Dubai is world-famous for its skyscrapers, luxury dining, and glamorous lifestyle. However, the quieter side of the city lies behind the glitz. Plus, some incredible hidden cafes perfect for peaceful coffee breaks, work sessions, or weekend crutches in the art district, creative hubs, and calm neighbourhoods. If you are looking for Dubai beyond mainstream, here are the top 10 hidden cafes in Dubai that you must try:
1. One Life Kitchen & Café – A Minimalist Hidden Gem
Location: Dubai Design District
It is one of the most loved spots in D3, as it offers a cozy escape surrounded by creativity. Plus, this cafe is a favourite for healthy breakfast lovers in Dubai due to its clean interior and calming atmosphere. Here, you must try Avocado toast and flat white, as they are everyone’s favourite in this hidden cafe.
Special for:
- Community-focused design
- Unique menu items
- Hosting events
2. % Arabica – Global Specialty Coffee in a Quiet Setting
Location: The Dubai Mall & City Walk
This cafe is popular throughout the world. Still, it feels like a quiet sanctuary in the emirate. Moreover, the cafe is popular for its premium Arabica beans and brewing techniques. Hence, it is a must-visit for you if you are a coffee purist in the city. If you have made up your mind to visit this cafe, I would recommend you try the Spanish Latte and the Kyoto cold brew.
Special for:
- Sleek and modern design
- High-quality and crafted coffee
- Prime location
3. Boston Lane – Melbourne Vibes in Al Quoz
Location: Al Quoz
This cafe is one of the most hidden cafes in Dubai. However, it brings Melbourne-style cafe culture to the emirate. Moreover, it is a peaceful place for relaxing and working because of its vintage decor, artistic surroundings, and hearty breakfast dishes. Here, you should try Australian flat white and the Almond Croissant.
Special for:
- Lush courtyard settings
- Plant-filled terrace
- Impressive collection of gourmet coffee and food options
4. Nightjar Coffee – Dubai’s Artisan Coffee Hub
Location: Alserkal Avenue
This cafe stands out due to its small-batch brews and bold flavours in the art scene of Dubai. In addition, the cafe is loved for cold brew nitro taps, handcrafted espresso, and unique pastries. Here, you should not miss out on trying Nitro Cold Brew and Espresso Tonic.
Special for:
- Live performances
- Late-night food options
- On-site coffee roasting
5. The Espresso Lab – For True Coffee Connoisseurs
Location: Dubai Design District
It is created for serious coffee lovers in the Emirate. Plus, this cafe focuses on precise brewing and specialty beans from around the world. In addition, every cup of your favourite coffee will provide you with a luxury experience. Therefore, I have put it into the list of Top 10 Hidden Cafes in Dubai. If you plan to visit this cafe, you should try Signature Espresso and V60 Drip.
Special for:
- Patented jasmine cup
- Minimalist yet sophisticated interior design
- Meticulous source coffee
6. Air Specialty Coffee – For New Flavours Every Visit
Location: Jumeirah Beach Road
This elegant cafe brings beans from Kenya, Ethiopia, etc, to give you a unique flavour profile in every cup. It is sleek, modern, and perfect for late-night coffee treats. Here, I would recommend you give a single try to the Almond Milk Latte and Specialty Pour-Over.
Special for:
- Contemporary atmosphere
- Comfort in food and drink offerings
- Wide collections of drinks
7. Alchemy Coffee – Ethical, Minimalist & Relaxing
Location: Jumeirah
It is one of the most powerful cafes in the city. This is because it has a serene poolside setting and ethically sourced beans. So, you can try Single-Origin Brew and Tahini Brownie.
Special for:
- Cozy villa settings
- Unusual swimming pool
- Handcrafted pastries
8. East West – A True Hidden Café in Al Quoz
Location: The Courtyard, Al Quoz
I am sure that you might not have heard about it, but you will not forget it after visiting this cafe. However, it is a calm and artistic cafe with hidden wooden doors. Moreover, it is perfect for reading, thinking, and escaping busy life in the city. However, you must try a Classic Latte and Handcrafted Drip Coffee.
Special for:
- Curated events and workshops
- Creative masterclass
- One-night-only events
9. Hoof Café – A Minimal Aesthetic Escape
Location: The Dubai Mall
This cafe is ideal for those who love clean and aesthetic cafes. However, it originated from Sharjah, but the city has quickly become a favourite in Dubai. Moreover, you should try the Matcha Latte and Signature Coffee at this cafe.
Special for:
- Equestrian theme
- Collection of coffees
- Extensive menu
10. Cassette – A Creative Café for Work & Coffee
Location: The Courtyard, Al Quoz
The cafe offers Persian-inspired dishes, curated music playlists, and specialty coffee. Plus, it is also known as Part Cafe and part creative hub. Moreover, it is perfect for those who want to work, brainstorm, and enjoy a unique experience. Here, you must try Truffle Potato Lyonnaise and Espresso Mousse.
Special for:
- Deep connection to art, music, and design
- Calming atmosphere
- Unique menu
Why These Hidden Cafés Stand Out
It is true that you will find countless cafes in this city. However, these cafes stand out as the hidden cafes in Dubai due to the following reasons:
- Peaceful atmospheres away from crowded hotspots
- Artistic, minimalist, or nature-inspired interiors
- Specialty coffee brewed with expert techniques
- Unique breakfast and brunch menus
- Perfect work-friendly environments
These cafes promise to give you a unique, memorable experience for those who are looking for a quiet corner for reading, a stylish spot, and the best coffee in the emirate.
Final Thoughts: Discover Dubai Beyond the Skyscrapers
Hidden cafes in Dubai are going to show you a completely different side of the city, as they offer creative, cozy, and calm places. Each of them gives you a refreshing break from the fast-paced lifestyle of the city.
Suppose you are planning your next outing. In that case, you should add these cafes to your list and explore the quieter and more calming side of the city.
Read more:
Best Cafes in Sharjah for Remote Work & Chill Vibes
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