Cooler season is upon us, which means one thing: it’s time to take your coffee back outside. Maybe you want a post-run flat white on Kite Beach, a sunset sip at JBR or a slow breakfast on the Palm. Either way, Dubai’s coastline is lined with brilliant beachside cafes where the views are every bit as good as the brews.

Here are 8 brilliant beachfront cafes in Dubai to try this season.

Right on the sand at Kite Beach, Good Life is the kind of low-key spot to wander to on your stroll, run or swim on Kite Beach for a rewarding yet healthy treat. The menu keeps things fresh and light, with salads, wraps, toasted sandwiches and smoothies, plus a good selection of gluten-free cakes and vegan desserts for the sweet-toothed. Grab a seat outside facing the water, order a cappuccino and soak up the laidback vibes.

Where: Kite Beach, Umm Suqeim 1
Visit: @goodlifeuae

Dubai’s much-loved homegrown cafe is found in key locations across the city, from Dubai Hills to JBR, but the colourful beachfront outpost on Kite Beach is a buzzy beachfront address to make weekend plans around. Coffee comes courtesy of Encounter Coffee Roasters, while the menu leans wholesome – think acai bowls, protein-packed banana porridge, smashed avo and ricotta on toast and the ever-popular chicken avo wrap. It’s all outdoor seating here, so grab a table and watch the runners, cyclists and kitesurfers roll past as you sip. Early risers, take note: doors open at 5am.

Location: Kite Beach, Jumeirah 3
Visit: @_common.grounds_

For bites, sips and shisha on JBR, residents and tourists alike flock to Smoky Beach. One of the few spots at The Beach, JBR that’s right on the sand, Smoky Beach is open from late afternoon, and the laidback, alcohol-free lounge offers front-row views across to Bluewaters and Ain Dubai. The menu goes well beyond coffee, with mocktails, fresh juices, sushi rolls, sliders and waffles on offer. Deep house sets the soundtrack, and it runs late into the night, so this is one for an evening hangout.

Location: The Beach, JBR
Visit: @smokybeachdxb

ALSO READ: 40 amazing cafes and coffee shops in Dubai

Part cafe, part second-hand bookshop, BookHero sits on the corner of Umm Suqeim Park, just across from the beach, so while it’s not quite toes-in-the-sand, it’s worth a mention for the gorgeous Burj Al Arab view from the rooftop deck. Browse shelves of preloved fiction, non-fiction and kids’ books (most priced at Dhs10 to Dhs20), then settle in with your favourite brew. It also hosts open-mic nights, workshops and book talks, so there’s always something going on.

Location: Umm Suqeim Park, Umm Suqeim
Visit: @bookherodubai

Emirati-born Roasters has become a city-wide caffeine go-to, but its Emaar Beachfront branch is the one to bookmark for sea views. Expect 100 per cent Arabica speciality coffee brewed every way, from espresso and V60 pour-overs to cold brew, alongside an all-day breakfast menu that’s made for lingering. It’s a pet-friendly spot too, so bring the dog along after your morning walk and settle in for a slow, sunny start with the sea breeze for company.

Location: Emaar Beachfront, Dubai Harbour
Visit: @roasterscoffee_dxb

Morn Brew landed on Kite Beach last year and quickly became a fixture for the flip-flops-and-flat-white crowd. The bright, minimal space opens right onto the sand. The drinks list covers all the classics plus a few curveballs: the matcha latte is a winner, while the Lotus cloud is basically dessert in a cup. Hungry? Keep an eye on their Instagram account for the upcoming fitness classes and running clubs that are well worth the early alarm.

Location: Kite Beach, Jumeirah 3
Visit: @mornbrewdxb

One of the newest arrivals on Dubai’s beach cafe scene, Tino has set up at the new Jumeirah 1 beach, and it’s made for morning routines. It’s an easy stop for a coffee or refreshing sip, perfectly placed for a stroll along the sand afterwards. With Burj Khalifa on the horizon and a quieter stretch of beach on your doorstep, it’s a lovely alternative to the busier Kite Beach buzz. While Tino has opened first, there’s set to be a couple more coffee pit-stops added to this enclave of Mercato Beach soon.

Location: Mercato Beach, Jumeirah 1
Visit: @tinodubai

Healthy food brand SOIL has set up on the sand at Kite Beach, and it’s made for a post-run refuel. The menu is all about protein-forward bites, from coconut or peanut butter oats protein cups to an almond yoghurt crunch cup with granola. There’s protein froyo and sandwiches too. Wash it down with a speciality coffee, iced matcha or protein shake, then carry on with your beach stroll. Handily, it’s open from 7am till late.

Location: Kite Beach, Jumeirah 3
Visit: @soilstore

Images: Instagram