Most
of us struggle to start the day without it – so it’s no wonder that the humble
coffee shop is showing no sign in waning popularity. And Dubai has its fair
share of very, very good ones to try. Whether you’re a process geek, organic
bean lover or simply like a pretty mug of Joe, here are six places that will
make your cup runneth over.

Common
Grounds

Australians
know how to do coffee. Fact. And Dubai’s Tom Arnel and Sergio Lopez are slowly
making sure the UAE do, too. Common Grounds is part of their ever
expanding hipster empire, and can be found in the swanky new wing of Mall of
the Emirates, right next to the cinema. It’s chilled and good quality, with a
cool crowd, and a decent flat white will set you back AED 17.

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The
Espresso Lab

Emirati
founder of The Espresso Lab, Ibrahim Al Mallouhi, takes coffee very seriously
indeed. Not only is he proud of – and pioneering in – the Arabian tradition of
excellent coffee, he ensures all of the beans used at The Espresso Lab are
sourced exclusively from Microlot farms who have been, or are classified as, ‘Cup
of Excellence’ (this means they’re really good). They also claim to be the only
speciality coffee house in Dubai to personally visit their suppliers to check
the sources. Head to to Jumeirah’s Hundred Wellness Centre to see for yourself.
An espresso and milk starts at AED 18.

Spill
The Bean

This
little gem is nestled away in the Sunset Mall near Kite Beach, and well worth a
visit for those looking for more than a franchise frappe. Fully organic and
fair trade – every sip at Spill The Bean is an ethical one, and the setting is
wonderfully light and sunny. Not only do they serve excellent java (a
cappuccino is AED 17) but there’s also an extensive, and healthy, food menu to
perfectly accompany your coffee.

Baker
and Spice

This
LovinDubai favourite is a regular weekend haunt of ours. Baker and Spice’s Marina-side setting is the perfect way
to break up a stroll around the promenade. Similarly, when downtown we can’t
pop into Souk Al Bahar without stopping for a cheeky latte (AED 20). While the
coffee is good enough to enjoy on its own, we would highly recommend you get
involved with their baked goods, too…

Surf
Cafe

One
of the most genuinely laid-back spots in Dubai, the Surf Cafe is a thriving
coffee shop with a real community feel and
so-chilled-out-it’s-practically-horizontal vibe. There are also lots of hunky
surfers parading about which could understandably make some a little thirsty.
Good thing there’s plenty of coffee on hand. Theirs is freshly ground using
Illy dark roast beans, and you can get your chops around a tall, dark and
reviving Americano for AED 18.

Leopold’s
of London

OK,
this is one for the hardcore caffeine aficionados. Leopold’s of London,
situated in a prime seaside spot at JBR The Beach, may be known for it’s
humungous array of teas, but they also offer some damn fine coffee, to boot.
The real showstoppers are the crazy-looking machines that it’s presented in,
offering unique brewing options and bold flavours which are explained to you by
staff. They don’t come cheap at AED30-50 for the chemistry lab worthy making
facilities, but for coffee geeks it’s more than worth it.

Now read: The 6 Top Places To Get Arabic Coffee