Enjoy winter vibes at Art Cafes in Dubai

It’s that time of the year in Dubai when the cool weather and the festive spirit make for perfect outdoor outings. As an art lover you will be spoilt for choice. There are galleries and cafes, where you can soak in the nip in the air, sip your favourite drink, paint a canvas or view an exhibition. Middle East Masala brings you a selection of artsy cafes in the city:

Cafe Kutubna

Tucked inside the Kutubna Cultural Centre in Nadd Al Hamar, at Kutubna cafe savour coffee made from locally roasted beans while discovering Khaleeji artists, poets and authors. An extension of the independent bookstore cum art gallery and community space, a visit to this café is a guaranteed wholesome experience. Amidst the shelves of books, the eye-catching mural of an old gentleman holding a mug of coffee is none other than Abdallah Almutawa, the grandfather of the café’s founder Shatha Almutawa. Shatha inherited her love for the arts and books from her grandpa, who loved books immensely and had built a vast library at his home. Part of the multi-concept space, the upstairs gallery has year-round exhibitions featuring local and international artists as well as community workshops. The café offers a variety of beverages, including tea, fresh juices and mojitos, the decaf coffee on the menu is brewed from freshly roasted Guatemalan beans.

XVA Café

Right in the heart of the Al Fahidi historical neighbourhood, at this café visitors get a first-hand taste of old-world Dubai, as art, heritage and Middle Eastern recipes blend perfectly. The café located inside the XVA Art Hotel, along the winding bylanes of Al Fahidi ancient wind towers, museums and souvenir shops, carry traces of Dubai’s past.  Along the gently flowing creek waters, seated under a foliage of old trees that grow inside the café courtyard’s earthen walls, a visit to the cafe is a true outdoor sensory experience. The menu is inspired by Middle Eastern and Indian cuisine with falafel platters, omelette paranthas, eggplant burgers and the XVA Thali. There is always an ongoing art exhibition, an art lecture or workshops, that you can club with your visit.

Cafe At The Back

This pet-friendly garden cafe at The Workshop, a multi-concept store, in Jumeirah, has lots to offer. Just like its name suggests, the cafe is at the back of the Fann A Porter gallery, extending a full view of the onsite exhibitions to all visitors. Unwind with a book, play a board game with your friends or click a few Insta-worthy pics at this serene spot furnished in light tones. Besides the contemporary art gallery, there are a range of workshops that are conducted at the space upstairs. The downstairs gallery also houses a gift shop that stocks artisanal products and collectibles. The café currently has special winter salads, Christmas hot chocolate, Gingerbread lattes, sandwiches, wraps and all day breakfast options.

Sketch Art Cafe

Located on a busy street in Boxpark, the Sketch Art Cafe lets you unleash your inner Picasso on paper cups. Tap into your creativity with an array of sketch pens and cups, or choose from a variety of canvases, paints and textiles. Your striking creations can also make it to the café’s vibrant display of coloured cups. Part of Emirati artist’s Mattar Bin Lahej’s Gallery, visitors get to view fine art and stainless-steel sculptures. While you paint indulge in sandwiches and croissants or take your pick from hot and cold beverages — lattes, matcha, Turkish coffees, milkshakes, desserts and the kids menu.

Mehromah Art Café

For those who love colour, culture and conversations, the Mehromah Art Café in Jumeirah is an ideal spot. The interiors with a kaleidoscope of colours reflect elements from Persian art and culture. The ground floor features a cozy café space with Persian and European cuisine. Upstairs, Mehromah has an art gallery with ongoing exhibitions, plus an amphitheater for community events, workshops, concerts and film screenings. Founded in 2022 by Iranian poet and artist, Hila Sedighi, this cultural cafe is sure to engage you with its artistic vibe. Menu favorites include Loobia Polo, a much-loved Iranian rice and vegetable dish, Iranian traditional breakfast and kebabs. A visit in the evenings gets you the added advantage of live music.

Stepup Ceramic Cafe

This is a great place for families to spend time creatively. You can paint on ceramics, glass, canvas and T-shirts in this cozy space located in Motor City. While your kids have fun splattering paint on canvas, you can create memorable keepsakes or simply de-stress in the company of colours. The menu offers  a mix of healthy snacks, premium teas, smoothies and signature drinks, meal options including pizzas, wraps, sandwiches, burgers and salads. New additions include Strawberry Matcha Latte and Toffee Nut Latte.