In a country that doesn’t do anything by halves — from sky-high buildings to gold-dusted cappuccinos — it’s no surprise that even our cafés are stepping up their game. Gone are the days when a good coffee and a muffin were enough. Now, we want cafés that match our outfits, look good on the ’gram, and serve up bites as gorgeous as the backdrop. So, grab your cameras, because these UAE cafés serve serious style – one aesthetic latte and picture-perfect pastry at a time.
Forever Rose Café – Abu Dhabi and Dubai
If Tim Burton designed a tea party, it would probably look like this. Think gothic romance meets fairytale garden, with life-sized roses and monochrome vibes straight out of a sketchbook. The food? Just as extra. The rose latte is practically a model in a cup.
Saya Brasserie – Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah
Sugar, spice, and everything pink! Walking into Saya is like stepping inside a pastel daydream — blooming with flowers, neon quotes, and oh-so-cute crockery. Even the pancakes have personality. And yes, your camera roll will thank you.
Flat12 – Dubai
Where vintage car culture meets café chic. Tucked in the heart of Dubai Creek, Flat12 is a petrol head paradise with a design aesthetic that’s clean, retro, and effortlessly cool. Surrounded by classic cars and minimalist industrial interiors, this café delivers a heavy dose of style with your flat white. Bonus points for the caramel-topped banana bread — it’s a cult favorite for a reason.
Brunch & Cake – Dubai
A Barcelona export that understood the UAE assignment. Think of terracotta hues, boho-chic corners, and food that is equally delicious and dramatic. Their French toast is basically a celebrity at this point.
Amongst Few Café – Dubai
For the cool kids and coffee connoisseurs. Minimalist industrial interiors, hip-hop beats, and sustainably sourced everything — this café is a vibe. Plus, their Açaí bowl is a color palette dream.
Vibe Café – Dubai
As the name suggests — it’s all about the vibe. Funky, fresh, and unapologetically loud, Vibe fuses tropical pops with graffiti glam. The avocado toast? An icon. The pink burger? A whole moment.
The Besties Café – Dubai
This one’s for the girl gang and anyone who lives for a good vibe check. With its pastel palette, cute quotes, and interiors that scream “let’s take a selfie here,” Besties Café is the go-to for aesthetically pleasing hangouts. Whether you’re sipping on a lavender latte or devouring their signature acai bowls, everything’s made for sharing — both on the table and the ’gram.
EL&N London – Dubai Mall and DIFC
If Barbie had a café, this would be it. EL&N (Eat, Live & Nourish) is a full-on pink fantasy — from floral walls to heart-shaped chairs and glittery lattes. It’s a love letter to maximalism with just the right amount of sass. Their pistachio cake is as photogenic as it is addictive and doesn’t even get us started on the rose iced latte — it’s basically a bouquet in a cup.
Amazonico – DIFC, Dubai
Lush, luxe, and loaded with tropical flairs, Amazonico isn’t your average café — it’s a rainforest fantasy with a Latin soul. From emerald-green foliage cascading from the ceiling to gold accents and animal print chairs, this place screams drama in the most stylish way. The interiors feel like a scene from a glamorous jungle soirée, and the food is equally stunning.
Bounty Beets – Le Méridien Dubai and Mina Seyahi
Health-conscious but make it cute. Bounty Beets is the ultimate wellness-meets-whimsy spot — think blush pink accents, pun-filled neon signs (“Don’t kale my vibe,” anyone?), and a menu that caters to every clean-eating queen and gluten-free guru. From beetroot lattes to Insta-iconic pink pancakes, this place proves that wholesome doesn’t have to be boring. Bonus points for the leafy outdoor terrace that’s basically a tropical Pinterest board.
These cafés aren’t just places to eat, they’re a whole aesthetic. They’re where fashion meets food, where your coffee order deserves a photoshoot, and where the bites are as beautiful as the backdrop. In a world where we eat with our eyes first — the UAE café scene is absolutely serving!
(Contributed by Wajeeha Syed)