Craving a coffee break after a hectic day? Try these aesthetically pleasing spots in the city.
Orijins
Minimalist, good-looking, and cool, Orijins, which opened in 2021 fits perfectly in DIFC’s Gate Village 8. And it takes its coffee seriously too as evident in the coffee grinding and blending apparatus that sits atop its monolithic granite and marble bar counters. Ask the knowledgeable baristas to craft you a finely tuned iced v60 drip – an aromatic and rich serve with a crisp and short finish.
Earth Roastery
Founder Ali Al Fahad was inspired by the specialty coffee scene in the US where he witnessed artisanal coffee culture and returned home to Kuwait to establish his own specialty roastworks and was followed by the opening of cafés across Kuwait, Qatar, and UAE.
In 2024, Earth Roastery established its first flagship coffee shop in Al Quoz 3, Dubai. The café crafts some seriously delicious coffee variations using its bespoke blends. If you want to re-create or concoct your own fix at home, you can order Earth Roastery’s flavour-packed beans online including Takengon from Indonesia, Tolima from Colombia, Humure from Rwanda and more.
The Grey
The UAE homegrown brand by MAD Hospitality, The Grey treats coffee with an irreverence that you won’t easily find anywhere else. Located on Al Wasl Road in Al Safa, the interiors are elegant and relaxing as you wait for the baristas, dressed in all black, to carefully prepare artisanal freshly brewed cups. We recommend trying a simple flat white or the Café con Panna: an exquisite blend of expresso and cream, which has been beloved by locals. They also sell stunningly packaged beans that look so good, you’ll be loath to open them.
Soub
Design plays a big role in this secluded spot in The Valley 77, Khawaneej. The space, designed with midcentury and modern furniture, is conceived for unhurried catch ups and a place to linger whilst you enjoy your coffee, maybe with a slice of Soub’s Banana Cake or Canelés with a velvety caramel cream.
Orto
Tucked in Jumeirah, Orto has become a go-to spot for both passing cyclists and a family-friendly crowd keen for a cup (or two) of coffee and a pared-back place to pause. An interior of Scandi greys and white awash the interiors which allows their selection of colourful cups and refreshing beverages to stand out. Aside from a fine espresso and their signature The Orto, you can also savour in their delicious menu including vegan options.
ONDA
ONDA is a design-led replenishments bar situated in Al Wasl. While technically it is a place for healthy bites, juices, and smoothies, the menu also includes one-of-a-kind beverages such as the Dirty Dulce Cold Brew Freddo, Cold Brew Ginger Tonic decorated and served with a lemon peel, Date Refuel which is an iced matcha, topped with spiced date agave. The tables and chairs are arranged to encourage socialising and provide a forum for open discussions.
FLO’C
With two locations across Dubai, FLO’C is a design haven for the purist as well as for coffee connoisseurs. We recommend going to Nad Al Sheba, where the food, too, is a highlight – offering a selection of hearty and nourishing breakfast selections from avocado toasts to yogurt cups and more.
bkry
The latest addition in Alserkal Avenue, bkry is more than just an artisanal bakespace. In bkry, meticulously and locally sourced beans from roastery Archers are brewed to pure perfection in a venue that drips with Scandi-cool.
