Dubai's best breakfast spots

This Barcelona-born coffee shop is famed for its often brightly-coloured, Instagrammable dishes – especially the breakfasts. The popular spot on Jumeirah's Al Wasl Road is the eatery's very first flagship cafe outside of Spain. Everything is homemade and fans in Dubai can expect brunch classics with a twist – think eggs Benedict served on a charcoal-sweetcorn waffle, a healthy take on a snickers bowl and brownie pancakes with chocolate sauce. The portions are more than generous and ideal to share, and envy from your social media followers is guaranteed as you post pictures of your pretty plates.

Essential info:

• Opening hours: 8am to 11:30pm daily
• Contact: +971 4 340 5662
• Price range: From AED26 to AED95
• How to get there: Take the Red line of Dubai Metro to Financial Centre station, which is a 10-minute taxi journey away
• Website: www.brunchandcake.com/brunch-and-cake-dubai-al-wasl.php

Fancy a meal that is equal parts delicious and photogenic? Flaunt your love for good food and make an energised start to the day at Cassette. You can choose to dine indoors or outdoors at this Parisian-style bistro, located in Dubai's artistic epicentre – The Courtyard at Al Quoz. Seeking inspiration from its French name, the place evokes nostalgia and creativity through its delicious pursuits. The Big Cassette Breakfast is a standout with eggs, baked beans, mushrooms, sausages and more – with a vegan variation also available.

Essential info:

Opening hours: 8am to 6pm daily
Contact: +971 4 349 1966
Price range: From AED46 to AED86
How to get there: Take the Red line of Dubai Metro to Onpassive station, which is an eight-minute taxi journey away
Website: www.cassette.ae

This Emirati-owned cafe, gallery and concept store in Jumeirah has a warm, friendly vibe and trendy décor. You'll find lots of exclusive curios, eye-catching artworks and a compact yet diverse menu at the boho eatery. Stop by for a takeaway cup from the coffee bar and peruse the shop selling trinkets and keepsakes. You'll see exclusive regional labels sitting alongside niche international brands, with items for the home alongside beauty buys and fashion finds. Duck through an intricately painted hallway and you'll find a gallery showcasing curated pieces by local creatives.

Essential info:

Opening hours: 9am to 7pm (Monday to Friday), 9am to 8pm (Saturday and Sunday)
Contact: +971 4 399 1790
Price range: From AED47 to AED52
How to get there: Take the Red line of Dubai Metro to Financial Centre station, which is a 10-minute taxi journey away
Website: www.kulturehousedubai.com

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.

Essential info:

Opening hours: 8am to 12am daily
Contact: +971 4 770 0222
Price range: From AED10 to AED125
How to get there: Take the Red line of Dubai Metro to Financial Centre station, which is a 10-minute taxi journey away
Website: www.ae.elnlondon.com

Its 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 Nikki Beach Resort & Spa. Helmed by restaurateur Natasha Sideris, the breakfast menu entices with recipes like 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. 

Essential info:

Opening hours: 12pm to 12am (Monday to Friday), 9am to 12am (Saturday and Sunday) 
Contact: +971 4 238 1780
Price range: ** CAN'T FIND THE BREAKFAST MENU (WITH PRICES) ANYWHERE ONLINE **
How to get there: Bungalo34 is easiest to reach by taxi
Website: www.bungalo34.com

This holistic haven is one of the city’s hidden gems. The dedicated wellbeing centre also boasts a plant-based café amid its tranquil zen-like garden complete with cobbled pathways, rustic log tables and colourful decor. The slow pace attracts visitors who are keen to catch up on their reading or relax with friends over a cup of freshly-brewed coffee. With health as the key focus, the food served here is free from gluten, sugar, dairy and artificial ingredients, but definitely doesn’t compromise on taste. Their rich chocolate porridge will convince you of that.

Essential info:

Opening hours: 8am to 10pm daily
Contact: +971 56 534 2899
Price range: From AED46 to AED78
How to get there: SEVA is easiest to reach by taxi
Website: www.sevaexperience.com/cafe

Bounty Beets, situated at Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort, is a popular spot for breakfast in Dubai thanks to its extensive selection of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options and snap-worthy, pale pink aesthetic with lots of quirky catchphrases at every turn. The super-cute cafe boasts a tasty breakfast menu – think caramelised bananas and chocolate chip pancakes, berry power bowls or avocado toast with burrata. Lunch options include the delicious pumpkin risotto, with a dining ethos that ensures everything is fresh and healthy. 

Essential info:

Opening hours: 8am to 7pm daily
Contact: +971 4 511 7373
Price range: From AED60 to AED85
How to get there: Take the Red line of Dubai Metro to GGICO station, which is a five-minute taxi journey away
Website: www.destinationminaseyahi.com/dining/bounty-beets

For a great start to your morning, look no further than this atmospheric concept store and café occupying a Jumeirah villa. Their health-boosting menu echoes the eclectic theme and décor, and uses nutrient-rich, organic ingredients that are prepared to maximise nutritional value. Taste is not compromised at all in dishes such as the buckwheat pancakes (sweet and savoury), the walnut pita and the chia oats mango pudding. Wash it down with a dairy-free, superfood-boosted smoothie, and you’ll be set for the day.

Essential info:

Opening hours: 8am to 10pm daily
Contact: +971 4 385 4555
Price range: From AED48 to AED69
How to get there: Take the Red line of Dubai Metro to Financial Centre station, which is an 11-minute taxi journey away
Website: www.comptoir102.com

Mexican flavours abound in Maiz Tacos' breakfast offerings. What could be better than starting your day with Luma Makhlouf's generous plateful of chimichurri-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.

Essential info:

Opening hours: 12pm to 10pm (Monday to Thursday), 12pm to 11pm (Friday to Sunday)
Contact: +971 4 514 4712
Price range: From AED32 to AED115
How to get there: Take the Red line of Dubai Metro to Sobha Realty station, which is a three-minute taxi journey away
Website: www.maiztacos.com

Emirati hospitality is abundantly on offer at Arabian Tea House. Known for their chic outdoor spaces, all three of their Dubai branches – decked out in trademark turquoise and white – have excellent gahwa (Arabic coffee) and teas you won't find elsewhere. Our top pick when it comes to location is the original site in Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood; order the traditional local breakfast platter that features an array of famous morning treats.

Essential info:

Opening hours: 7am to 11pm daily
Contact: +971 4 353 5071
Price range: From AED33 to AED85
How to get there: Take the Green line of Dubai Metro to Al Ghubaiba station, which is a 15-minute taxi journey away
Website: www.arabianteahouse.com

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.

Essential info:

Opening hours: 8am to 11:30pm daily
Contact: +971 4 388 5522
Price range: From AED13 to AED36
How to get there: Take the Red line of Dubai Metro to ADCB station, which is a five-minute taxi journey away
Website: www.instagram.com/rajuomlet

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.

Essential info:

Opening hours: 11am to 11pm daily 
Contact: +971 4 587 3373
Price range: From AED19 to AED75
How to get there: Take the Red line of Dubai Metro to DMCC station, which is a five-minute walk away
Website: www.streeteryfoodhall.com

Sip your antioxident-packed, kale-rich Green Meadow smoothie while taking in the views from the world's first – and highest – 360-degree infinity pool on Palm Jumeirah. The compact yet delicious breakfast menu, available from 10am in the lounge and by the pool depending on your preference, features Far Eastern-flavoured morning delights like Japanese pancakes, miso eggs Benedict and kimchi-topped brunch bowls. What could be better than starting your day with views of the city from 200m high?

Essential info:

Opening hours: Opening hours vary throughout the week, see the venue's website for more details
Contact: +971 4 566 2121
Price range: From AED50 to AED95
How to get there: Take the Palm Monorail to Nakheel Mall station, which is a six-minute taxi journey away
Website: www.auraskypool.com

A chic white and turquoise decor, serene pool and seaside views, plus delicious breakfast items to feast on – the popular DRIFT Beach Club delivers on all fronts. The adults-only venue at One&Only Royal Mirage lets you start the day with favourites including their trademark dulce de leche banoffee waffles, a feta and ratatouille omelette, or beef chorizo frittata. Excellent coffee, fresh juices, flaky pastries and decadent black truffle scrambled eggs complete the package. Take in the rays on a lounger or burn off calories by swimming lengths afterwards.

Essential info:

Opening hours: 9am to 8pm (Monday to Thursday), 9am to 9pm (Friday to Sunday)
Contact: +971 4 315 2200
Price range: From AED45 to AED75
How to get there: Take the Red line of Dubai Metro to Al Khail station, which is an eight-minute taxi journey away
Website: www.driftbeachdubai.com

Escape the city bustle and discover a botanical wonderland at The Farm Restaurant, Al Barari. Serving international, European and Thai cuisine, The Farm is known for its tranquil setting among the natural lakes, waterways and gardens. Take it all in, from the bamboo roof above the outside deck and lush lawns to the shimmering rock-fringed lily pond. Take a sip of passionfruit juice as you dine on the mushroom gratin or blueberry pancakes, made from fresh seasonal produce.

Essential info:

Opening hours: 7:30am to 10:30am daily
Contact: +971 4 886 6223
Price range: From AED40 to AED116
How to get there: The Farm Restaurant, Al Barari is easiest to reach by taxi
Website: www.thefarmdubai.ae

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.

Essential info:

Opening hours: 8am to 6pm daily
Contact: +971 56 219 7745
Price range: From AED29 to AED80
How to get there: Take the Red line of Dubai Metro to Equiti station, which is an eight-minute walk away
Website: www.eatx.com/harvest-co

The charming Parisian-style cafe is renowned for its lavish breakfasts and fresh pastries, all served in a friendly environment. Home-style cooking is this neighbourhood spot's forte and its popularity among visitors and locals is clear thanks to its authentic plates at reasonable prices. Tuck into Le Frenchy (coffee, juice and pain au chocolat) and other set menus or feast on eggs, pancakes, French toast and crepes. Call ahead to book for the fantastic brunch on weekends too.

Essential info:

Opening hours: 8am to 11pm daily
Contact: +971 4 551 1576
Price range: ** CAN'T FIND A BREAKFAST MENU ONLINE **
How to get there: Take the Red line of Dubai Metro to DMCC station, which is a nine-minute taxi journey away
Website: www.bistrodesarts.ae

For breakfasts combined with a soul-reviving seaside setting, SĀN Beach on Palm Jumeirah is the place to be. A modern sanctuary inspired by ancient nature-focused philosophies, the venue in The Club at Palm West Beach 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.

Essential info:

Opening hours: 9am to 12am (Sunday to Thursday), 9am to 1am (Friday and Saturday)
Contact: +971 4 458 0499
Price range: From AED22 to AED120
How to get there: Take the Palm Monorail to Al Ittihad Park station, which is a 12-minute walk away
Website: www.sanbeachdubai.com

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.

Essential info:

Opening hours: Timings vary throughout the week, but be aware that the restaurant is closed daily from mid-afternoon until 7pm 
Contact: +971 4 417 9885
Price range: From AED12 to AED69
How to get there: Take the Red line of Dubai Metro to Al Khail station, which is an eight-minute walk away
Website: www.dubaigolf.com/carine

Melbourne native Tom Arnel and Spanish-born Sergio Lopez teamed up to create this Al Quoz café, where coffee is undoubtedly king. Enter the warehouse-like space, decorated with exposed vents and cement floors, and enjoy the haute café food with cups of cappuccino and flat whites (a Kiwi and Aussie coffee drink that's similar to a latte) with milk steamed to just shy of 65-degrees Celsius.

Essential info:

Opening hours: 8am to 4pm (Monday to Friday), 8am to 6pm (Saturday and Sunday)
Contact: +971 56 474 6812
Price range: From AED42 to AED79
How to get there: Take the Red line of Dubai Metro to Onpassive station, which is a 13-minute taxi journey away
Website: www.eatx.com/tom-serg

Chef Akmal Anuar's 11 Woodfire has garnered a Michelin star, and foodies can now savour their morning meal in the celebrated Jumeirah eatery too. Up the ante with beef cheeks Benedict, French toast egg slider or the signature 11's Slayer Breakfast, which comes complete with avocado and sauteed asparagus on a crunchy, toasted sourdough. We recommend heading over to the hotspot earlier in the day to beat the crowds.

Essential info:

Opening hours: 12pm to 12am (Tuesday to Sunday), 6pm to 12am (Monday)
Contact: +971 4 491 9000
Price range: From AED50 to AED635
How to get there: 11 Woodfire is easiest to reach by taxi
Website: www.11woodfire.com

This picturesque neighbourhood-style restaurant can be found in the chic Four Seasons Private Residences Dubai at Jumeirah. The venue features a pretty outdoor terrace with views of Dubai Water Canal and a menu highlighting traditional Portuguese dishes, elevated to a high standard. The décor transports you straight to Portugal, with a lot of input from the nation's artists – including colourful ceramic plates from Barcelos, and copper light fixtures and cork-fashioned menus from Porto decorating the interiors. Lana Lusa also has a vendor spot at Time Out Market Dubai.

Essential info:

Opening hours: 12pm to 1am (Monday to Thursday), 9am to 1am (Friday to Sunday)
Contact: +971 4 380 1515
Price range: From AED25 to AED67
How to get there: Take the Red line of Dubai Metro to Business Bay station, which is an eight-minute taxi journey away
Website: www.lanalusa.com

Friends Avenue Cafe is a trendy and upbeat eatery, serving mouthwatering Australian, English and European delicacies. The friendly neighbourhood hangout offers a strong sense of community and foodies can choose to meet, mingle and dine at several branches across the city, including at Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT). Wondering what to order? The Big Brekkie Board – a delightful array of all your breakfast favourites – is always popular.

Essential info:

Opening hours: 7am to 10:45pm daily
Contact: +971 4 554 5813
Price range: From AED36 to AED60
How to get there: Take the Red line of Dubai Metro to Sobha Realty station, which is a four-minute walk away
Website: www.friendsavenue.ae

Expect a welcoming, bright space with wooden chairs and potted plants, serving up international flavours that satiate, no matter what time of day. There's an emphasis on healthy plates and well-sourced ingredients, but no compromise at all on taste. Brightly-coloured smoothies, breakfast staples, freshly-baked goods and wraps compete for attention with a wide selection of vegan and vegetarian options too.

Essential info:

Opening hours: 8am to 11:30pm daily
Contact: +971 50 523 7546
Price range: From AED38 to AED75
How to get there: Take the Red line of Dubai Metro to DMCC station, which is an eight-minute taxi journey away
Website: www.eatx.com/common-grounds

Essential info:

Opening hours: 9am to 10pm (Sunday to Thursday), 9am to 12am (Friday and Saturday)
Contact: +971 4 572 8042
Price range: From AED10 to AED89
How to get there: Take the Palm Monorail to Nakheel Mall station
Website: www.harriespancakes.ae

In the heart of Dubai Design District, this chic restaurant also doubles as a concept store, selling everything from minimalist furniture to books and handcrafted gifts. The menu is packed with simple yet healthy dishes, from freshly-made pastries to baked cheese pies. There are plenty of egg-based dishes to choose from – enough to satisfy every breakfast craving. Once you’re full, you can browse The Lighthouse’s gift shop or explore the district's range of popular concept stores and art galleries.

Essential info:

Opening hours: 8am to 11pm (Monday to Friday), 8am to 12am (Saturday and Sunday)
Contact: +971 4 422 6024
Price range: From AED40 to AED95
How to get there: Take the Red line of Dubai Metro to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station, which is an 11-minute taxi journey away
Website: www.thelighthouse.ae/restaurants

Zaroob offers an incredible menu of contemporary and classic Levantine dishes, with a vibrant vibe – complete with polished cement floors and street art adorning the walls. The flagship eatery in Jumeirah Tower on Sheikh Zayed Road is undeniably Arab in feel, combining authentic aspects of the cuisine with modern flair. Pull up a chair by the live cooking stations and watch all the action from the open kitchen. Highlights to order include the hearty manakish flatbread, wholesome mezze and bestselling chicken shawarma wrap.

Essential info:

Opening hours: Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week
Contact: +971 4 385 3592
Price range: From AED22 to AED89
How to get there: Take the Red line of Dubai Metro to Financial Centre station, which is an eight-minute walk away
Website: www.zaroob.com

Reform Social & Grill in the heart of Emirates Hills is credited by fans to be Dubai’s most authentic British eatery. The lively restaurant and café – which caters to the whole family thanks to a relaxed vibe and an outdoor play area – pushes the boat out for the most important meal of the day. Kippers, steak and eggs, sandwiches, omelettes and a multitude of eggs Benedict options vie for attention alongside their trademark full English breakfast.

Essential info:

Opening hours: 8am to 12am daily
Contact: +971 4 454 2638
Price range: From AED44 to AED150
How to get there: Reform Social & Grill is easiest to reach by taxi
Website: www.reformsocialgrill.ae

Head to this Aussie-born urban café and restaurant for breakfast, lunch or dinner. You can order an array of homemade dishes and dine courtesy of the freshest produce – both locally grown and imported from all over the world. The chic interiors are a perfect fusion between a modern supermarket and a classic Mediterranean deli. Top-selling breakfast options include the grilled sweet potato and smashed avocado and smoked chicken omelette, to name a few. 

Essential info:

Opening hours: 8am to 10pm daily
Contact: +971 4 346 6886
Price range: From AED11 to AED74
How to get there: Take the Red line of Dubai Metro to Onpassive station, which is a six-minute taxi journey away
Website: www.jonesthegrocer.com

All appetites are catered to at this easy, breezy all-day dining cafe that's known for its carefully sourced coffee. Find gourmet egg 'mock' muffins, their take on eggs Benedict (the Garden Benni is heaped with asparagus fresh peas and spinach), vegan coconut almond pancakes and praline streusel-topped French toast among other tasty delights. And, with multiple branches across the city – including a pretty Jumeirah addition – you'll always be close to an outpost.

Essential info:

Opening hours: 7am to 10pm (Saturday to Thursday), 7am to 12am (Friday)
Contact: +971 4 320 9669
Price range: From AED16 to AED68
How to get there: Take the Red line of Dubai Metro to Sobha Realty station, which is a six-minute taxi journey away
Website: www.ldckitchen.com