilling the beans on Dubai’s top artisanal coffee shops.
Olab
At Olab, coffee means business. From handpicked beans sourced from the rich soils of Ethiopia and Nicaragua to a meticulous roasting process that reveals decadent flavours and fragrances, this JBR The Walk classic is top of the list for coffee cravings.
Olab’s top draw? Its lush lattes, which are best sipped with a seat overlooking the buzzing, luxury car-dotted waterfront promenade. It’s a casual hangout spot to catch up with friends over a steaming, meticulously poured drink and a side of sweet treats, be it their tangy orange cake, a chocolate-topped eclair or crispy biscotti. If you’re a fan of their beans, you can even buy a bag to brew at home or capsules to pop in your machine.
Where: Olab, JBR The Walk
DRVN
Coffee and pizza don’t always come to mind as a culinary couple, but the two come together at DRVN. A popular spot for breakfast, brunch and lunch, this Porche-themed, industrial chic café only serves beans roasted to perfection in-house. DRVN sources its product from some of the world’s most far-flung coffee farming capitals, from Panama, Brazil and El Salvador to Ethiopia.
Their coffee selection spans three categories on their menu, from espresso-based classics that include your typical shots, flat whites and Spanish lattes to signature drinks that include pinenut, pistachio and vanilla flavours and even Thai coffee. The brewed coffee section calls to those who take their coffee seriously, with Chemex, V60, cold brews and Aeropress among its varied brewing methods. DRVN’s coffee pair perfectly with their hearty, world-travelling breakfast feast, from Turkish eggs and a hearty English breakfast to Spanish omelettes and fresh-baked pastries.
Where: DRVN, Bluewaters
Caia Café
The ambient café Caia, with its stylish and minimalist interiors, is the perfect spot to grab a laidback lunch or coffee with friends. French breakfast with toasted croissants, avocados and herbed omelette; Zaatar toast oozing with cheese; red shakshuka; and decadent French toasts grace its extensive breakfast menu, while lunch serves up a range of savoury classics, from fresh salads to truffle risotto, pasta balls and grilled chicken. The coffee menu is a thoughtful complement to Caia’s food and ambience with flat whites, sweetened lattes and mochas, and even earthy matcha to book-end your meal.
Where: Caia Café, Boxpark
Trouvaille
French comfort and Lebanese flavours intersect at Trouvaille. The café offers a gourmet selection of coffees, each crafted with a blend of creativity and luxury while remaining affordable. From classic espressos to handcrafted lattes, Trouvaille has mastered the art of coffee making and is a go-to for JVC’s residents. Alongside its stellar brew, diners can tuck into a diverse menu of fresh sandwiches, salads, baked goods and hearty mains, including succulent lamb chops with potato mash or salmon fillet, and finish off with decadent desserts that bring out the best of the bean’s flavour.
Where: Trouvaille, Circle Mall, Jumeirah Village Circle
% Arabica
% Arabica at Nakheel Mall offers a minimalist and contemporary coffee experience. The Japan-origin specialty coffee shop is known around the world for its high-quality blends and gifted baristas. Its sleek, stylish space at the mall at the heart of Palm Jumeirah invites coffee enthusiasts to savour expertly crafted beverages, from rich espressos to smooth lattes. With a focus on precision and quality, % Arabica provides a serene spot to enjoy exceptional coffee in a relaxed environment or a grab-and-go option for those on a shopping mission.
Where: % Arabica, Nakheel Mall
The Besties Café
Tuck into contemporary treats in a charming, heritage-inspired setting at The Besties Café. Representing the friendship of Dubai Bling’s Ebraheem Al Samadi and Danya Mohammed, who co-founded this cosy coffee shop, Besties Café draws crowds for its rustic interiors reminiscent of the broader Al Seef destination’s traditional architecture, which itself is inspired by the neighbouring Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. Enjoy the cool breeze wafting in from the Dubai Creek, an unpretentious menu serving sandwiches and sorbets and, of course, an extensive coffee menu that – alongside iced and hot classics – includes mouthwatering blends such as honey cinnamon or rose lattes and Oreo and red velvet frappes.
Where: The Besties Café, Al Seef
Karak Inc
Perhaps not a coffee shop, but Karak Inc. promises a caffeine kick that also hits the spot. This quaint Boxpark favourite puts a modern twist on Emirati cuisine, blending Arabic and Indian culinary heritage reflective of the UAE’s trade history, with treats like flaky egg paratha topped with cream cheese, a classic balateet with saffron and cardamom, and a delicious paratha list with toppings like chorizo pizza, cheese and turkey, and more. Its drink menu is the real star of the show, boasting everything from karak chai boba and golden turmeric lattes to classic coffees and teas.
Where: Karak Inc., Boxpark
Mokha 1450
Mokha1450 at Palm Jumeirah’s Golden Mile is a boutique coffee shop that celebrates the rich heritage of coffee. This cosy and intimate escape is perfect for those who appreciate the art of coffee brewing, offering a curated selection of rare and exotic blends from the birthplace of coffee, Ethiopia, and Yemen. Mokha1450 provides a unique coffee experience that blends tradition with modern sophistication, each cup crafted to highlight the unique flavours and stories behind the beans, making it a hidden gem for coffee connoisseurs on the Palm.
Where: Mokha 1450, Golden Mile, Palm Jumeirah
Amorino
What’s a dessert spot doing in a coffee round-up? Amorino’s affogato combines the best of both worlds with its rich Italian vanilla gelato suspended in a pool of fresh espresso. It’s the coffee combo you didn’t know you needed, a perfect balance of bitter and sweet, cold and hot that’s perfect to grab and go as you explore the Souk Madinat Jumeirah. The Arabian destination is the only place you’ll find Amorino in Dubai, an international ice cream parlour known for its Instagrammable rose-shaped gelato cones and ice cream-filled macarons. It’s set in a sunlit galleria by the Theatre of Digital Art, a peaceful enclave in the breathtaking indoor souk complex.
Where: Amorino, Souk Madinat Jumeirah
The Coffee Club
The Coffee Club’s caffeinated creations require little introduction; this citywide chain is a popular go-to for flavourful coffee beans, decadent frappes and icy blends paired with an extensive menu to satisfy every taste. Suppose you’re looking for a memorable Coffee Club visit to impress out-of-towners or enjoy a little morning breakfast bonding time with the family. In that case, its Bluewaters’ outpost offers breathtaking city and sea vistas that can’t be beaten. When the weather is cooler, grab a table al fresco along the boardwalk, or take your cup to-go for a stroll through the charming urban island.
Where: The Coffee Club, Bluewaters
Forêt
The ultra-sleek Forêt in Al Khawaneej Walk pulls all the stops for the perfect coffee catch-up. Its menu of specialty coffee features classic blends and methods made from top-quality beans and passionate baristas, including high-tech drip coffee to steadily unleash the distinct flavours and aroma of every seed. The food menu is just as inviting as the coffee, with treats like a flaky Labneh Za’atar croissant sprinkled with pomegranate, heavenly San Sebastián cheesecake drizzled with chocolate, light salads and creamy Tiramisu luring your back for seconds, thirds and fourths.
Where: Forêt, Al Khawaneej Walk
BOON Café
BOON Coffee at Nakheel Mall’s original food hall concept, Depachika, prides itself on serving ethically sourced, high-quality beans from Ethiopia. With a focus on sustainability and a deep connection to the origin of its coffee, BOON offers a warm and inviting atmosphere where coffee lovers can enjoy expertly brewed beverages while sampling flavours from gourmet eateries that make Depachika a popular draw for the city’s gourmands. Whether you're looking for a polished pour-over or a rich espresso, BOON Coffee delivers a tasteful experience, making it a must-visit spot for those seeking a genuine taste of Ethiopian coffee culture.
Where: Depachika, Nakheel Mall, Palm Jumeirah
Hakiki Baklawa & Café
This Al Seef gem is a haven for those looking to appreciate the finer things in life. Rich coffee and authentic Turkish delights, which balance bitter and sweet flavours and nutty and floral aromas, are a tempting magnet to this waterfront destination, set against the backdrop of traditional Arab architecture. Experience the fragrant brew, traditionally prepared in a cezve and served in delicate porcelain cups. Whether you prefer it sade (plain), orta (medium), or şekerli (sweet), Hakiki's coffee is a sensory journey that impeccably complements the sweetness of their mouthwatering baklava.
Where: Hakiki Baklawa & Café, Al Seef
Roasters Specialty Coffee House
Roaster’s branch at JBR is a peaceful, sunlit escape within a buzzing locale. This homegrown Emirati brand takes its coffee seriously, roasting and brewing its own high-quality, specialty-grade Arabica coffee. Alongside a delectable in-house dining spread, their coffee menu unfurls extensively, revealing everything from manual brew V60 Paragon and Chemex to water- and milk-based coffee classics, including masterfully made piccolo, Fredo cappuccino, red hot Spanish lattes and cortado. Roaster is also famously home to 24K Gold Coffee with edible gold and Colombia geisha beans—a coffee experience you’ll only find in Dubai.
Where: Roasters, JBR