DUBAI REVIEWS
Dubai cafés are an essential part of its culture, from post Hyrox Saturday morning breakfast to late night cake dates, it's a blend of art, design, exceptional coffee, and curated atmospheres. Whether you're a digital nomad looking for the perfect work spot, a coffee aficionado on a hunt for the smoothest espresso, or simply someone who enjoys beautiful spaces and great food, this city has something to offer. Here’s a guide to some of the best cafes in Dubai, each with its own unique flavor and vibe.
Orto – Urban Garden Vibes with Conscious Dining
Tucked away next to the canal, Orto feels like you’ve stumbled into a secret botanical haven. The space is filled with warm woods, lush greenery, and soft natural lighting, creating a tranquil, almost meditative ambiance, a rare kind of calm in the bustling city.
But Orto isn’t just Instagrammable; it serves really good coffee. Their menu revolves around sustainability and seasonality, offering clean, plant-forward meals with stunning flair. From smurf drinks and acai bowls to freshly pressed juices, and egg buns that feel indulgent without the processed ingredients. Pair their signature cold brew bottle with an fresh croissant and you’ll understand why this spot has become a favorite among Dubai’s crowd.
It’s an ideal place to relax with a book, catch up with a friend, or just enjoy some mindful downtime.
bkry – Artisan Bakes and a Cult Following
Minimalist in design but maximalist in flavor, bkry (pronounced “bakery”) is a stylish, understated gem that places pastries at the heart of its identity. It’s the kind of place you smell before you see, with rich notes of butter, sugar, and freshly baked dough as soon as you walk in the door.
Known for their cult-classic flaky croissants, and rustic sourdoughs, bkry elevates the simple pleasure of baked goods into a full-on culinary experience. But don’t sleep on their coffee, it’s sourced from top-tier roasters and expertly brewed. Their flat white has a loyal fan base, as does their iced Spanish latte for those who like something on the sweeter side.
While the space itself is sleek and small, it’s always buzzing. Expect a stylish, food-loving crowd and an atmosphere that invites lingering, second cups and something extra to takeaway.
NETTE – French-Japanese Fusion in a Garden Sanctuary
NETTE is s a lifestyle, fitness and cafe destination rolled into one. Set within the popular, design-forward grounds of the MATCHA Club (a padel and wellness club on the edge of Al Quoz), this concept café brings together the calmness of Japanese aesthetics with the richness of French cuisine.
From its lush, palm-lined patio to its artfully curated interiors, every detail of NETTE feels thought out. The food menu is a delightful fusion: croissant sandwiches with miso-buttered eggs, soba noodle salads, matcha tiramisu, and freshly baked pastries that toe the line between East and West. Their drinks range from top-notch specialty coffee to unique concoctions like yuzu spritz and hojicha lattes.
It's a go-to for creative professionals, fitness lovers coming off padel, and anyone who enjoys a peaceful yet chic environment.
The Grey – Sleek, Sophisticated, and Effortlessly Cool
If a fashion magazine were to open a café, it would probably look like The Grey. Located in the heart of Al Wasl, this ultra-modern space is defined by its clean lines, neutral color palette, and quiet luxury aesthetic.
Everything at The Grey is dialed in, from the smooth, balanced coffees to the elegant plating of their dishes. Their breakfast menu is a standout, featuring truffle scrambled eggs, ricotta pancakes, and smashed avo with a twist. Their coffee menu is focused and deliberate, with beans sourced from specialty roasters and prepared by skilled baristas.
Beyond its stunning visuals, The Grey offers a tranquil, high-end space perfect for meetings, laptop work, or refined solo time. It's a café that knows exactly who it is and delivers it flawlessly.
RAW Coffee Company – The OG of Specialty Coffee in Dubai
When it comes to specialty coffee, RAW Coffee Company is the OG in the region. Based in a huge Al Quoz converted warehouse, this roastery-café hybrid has been setting the standard for serious coffee culture in Dubai for years.
Walking into RAW feels like entering a buzzing coffee lab, the scent of fresh beans is in the air, industrial decor gives it an edgy charm, and there's often a coffee tasting or workshop going on in the background. They roast their own beans in-house, with a strong emphasis on direct trade, sustainability, and full traceability.
Their espresso is bold and nuanced, while their pour-overs and cold brews are crafted with geek-level precision. If you're passionate about coffee, or just curious to learn, RAW is a must-visit.
Bonus: Their food menu has stepped up over the years, offering hearty, health-conscious options that pair perfectly with their brews.
Amongst Few Café – Streetwear Meets Specialty Coffee
Blending coffee culture with lifestyle branding, Amongst Few Café in Jumeirah is one of the coolest hybrid concepts in the city. Located beside their namesake streetwear store, the café brings a touch of Tokyo-meets-California style to Dubai.
Expect quality coffee, creative drinks like saffron lattes and charcoal lemonades, and a food menu that’s equal parts comfort and style, featuring the likes of breakfast burritos, vegan bowls, and elevated grilled cheese. The crowd? DJs, creatives, and fashion-forward locals tapping away at MacBooks.
The vibe is urban, relaxed, and unapologetically cool — a perfect weekend hangout or midday escape from the ordinary.
Nightjar – Where Coffee Gets Experimental
Nightjar in Alserkal Avenue is for the coffee nerds, the flavor seekers, and those who like their caffeine with a side of edge. With industrial interiors, loud music, and a high-energy team, it’s not your typical quiet café, but that’s exactly the point.
They roast their own beans and offer a rotating selection of rare micro-lots and experimental brews. Cold-drip nitro, espresso tonic, and even coffee slushies make the menu here anything but boring. But it’s not all about drinks, Nightjar also serves up one of the most underrated all-day brunch menus in town.
This is the place to go when you're craving something different, loud, and creative.
Final Sips
Dubai’s café scene is always evolving, blending global influences with local creativity. Whether you’re into minimalism or maximalism, artisanal pastries or bold third-wave coffee, you’ll find a spot that feels like it was made for you.