In a city where matcha lattes and pastel-green aesthetics dominate, coffee lovers are quietly reclaiming their territory. From aromatic saffron-infused brews to velvety pistachio lattes, Dubai’s specialty coffee scene is thriving—if you know where to look. Whether you crave ethically sourced beans, hidden-gem flavors, or just a damn good iced coffee in a photogenic setting, this list has you covered.
Koncrete
Concrete floors, sunken pods, and a monochrome palette make this Jumeirah Beach Road café an Instagrammer’s dream. Their specialty iced coffees are as sleek as the décor—order one and linger in style.
Orto Café
Floor-to-ceiling windows, Dubai Canal views, and a minimalist vibe make Orto a serene escape. Their iced lattes are crisp and refreshing, best enjoyed with a side of people-watching.
Paus
A Umm Suqeim sanctuary for coffee and wellness. Their “pleasurable nourishment” philosophy means guilt-free carrot cake with your cold brew, plus yoga classes upstairs for the ultimate zen experience.
Flat 12 Cafe
Born from a car-loving Emirati brotherhood, Flat 12 is now a specialty coffee haven in Port Rashid. Their saffron latte—fragrant, golden, and subtly sweet—is a standout, best enjoyed in their industrial-chic space. Don’t miss their annual Grand Picnic car meet if you love caffeine and horsepower.
Alchemy Coffee
Ethical sourcing meets poolside lounging at this Jumeirah gem. Their beans come from single farms worldwide, supporting coffee-growing communities. Pair your iced brew with a tahini brownie and soak up the laid-back, sun-drenched atmosphere.
Amongst Few
Minimalist, artsy, and effortlessly cool, this Al Wasl Road spot is a favorite for flat whites and wholesome eats. Vegan? Their banana pancakes are legendary. Coffee purists and health nuts alike will find something to love here.
Backyard
Jumeirah’s newest specialty coffee spot serves up sleek aesthetics and a solid iced brew. Their truffle bun (stuffed with eggs, mushrooms, and truffle) is a must-try, but the coffee—smooth and strong—steals the show.
Bonds
A Wasl Road hangout where coffee and community collide. Their cold brews and V60 pour-overs are top-tier, and breakfast runs until 2PM—ideal for late risers. The avo toast? Chef’s kiss.
BRIX Café
Nestled in Jumeirah Fishing Harbour, BRIX combines dreamy sea views with expertly brewed coffee. Pastry chef Carmen Rueda Hernandez’s desserts are divine, but the iced latte with a side of ocean breeze is the real winner.
Hoof Café
Sharjah’s minimalist coffee darling now in Dubai Mall. Their creamy matcha gets hype, but their coffee—smooth, balanced, and aromatic—deserves equal love. The zen-like ambiance is an added bonus.
Lazy Cat
Kuwait’s quirky café has landed in Dubai with its signature blue matcha and fluffy Japanese pancakes. But don’t overlook their coffee—rich, well-balanced, and perfect alongside their playful, Insta-famous dishes.
Nightjar Coffee
Alserkal Avenue’s hipster haven, where beans are roasted on-site and the aroma alone is intoxicating. The industrial-chic space pairs perfectly with their bold, flavorful brews—ideal for gallery-hopping fuel.
Bageri Form
Scandi-inspired sourdough and cardamom buns take center stage, but their coffee (and yes, that salted maple iced matcha) is worth the trip to D3. Slow down and savor the simplicity.
Maisan15
An Emirati-owned hidden gem in Al Barsha, where vinyl records, mismatched furniture, and Yemeni shakshouka create a cozy, artsy vibe. Their coffee? Rich, bold, and full of character—just like the space.
Shaghf Specialty Coffee
A pioneer of Arab coffee culture, Shaghf serves passion in a cup. Their signature pistachio latte is a creamy, nutty revelation, while their cozy cafés offer a relaxed vibe for coffee connoisseurs. With over 65 locations worldwide, they’re a must-visit for anyone who takes their brew seriously.
Matcha may be trendy, but Dubai’s coffee scene is alive, innovative, and deliciously caffeinated. Whether you’re after ethically sourced beans, hidden-gem flavors, or just a stunning backdrop for your iced latte, these spots prove coffee isn’t going anywhere.
