I loved all the old places where I could grab a quick coffee with a girlfriend after drop off but in recent months with 4 kids this has been a thing of the past until my youngest started nursery this January and it has given me one morning a fortnight for a quick catch up with friends. I soon realised I was a little out of the loop so I had to make new discoveries and since in Dubai, we all love shiny new things and venues, here is a shortlist of my recently favourite tried and tested new venues.
Located between Jones, The Grocer and The Lime Tree Cafe off SZR the location is central for almost any residential area. It was pointed out by great friend (yes, you know who you are), that the acoustics are infinitely better making it more tranquil, especially during peak times in cafes. It is also a good venue to get some work done outside of the house, many can be seen on their laptops beavering away over a latte and a croissant. The food is super too if you are looking for a yummy breakfast in a cosy venue with great delicious smoothies and very attentive service.
Tel: +971 4 336 8056 Opening Hours: 8am – 10pm
The Cove Beach | Jumeirah Beach Hotel
Newly opened for breakfast, Cove Beach is a great proximity to several schools and an ideal location to meet after school drop off. You can pretend for a few hours that you are on holiday with the Cove’s large open white spaces and sea view, whilst sitting next to super well-dressed trendy mummies you definitely get a sense of the venue’s St Tropez vibes. It is not a place to go if you are in a hurry as you need time to soak in the gorgeous weather and view, relax and eat breakfast at a tranquil European pace.
Tel: +971 800 2683 Opening Hours: 8am – 3am
One of my favourites in Dubai because of its location and food. It is located by the car park entrance to the Madinat so you don’t have to trawl through the Madinat Souk Arcade to reach this venue by the water. I love this French eatery for dinner too as it gives the feeling of privacy with a low key vibe (no need to dress up!!). The owners of the restaurant are always keeping an eye on the service and food and can be seen wondering around, and their passion and attention to detail is evident in its increased popularity of the venue. They do a great breakfast too with delicious pastries and a perfectly created cappuccino.
Tel: +971 567 0011 Opening Hours: 8am – 11pm
This is a little far to drive but if a friend is having a birthday breakfast or a baby shower, it is such a lovely intimate place for breakfast. It is an elegant venue with healthy options from raw vegetable plates, smoked salmon and a wide selection of freshly made pastries, as well as perfectly poached eggs. It is my favourite hotel in the world to date, and definitely my favourite getaway destination in Dubai.
Tel: +971 4 440 1030 Opening Hours: 7am – 11am for breakfast (closing time 11pm)
No matter what time of day, this little eatery is full. The passion is in the cooking, and the number of customers reflect that they are doing something right. Tasha’s Dubai is its first international branch out of South Africa, and this successful cafe has delicious breakfast for those seeking something wholesome and healthy.
Tel: +971 438 55500 Opening hours: 7.30am – 11pm
Culinary Boutique | Jumeirah 1
This well-designed cafe attracts many locals for its delicious and spoiling breakfasts. The venue is the latest and trendiest hangout in the Jumeirah 1 area, and they even have valet to make the experience an easier one. The venue is also a cooking school with classes all day long from Steak Master, Tres Risotto, and Gourmet Destiny just to name a few.
Tel: +971 4 345 0023 Opening hours for cafe: 8am – 10pm
