I love books. Real books. Not kindles and other electronic readers but the real deal. There’s something very comforting about the smell of a book, the sound of a page turning, and the most satisfying bit of it all is when you turn that last page and the book is done. While I believe in saving the planet one tree at a time, I am a total hypocrite when it comes to books. They should always be a thing. Always and forever.
I’ve developed an issue though recently. An attention span issue. I start books and don’t finish them. Or I just never start. I keep buying them but my distracted mind with it’s many open tabs doesn’t ever allow for quiet time to read.
This year though is going to be different.
I’ve decided to read one book a month. Once it’s a thing on a “list”, my brain finds a way to make it happen. To help myself even more, I’ve started removing myself from the comforts of my home and sitting elsewhere to avoid any distractions.
Happy to report that it’s been going really well folks; I’m on my 6th book and it’s only February!
I’m always on the look out for cafes in Dubai to go read without being interrupted. Or to get some work done when I want to get away from my office desk. Or to just chill and get a coffee and write. Here are a few cafes I’ve been going to recently and absolutely love.
TO THE MOON AND BACK
This lovely coffee shop is tucked away inside the residential La Plage Complex in Jumeirah 3. They do specialty Australian roasted coffee and many-a-baked goodies and treats. With outdoor and indoor seating, it has good options for both, winter and summer time!
LOCATION: To the Moon and Back, La Plage Complex, Al Athar Street, Jumeirah 3
MIRZAM
This is some of the best chocolate in Dubai folks! Added bonus? They also have a quiet space in the back of the shop where they serve a mean coffee – all you need to park yourself for a little while and read. Their music playlist is almost always a total dreamboat which means no headphones necessary!
The downside here is that it smells like chocolate, you can buy chocolate, and all the food is chocolate related. So don’t go here hangry, you might leave with a headache. Post-lunch however, it’s perfect.
LOCATION: Mirzam, Al Ghurair Warehouse complex – 4th St – Al Quoz 3 – Dubai
BOSTON LANE
This place has my heart and is my favourite to go hide and work when I have the occasional “work away from the office” day. It’s hidden, it’s got distractions when you need the break (a small plant store, a couple of home furnishing spots and a clothing store), the coffee is good and the music is 97% of the time spot on! I have even been introduced to artists thanks to their playlist (read: Bruno Major – fantastic song writer!).
The lovely interior does come with some very cold temps though so carry a sweatshirt. Even in summer. Well, especially in summer!
LOCATION: Boston Lane, Courtyard Playhouse, Al Quoz
21 GRAMS URBAN BALKAN BISTRO
21 Grams has some amazing coffee and a full menu. This means that no matter what time of the day it is, you can enjoy a meal here with your favourite book. The simple and beautiful interiors has the most calming effect and weirdly, it feels like being in another city.
There is a tiny five-persons patio which faces a park if you want to enjoy the lovely weather. Downside to the outdoor seating however is that it’s right off of the street, making it a wee loud with all the cars.
LOCATION: 21 Grams Urban Balkan Bistro, Umm Suqeim 2/3, Jumeirah Beach Road
ROSELEAF CAFE
As a self-proclaimed plant lady, this is one of my favorite places to work out of because there is green everywhere. You can walk through the Garden Center, find your zen and then make your way to the back where you can enjoy a cup of coffee, a meal or one of their delicious looking desserts while you type away on your laptop or read.
LOCATION: Rose Leaf Cafe, Dubai Darden Center, Shk. Zayed road
KAFFE BLOOM
Nestled at the back of one of my favorite grocery stores in the city, Kaffee Bloom serves delicious, quick Korean meals, great cups of coffee and most importantly, why we go there, the bubble tea! They also have a super speedy wifi connection and you see people spending the afternoons working, reading or just stopping by for a quick meal.
LOCATION: Onyx Building, The Greens, 1004 Gourmet Asian Specialty
KULTURE HOUSE
Everything in this space has been curated and thought about by the owners to create a space that represents it’s name “Kulture”. A play on the word culture, this space is a beautiful mixed-matched interiors that represent cultural experiences that have meant something to them. It makes you want to spend some time in this place for sure. Also, they have a wee shop in the front and the back with rotations of what they sell in there – so it makes for a day to spend some time in here!
LOCATION: 106 Jumeirah St – Jumeirah 1, Beach Road
There you have it! My go-to cafes in Dubai for when I want to read. I will be adding to this list as and when I discover new places around the city. So bookmark and watch this space.
Tell us, where do you like to go to unwind, relax, and read with no distractions?
Nice info! Thank you for sharing for best café and restaurants in Dubai.