Breakfast is the BEST meal of the day – and my most favourite!

As we approach the end of the work week, we find ourselves wondering: ‘where do we go for breakfast?’ We also receive lots of messages on Insta asking us for recommendations so to help solve this dilemma, we’ve put together a list of our favourite spots in Dubai. These are restaurants we go to time and again. Whether you’re in the mood for avo on toast or dosa or zaatar manaeesh – you can find it all here. We love variety and luckily, Dubai is super multicultural and does so many different cuisines so well!

Check out this round-up of our favourite breakfast spots in Dubai and let us know what you would add to the list?

OLD DUBAI

Arabian Tea House. This gorgeous traditional Arabian courtyard is one to go to if you have visitors in town, or are up for trying an authentic Emirati breakfast like balaleet, chebab, and regag bread with egg, kraft cheese and honey fillings. When the weather is nice, the Bastakiya location is especially perfect to stroll around post-brekkie. (Bastakiya, Bur Dubai or The Mall, Umm Suqeim 3)

Kebab Bistro. Love this little Parsi joint which does a ‘Bombay Bawa Breakfast’. You can find bun muska, akuri (spicy scrambled eggs) or kheema pav. All egg dishes are served with a side of hash brown, sausages and bun muska, plus with prices ranging from AED 5-20 each – this restaurant makes my tum and wallet extremely happy! (Wasl Ruby building, opposite Tezko supermarket, Al Karama)

Sangeetha Vegetarian Restaurant. This one is up for debate but imo, Sangeetha is the best restaurant in Dubai for South Indian breakfast. I always go for a mini tiffin which comes with idli, vada, pongal/ upma, kesari (sweet), mini masala dosa and filter coffee. Only AED 18.50 per person which is a banging deal! Dubai institution right here. (Opposite Lulu supermarket, Al Karama)

Skye & Walker. Old Dubai doesn’t have many good cafes so Skye & Walker is a real hidden gem. They do really good avocado on toast with various topping. My only pet peeve here – which I’ve addressed with them numerous time to no avail – is that these are served on wooden boards and its a struggle to keep your food from spilling over the sides. Still, a great spot if you ever find yourself on the other side of the creek. (Marriott Executive Apartments Dubai Creek, Deira)

Venus Restaurant. Other than the usual south Indian delicacies, you can also try Mangalorean favourites here like buns and golibaje (Mangalore bonda). (Al Sharooq building, opposite Karama Park, Al Karama)

JUMEIRAH

Bagel Yard. If I lived nearby, I would walk here everyday to pick up an all-dressed bagel with smoked salmon and cream cheese. Alas, I do not, and maybe my waistline is thankful for it. Another favourite is the lemon avocado smash with tomato and basil, or a simple labneh and zaatar. Good thing they also do half bagels if you want to try different toppings. (API 1000 building, Al Wasl Road)

Kaftan Turkish Cuisine & Fine Art. This is my all time favourite breakfast place in Dubai. Turkish breakfast is the epitome of feasting like a king, with little plates of mezze that you dip warm bread into, and wash it all down with endless cups of tea. Such a dream! Must order: Bal Kaymak. (La Mer, Jumeirah 1 or Umm Suqeim 3, opposite Wild Wadi)

Kulture House. Newest member on the scene, Kulture House is more a celebration of art and culture than it is a restaurant. Go for the acai bowl and jalapeño eggs benedict, stay for the coffee, a nosy around the pop-up shop, or sit with your laptop and have the most productive morning. (Jumeirah 1)

Mama’esh. Authentic Palestinian fare in a casual, homely setting and great service. We always get (and then fight over the last piece of) oven baked nabulsi cheese. Other regulars include the Palestinian zaatar manaeesh and chili minced meat cheese fatayer. You also get complimentary water and unlimited tea refills. 100 points! (Business Bay, Al Manara, or DIFC)

Parkers. If you’re looking for a naughty weekend treat, you have to order the dark chocolate French toast which is made with Parker’s signature babka, loaded with Nutella and fudge sauce. More dessert than brekkie. The Turkish simit with garlic yoghurt sauce and red pepper harissa is also wonderfully moreish. (La Mer, Jumeirah 1)

Society Cafe & Lounge. A centre table with the most beautiful, flaky croissants greets you at the entrance. Hello charcoal with a hazelnut cream filling! They do tend to run out quickly though so you need to go here early, especially if you want to also grab a seat. Else be prepared to wait in line. Its well worth it though! (Jumeirah 1)

21 Grams – Urban Balkan Bistro. This is a cute little cafe serving traditional Balkan pies like burek cheese/ meat and phyllo pies filled with spinach, or goats cheese, honey and thyme. On the breakfast menu, also try the polenta with beef bacon and black truffle which is a Balkan specialty. Perfect location before you head to the beach. (Park Regis Boutique Jumeirah Hotel)

SHEIKH ZAYED ROAD

Bystro. There is something so fresh about the food here. Namrata always takes out of towners here – even if they want something more traditional to Dubai, they never leave upset!. You will never be disappointed with their avocado toast or steak and eggs. Everything over breakfast is delicious and leaves you wishing there was one more bite on the plate. (Indigo Central 8, opposite Times Square)

Cassette. If you ever want to buy a vinyl, while listening to awesome music in the background, in a gorgeously urban decorated cafe while eating some delish breakfast dishes, this is your spot! The orange hollandaise on the eggs benedict is fantastic as is their avocado smash and sweet potato hash. Also, the coffee is very good making this place check all the breakfast boxes. (The Courtyard, Al Qouz)

London Dairy Bistro. I’m not a huge fan of the ice cream brand but was pleasantly surprised by the bistro version which recently opened on Sheikh Zayed Road. It is spacious, beautifully fitted out, and open 24 hours a day – perfect for big groups. I especially love their coffee + croissant deal which is great value for money. The breakfast menu has a whole range of eggs including one with truffle paste. Perfect weekend treat! (Aspin Tower, Sheikh Zayed Road)

Rose Leaf Cafe. This place is gorgeous and is the perfect spot to grab breakfast surrounded by all things green. Their breakfast options are great and their chicken chorizo is the real deal. They also have some gorgeous looking sweet treats if you want to end your breakfast with dessert!

NEW DUBAI (everything past MOE)

Arrows & Sparrows Cafe. They have a big breakfast menu with plenty of colourful, healthy breakfast bowls or decadent pancakes and french toast. The Ms. Benedict is a clever take on the classic benedict, featuring a pink beetroot hollandaise, and the acai bowl is fantastic! Also, we have seen the occasional puppy sitting outside with their owners – so if you are a dog mum/dad and need some fuel – here’s your place! (Emaar Business Park, The Greens)

Bait Maryam. Stepping into this little eatery in JLT is like visiting a family friend’s home. The menu features the best of the levant region and you are more than likely to bump into Chef Salam Dakkak, who is usually in the kitchen or doing the rounds greeting diners. Order the Maryam tray in which you get makdous, halloumi, labneh, jam, zaatar and zeit, and vegetables – beautiful and perfect for sharing. (Cluster D, JLT)

Hot n’ Spicy. This doesn’t happen too often that we’re hit with a craving for Pakistani breakfast, but when it does, Hot n’ Spicy is the place to go. They do a really good halwa puri, kheema paratha, and for that special weekend treat – nihari! (Barsha Heights or JLT)

Lowe. This place is gorgeous, parked near Al Barari, their breakfast menu is unique and hits the spot. With choices like crumpets with salted butter and honey and House made merguez sausage & fried egg roll + rocket + kimchi hot sauce, what could go wrong! Post-COVID, they do take their reservation policy seriously so you will need to call-in before you drive all the way out there.

What else would you add to this list?