Café restaurants in United Arab Emirates
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A
Basta Art Cafe
A cool respite while exploring the Bastakia Quarter, this charmer takes over the backyard of an old Dubai house. The food is respectable cafe fare – the crunchy salads are refreshing on a hot day – but it’s the sun-dappled garden that makes this place special. Good breakfasts. No credit cards.
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B
Hediard
This Abu Dhabi branch of the elegant French chocolatier and patisserie chain, established in 1854, has proven to be popular with Emiratis - the men love to linger and read the paper over lunch, while the wives like to drop in for coffee and petit fours between shops.
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C
Al-Mallah
Dependably sublime chicken and lamb shwarmas. The juicy chicken is loaded with pungent garlic sauce and jammed with pickles; lamb is tender with tons of fresh tomato, parsley, pickles and hummus. Great felafel, too.
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D
Lime Tree Café
Herbivore or meathead, no matter your persuasion, your tastebuds will love the carefully composed salads, imaginative wraps and perky smoothies (try the blueberry) at this expat favourite on the Jumeirah strip. Other assets are its use of fresh ingredients, including some organic produce, and the wholesome cooking, just how the yoga mammas, power shoppers and health nuts like it. Portions are generous, prices good, and the carrot cake the best in town. Also in the China Court in Ibn Battuta Mall.
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E
More
The latest outpost of this local mini-chain is a jazzy, industrial-flavoured space in Dubai Mall that draws a congenial mix of locals, expats and tourists. The menu hopscotches around the world – from Thai curries and Italian pastas to Dutch pancakes and fat burgers. The execution is okay, but if it sounds too experimental, skip it. Breakfast is served all day. There’s another branch near the Al-Murooj Rotana Hotel and one at the Gold & Diamond Park.
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F
Café du Roi
Affectionately known as 'Roy's', this neighbourhood café is popular with expats and Emiratis alike, from academics calling in for a gossip over lunch to Emirati guys doing deals on their mobiles. The haloumi and zaatar croissant is delicious while the decent coffee is still the cheapest around.
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G
Al Gahwa al-Shaabiya
This traditional barasti coffeehouse, overlooking the lagoon, serves mint tea, local coffee, ginger milk and Arabic snacks. Extremely popular with Emiratis, it's a wonderful place to sit in the evenings, play backgammon and watch the city lights reflected in the water of the lagoon.
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H
Idiom
Despite being on the radar for a few years, this hip eatery (around the corner from Roy's and opposite Tché Tché), with its minimalist design, is a breath of fresh air. They do delicious soups and a tasty dish of the day.
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I
Café Havana
The coffee’s okay and the food nothing special; it’s the people-watching that’s great – Emirati men kick back here for hours on end, providing a rare opportunity to rub shoulders with them.
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J
Yalumba
One of the few to offer an à la carte menu so you won’t have to schlep plates. Great roasts. Go whole-hog with vintage Bollinger champagne. The raucous atmosphere gives it an edge with party people.
reviewed
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K
Ashwaq Cafeteria
Everyone’s favourite stop on a Gold Souq shopping excursion. The chicken is best, with a light spread of garlic sauce and fresh lettuce.
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L
La Croisette Café
This is a popular breakfast spot for coffee and croissants. And it has a real espresso machine – a rarity in these parts!
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M
Tché Tché
Offers up a true expat Arab experience - with Arabic music videos blaring from the TV and a long sheesha menu. This popular café (with a branch in Dubai) also serves delicious Arabic food and good Turkish coffee.
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