Smashed avocado with scrambled eggs and a latte, please…

I’ll always choose a breakfast date over dinner—especially in Dubai, where mornings are something special. There’s just something about starting the day with sunlight, good coffee, and a sea view (or a skyline one). The city does breakfast so well, whether you're after a beachside café with fresh pastries or a rooftop spot serving truffle eggs and oat milk lattes.

I’ve worked my way through a fair few places, but there are still so many more to try. That’s the thing about Dubai—it’s constantly evolving, and its breakfast scene is no different. From laid-back neighbourhood favourites to buzzy hotspots worth booking ahead for, there’s a spot for every kind of morning.

Here are a few of my go-to breakfast places in the city—enjoy!

1. Lime Tree Café.

I must have been here at least 20 times since living in Dubai. Very contemporary feel restaurant with their own homemade cakes and healthy goods. They also offer seasonal treats and gifts in their shops. Located in six locations across the city - my favourite is on Sheikh Zayed Road off Umm Suqeim.

2. Secret Garden by L’ETO.

The ultimate Instagrammable cafe with complete pink flower walls and a beautiful interior. Oh, and the coffee and treats are delicious too. Located in City Walk - an open, design-inspired neighbourhood in the heart of the city.

3. Friends Avenue Café.

In two locations - JLT and Motor City. The view in JLT is just as good as the food - delicious! A mixture of Australian, English and European favourites. Also totally Instagrammable.

4. Tom & Serg.

Tom & Serg is one of those places that just gets it right every time. Tucked away in Al Quoz, it has that effortlessly cool, industrial vibe without trying too hard—and the food speaks for itself. We end up here most weekends for breakfast; it’s become a bit of a ritual. The menu has all the favourites—perfectly scrambled parmesan eggs, hearty avo toast, and seriously good coffee—and there’s always a nice buzz without it feeling chaotic. It’s the kind of spot you can sit in for hours, and we often do.

5. At.Mosphere @ Burj Khalifa.

Fancy having breakfast at the top of the tallest building in the world? At.Mosphere is located on the 122nd floor of the Burj Khalifa. The restaurant breakfast is served from 7am to 11am, or you can have your morning coffee in the clouds from 7am to 9am at the At.Mosphere Lounge. The view is incredible! We were lucky enough to visit on a clear day which enabled us to see for miles.

6. Splendour Fields.

Splendour Fields in JLT has become one of our regular weekend breakfast spots. Tucked beside the park, it’s got a relaxed vibe and great indoor-outdoor seating. The menu is wholesome but indulgent, with dishes like sweetcorn fritters, apple cinnamon porridge, and some of the best pastries in the city. The coffee’s always spot on, and it’s the kind of place that makes you want to linger a little longer.

7. The Hamptons Café.

Located in three areas in Dubai - Jumeriah Beach Road, Arabian Ranches and Jumeirah Islands. The cafes are inspired by the lifestyle and charm of The Hamptons in New York. These pictures are taken at the Jumeirah Islands branch.

8. The Farm, Al Barari.

Located around 25 minutes inland from the coast. Al Barari is a secluded community with huge trees and stunning residential buildings. The Farm is a desert oasis with flowers, palm trees with waterfalls running through the middle. Perfection is sitting amongst these surroundings while having your morning coffee.

9. Bounty Beets.

Located at Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina. The restaurant boasts organic, gluten-free and vegan options. Plus the interior and seating areas are perfect for getting that all-important Instagram shot.

10. The Surf House.

The perfect place to hang out after a morning hitting the waves. Whether you want to surf, paddleboard or kayak, you can hire everything you need for these activities. The Surf House is located just down the road from the Public Beach by the Burj Al Arab.

11. Tania’s Teahouse.

Leaving the cutest little place until last. You’ll see why it has been voted the 7th most Instagrammable cafe in the world! Located on Jumeirah Beach Road just off Al Thanya Street. It’s the perfect place to catch up with your girlfriends over a cup of coffee.