If you’re seeking a lifestyle that blends luxury, design, and vibrant urban experiences, Dubai never disappoints. From futuristic skyscrapers to serene waterfronts, every element of the city encourages living life outdoors—including its dynamic café culture. For those exploring relocation, investing in property, or simply planning extended stays in the UAE, the outdoor café scene adds a layer of cultural richness and comfort worth considering.
At Houserfy, we believe that lifestyle amenities like quality outdoor dining options are just as important as floor plans and square footage. That’s why we’ve curated this list of top outdoor cafés in Dubai you simply shouldn’t miss—whether you're a resident, a potential buyer, or a visitor considering what it’s like to live here long-term.
Why Dubai's Outdoor Cafés Are Worth Your Time
Dubai’s climate encourages alfresco experiences during the cooler months. From October through April, the city transforms into a hub of cafés on the terrace, shaded gardens, and beachfront lounges. Outdoor dining becomes more than a culinary event—it’s a lifestyle marker for relaxation, networking, and creativity.
Many of these establishments reflect high-end outdoor cafe design, combining chic minimalism, Middle Eastern influences, and natural elements. In a city where real estate and hospitality are closely intertwined, the best outdoor cafés double as social epicenters for community building and casual business interactions.
1. Common Grounds – Wellness in Every Sip
Located in various Dubai hotspots, Common Grounds has gained popularity for its wellness-forward approach to food and coffee. This café isn't just about espresso shots and breakfast wraps—it promotes an atmosphere where health, calm, and quality intersect.
Its branch in Jumeirah Emirates Towers features a beautifully designed outdoor terrace that feels worlds away from the city’s hustle. Ideal for early meetings or mid-morning catch-ups, Common Grounds embodies the fusion of urban energy and common grounds wellness philosophy. Its menu offers everything from cold-pressed juices to keto-friendly bites, aligning perfectly with Dubai’s health-conscious clientele.
2. SumOfUs – Where Design Meets Community
For those interested in how café design mirrors real estate trends, SumOfUs near Trade Center is a compelling case. The café serves as a third space—neither home nor office, but something refreshingly in-between. Its raw industrial design, large shared tables, and airy outdoor section make it a favorite for remote workers, freelancers, and design lovers.
SumOfUs’ outdoor seating area makes clever use of partial shading, vertical plant walls, and natural light—a prime example of outdoor cafe design done right. It’s a favorite among locals who value atmosphere as much as menu selection, especially for breakfast and brunch.
3. Atmosphere – Sky-High Dining at Burj Khalifa
No list of top outdoor cafés in Dubai would be complete without mentioning At.mosphere Restaurant Dubai, located on the 122nd floor of the Burj Khalifa. While technically more of a restaurant, it offers high-tea and coffee service with an exceptional view—one that few venues in the world can rival.
While the outdoor space is limited due to its altitude, the panoramic glass walls create an open, breathable environment that mimics an outdoor vibe. It's a must-visit for anyone seeking a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience in the clouds, combining culinary sophistication with breathtaking vistas.
4. Quinoa and More: Discovering Quinola
Quinola is a rising star in Dubai’s café scene, offering a plant-powered menu with a strong commitment to sustainability and local sourcing. Located in Al Safa, this café has made waves thanks to its cozy terrace lined with olive trees and soft lighting—a tranquil oasis amidst urban life.
The layout is a masterclass in intimate outdoor cafe design, perfect for relaxed evenings or solo lunches. As more Dubai residents seek mindful consumption, Quinola meets the demand with its menu of quinoa bowls, dairy-free desserts, and fair-trade coffees. It's an example of how cafés contribute to the city's evolving identity—one rooted in health, sustainability, and creativity.
5. The Surf Café – Laid-Back Vibes by the Beach
If your idea of a great café involves salt air and flip-flops, The Surf Café in Jumeirah fits the bill. It’s one of the most beloved cafés on the terrace, with sweeping views of the coastline and a vibe that balances leisure with elegance. Perfect for both residents of beachfront communities and tourists, the Surf Café caters to early risers with its all-day breakfast menu and acai bowls.
From a real estate perspective, cafés like this one elevate the desirability of coastal properties. They become daily rituals for locals and lifestyle markers for prospective buyers.
6. Arabian Tea House – History Meets Hospitality
For a taste of Emirati tradition, the Arabian Tea House in Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood offers a deeply authentic experience. Its white-and-blue themed courtyard is shaded with fabric sails and dotted with traditional seating, creating one of the most photogenic and culturally rich cafés on the terrace.
This is more than just a café—it’s an homage to Dubai’s heritage. The outdoor setting invites you to slow down, sip karak chai, and appreciate the city’s roots before it became a skyscraper capital.
7. Boston Lane – Boho Chic in Al Quoz
Housed in a converted warehouse in Al Quoz, Boston Lane offers a creative twist on the typical outdoor café. This café is part of a larger concept space featuring local boutiques, design studios, and a co-working hub. Its courtyard is shaded, pet-friendly, and adorned with potted succulents and mismatched vintage furniture.
The aesthetic here appeals to the younger, artsier crowd, making it a social hub in an otherwise industrial zone. From an investment angle, it’s establishments like this that breathe life into neighborhoods and increase the appeal of non-traditional real estate areas.
8. Comptoir 102 – Wellness and Interior Inspiration
Equal parts café and concept store, Comptoir 102 in Jumeirah is a go-to destination for interior lovers and wellness enthusiasts. Its shaded garden terrace invites long, unhurried mornings spent browsing ethically sourced decor and enjoying macrobiotic meals.
Comptoir 102’s success proves that Dubai’s café culture is not just about caffeine—it’s about curating a lifestyle. The emphasis on common grounds wellness makes it a valuable stop for those who view food, design, and community as integral to their daily lives.
Bonus: Outdoor Breakfast Spots in Abu Dhabi
While Dubai steals the spotlight, Abu Dhabi has its share of gems. Some of the best places for breakfast in Abu Dhabi also offer fantastic outdoor settings. Try Art House Café on Al Hudayriat Island or Tashas Al Bateen for elegant waterfront views. These cafés show how outdoor dining is a cross-emirate trend that shapes lifestyle and property value alike.
Final Thoughts: Lifestyle, Investment, and Good Coffee
Dubai’s café scene does more than satisfy your caffeine cravings—it influences how neighborhoods evolve, how communities gather, and how investors view a property’s potential. Whether it’s the beachy charm of Surf Café, the elevated luxury of At.mosphere, or the wellness focus of Common Grounds, these venues shape the heartbeat of the city.
If you're thinking about relocating or investing in the UAE, remember that real estate isn’t just about the home—it’s about the lifestyle it supports. For a closer look at how outdoor amenities like cafés enhance property value, visit Houserfy to explore homes in the most sought-after neighborhoods across Dubai and beyond.
