Catch up over coffee at the best new cafes in Dubai

Founded by two university flatmates, Black Sheep Coffee is making its Dubai debut with three branches in Boulevard Plaza, Opera District and Dubai Mall. The UK-born brand is known for its pioneering robusta coffee, which has a taste profile of walnut and dark chocolate, and you can also enjoy bites including coffee bread, hearty salads and signature Norwegian waffles.

Essential info:

Opening hours: 6:30am to 11:30am (Boulevard Plaza and Opera District), 10am to 12am on weekdays or 1am on weekends (Dubai Mall)
Contact: +971 50 514 5629
Type of cuisine: Sandwiches, salads, pastries, waffles, coffee
How to get there: All three branches are in Downtown Dubai, which is easily accessible via Dubai Metro
www.leavetheherdbehind.com

Anyone with a sweet tooth simply must visit this chic patisserie from Angelo Musa, the former world pastry champion. Enjoy stunning views of Dubai Water Canal as you tuck into Parisian delicacies including viennoiseries, pastries, bespoke cakes and artisanal ice cream and sorbets. Healthy salads and sandwiches are also on the menu, plus hot drinks ranging from the organic ginger breeze tea to the signature hot chocolate.

Essential info:

Opening hours: 10am to 7pm (Monday to Thursday), 9am to 8pm (Friday to Sunday)
Contact: +971 4 541 7755
Type of cuisine: World-famous pastries plus salads, sandwiches, ice cream, pastries, coffee
How to get there: Take a taxi to The Lana, Dorchester Collection, or take the Red line of Dubai Metro to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station, which is 15 minutes away by taxi
www.dorchestercollection.com/dubai/the-lana/dining/bonbon-cafe-angelo-musa

Inspired by the Arabic word for ‘fuel’, WAQŪD promises a combination of nutritious bites and tasty treats within the stylish confines of Waldorf Astoria DIFC. Options include the burrata bliss tomato melt, chicken tikka flatbread and the venue’s signature red velvet cake, alongside a selection of top-notch coffees, fresh juices, healthy shots and more.

Essential info:

Opening hours: 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. Closed on Saturday and Sunday
Contact: +971 4 515 9999
Type of cuisine: Salads, sandwiches, pastries, coffee
How to get there: Take a taxi to Waldorf Astoria DIFC, or take the Red line of Dubai Metro to Emirates Towers station, which is a 12-minute walk away
www.difc.ae/Experience/things-to-do/Dine/WAQUD

This homegrown brand has two outlets so far, at Dubai Festival City Mall and City Walk, and promises an East London coffee shop ambience. The concept comes from the team Dubai’s much-loved burger hotspot Pickl, while its head roaster is the 2023 Barista of the Year, Maverick Santos. On the menu you’ll find a range of excellent coffees sourced from Ethiopia and Uganda, fresh juices, delicious pastries and much more.

Essential info:

Opening hours: 10 am to 10pm on weekdays or 12am on weekends (Dubai Festival City Mall), 7am to 11pm (City Walk)
Type of cuisine: Speciality coffee and juices
How to get there: Dubai Festival City Mall is easiest to reach by taxi. For City Walk, either go by a taxi or take the Red line of Dubai Metro to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station, which is a 15-minute taxi journey away
www.instagram.com/southpour.mena

In Jumeirah 3, Jaow Café offers a welcoming space for casual get-togethers. This café is known for its diverse drinks menu, from aromatic coffees and specialty teas to smoothies and unique mocktails. For dessert lovers, Jaow's selection ranges from rich chocolate delights to lighter, fruit-based treats.

Essential info:

Opening hours: 7:30am to 12:30am (Sunday to Thursday), 7:30am to 1:30am (Saturday and Sunday)
Contact: +971 50 348 5414
Type of cuisine: Breakfast, desserts, coffee and juices
How to get there: Take a taxi to Jumeirah 3
www.jaowcafe.com

Nestled along Dubai Water Canal, Orto Café is a serene sanctuary for coffee enthusiasts. This quaint café, with its floor-to-ceiling windows, bathes in natural light, offering stunning views. Specialising in exquisite coffee and matcha lattes, accompanied by a selection of tempting desserts, Orto stands out with its minimalist design. It’s an ideal retreat for those seeking high-quality coffee in a laidback setting.

Essential info:

Opening hours: 7am to 12am daily
Contact: +971 4 345 5060
Type of cuisine: Breakfasts, coffee, juices, desserts
How to get there: Take a taxi to 395 Al Athar Street in Jumeirah
www.instagram.com/ortodubai

The sassy little sister of La Maison Ani, La Petite Ani is a prime example that mall dining can be premium and enjoyable. Found in Gate Avenue Mall, DIFC, La Petite Ani features French-inspired furniture and chic pink decor to create an aesthetically pleasing space. The menu features a variety of breakfast dishes, as well as salads, sandwiches and a handful of main courses, all dreamed up by celebrated Dubai chef Izu Ani.

Essential info:

Opening hours: 9am to 10pm daily
Contact: +971 52 176 7013
Type of cuisine: Breakfasts, soups, sandwiches, salads, coffee, juices and desserts
How to get there: Take the Red line of the Dubai Metro to Financial Centre station, which is a 20-minute walk or a quick taxi journey away
www.lapetiteanibychefizu.com

Trendy cafe and bookstore Lulu & the Beanstalk is a local concept started by two sisters in honour of their storytelling grandmother, Lulu. The venue is found in the equally hip ICD Brookfield Place, and is ideal for kicking back with a book and a coffee by day, but it comes alive at night with a DJ and an upbeat ambience.

Essential info:

Opening hours: The cafe opens at 8am, with closing times between 11pm and 1am through the week. It is closed on Sundays
Contact: +971 4 268 8664
Type of cuisine: A selection of hot and cold plates, from samosas to ceviche, plus soups, sandwiches, salads and desserts
How to get there: Take the Red line of Dubai Metro to Financial Centre station, which is a 20-minute walk or a quick taxi journey away
www.lulusbean.com

Occupying a space on the ground floor of Dubai Mall's Fashion Avenue, Armani/Caffè encapsulates the brand's luxe aesthetic in an elegant eatery. The open-plan setting offers coffee and breakfast, before serving refined Italian dishes from 12pm until late. Plates include lobster and seafood bisque, lemon-scented risotto with Sicilian prawns, veal Milanese and wagyu striploin. It's an ideal spot to catch up with friends, or as a rest point between hitting the shops and exploring the attractions Dubai Mall has to offer.

Essential info:

Opening hours: 10am to 12am (Monday to Thursday), 10am to 1am (Friday to Sunday)
Contact: +971 4 362 7888
Type of cuisine: Italian-inspired breakfasts, antipasti, soups, salads, sandwiches, pizzas, pasta, coffee, desserts
How to get there: Take a taxi to Dubai Mall, or take the Red line of Dubai Metro to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station, then walk indoors for 20 minutes
www.instagram.com/armanicaffe.dubai

Facing out to the lush greenery of The Park in Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT), this large and atmospheric cafe is an ideal spot to start your day. Options include an all-day breakfast menu, as well as lunch additions from 12pm. Savour highlights such as mushroom and truffle Benedict, fish tacos and the slow-cooked lamb shoulder. If you're in a rush, there's also a fresh deli counter with salads, sandwiches and other light bites, plus a cute coffee truck that serves beverages throughout the winter.

Essential info:

Opening hours: 8am to 7pm daily
Contact: +971 56 603 0897
Type of cuisine: Breakfasts, soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers, coffee, smoothies, desserts
How to get there: Take a taxi to The Park in JLT, or take the Red line of Dubai Metro to DMCC station, which is a five-minute taxi journey away
www.eatx.com/splendour-fields