Best Dubai Specialty Coffee shops
If you are looking for a sense of community and ethically sourced, expertly crafted coffee then look no further ...
Quirky interior, set up like an old pharmacy with a great selection of filter and espresso varieties to suit all coffee sippers. My favourite spot is on the high stools by the window, perfect for people watching. Also offering plenty of coffee books and magazines to browse through and learn more about the art of coffee making. I would suggest also ordering one of their desserts made fresh onsite such as a the Parklane Cheesecake.
A truly hidden gem, tucked away in La Plague Complex, just off Jumierah. This place feels like a cosy refuge where you can easily spend hours relaxing and enjoying the top quality coffee on offer. Straight away the space themed aesthetic catches your eye. The coffee is excellent and the atmosphere is very chilled which I love. My top choice order would be a flat white.
Alchemy offers up single origin sourced coffee with a minimalist interior, just tucked back from Al Wasl’s busy road. An unusual feature is the outdoor pool which provides a rather relaxing view. Bright interior with lots of natural light, this is the perfect place to do a spot of work. The desserts are also worth a try alongside an espresso. There is a helpful guide on the wall which details each popular coffee order and the coffee shot plus coffee:milk ratio.
Once a hidden gem, the secret is truly out with Nightjar which over the years has gained a cult following, with their roasted blends used in many cafes across Dubai. The original location in Alserkal Avenue has a cool bar feel, minus the alcohol with their various flavors of cold brew available on tap. This place has a great atmosphere, very friendly team and is the perfect place to hang out in the evenings with friends, offering a live DJ most weekends. They also sell their own filter and espresso coffee and Nightjar merchandise.
Out of all the places featured, this one probably racks up the most instagram posts with their aesthetically pleasing decor, drinks to match every colour of the rainbow and outdoor seating right by the canal. Orto is positioned along the cycle track which leads to the beach, making it a great pit stop to rehydrate. It offers an excellent choice of coffee, mouth watering juices and perhaps most popular …their matcha menu. My top pick is their ‘ugly white’ which is a version of an iced oat latte.
Stomping Grounds is one of the originals on the Dubai specialty coffee scene, hailing from Australia this place knows about quality coffee. A team of friendly baristas will make recommendations based on preferred bean profile. Great indoor and outdoor seating options, I would recommend also visiting for breakfast or lunch as they have an amazing selection of fresh food choices with daily specials. *The photo on this page is their iced latte, don’t expect commercial coffee shop sizes, these guys focus on quality over quantity.
Raw has firmly established itself as a leader in coffee education and ethical sourcing with everything roasted freshly onsite at their warehouse. This place also offers coffee training and sells a wide range of freshly roasted coffee and accessories. It is usually has a buzzing atmosphere at the weekend so if you prefer a quiet coffee to yourself I would suggest visiting early morning. I would recommend their V60 hot/iced – the baristas will help you choose which variety to suit your preferred taste.
Balkan inspired cafe, more widely known for its award winning food menu, super friendly staff and thoughtfully crafted space. The coffee deserves a mention here, particularly the iced cappucinos and hot mocha which is one of the best you will find in Dubai. What makes this place such a hidden gem is the cosy, family feel which is a testament to the founder Stasha who goes out of her way to interact with customers and create a welcoming space. You can also visit their other concept ‘Pie Haus’ on Alserkal avenue which I highly recommend.
In the cooler winter months this spot earns top marks for location, sat outside in the beautiful ‘Courtyard’ opposite Alserkal Avenue in Al Quoz. It feels like a serene oasis where you can pause and watch the world go by. Another Australian cafe in Dubai, Boston Lane doesn’t disappoint in delivering quality specialty coffee. Real coffee enthusiasts might find the options limited, but this place offers a unique setting and even a choice of boutique stalls within the complex. You might end up leaving with more than just a coffee with all the beautiful trinkets and gift ideas to choose from.
There are now several Roasters cafes dotted across Dubai, however my favourite (and local hangout) is on the Boulevard in Downtown Dubai, which also doubles up as a perfect Burj Khalifa viewing spot. The service is hit and miss, it can be noisy at times so I always take my headphones just in case… BUT the coffee is very good and the variety of top producers to choose from is impressive, and slightly overwhelming. They also happen to claim a Guinness record for selling the most expensive cup of coffee in the world. I would recommend the cold brew coffee served which is served with a slice of dried orange – it is seriously good.
