26 Of The Best Early Morning Weekend Breakfast Spots in Dubai

Up and at ’em, mama! Here are the best spots to grab a cup of Joe and an early morning breakfast in Dubai with the family.

You’re up early – courtesy of the kids (the same ones you have to shake awake during the week). So while the rest of the city sleeps and enjoys a lovely lie-in (or at least that’s how it feels), get out and about for breakfast and a huge dose of caffeine. These are some of our fave spots for an early weekend breakfast mamas!

5am: For any mamas whose little angel sleepers have never woken at this inhumane hour – move on, there’s nothing for you here. And for all you sleep deprived parents..this one’s for you..

Maison Mathis Dusit Thani
We’re big fans of this chain (read about their Arabian Ranches location below). And next time our precious little peeps wake us at the crack of dawn (or before), we’re heading right over to the Dusit Thani branch for a quadruple espresso and enormous pile of fluffy waffles while they drink freshly squeezed juice, munch on pastries and burn off some energy!

Maison Mathis, Dusit Thani, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road
Dubai, UAE
(+971) (0)4 335 7769, www.maison-mathis.com

7am: The sun’s just about up and the kids are bouncing off the walls. Get out to one of these spots for an extra large coffee and let someone else clear up the breakfast mess for a change…

M’s, Emirates Golf Club
Feeling extra hungry, mama? Head to M’s at Emirates Golf Club for the Breakfast Buffet every Friday and Saturday morning. For just 75 AED for adults and 30 AED for kids, you can fill your plates from a buffet including a live egg cooking station and pork bacon and sausages. And did we mention the views of the immaculate manicured golf courses? The kids might not appreciate it, but you certainly will – and they’ll be so busy exploring the buffet stations, they probably wont even notice you zoning out!

M’s, Emirates Golf Club, Dubai. Emirates Hills 2, Dubai
(+971) (0)4 380 1919, www.dubaigolf.com

Maison Mathis Arabian Ranches
Even if you’re not a Ranches mama, this place is so worth an early morning visit with your little ones -not least because there’s a fab little outdoor play area that’s completely secure and within sight of most tables – meaning that once the kids have finished their brekkie they can be let loose while you muster up the strength for the rest of the day! Whether you’re looking for a full English breakfast, organic granola or a pastry filled with Valrhona Chocolate (it’s obviously the latter), this is your place – and the setting is gorgeous – just on the edge of the Arabian Ranches golf course.

Maison Mathis, Arabian Ranches, Dubai
(+971) (0)4 450 1313, www.maison-mathis.com

Mellow Yellow
Even the name of this homely little cafe is enough to chill us out on a much-too-early-morning. Located in Uptown Mirdif, the place is all about family and kids (and was originally set up by an Emirati mama with a love of baking). Everything on the menu is delicious and homemade and they run regular family activities (from cupcake decorating to pizza making) – oh and what could be better than starting your morning with a fabulous cuppa and a good book? Well you can have both here – the reading corner is choc full of books for all ages. Perfect.

Mellow Yellow, Uptown Mirdiff, Dubai
(+971) (0)4 259 1500, www.facebook.com/MellowYellowUAE

Reform at The Lakes Club
We advise sitting outside at Reform, so head over early before it gets too hot (it opens at 7am, so it’s the perfect spot for early risers). While you tuck into your egg dishes, pastries, and frothy cappuccinos, little ones can let off steam in the kids play area or kick around a ball on the grass (bring sun cream and hats!) And if you’re craving a bacon butty after a late night and painfully early morning (sore head, mama?), you’re in luck as Reform has a pork license!

Reform, The Lakes, Emirates Hills, Dubai
(+971)(0)4 454 2638, http://www.reformsocialgrill.ae

Shakespeare & Co
The thing we love the most about this little eatery in Jumeirah Village Mall (other than their watermelon juice?). The little kiddie room complete with beanbags and cartoons on loop (oh come on, early mornings require the tv babysitter every now and then right?!). The Arabian Ranches location also has a kids room if that’s more convenient while the Emirates Hills site has the largest pâtisserie and chocolate counter of the lot. Just sayin’. American, English, Lebanese, Healthy – whatever breakfast you’re looking for they’ve got it here, check out their website for more locations too…

Shakespeare & Co, see all Dubai locations here, www.shakespeare-and-co.com

Sophie’s Cafe
Roll your buggy in for a freshly squeezed juice and all the usual breakfast fare (but with a healthy twist) at this friendly little Palm Jumeirah local. The staff are super relaxed about kids romping about and the fresh interiors complete with lush greenery offer a welcome respite from the heat.

Sophie’s Cafe, Lower Ground Floor, RIVA Beach Club, Building 8, Shoreline Apartments, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
(+971) (0)4 451 5982, www.sophiesme.com

Starbucks Jumeirah 2
We don’t need to go into detail about what you’ll find here – it’s a menu of caffeine – or liquid sanity – and all the usual Starbucks stuff including croissants and fruit salad. But you don’t come here for the food. The thing about this particular branch is that there’s a little outdoor play area with a slide and climbing structure that’s fenced off from the road and that’ll keep the kids busy enough to allow you to enjoy a much needed coffee and muffin before heading home.

Starbucks Jumeirah 2, Al Mehemal Street, Jumeirah 2 (opposite Al Sufouh Secondary School For Girls)
www.starbucks.com

7.30am: That half hour extra in bed made all the difference but frankly you’d still rather be asleep. Make it all more bearable with a cuppa and a treat out…

Arabian Tea House Cafe
More than 100 varieties of tea (and at 7.30am you have time to try them all before the day is supposed to start), a stunning courtyard setting and a slice of Arabian culture – this place ticks many boxes mamas. The kids will love wandering the sleepy streets of the historic Al Fahidi district before recharging their batteries with fresh juices and home baked bread. A lovely way to spend a weekend morning if you combine it with a little trip down the creek too.

Arabian Tea House Cafe, see all locations here, www.arabianteahouse.co

Bookmunch Cafe
This cosy little resto has always been a Sassy Mama fave and they throw open their doors at 7:30am. You’ll be able to tuck into their amazing offerings, ranging from your traditional Continental breakfast through to sweet treats like their Cinammon and Nutmeg French Toast. They’ve got a number of books and reading spots if the family’s brains are working that early in the morning and their kids menu is themed after popular children’s stories – too cute!

Want to meet the fab mama behind this amazing establishment? Meet Dareen Cherafeddine in her The Sassiest Mama interview here!

BookMunch Café, Al Wasl Square, Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah, Dubai
(+971) (0)4 388 4006, www.bookmunchcafe.com

Lime Tree Cafe
Lime Tree needs no introduction – but head to any of its cafes on a weekend morning and you’re guaranteed to find a chilled vibe, really good coffee and a kids breakfast menu including eggs ‘n soldiers plus homemade baked beans and scrummy muffins. Oh and there are kids books and toys for the minis to get busy with while you finish up.

Lime Tree Cafe, see all locations here, www.thelimetreecafe.com

Tasha’s
Pimp up your toast – no seriously, this is actually on the menu – or try ‘jett & luke’s mini breakfast rolls’ (no idea who these guys are but we love them a little bit now we’ve tasted their idea of brekkie). The Tasha’s menu is so good you’ll have trouble ordering, but that’s just more reason to visit often right? Take breakfast at leisure and then let the kids climb the walls next door at Adventure HQ when it opens its doors at 10am – you’ll be home in time for a late morning nap.

Tasha’s, Unit 24, The Galleria, Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah, Dubai
(+971) (0)4 385 5500, www.facebook.com/tashascafe1

8am: Find your caffeine fix (aka liquid sanity) at one of these fab city eateries…

Baker and Spice
Even just the sight of Baker and Spice’s menu makes us drool. Expect eggs and eggs done well, from a delish Eggs Benedict to their Turkish Eggs offering, poached eggs served on toasted pepper and olive oil pita with labnah. (More adventurous mamas can opt for the spicy Shakoushaka!) Located in the gorgeous Marina, the tots will be able to watch the city come to life as you tuck in.

Baker and Spice, Marina Promenade, Dubai Marina, Dubai
(+971) (0)4 362 4686, www.bakerandspiceme.com

Clinton Street Baking Company
For the best flippin’ pancakes in town – seriously – get over to New York favourite Clinton Street Bakery where the chefs are dishing out American Classics made with the highest quality (and often organic) ingredients made with lots of love (and butter). Because frankly everyone deserves a treat at the weekend and if it can’t be a lie-in then blueberry pancakes smothered in maple butter are the next best thing.

Clinton Street Baking Company, Burj Views, Downtown GF01
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
(+971) (0)4 428 1331, clintonstreetbaking.ae

Fraiche
Breakfast’s the most important meal of the day and you deserve to eat well, mamas! Fraiche prides itself on its low key fine dining experience and their entire menu has our mouths watering: think classics with a twist such as their Maryland Eggs Benedict (poached eggs and sauteed leeks on crab cakes, topped with basil hollandaise) or the Banana Bread Caramel French Toast which the kiddos will go nuts for. Breakfast doesn’t get much better than this.

Fraiche, Swiss Tower, Cluster Y, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai
(+971) (0)4 369 7821, www.fraiche.ae

Mo’s Diner
Kick off your weekend at this Manhattan-inspired eatery at Jumeirah’s CITYWALK development. With slick décor, a warm ambience, and a great kids menu, it will please the whole family! You wont be able to resist pinching a bite or two of the kids-size buttermilk pancakes – and if you are suffering from sleep deprivation (3am feeding session, anyone?), the generous pots of coffee will fuel you for the day ahead.

Mo’s Diner, Unit 1, Balcony Level, Building 3, Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai
(+971) (0)4 425 6677, caramelgroup.com

Roseleaf Cafe at Dubai Garden Centre 
There’s nothing that soothes an early start more than being surrounded by lots of lovely greenery (especially if you’ve had a big night mamas). The Roseleaf Café is a really sweet vintage style spot that serves yummy homemade cakes, delicious RAW coffee and tables dotted about in a greenhouse and in Dubai Garden Centre itself. A box of toys will keep your early risers occupied AND there are fish to go and see in the little aquarium just around the corner plus delish treats to bribe them with when you need a few minutes of peace and quiet.

Roseleaf Cafe, Dubai Garden Centre, Dubai
(+971) (0)56 644 9886, www.facebook.com/TheRoseleafCafe

Spill The Bean Cafe
This independent specialty coffee shop has been set up by Sassy Mama Ola Sinno and brews single origin coffees and supreme quality blends that are 100% Organic AND 100% Fair Trade. Clap, clap! But that’s not all, they also have a lovely selection of low fat, vegan and dairy free bites for brekkie and lunch plus loads of gluten-free cakes to enjoy. AND there’s a little room full of toys for the littles to rummage in, plus Sunset Mall is perfect for running about (or scooting) in while most people are still asleep. Definitely worth the trip.

Spill The Bean Cafe, 1st floor, Sunset Mall, Jumeira Road, Jumeira 3, Dubai
(+971) (0)4 338 8559, www.spillthebean.ae

The Change Initiative
No chance of boredom or empty calories here, as there are tasty wholesome dishes on the menu and kids over five can wander over to the store’s free play area, whilst youngsters can choose a few toys to bring into the café with them (after all, quiet babies and toddlers make for happy breakfasts!). When you’ve done eating, make sure to browse this packed store of environmentally friendly products (eco conscious mamas, get ready to shop) for everything from cleaning products to toys.

The Change Initiative, Al Barsha 1, Sheikh Zayed Road, near Ibis Hotel, opposite Wellington School – United Arab Emirates
(+971) (0)800 824, www.thechangeinitiative.com

The Pavilion Downtown Dubai
We love this urban cafe – be it as a place to set up the laptop and churn through masses of work over copious amounts of (very good) coffee, or a place to grab a bite with the fam (there’s a small kiddie area too mamas)! An indoor vertical garden wall offers a welcome splash of green when outdoors is so hot and out of bounds and the menu is jam packed with healthy food disguised as yummy options.

The Pavilion, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Dubai
(+971) (0)4 447 7025, www.facebook.com/thepaviliondubai

The Sum Of Us
Mmmm, is there anything better than a warm buttered slice of homemade sourdough bread? The Sum Of Us has a comfort menu inspired by all those good old family favourites, sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Their menu’s pretty international as well with pastries, breakfast ramen, patatas bravas and a delicious smashed avocado on toast with veal ham and poached eggs. Stick around for lunch and dinner as well, the menu’s a winner.

The Sum of Us, G/F. Burj Al Salam, 6th Street, Trade Centre
(+971) (0)56 445 7526, thesumofusdubai.com

The Surf Cafe
Breakfast in a surf shop? Why not! Especially if you fancy an early morning dip after a humongous and very delicious spread of granola, eggs with avocado plus smoothies galore. This place is a beaut – and brekkie is served until 2pm for all you later risers (we wish).

The Surf Cafe, Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai
(+971) (0)4 346 6292, www.thesurfcafedubai.com

Tom & Serg
Tom and Serg we salute you. Not only is everything on the menu completely yummy but the space is chilled and not intimidating at all for parents with energetic little people, there are books and toys to discover and the coffee is like rocket fuel (go for a mug of Magic; a drink with a magic ratio of 1:4 espresso to milk, the perfect antidote to early mornings with the kids). Watch out for the latest T&S venue to open in MOE soon mamas!

Tom & Serg, Al Joud Center, Al Quoz, Dubai
(+971) (0)56 474 6812, www.tomandserg.com

8.30am: Now this is a little more like it – we’re celebrating a bit more sleep with an enormous pile of pancakes…

Bystro
If Bystro’s gorgeous Mediterranean entrance doesn’t win you over, then their modern bistro menu will. With delish homemade breads, chutneys and more available, the big family pleaser is the Kid’s Corner where the tots will be able to entertain themselves while you and your other half catch up over a cup of Joe. It’s a pretty varied menu as well, with everything from Turkish Eggs to Huevos Rancheros – um, yes please.

Comptoir 102
If French kids don’t throw food then we’re getting our brood over for breakfast here. Owned by 2 very sassy French mamas, the menu is healthy (without you knowing it) and the setting completely gorgeous. There’s not much space for them to go wild in – and you definitely wouldn’t want sticky fingers all over the store merchandise – but we think (hope) that the calm environment and French foodie ways will rub off on the kiddos.

Comptoir 102, 102 Jumeirah Road, 102685 Dubai
(+971) (0)4 385 4555, comptoir102.com

The Farm
The Farm is something of a little oasis surrounded by greenery and a botanical garden, just a few minutes drive out of Dubai (at Al Barari, the place we dream of living on a daily basis). The menu includes ethically sourced ingredients that change with the seasons and include several gluten-free and vegan options that are healthy but yummy. This place gets mega busy so book before you visit.

The Farm, Al Barari, Dubai, (+971) (0)4 392 5660, thefarmdubai.com

So there you have it – breakfast is sorted. Now what to do for the rest of the day?!