Dubai’s got an endless list of coffee shops all over the city, as well as java-pouring cafés and restaurants. Even in the summertime, Dubai-ans continue to consume copious amounts of coffee to get their days rolling, perhaps switching to iced versions instead of hot. So I wanted to share the best spots to get your caffeine jolt and delicious bites, that are not the usual suspects - read Starbucks. Whether you’re after a place to catch up with friends or to just disconnect and read, these are some of the newer and fantastic spots worth visiting. Shout-out to Ishita for the awesome intel.
SEVA
Seva is such an incredible gem of a find. Both a café and wellness center in Jumeirah that offers yoga and sound meditation. By the entrance, they have a shop where one can buy ethically sourced, made-with-love, cool stuff. Outside, once you follow the not-so-yellow brick road, you’ll find a gorgeous café in their garden where one could sit for hours, read a book of your own or borrow one from their library, lie down or meditate. Everything on their menu is plant-based, and gluten/dairy/GMO/plastic and best yet, WiFi-free! You’re actually encouraged to (gosh) relax and talk to one another. P.S: Small kitchen so expect a relatively longer wait. Tried and tested: their snickers pie which is melt-in-your-mouth fantastic.
VILLA 515
Villa 515 is both a café and perfumery where fragrance lovers go. Walking on Jumeirah Beach Road, you would never expect to find this gorgeous garden space behind its walls, but the second you step in, it’s like walking into wonderland. The perfumery houses scents made by world renowned perfumers, ready to buy, and a laboratory for perfume consultations and customization. The café, both indoors and outdoors in the garden, is where you can grab a seat and order drinks, savory or sweet bites, and delicious desserts made with a local twist. For example, a tahini peanut brownie, or saffron cigar. Really fantastic spot and quite different from the usual café suspects. Tried and tested: their banoffee. Heavenly.
HEAL
This house-turned-minimalist-café in Al Manara is perfect for a cuppa Joe, bites, and a peaceful spot to get some work done. Weather depending, one can sit in their outdoors courtyard with plenty of patio tables overlooking the quiet neighborhood or in their indoor light-flooded café. It also houses a concept store selling bespoke furniture, home décor, and Scandi-minimalist clothing. Tried and tested: their falafel salad with sweet potatoes and quinoa. YUM!
Instagram: @heal.ae
TERRA
Terra is a French Mediterranean restaurant, new to Dubai’s culinary scene, and located in Al Thanya Mall. It opened in spring right into this era of social distancing and people wanting to sit outside, so they’ve catered with 2 garden patios, and a front one which is more sidewalk French style. Walking in you feels like you’ve left Dubai and flown to the tropics, where trees outnumber people. Their design is minimalistic and natural where almost everything is wood and stone. The word Terra in Latin means land or earth. Perfect for an ice-cold drink and a book read in the garden. P.S: Pricier than other spots for drinks. Tried and tested: their ananas passion punch. Delicious and refreshing.
Instagram: @terra.eatery
MAZMI
Mazmi is an Emirati-Italian fusion café right by the Textile Souq overlooking the Dubai Creek. The building is actually one of the historical old houses of Dubai so it’s as authentic as it gets. They’ve found a way to make both Emirati and Italian food worlds meet and to create an unexpected marriage of flavor. So you have things like saffron risotto or grilled shrimps with parmesan salad!. Other Middle Eastern meets Italian dishes like hummus with pesto or my favorite – the Egyptian umm ali dessert we all know and love but served with pistachio gelato. The best thing is that you get to enjoy it while sitting outside and looking at the abra wooden boats crossing the Creek. Beautiful! Especially over sunset. Tried and tested: their chicken shawarma was deelish as were the umm ali dessert and saffron ice cream.
CASSETTE
Cassette is a modern Parisian bistro located at The Courtyard among the warehouses of Al Quoz. The place is in a quiet haven away from the bustling crowds at the malls and busier Jumeirah streets. Perfect for a catch-up coffee, or meal whilst listening to their awesome playlists which you can also listen to on Spotify. P.S: Does get busy on weekends. Don’t arrive hangry. Tried and tested: their French beef dip sandwich with sweet potato fries. Great and very filling!
