Catch up over coffee at these new cafes in Dubai

Founded by two university flatmates, Black Sheep Coffee is making its Dubai debut with two branches in Boulevard Plaza and Opera District, with another outlet in Dubai Mall set to follow soon. 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.

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.

Famed for its bright pink colour palette, this café concept combines a delicious menu with plenty of eye-catching photo opportunities. And EL&N London (which stands for ‘Eat, Live & Nourish’) is expanding its reach in the UAE, with two new outlets in Dubai Hills Mall and Dubai Festival City Mall. On the menu you’ll find Instagrammable creations galore, from the red velvet cake latte to the Oreo butter ring croissant.

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.

Iconic fashion brand Ralph Lauren is opening its first coffeehouse in the UAE. Ralph's Coffee launched in New York City a decade ago, and has since expanded globally from London to Tokyo. Located next to the POLO Ralph Lauren store in Mall of the Emirates, the Dubai venue will serve first-class brews and light snacks in a suitably elegant environment.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Facing out to the lush greenery of The Park in Jumeirah Lakes Towers, 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.