1 Jones the Grocer
Branches of this Australian café are packed on a weekend morning with hungry families looking for breakfast. Eggs are the hero of an excellent breakfast menu, with smoked salmon Florentine, a traditional English fry-up, chickpea shakshouka and a Persian feta omelette. Don’t eat bread? Trade it out with an excellent sweet potato, avocado and eggs dish.
Locations across the UAE, jonesthegrocer.com.
2 Parker’s
The chances of finding a breakfast menu in the UAE (or anywhere in the world, for that matter) that lacks avocado toast are slim to none. The ubiquitous green fruit’s star shows no sign of waning – and although we’re aware that ordering it is not savvy shopping, we can’t help but resist it when dining out. And Parker’s’ version is absolutely worth it. A former Highly Commended winner in the best breakfast category at Time Out Dubai’s Restaurant Awards, we love the tropical, tasty açai bowls and variety of egg options. Sweet tooth? Opt for the chocolate brownie-topped pancakes and prepare to have a nap later on.
Various locations including The Dubai Mall, Dubai (056 525 1497); Umm Al Emarat Park, Abu Dhabi (050136 9166).
3 Raw by Nolu’s
Nestled next to Abu Dhabi’s Al Seef Mall and mere metres away from two gyms, the healthier branch of Nolu’s has managed to bag a perfect location. While many might just call in for a post-workout smoothie to go, we like to take a seat in the cosy indoor area or on the sunny terrace, and start our day with some of the wholesome breakfast options. The edamame explosion toast is exceptionally tasty, and something a bit different to your usual eggs and bread. If you’ve never tried edamame hummus before, well be prepared to have your mind blown. It’s joined by poached egg, sunflower seeds and tomatoes and layered on a chia seed bagel.
Al Seef Village, Khalifa Park area (02 444 8080).
4 Stomping Grounds
If you’re looking for top places for breakfast in Dubai, you can’t do better than Stomping Grounds. Officially the best breakfast in Dubai, the options at this cool, popular café in Dubai’s Jumeirah are vast, and range from bruschetta benedict to lobster benedict, but the winner in our eyes is the cold porridge. Loads of the breakfast dishes are served all day, so if you fancy pancakes for lunch or loaded waffles for dinner, you can. There are also loads of tasty salads, sandwiches (don’t miss the toasties) and more. And of course special mention has to go to the coffee. The very best breakfast restaurant in Dubai.
Jumeirah 1, Dubai, www.stompingrounds.ae (04 344 4451).
5 tashas
With a gorgeous location at Al Bateen marina, there’s very often a wait for a table at the Abu Dhabi branch of this popular South African café (and expect one at Dubai branches, too). There’s a no reservation policy, but your patience will certainly be rewarded with a long list of healthy and tasty breakfast dishes. We often go for the mariachi eggs to kick off our day with a bit of fire and colour. Scrambled eggs are mixed with chilli, avocado, parmesan, spring onions and tomatoes, and served with warm tortillas. There’s also cooked breakfasts with bacon and sausages, omelettes, açai bowls and delightful brioche French toast. You’ll want to return every weekend.
Various locations including Al Marsa, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi (02 445 0890); The Galleria, Al Wasl Road, Dubai, tashascafe.com (04 385 5500).
