As the temperatures drop, these coffee spots are calling your name
Whether you’re seeking a quick caffeine fix or a spot for deep work (or people-watching), the right coffee shop can transform your day. In Dubai, we’re spoiled for choice, with cafes to suit every taste – from plant-filled havens to sleek, minimalist aesthetics.
We’re crafting this list of our top favourites for enjoying sunlight and a cold brew in a calm ambiance that feels like a movie scene. If that’s your vibe, here’s our handpicked guide to coffee spots to visit as the temperatures drop and sweet, sweet winter hits.
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.
Lune
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If there’s one place you have to visit before Dubai’s heat takes over, it’s Lune Lounge. And that’s because of that rooftop. Picture this: a front-row seat to the city’s glittering skyline, Burj Khalifa standing tall in the distance, as you sip on some of the finest specialty coffee in town. Pair it with one of their mouthwatering pastries, and you’ve got yourself a perfect Dubai evening.
Nostalgia
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Three words. Say them, and we’re yours: Vanilla. Bean. Latte. If you’re anything like us and have a borderline obsession with desserts, then welcome – you’ve found the place. Their lineup of sweet treats is downright dangerous, from rich bread pudding and indulgent milk cakes to the kind of praline hazelnut cake that makes you question all your life choices (mainly, why you didn’t order two). And in case we didn’t make it clear the first time, their Vanilla Bean Latte? Unmatched.
Onda
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Wondering where Dubai’s effortlessly cool crowd is hanging out? Odds are, they’re at Onda. Sleek, modern, and impossibly on point – from the interiors to the glassware to a menu that just gets it. They call themselves a neighbourhood replenishment bar, and honestly, we couldn’t have put it better ourselves. The menu? Curated by none other than Chef Jesse Blake of Lowe fame – so you already know it’s going to be exceptional.
Orto
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For those rare weekend mornings when you’re feeling like you’ve got your life together – early wake-up, a refreshing walk by the Dubai Canal, soaking up the sun – Orto is exactly where you’ll want to end up. Minimal, airy, and effortlessly inviting, this café feels like home in the best way possible. What started as a go-to spot for stellar coffee and pastries has now evolved into a full-fledged breakfast haven, perfect for long, lazy mornings with a book you’ve been meaning to read (but never actually do).
The Grey
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If your ideal coffee spot leans more dark, moody, and effortlessly cool, then The Grey is about to become your new obsession. Think sleek interiors, an ambient vibe that’s perfect for deep focus (or deep conversations), and a coffee menu that delivers. The must-try? The Butterscotch Latte – smooth, rich, and dangerously easy to sip through before you even realise it’s gone.
The Lazy Guy
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If you love a coffee shop that serves up banging food alongside your flat white, let The Lazy Guy be your next stop. A quick Instagram scroll might make you think it’s all about smoothies and brunch, but do not sleep on their coffee. Whether you’re a cappuccino loyalist or someone who swears by a V60 or Chemex, TLG does it all, and they do it right. And if you’re looking for something sweet? The Sticky Date Pudding is the stuff of dessert dreams. Warm, gooey, and impossible to stop eating.
To The Moon and Back
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A hidden café tucked away in a secret garden, To The Moon and Back is as charming as it is serious about coffee. While its whimsical setting invites relaxation, the quality is paramount: beans hail directly from 5 Senses Coffee Roasters in Melbourne, expertly brewed with precision. This makes it a must-visit for true coffee aficionados. For an insider tip, don’t miss their legendary Pie Fridays, featuring a limited-edition flavor weekly – it’s definitely worth the trip.
Toby’s Estate
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If there’s one thing the Australians know how to do, it’s coffee. Enter Toby’s Estate, the famed Aussie café that landed in Dubai in 2023 and has been serving up some of the city’s best specialty coffee ever since. Their signature blends – Woolloomooloo (try saying that three times fast), Brunswick, and Broadway – are a treat for true coffee lovers, and their limited-edition seasonal blends always keep things exciting.
Image credit: @ortodubai on Instagram
