There’s something oddly personal about where you choose to have breakfast. Maybe it’s the corner booth you keep coming back to, the perfect eggs you’ll never try replicating at home, or the way your coffee shows up exactly how you like it without asking. From low-key neighbourhood gems to design-led spaces that double as mood boards, these are the spots serving more than just a good start to the day.
A Normal Day – Al Quoz
A Normal Day is a cozy neighborhood bistro located in Dar Wasl, Jumeirah. The café offers an all-day breakfast menu featuring dishes like Truffle Scramble and Breakfast Bun. The interior is designed to feel like home, with an artsy touch that creates a welcoming atmosphere. It’s a great spot for a relaxed meal or a casual coffee break.
Brunch & Cake – Address Montgomerie
The beloved Barcelona-born café, Brunch & Cake, has unveiled its latest concept, “Under the Tree,” at the Address Montgomerie in Emirates Hills. This new location offers a picturesque garden setting beneath a grand tree, perfect for leisurely breakfasts and brunches. With a menu that emphasizes wholesome dishes made from organic produce, it’s a serene escape from the city’s hustle.
The Good Moon – Jumeirah 2
Tucked away along Al Wasl Road, The Good Moon feels like the kind of café you’d stumble into on a slow morning and somehow spend three hours at. Minimalist interiors, mood-lifting playlists, and an all-day menu that hits every craving — from prawn toast to lobster tacos to their now-famous strawberry matcha cloud drink. Basically: come for breakfast, stay for whatever else your day turns into.
Thea – Dubai Design District
Some cafés try too hard to be cool—Thea just is. Hidden in Dubai Design District, it’s a minimalist, sunlight-soaked spot that you can go any point of the day. Chef Matthis Grosjean, who’s worked his way through Michelin-star kitchens, keeps the menu simple but clever—flaky croissants, easygoing lunches, and dishes that don’t need a dozen ingredients to impress. It’s low-key, it’s lovely, and yes, you’ll probably be back before the week’s out.
21grams
21grams does Balkan breakfast the way it should be—generous, warm, and full of flavour. The menu covers everything from cheesy burek to poached eggs with ajvar, all done with a bit of edge and none of the fuss. The space feels lived-in in the best way: sunlight, lots of artwork, and that low murmur of people who clearly come here often. No surprise it’s still one of the city’s go-to spots when you want something different from the usual eggs benedict routine.
Bisou
Bisou is one of those spots where the interiors are as good as the food. With velvet seating, warm lighting, and a color palette that photographs beautifully, it’s made for slow breakfasts and content-worthy moments. The menu plays it smart with a French-meets-Middle-Eastern lineup — truffle omelettes, za’atar flatbread, and a French toast that actually delivers. Quiet in the mornings, buzzy by lunch, and open daily from 9am.
Lazy Cat
Straight out of Kuwait and already Instagram-famous, Lazy Cat at Al Quoz Pond Park is a backyard-style café that’s more “hidden garden” than “mall food court.” Think sunny corners, Burj Khalifa peeking in the background, and a menu that covers everything from Japanese soufflé pancakes to full-on hearty breakfasts.
