If an art gallery and a cafe serving great coffee had a baby…

Sometimes you want a coffee-to-go. Other times, you want to order a frothy cappuccino whilst taking in some local and international art. These five delightful cafes in Dubai are for those times.

Maisan 15

Formerly known as Cabin, maisan15 is a casual art gallery showing local and regional art, which changes every couple of weeks, and a library. But alongside that the food is top notch. Tucked away in Al Barsha South, this feels like a best kept secret.

Maisan Towers, Barsha South, Dubai, Sun to Thur, 8am to 11pm, Fri and Sat 9am to 11pm. Tel: (04) 244 7291. @maisan15

The Workshop

A calming spot for a dose of art and peace of mind, with a cosy atmosphere and a small but tasty menu. Downstairs is a selection of accessible art and gifts, and upstairs you will find interior pieces and also some antiques.

The Workshop, 23B Street, Jumeirah 2, Dubai. Sun to Sat, 10am to 11pm. Tel: (04) 341 2595. theworkshopdubai.com

Boston Lane

Inspired by Melbourne’s alleyway coffee culture, Boston Lane is a gorgeous food and coffee project inside the Courtyard, in the heart of Dubai’s art and cultural district in Al Quoz. Fuel up here and feel refreshed enough to hit the galleries in Alserkal Avenue.

6A Street, The Courtyard, Al Quoz, Dubai. Sun to Sat, 8am to 7pm. Tel: (058) 517 2131. @bostonlane

Sketch

Incorporated into the Mattar Bin Lahej Gallery in Dubai’s Box Park, this concept café is the best place to take in the breath-taking drama of the large stainless steel sculptures. The place also revolves around the concept of sketching, so it’s a full stop shop for all things arty.

487 Al Wasl Rd, Box Park, Dubai, Sun to Sat, 9am to 11pm. Tel: (04) 271 2603. facebook.com/SketchArtCafeDubai

XVA

Housed inside the XVA Gallery, which has a diverse range of art and rotating exhibitions, this café offers a range of home-made Middle Eastern inspired vegetarian options, all served in the leafy atmosphere of the traditional courtyard.

Al Fahidi St, Bur Dubai, Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Sun to Sat, 7am to 10pm. Tel: (04) 353 5383. facebook.com/xvaarthotel

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Images: provided