Dubai’s café culture has moved beyond coffee and conversations. Across the city, creative spaces are combining dining with art, giving visitors the chance to paint, explore exhibitions, join workshops, or simply enjoy a beautifully designed setting.
These art cafés offer something different from a regular coffee stop. Some let you create your own artwork while you dine, while others bring together galleries, cultural events, and peaceful garden spaces. Here are some of the best art cafés in Dubai to add to your weekend plans.
Sketch Art Café
Located inside the creative setting of Mattar Bin Lahej Gallery in Boxpark, Sketch Art Café blends speciality coffee with a hands-on art experience. The bright, minimalist café encourages guests to slow down and get creative by decorating their own paper cups while enjoying a drink.
The concept is simple but memorable. Visitors can choose their colours, create their designs, and even leave their artwork behind to become part of the café’s growing collection displayed across the space.
Alongside the art activities, the café serves a selection of coffee, matcha drinks, breakfast dishes, crepes, and light bites, making it a comfortable spot for casual meet-ups, solo visits, or a relaxed afternoon.
- Location: Mattar Bin Lahej Gallery, Boxpark, Al Wasl, Dubai
- Timings: Daily, 7 am to 11 pm
- Entry: Free to visit; art activities and food/drinks are charged separately
Art and Dine
Art and Dine at The Springs Souq offers a creative dining experience where guests can enjoy a meal while designing their own artwork. The café combines a cosy restaurant atmosphere with an interactive studio, making it popular among families, friends, and anyone looking for a unique afternoon activity.
Visitors can choose from a wide selection of creative projects, including ceramic painting, canvas artwork, glass painting, and personalised items. The café also hosts workshops and community events throughout the year.
The food menu includes breakfast options, brunch favourites, coffee, desserts, and a variety of dishes suitable for a relaxed lunch or dinner.
- Location: The Springs Souq, Al Assayel Road, Dubai
- Timings: Daily, 8 am to 10 pm
- Entry: Free entry; creative activities and dining are paid separately
Pots & Paints Café
Pots & Paints Café brings pottery and dining together in a stylish, family-friendly setting at Town Centre Jumeirah. The café allows guests to choose a ceramic piece, decorate it with their own design, and have it professionally glazed and fired before collection.
The space features shelves filled with different pottery options, including mugs, plates, vases, and decorative pieces. It is a popular choice for creative dates, family outings, birthday celebrations, and weekend activities.
The café also serves a full menu with breakfast dishes, comfort food, desserts, speciality drinks, and coffee, allowing visitors to spend several hours creating and relaxing.
- Location: Town Centre Jumeirah, Jumeirah 1, Dubai
- Timings: Monday to Thursday, 9 am to 10 pm; Friday to Sunday, 9 am to 11 pm
- Entry: Free entry; pottery pieces, activities, and food are charged separately
The Workshop Dubai
Hidden inside a villa in Jumeirah 2, The Workshop Dubai is more than a café. It is a creative hub combining an art gallery, concept store, café, and workshop space.
The peaceful venue features rotating exhibitions, handmade crafts, and creative classes covering different art forms. Guests can enjoy coffee and food in the garden area while exploring artworks or attending one of the regular community events.
The café menu focuses on wholesome dishes, fresh drinks, and comforting favourites, making it a calm escape away from the city’s busier spots.
- Location: Villa 45, Jumeirah 2, Dubai
- Timings: Daily, 8 am to 8 pm
- Entry: Free entry; workshops and dining are charged separately
Mehro Mah Arthouse and Café
Mehro Mah Arthouse and Café brings together Persian-inspired dining, art, music, and cultural experiences in a beautifully designed villa space in Jumeirah.
The venue features an art gallery, performance area, outdoor seating, and regular cultural events. Visitors can enjoy live music performances while dining, making it a great option for an evening out with a creative atmosphere.
The menu combines Persian flavours with international favourites, including breakfast dishes, traditional specialities, and sharing plates.
- Location: Al Attar 8 Villa, Jumeirah 1, Dubai
- Timings: Daily, 8:30 am to midnight
- Entry: Free entry; dining and special events may have separate charges
Cassette Café
Located in Al Quoz’s creative district, Cassette Café brings together coffee, food, music, and design in a relaxed industrial setting. The café has become a favourite among Dubai’s creative community, with vinyl-inspired interiors, art-filled walls, and a laid-back atmosphere.
Beyond its café offering, Cassette regularly hosts community gatherings, music sessions, and creative events, making it a place to spend a slow afternoon rather than just stop by for a quick coffee. Its connection to Dubai’s arts and design community adds to its appeal for those exploring the city’s creative side.
Guests can enjoy speciality coffee, breakfast dishes, sandwiches, and desserts in a comfortable setting that works well for casual meet-ups, relaxed conversations, and weekend visits.
- Location: Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai
- Timings: Daily (timings may vary; check before visiting)
- Entry: Free entry; guests pay for food, drinks, and special events separately
FAQs
What are the best art cafés in Dubai?
Some of Dubai’s most popular art cafés include Sketch Art Café, Art and Dine, Pots & Paints Café, The Workshop Dubai, and Mehro Mah Arthouse and Café.
Can children visit Dubai’s art cafés?
Yes. Many art cafés are family-friendly and offer activities such as painting, pottery, and creative workshops suitable for children.
Do I need to book before visiting an art café in Dubai?
For regular café visits, bookings are usually not required. However, reservations are recommended for workshops, private events, and larger groups.
Are Dubai’s art cafés suitable for working remotely?
Several art cafés offer comfortable seating and a relaxed environment for working, including Sketch Art Café, Art and Dine, and The Workshop Dubai. It is recommended to check Wi-Fi availability before planning a long work session.
