Looking for the perfect blend of great coffee and stunning aesthetics? Dubai is home to over 4,000 cafés, with many designed to be social media hotspots. From 2D art-inspired spaces to lush floral interiors, these eight cafés are a must-visit for Instagram enthusiasts:
- Forever Rose Café: A black-and-white 2D design that feels like stepping into a sketchbook.
- Saya Brasserie: A pink floral paradise with whimsical décor and neon accents.
- Secret Garden by L’ETO: A lush indoor garden with botanical installations and gold accents.
- EL&N Dubai: Glamorous pink interiors with gold touches and iconic flower walls.
- XVA Café: A historic courtyard blending traditional Arabic architecture with modern art.
- Baku Café: Azerbaijani-inspired luxury with intricate patterns and cultural elements.
- Kate Spade Fashion Café: A fashion-themed space with pastel tones and floral walls.
- ONDA (Al Wasl): Minimalist, wave-inspired design with terrazzo tables and natural light.
Quick Tip: Visit during off-peak hours (2-5 PM) for the best photos and natural lighting. Each café offers unique photo opportunities, from flower walls to artistic latte art. Start exploring Dubai’s café culture today!
1. Forever Rose Café
Interior Design
Forever Rose Café takes you into a world that feels like stepping into a hand-drawn storybook. As Dubai’s first 2D café, it features a striking black-and-white design where everything – from the walls to the furniture – looks like a detailed sketch. This creates a surreal effect, making visitors and their colorful food the only three-dimensional elements in the space[4].
The walls are adorned with line-art portraits, mixing cultural icons like Mona Lisa with Dubai’s Crown Prince[4]. Every detail, from the chair legs to the teacups, maintains the illusion, making it a favorite spot for social media fans. It’s a perfect backdrop for coffee-themed photos and videos.
Photo Lighting
The café uses soft, even lighting to enhance the 2D effect and minimize shadows[4]. This thoughtful setup ensures visitors can take clear, glare-free photos that highlight the unique design.
Key Design Features
Forever Rose Café’s visual charm is built on three standout elements:
- The signature Forever Rose on each table, adding a pop of vibrant red[10].
- Black-and-white line art covering every surface, from walls to tableware.
- A spacious layout of 200 sqm with seating for 100, offering plenty of Instagram-worthy angles[2][4].
Coffee Menu
The café’s menu is as visually impressive as its design. Highlights include:
| Signature Drinks | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Forever Rose Signature Latte | Intricate latte art served in photogenic cups |
| Rose-Infused Beverages | Floral teas and coffees topped with edible petals[10] |
| Artistic Milkshakes | Brightly colored shakes garnished with flowers |
| Specialty Smoothies | Fresh fruit blends served in elegant glassware |
Beverage prices range from AED 25 to 85[7]. Having been featured on Netflix’s “Dubai Bling”, the café has become a must-visit spot for Instagram enthusiasts[4].
2. Saya Brasserie
Interior Design
Saya Brasserie stands out in Dubai’s café scene with its bold and colorful design, a stark contrast to Forever Rose Café’s monochrome vibe. Known for its signature pink floral theme, the space feels like stepping into a dreamy garden. Lush greenery, whimsical floral backdrops, and carefully chosen décor pieces create a romantic setting. Neon lights add a modern twist, making the atmosphere both playful and enchanting[3].
Photo Lighting
With operating hours from 9 AM to 1 AM[3], Saya Brasserie offers plenty of opportunities for stunning photos. During the day, natural light enhances the pastel interiors, while at night, the neon installations set the stage for dramatic and eye-catching content. Whether you’re chasing golden-hour vibes or capturing the nighttime glow, this café delivers.
Key Design Features
Saya Brasserie’s design revolves around these standout elements:
- Floral Displays: Large, vibrant flower arrangements that double as perfect photo backdrops.
- Pink Theme: A consistent rosy color scheme that extends from the walls to the table settings.
- Neon Lighting: Fun and modern accents that contrast beautifully with the soft, romantic décor.
Coffee Menu
The menu at Saya Brasserie leans heavily into floral-inspired drinks, much like Forever Rose Café. Lavender lattes served in pastel cups that match the café’s walls are a popular choice. Even the dishes are Instagram-worthy, adorned with edible flowers and served on pastel tableware designed to complement the overall aesthetic.
The flagship location at City Walk remains a favorite, thanks to its concentrated pink-and-floral theme that first brought the café its Instagram fame[3].
3. Secret Garden by L’ETO
Interior Design
Secret Garden by L’ETO shifts from the neon florals of Saya Brasserie to a serene, nature-inspired setting. The café’s design incorporates earthy tones with metallic accents, creating a lush indoor garden vibe. With botanical installations and living walls, the space feels like a dreamy escape. This “living gallery” approach highlights Dubai cafés’ focus on creating visually captivating spaces perfect for social media [1][3].
Photo Lighting
During the day, natural light floods the café, while evenings are illuminated by fairy lights and spotlights that highlight its architectural charm [3].
Key Design Features
The café is a visual treat with carefully crafted details. The standout flower wall is a favorite for photos, and ornate mirrors add depth to the space. Vintage furniture blends old-world charm with modern style, much like the heritage-inspired touches at XVA Café (discussed later). Soft pastel velvet seating pairs with intricate tiles, offering a mix of textures that inspire creative photography [1][3].
Crystal chandeliers add a romantic touch, while the seating layout caters to all preferences – cozy corners for intimate moments or open spaces for group gatherings [3].
Coffee Menu
The drinks at Secret Garden are as striking as the décor. Highlights include:
- Rose Latte: Finished with dried rose petals.
- Gold Cappuccino: Topped with edible gold leaf.
- Butterfly Pea Flower Latte: A mesmerizing color-changing drink.
The menu also features playful desserts like Flower Pot Tiramisu and Rainbow Cake, which tie into the garden theme with edible flowers and bold colors. This focus on thematic food and drinks aligns with Dubai’s trend of combining immersive settings with unique culinary offerings [3].
4. EL&N Dubai (DIFC)
Interior Design
EL&N Dubai takes luxury café culture to another level with its glamorous pink-themed interior. The pastel pink walls, paired with plush velvet seating, exude a sense of feminine elegance. Gold accents and intricate details add a touch of Dubai’s signature opulence[1][3].
Photo Lighting
During the day, natural light enhances the soft pink tones of the walls, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere. By night, chandeliers provide a warm, golden glow that perfectly complements the café’s aesthetic. It’s an ideal spot for snapping photos, especially since the café stays open until 2:00 AM on weekends[3][5].
Key Design Features
- A striking flower wall that doubles as a photo backdrop
- Modern design elements infused with Middle Eastern-inspired patterns
- An iconic pink façade that’s become a social media sensation, featured in over 150,000 tagged posts with #ELNDubai[1][3][5]
Coffee Menu
The menu at EL&N is as visually stunning as its interior, featuring drinks like:
- Spanish Latte: Adorned with heart-shaped latte art
- Pink Latte: A picture-perfect match to the café’s aesthetic
- Specialty Freakshakes: Topped with cotton candy and premium sweets
Each beverage is thoughtfully designed with pink-and-gold details that mirror the café’s décor. Edible flowers and gold leaf accents elevate the presentation of every dish, ensuring a feast for both the eyes and the palate[3][6].
5. XVA Café (Al Fahidi)
Interior Design
XVA Café takes you on a visual journey through Dubai’s rich heritage. Located in the historic Al Fahidi neighborhood, this café sits inside a beautifully restored wind-tower house from the early 1900s[3]. As part of the XVA Art Hotel, it combines traditional elements like mashrabiya screens with rotating modern art displays. This blend of history and contemporary art makes it one of Dubai’s most eye-catching spots for photos.
Photo Lighting
The café’s sunlit central courtyard is a dream for photographers. Early mornings and late afternoons offer a soft, golden light that enhances the beauty of the space[5][6]. The sunlight filtering through the wooden latticework adds intricate shadow patterns, giving your photos an artistic edge.
Key Design Features
The café’s design tells a story of Dubai’s past while embracing modern touches. Some standout features include:
- Shaded courtyards that highlight traditional Arabic architecture, surrounded by lush greenery[3][9]
- Wooden latticework creating striking shadow patterns
- Original coral stone walls preserving the charm of the past
- Modern art pieces offering a bold contrast to the historic setting
- Carefully chosen vintage furniture that complements the overall aesthetic[5][6]
Coffee Menu
XVA Café is known for its visually stunning dishes that combine Middle Eastern and international influences[8]. Some of their highlights include:
| Signature Items | Description |
|---|---|
| Mint Lemonade | Presented in elegant brass vessels with fresh herbs |
| Arabic Coffee | Prepared in traditional copper dallah servers |
| Vegan Platters | Vibrant mezze dishes adorned with edible flowers |
With a 4.5/5 rating on TripAdvisor from over 500 reviews[5], visitors love the café’s tranquil atmosphere and one-of-a-kind setting./banner/inline/?id=sbb-itb-0358258
6. Baku Café (City Walk)
Interior Design
Baku Café blends modern luxury with Azerbaijani culture, creating a space that feels both stylish and rooted in tradition. The design showcases deep colors and detailed patterns, combining traditional Azerbaijani touches with a sleek, contemporary vibe. This mix reflects Dubai’s shift from classic café styles to spaces designed for Instagram appeal[1][3].
Photo Lighting
The café is a photographer’s dream. Large windows flood the space with natural light during the day, while chandeliers cast a warm glow in the evening – perfect for capturing your food shots[3][5].
Key Design Features
- Hanging floral installations with cascading vines
- A striking staircase with geometric patterns
- Displays of traditional carpets paired with modern art
- Azerbaijani copper kitchenware and intricate carpet designs
Coffee Menu
The coffee menu at Baku Café offers a mix of visual flair and regional flavors. Their standout Golden Latte combines traditional brewing techniques with a modern twist, while Azerbaijani coffee is served in beautifully hand-painted porcelain sets. For something extra photogenic, try the “Rose Petal Tea”, served in clear glass teapots that highlight the vibrant colors as it brews[1][3].
With a 4.1/5 rating on Google Reviews from over 1,000 visitors[8], Baku Café is praised for embracing Dubai’s love for culturally themed cafés. It’s a spot that balances style, culture, and flavor.
7. Kate Spade Fashion Café
Interior Design
Dubai continues its love affair with brand-themed spaces, and the Kate Spade Fashion Café is a standout. Located in The Dubai Mall, this is the first Kate Spade café in the Middle East, blending the brand’s signature style with a chic café vibe. The interior feels like an upscale living room, with a playful mix of pastel pinks, greens, and gold accents that perfectly capture Kate Spade’s aesthetic[3][5].
Photo Lighting
Lighting here is a game-changer for photos. Natural light streams through large windows during the day, while in the evening, spotlights highlight the gold accents. Whether you’re snapping a latte shot in the morning or a glamorous evening selfie, the café’s lighting has you covered[5][6].
Key Design Features
The café is packed with Instagram-worthy details, including:
- A floral wall featuring the brand’s signature spade motif
- Neon signs with fun fashion quotes like “Adventure is Always in Style”
- Matte gold accents that complement the pastel tones
- Eye-catching chandeliers styled like oversized jewelry pieces[3][5][6]
Coffee Menu
The menu is as stylish as the décor, turning coffee into a fashion statement. Drinks and treats are crafted with as much attention to detail as the interiors:
- Artisanal coffee served in branded Kate Spade cups
- Afternoon tea sets featuring petal-shaped macarons inspired by runway color trends
- Cakes designed to mimic textile patterns seen in fashion collections[3][5][6]
Since opening in 2023, the café has been a hit among fashion influencers, combining shopping with a photogenic dining experience. Guests sip coffee surrounded by rotating displays of Kate Spade handbags and accessories. This café is a perfect example of how Dubai’s café scene is evolving, creating spaces that cater to both Instagram feeds and lifestyle aspirations – just like the innovative Baku Café[3].
8. ONDA (Al Wasl)
Interior Design
ONDA (Al Wasl) moves away from flashy, brand-heavy designs, opting instead for a sleek, minimalist vibe inspired by Italian wave patterns. The café’s interior features curved walls and wave-patterned tiles, blending clean lines and natural materials to create a bright, gallery-like atmosphere. This design perfectly caters to Dubai’s trend of ‘less-is-more’ Instagram-worthy spaces, offering a refreshing contrast to the bold aesthetics of places like EL&N and Kate Spade[1][7].
Photo Lighting
During the day, sunlight pours in through floor-to-ceiling windows, while at night, geometric pendant lights and subtle LED accents create a warm, inviting glow[1][4].
Key Design Features
Some standout design elements at ONDA include:
- A sculptural, curved bar with a rippled concrete finish
- Custom terrazzo tables featuring crushed mother-of-pearl
- Abstract wave-inspired wall art
- Minimalist outdoor seating surrounded by desert plants[1][4][5]
Coffee Menu
ONDA’s menu highlights drinks that look as good as they taste. Popular options include a rosewater-infused cappuccino and a beautifully layered matcha tonic adorned with edible flowers. While the presentation is eye-catching, the focus remains on delivering high-quality coffee with exceptional flavor[1][5].
Forever Rose Café: Dubai’s Most Instagrammable 2D Interior Café Tour
Quick Reference Guide
Plan your café photography in Dubai with this handy table, designed to help you find the best photo spots, lighting, and must-capture details at each visually stunning location.
| Café Name | Top Photo Zones | Ideal Lighting Time | Must-Shoot Items |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forever Rose Café | 2D black & white wall art, Floral displays | 10 AM – 2 PM | Rose-shaped latte art with edible flowers |
| Saya Brasserie | Flower wall, Pink velvet seating | 11 AM – 3 PM (natural light) | Lavender lattes in pastel cups |
| Secret Garden by L’ETO | Botanical ceiling, Garden terrace | 9 AM – 11 AM (morning light) | Gold-leaf cappuccino |
| EL&N Dubai | Pink telephone booth, Neon angel wings | 2 PM – 5 PM (less crowded) | Pink hot chocolate, Cloud cappuccino |
| XVA Café | Historic courtyard, Arabian archways | Early morning (8-10 AM) | Traditional Arabic coffee |
| Baku Café | Geometric tiles, Brass fixtures | Golden hour (4-5 PM) | Rose Petal Tea in glass pots |
| Kate Spade Fashion Café | Striped walls, Designer displays | Midday (12-2 PM) | Runway-inspired macarons |
| ONDA | Wave-patterned walls, Terrazzo tables | Late afternoon (3-5 PM) | Edible flower matcha tonic |
Photography Tips for Dubai’s Most Stylish Cafés:
- Visit during off-peak hours (2-5 PM) for fewer people in your shots [9].
- Choose seating near windows to make the most of natural light [11].
Additional Notes:
- Some cafés feature rotating art installations, offering new photo opportunities with each visit [12].
Conclusion
Dubai’s coffee shops have become destinations where visual charm meets top-notch coffee. Whether it’s the whimsical black-and-white interiors or courtyards inspired by local heritage, these cafés have redefined the city’s coffee culture.
Each spot offers its own design flair while maintaining a focus on high-quality coffee. Their influence can be seen in the evolving café trends across Dubai, with a growing emphasis on themed and immersive spaces.
These cafés highlight how Dubai seamlessly combines striking visuals with a passion for specialty coffee, setting a global standard for picturesque dining experiences.