2017 was a memorable year for travel, and 2018 promised new adventures. Invited by the Dubai Tourism Board to experience the Dubai Food Festival, I spent five days exploring the city’s vibrant café scene. Dubai wasn’t originally on my travel list, but the festival—and the cafés I discovered—quickly won me over. Below is a curated list of the most Instagrammable cafés in Dubai, selected for their photogenic interiors, standout desserts, and memorable flavors.
I visited Dubai from 26th February to 2nd March and managed to explore a wide range of cafés across the city. I have a soft spot for places that pair beautiful design with excellent food and desserts. After my café discoveries in Bandung, Indonesia, earlier, Dubai’s café culture impressed me with refined interiors, thoughtful plating, and delightful pastries. The following cafés are guaranteed to brighten your Instagram feed and satisfy your sweet tooth.
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COCOA ROOM
Cocoa Room is a visual and culinary treat. From marble tabletops to elegant plates and artful dessert presentation, every detail feels designed for photos. The dessert menu impressed: lemon blueberry tart, rose and white chocolate croissant, mille-feuille, salted caramel chocolate tart, and Nutella French toast were all highlights. The desserts were light, refined, and perfectly balanced. The Nutella French toast stood out as a particular favorite—rich but not heavy. Cocoa Room is a top pick for anyone seeking beautiful café interiors and exceptional patisserie in Dubai.
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ROSE LEAF CAFE
Set within the Dubai Garden Centre and surrounded by lush plants and flowers, Rose Leaf Cafe is arguably the prettiest café I visited. The homestyle bakery vibe pairs with a charming interior to create a serene environment perfect for photos. Their cake selection is extensive and beautifully presented. I sampled carrot cake, lemon curd tart, Victoria sponge, and a brownie. All except the brownie were excellent—especially the carrot cake, which balanced spice, moisture, and frosting superbly. If you enjoy garden settings and classic bakery cakes, Rose Leaf is a must-visit.
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LIME TREE CAFE
Lime Tree Café comes highly recommended—and for good reason. With large windows providing excellent natural light and rustic wooden tables that photograph beautifully, it’s an Instagram favorite. I visited two branches and enjoyed a slice of tiramisu cake alongside their famed carrot cake. The tiramisu offered a smooth, well-balanced frosting, but the real standout was the carrot cake: moist, flavorful, and crowned with a frosting that complemented the cake without overpowering it. For fans of classic comfort cakes executed exceptionally well, Lime Tree is unmissable.
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GOSSIP CAFE AND DESSERTS
Gossip Café offers generous outdoor seating and plenty of natural light, making it ideal for relaxed gatherings and bright Instagram shots. The menu is creative and the plating is attractive—dishes are composed with care. I enjoyed the truffle eggs and the strawberry-vanilla French toasts; both were fresh, balanced, and satisfying. The café’s airy ambience and well-crafted dishes make it a great spot for brunch photos and casual dining with visual appeal.
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YAMANOTE
Yamanote is a Japanese bakery where the charm comes from its playful, character-themed pastries rather than ornate interiors. Adorable creations like the Tororo (filled with Nutella chocolate cream), panda lotus buns, kitty Nutella buns, and minion-themed treats are both delicious and perfectly photogenic. These whimsical pastries are ideal for anyone seeking novelty desserts that are fun to photograph and enjoy.
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SALT
SALT stands apart with its relaxed, laid-back vibe. The café has a cool, minimal aesthetic and a casual beachfront feel in some locations. It’s a refreshing contrast to more ornate patisseries, and it’s known for standout items like the lotus ice cream, which I found irresistible. SALT is a great stop for a simple, satisfying treat and relaxed, candid photos.
Whether you’re chasing beautiful interiors, whimsical desserts, or standout cakes, Dubai’s café scene offers variety and quality. These cafés combine thoughtful design with excellent baking and plating, making them perfect stops for food lovers and anyone looking to add stylish photos to their Instagram feed. If you visit Dubai, build time into your itinerary to savor these spots—each brings something unique to the city’s thriving café culture.