Dubai's best breakfast spots

It's short for 'eat, live and nourish' and the Dubai outpost of El&n, a cafe that first found fame in London, lives up to its name. Striking pink interiors, floral flourishes and neon slogans along with pretty plating make this eatery a social media sensation. Try drinks such as the rose-flavoured Turkish Delight hot chocolate, or nibble on chicken and pink waffles, and piled-high burgers.

It's secluded setting, looking out on an endless expanse of blue sea, instantly evokes holiday vibes, but that's just one of the reasons to visit this all-day spot at the Nikki Beach Resort & Spa. Helmed by restaurateur Natasha Sideris, the breakfast menu entices with recipes like a The Sunrise which layers an oat crumble, coconut cream and pineapple chips. Or opt for a decadent egg and lobster Benedict, alongside croissants, fruit and cheese platters. The casual yet chic space comes complete with changing booths for swimmers and an artisanal boutique. Book a prime table located in the soft sand on the beach. 

Mexican flavours abound in Maiz Tacos' breakfast offerings, available at their Dubai Hills Estate outpost from 8am till midday on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. What could be better than starting your day with Luma Makhlouf's generous plateful of Chimmichuri-topped steak and egg tacos, an Impossible burrito or Chipotle corn guacamole on brioche with perfectly poached eggs? These are just a few of the options, with sweet offerings like dulce de leche caramel corn pancakes, and a cinnamon banana French toast with chocolate crumble and hazelnuts winning items too. The addition of crayons and Babycinos for little ones makes this a family-friendly choice that's hard to beat.

For an 'egg-cellent' value-for-money breakfast filled with Indian street food flavours, Raju Omlet hits the spot. At this no-frills venue, you can't go wrong with a cheerful combination of fresh eggs and slow-cooked ginger tea. Start your day at one of the four locations, conveniently spread across Dubai in Karama, Business Bay, Al Quoz and Jumeirah Lakes Towers. Try the popular gravy omelette, a typical burji – Indian-style scrambled eggs – or lay low on spice with a hearty egg roll, made in a generously-layered paratha bread. Eggs for breakfast doesn't get better than this.

Looking for something out of the ordinary? How about opting for an Asian-inspired morning spread? Start your day at Jumeirah Lakes Towers favourite Streetery, and dive into Congee rice porridge, spicy Thai omelettes topped with Sriracha, eggs with roti, Malay Kaya coconut jam toast or Asian pancakes with pandan jam among other tasty treats. Wash it all down with Teh Tarik spiced milk tea, or cool off with Oliang Thai iced coffee. 

Ensconced in the leafy oasis of Dubai Garden Centre, farm-to-table Harvest & Co. contrasts the industrial palette of its Al Quoz surroundings with a homely vibe. The lively farm-style open kitchen serves up seasonal and carefully-composed comfort eats. You'll enjoy the wholesome scrambled eggs seasoned with herbs, or the rich chocolate porridge which indulgently pairs dark Valrhona with black cherries, whipped bananas and vanilla cream.

For breakfasts combined with a soul-reviving seaside setting, SĀN at Palm West Beach's The Club, is the place to be. A modern sanctuary inspired by ancient nature-focused philosophies, SĀN is serious about starting the day with a filling meal. Laze by the water and indulge in freshly-baked goods, exotic fruit platters and eggs as you like – poached with greens, scrambled with cheese or fried with baked beans – among many other delicious selections.

Book a terrace table offering sweeping views of the lush green Emirates Golf Course and you'll know you've started your morning right. Chef Izu's ode to his French wife sees the flakiest of patisserie – don't miss his signature almond croissants – teamed with a special blend blueberry cruffin coffee served during the weekend-only breakfast seating, from 9am till 12:30pm. Feast on feather-light crepes, eggs of every variety (we recommend the veal bacon and hazelnut Shakshuka), among other temptations at this delightful, light-filled venue.

Stop into this cute neighbourhood-style restaurant in the ever-growing Wasl 51 complex. The Portuguese proprietor has used her grandmother's recipes to ensure every detail stays true to her home town. It boasts a petite terrace and a menu of traditional dishes, with the utterly moreish Portuguese custard tarts pasteis de natatopping every foodie's pastry list. There is also the option to enjoy breakfast at the eatery, with fragrant cups of coffee making it the perfect morning pit-stop.