The best new independent cafés, specialty coffee spots and bakeries that opened in the UAE in 2024

Brix Café: A homegrown, harbour-side must-visit

Executive chef Carmen Rueda Hernandez (formerly of The Fat Duck and El Bulli) brings refined yet unfussy dining to Dubai Fishing Harbour. The Eggs Benedict (53AED) – featuring a house-baked croissant roll topped with perfectly poached eggs and creamy hollandaise – proves particularly satisfying, while the coffee programme sources beans from Harvester, Grandmother, Archers and Three for consistently excellent brews like their Ethiopian V60 (40AED).

Koncrete: A sleek specialty coffee shop in Dubai's Umm Suqeim

This Emirati-owned spot transforms a concrete-cast villa in Umm Suqeim into an inviting coffee destination where stark aesthetics serve as an elegant canvas for quality brews and simple, well-executed fare. The Avocado Charcoal toast (55 AED) combines goat's cheese, chili flakes, and baby arugula to create a satisfying breakfast option that pairs brilliantly with their carefully crafted specialty coffees and matcha selections.

Yun Cafe: A hidden Chinese gem in Bastakiya

This Chinese-owned café quietly established itself beside The Coffee Museum in Dubai's historic Al Fahidi neighbourhood, bringing authentic charm through its understated presence. The thoughtfully curated beverage programme features Archers coffee and specialty Chinese teas, with standouts including an innovative Passion Fruit Sparkling Coffee (30 AED) and house-baked treats like their Carrot Cake (30 AED).

Earth Roastery: A beautiful specialty coffee cafe & roastery from Kuwait

This Kuwaiti import transforms an industrial warehouse in Al Quoz into a serene coffee destination with its earth-toned interior and thoughtful lighting creating an inviting atmosphere for coffee exploration. The kitchen matches the quality of their house-roasted coffee - the Truffle Mushroom Tartine (42 AED) pairs beautifully with their brews, while the Coffee Bean dessert (42 AED) offers a clever take on tiramisu cheesecake with its Lotus biscuit base.

Ferment Artistry: Specialty coffee and art gallery in Al Quoz

Three Iranian friends have transformed a warehouse space into a thoughtful refuge from city life, balancing work-friendly functionality with cultural touches like recycled Iranian carpets. The coffee programme, powered by local roaster Crack Coffee, excels across classics like the Espresso Shakerato (23 AED), while café fare such as the Chilli Thai Takino sandwich (43 AED) demonstrates creative flair in familiar formats.

BONUS: the HUNTR Club Members can redeem stamps for their HUNTR Coffee Card and get free coffee here. Download the HUNTR: City Guide app to join, here, now.

BKRY: A huge homegrown bakespace with specialty coffee and tea

Transforming a spacious warehouse in Alserkal Avenue into a refined haven for exceptional baked goods, the creators of Hoof Cafe and Archers roastery centre their space around a striking open kitchen. The Stracciatella Molten Cheese Toasty (46 AED) is a must-order – rich, perfectly melted cheese complemented by bright pickle and citrus notes, while the Morning Bun (17 AED) delicately layers sourdough croissant with Ceylon cinnamon and orange glaze.

Soub: A sleek Seventies-inspired specialty coffee haven

This Emirati-owned concept in 77 Valley successfully merges 1970s Brutalist influences with Japanese textile traditions, creating striking contrasts through masculine furnishings softened by indigo-dyed linen screens. Their beverage programme demonstrates meticulous attention to detail in classics like their Flat White (31 AED), while the Almond Fruit Tart (42 AED) exemplifies their commitment to quality across all offerings.

The Matcha Tokyo: Organic Japanese matcha on the beach in New Dubai

This successful Asian brand's first Middle Eastern outpost brings authentic Japanese tea culture to JBR's The Beach, serving 100% organic matcha in thoughtfully crafted preparations. The Japan Premium Matcha (28 AED) demonstrates particular excellence with its perfectly balanced umami notes, while creative options like the Iced Matcha Coconut Latte (32 AED) with its oat milk blend shows how traditional elements can be adapted for Dubai's tastes.

Local Coffee House: A specialty coffee spot in Alserkal

The team behind Local Foundry brings their beverage expertise to a compact container space in Alserkal Avenue, proving that excellent coffee needn't require expansive surroundings. Creative treats like their signature vanilla olive soft serve (25 AED), where premium olive oil and sea salt elevate simple ice cream, complement thoughtfully crafted drinks including their innovative Tiramisu Matcha (45 AED).

Tonton Bakes: A specialty coffeeshop & bakery in Jumeirah

YAVA founder Basil Yassin brings authentic European pastry craftsmanship to Wasl 51, drawing inspiration from Italian and French traditions. The signature Custard Tontail (25 AED) - a creative reimagining of the Italian sfogliatella - emerges as a particular highlight, while the venue's commitment to quality extends to its beverage programme featuring carefully crafted specialty coffee, matcha, and seasonal specials like their refreshing Matcha Slushie.

Knot Bakehouse: Baked goods, casual dining, matcha and specialty coffee

This Emirati-owned venue distinguishes itself through its sleek, minimalist industrial aesthetic and carefully curated menu of breakfast classics and innovative pastries. The café quickly gained recognition for its exceptional matcha offerings, with the Matcha Latte with Salted Vanilla Cold Foam (35 AED) emerging as a crowd favourite, while the signature Morning Knot pastry (25 AED) offers a delicate balance of texture and sweetness.

Bando Coffee House: A Korean cafe in Oud Metha

YouTube sensation turned coffee craftsman, Latte Papa, brings a touch of Seoul to Wafi Mall in this light-filled minimalist space. Standout offerings include the Ga-eul (23 AED), an artfully balanced tiramisu coffee that exemplifies their commitment to creative yet considered drinks, while the Matcha Madeleine (17 AED) emerges as an unexpected hero among the freshly baked goods.

Ganache: An artisanal homegrown chocolate brand at The Dubai Mall

Part of the Alabbar family's 'Another' portfolio, this sophisticated chocolate boutique's second location brings handcrafted premium confections to Downtown Dubai. The space makes a statement through understated luxury, with marble surfaces and minimalist design creating an elegant backdrop for meticulously crafted chocolates and their signature hot chocolate, both quickly becoming favourites among mall visitors seeking refined indulgence.

Stars and Bananaz: A homegrown art studio in the UAE capital

This creative twist on Abu Dhabi's café culture combines an arts studio with specialty coffee in Al Zeina's Al Raha district. The Emirati-owned venue offers various arts and crafts sessions in a welcoming environment marked by its signature pink palette and frosted glass walls. The coffee programme proves equally thoughtful, with offerings like the Iced Spanish Latte (29 AED) providing the perfect accompaniment to crafting sessions.

Rascal's Bakehouse: Specialty coffee and baked goods in Jumeirah

The team behind Rascal's Deli expands their culinary footprint in Al Safa with an intimate venue featuring an open bakery concept where skilled bakers craft fresh pastries throughout the day. The simplified approach extends to both space and menu, with daily bakes displayed at the counter, while the coffee programme demonstrates particular purity in its approach. Early visitors praise signatures like the substantial yet delicate Glazed Croissant (24 AED) and the well-balanced P'nut Butter Oat Latte (24 AED).

Creatures of Habit: A beautiful cafe hidden in a horse stable in the capital

This Emirati-owned venue brings specialty coffee and refined breakfast fare to the unexpected setting of Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, where sun signs guide visitors through horse stables to reach its bright, art-filled interior. The menu demonstrates particular strength in breakfast classics reimagined, with standout dishes including their textural Smashed Avocado on Sourdough Toast (45 AED) and innovative Wild Mushroom & Whipped Feta on Sourdough (47 AED).

Heaf Jumeirah: Waterfront coffee with Arabian Gulf views in Dubai

The Emirati-owned specialty coffee brand's sophomore venue at Marsa Al Arab makes the most of its prime position, offering coffee enthusiasts a peaceful retreat where premium brews can be enjoyed against the backdrop of bobbing yachts and the Arabian Gulf. The space maintains Heaf's commitment to coffee excellence while adding a touch of maritime charm, creating an ideal destination for both early morning coffee runs and evening contemplation over quality brews.

Sabaku Café Sharjah: Japanese matcha, speciality coffee, & breakfast in Aljada

Located in Sharjah's Boulevard 3, this independent café thoughtfully merges Japanese and Arabic influences through both design and menu offerings, with traditional Japanese majlis-style seating and an eye-catching central coffee counter. Standout items include their Omurice (42 AED) featuring a tornado egg atop Japanese fried rice, and the memorable Matcha Cloud (38 AED) - a creative blend of matcha cream and coconut water.

Sesame Sharjah: All-day Asian dining in Al Jada

The team behind Dips brings innovative Asian fusion cuisine to Al Jada Street in a space that successfully merges industrial design elements with practical comfort. Their namesake ingredient shines in the standout Sesame Burger (55 AED) featuring a melt-in-your-mouth bun layered with caramelized onions and mushroom sauce, while dishes like the Spicy Cloud Ramen (45 AED) reimagine classics with unexpected blends of cheddar and Greek yoghurt.

Alica Dubai: Speciality coffee, gorgeous views & a charming bakery at Port de La Mer

Taking its name from the Greek word for ancient grains, this thoughtfully conceived bakery and coffee shop successfully merges 1970s minimalist design with the warmth of an open bakery concept, all set against sweeping marina views. A partnership with THREE Coffee ensures exceptional beverage quality, while the focused menu demonstrates particular care in its daily-baked offerings alongside a curated "dish of the day" (from 65 AED).

Sadou Tea House Abu Dhabi: Emirati tea by the marina

This homegrown venue at Abu Dhabi's Rabdan Marina cleverly incorporates its namesake Bedouin weaving craft throughout its two-storey space, while vintage artifacts add authentic cultural touches. The menu excels in traditional beverages and snacks, with standout offerings including an exceptional karak chai (5 AED) that perfectly balances richness and spice, and innovative takes on regag bread like the cheese regag with Chips Oman (12 AED).

June & Co Dubai: A hidden neighbourhood bakery and café

Combining minimalist design elements with welcoming comfort, this venue balances wooden furnishings and neutral tones inside while navy awnings shade inviting outdoor seating. The menu demonstrates particular strength in its baked offerings, with the Pistachio Croissant (24 AED) emerging as a standout through its perfect balance of buttery pastry and rich nutty filling, while the beverage programme proves equally thoughtful with precisely crafted drinks like their Matcha Latte (25 AED).

Among the Ghaf Hatta: A charming specialty coffee shop by the lake

Housed in an elegant semicircular structure beside Hatta's tranquil waters, Dubai's mountain region welcomes its first specialty coffee destination. While the menu remains focused - featuring a carefully curated selection of coffee and desserts - the calibre of their V60 brew and the expertise of the barista team elevates each visit into a memorable pause between outdoor pursuits.

Tomorrow Morning Dubai: Where coffee meets footwear (and culture) in Za'abeel

Mid-November 2024 welcomed Tomorrow Morning to Za'abeel, bringing a fresh perspective to Dubai's luxury café scene through its thoughtfully restored villa setting. The venue successfully merged opulent design elements with welcoming comfort, creating an environment that encouraged lingering whether for focused work or casual coffee breaks. Natural light played a starring role through large windows, while the carefully curated beverage programme featured expertly crafted offerings like their Flat White (26.25 AED). The space gained additional character through its showcase of Laggar's Dubai-born footwear collection, featuring Italian leather sandals for both adults and children.