Made-in-Dubai sips await
No matter where life takes you, for some, a quick caffeine fix is a must. Right now, dining in Dubai is about selecting places that truly appreciate the essence of community. Now is the time to choose your brews your intention. From heritage courtyards to garden-inspired cafés and speciality coffee spots, these are the places worth stopping by.
Arabian Tea House
Arabian Tea House feels especially fitting. Set within the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, the cafe’s courtyard setting comes alive in the evening, with soft lighting, white wicker seating and a calm that contrasts beautifully with the city.
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During times like this, it’s best enjoyed slowly. It remains one of the most iconic spots for homegrown dining and sipping, gathered around gahwa or a traditional pot of Emirati tea. The shared experience of cracking open a tray of fresh Luqaimat while seated under the old trees offers a sense of history that many newer spaces try to replicate.
Orto Café
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Nestled along the Dubai Canal, Orto offers a serene escape with its floor-to-ceiling windows and minimalist vibe. The view of the water under the moonlight provides a tranquil setting for a late-night iced latte. It is a popular spot for those who want to feel the city’s pulse, serving velvety coffee, artisanal brews, sweet treats and sumptuous meals.
Artisan Bakers
Recently reopened following a full refurbishment, Artisan Bakers’ The Garden Concept fits seamlessly into Ramadan nights. Located in Al Quoz, the space blends European café warmth with garden-inspired design, featuring natural textures, greenery, and soft lighting that immediately put you at ease.
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Stop by for speciality coffee and freshly baked pastries, share desserts straight from the bakery counter, or enjoy something savoury from the refined all-day menu.
Mood Coffee
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Founded by Emirati entrepreneur Ahmed Al Ameriri, Mood is a masterclass in earthy minimalism. The multi-level space in Jumeirah feels part gallery, part sanctuary, with curved columns and organic textures. If you’re looking to destress, it is the ideal place to settle in for an Aseeda Cake, a beautiful nod to tradition, paired with a precisely crafted V60.
The Espresso Lab
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This Abu Dhabi-born flagship roastery in Al Quoz is a shrine to coffee craftsmanship. The stripped-back, museum-inspired design focuses entirely on the bean. It is a favourite for those who appreciate a serene, intentional atmosphere. Their brews can be paired with delicious specialty pastries, making for a sophisticated late-night ritual.
Brew Cafe
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What started as a humble little café on Jumeirah Street in 2014 has now grown into a cult favourite, with locations in Mirdif Avenue Mall and Umm Suqeim. The Umm Suqeim branch, with its high ceilings, airy interiors, and both indoor and outdoor seating, is an ideal spot for catching up with friends or diving into a serious work session. But what really makes Brew a decade-strong favourite? The coffee and pastries. Their éclairs have a fan following of their own, and honestly, you can’t go wrong with any coffee you order here.
Paus
A wellness-focused retreat designed for slowing down, Paus houses the Paus Eatery, a place to come as you are, kick back, relax and immerse yourself in nature. Enjoy crafted brews and wholesome breakfasts in a tranquil courtyard that feels far removed from the city rush.
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Founded by sisters Sophiya and Sarah Faizal, the idea behind Paus was simple – to create a space that treated well-being not as a remedy to when we’re feeling out of order, or a trend we tap into because it’s fashionable, but as a daily necessity, a way of life. Life in big cities is fast, loud, stressful, and using their own experience as a driving force, they set out to create a home where one could slow down, pause, connect with their tribe and themselves, move, eat and share at their own pace.
Nightjar Coffee Roasters
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If your mood these days is more artsy and industrial, Nightjar in Alserkal Avenue is the definitive choice. The vibe is effortlessly cool, with beans roasted on-site and a menu featuring bold nitro cold brews. It’s the perfect spot to fuel up before a late-night gallery walk through the avenue.
Off the Street Café
Off the Street Café, a compact, takeaway-only coffee spot tucked away in Muhaisnah 1, is quickly becoming a favourite among matcha lovers and caffeine chasers – and for good reason. The offerings are focused and thoughtful: specialty coffees, matcha in all its forms, manual brews and a few indulgent shakes.
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With its sharp, minimalistic exterior, the café stands out instantly on 23rd Street. Stylish without trying too hard, it has the look of a design studio disguised as a coffee hatch. There’s no seating inside -not even a counter – just a single standing spot and a crisp, curated menu that has locals stopping by daily. A bench and two minimalistic stools outside make space just enough for a person or two.
Project Chaiwala
If coffee is not really your thing, but tea, especially, the karak kind is, Project Chaiwala inside Cinema Akil in Alserkal Avenue is a natural alternative. It’s the perfect spot to get some of the best karak in Dubai, and the menu here offers warm, comforting blends.
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The communal atmosphere makes it a popular anchor for an evening out, capturing the simple joy of a street-side tradition within a more polished, urban setting. Justin Joseph and Ahmed Kazim, the duo behind the brand, wanted to do things the right way. They took a trip to India, toured all the tea-rich lands, sampling the best of the best, perfecting their recipe and formulating a brew that would honour the truth of the drink. They brought back superior harvest, chose premium ingredients and put love into the process.
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Mariam Khawer is a Dubai-based writer and PR professional whose work spans food, art, and travel across the region. When she isn’t chasing deadlines, she’s likely at a gallery opening, testing out a new restaurant, piecing together one of her mixed-media art projects or at home with her four cats, who keep her on her toes.
