Some of our favourite coffee shops from Beirut to Brussels

Coffee, coffee, coffee. Espresso, cappucino, mocha, flat white, we love you all. But let’s be honest, some put a smile on our faces more than others. Specialty coffeeshops, the perfect oat milk that pairs with the perfect bean blend, the small around-the-corner, owned by friendly people little cafe: to love our coffee it takes more than just what’s in the cup sometimes.


It’s very caffeinated that we’re taking you with us on the first part of a tour of our favourite places to enjoy this heavenly elixir.

By Cynthia Jreige

DUBAI

THE ESPRESSO LAB

Does this Dubai Design District gem need further introduction? If you like your coffee with loads of milk and sugar, this will not do it for you. A focus on the espresso, with a selection of single origins that change frequently, the espresso is acidic, served with a small glass of sparkling water. The purest way to truly inhale all the flavours and send your tastebuds to coffee heaven.
Locals and visitors have made of this place with very clean, minimal architecture a real success. To add some sweetness, pick one of their delicious pastries that balance perfectly the – on the stronger side – drink you’ll be served.



Other Dubai favourite:


AMONGST FEW CAFÉ – Try their iced coconut latte with coconut sorbet. We ask it without maple syrup and coconut milk.
WILD AND THE MOON – their homemade almond and coconut milk blend foams like a dessert for a cappuccino so voluptuous it could be your breakfast alone.
BATEEL – We love to just sit at Bateel for an espresso, served with a cold, fresh date. They both balance each other out perfectly.
LE GUÉPARD – Lactose intolerants rejoice: the soy milk cappuccino at Le Guepard in Alserkal is just right. The tastes blend greatly unlike many other soy cappuccinos.

BEIRUT

BACKBURNER – BEIRUT


Saifi Village’s Backburner truly is one of the best coffee destination in Beirut. Their savoir-faire translates into delicious drinks from their iced cappuccino to their incredible blue spirulina or charcoal latte in a modern chic ambiance where you can perfectly do a quick business meeting or read your morning newspaper. It is definitely pricey for the Lebanese capital but you won’t regret trying.


Other Beirut favourite:


CAFÉ YOUNES – The friendly staff, the coffee smell, the flourless chocolate cake. Stop by Café Younes to put a smile on your face.
KALEI – Kalei is more than just a coffee shop, it’s a place where people reunite, mingle, share the love of good coffee, interesting cocktails and good food.

PARIS

CAFE  COUTUME


A long time favourite of ours and one of the longest running of the family of new waves of coffeeshops in Paris, Café Coutume, especially the one on Rue de Babylone remains the spot where we enjoy grabbing our coffee, sharing a table, snacking on pancakes. Try the V60, chemex or aeropress. They have, since their beginnings, expended to other locations for our biggest pleasure.


Other Paris favourite:


TERRES DE CAFÉ – especially to buy the H3 Ethiopia espresso pods that is by far the best coffee pods on the market.
DREAMIN’MAN – a tiny coffee shop near Filles du Calvaires, owned by super friendly Japanese people. Great to mingle with people working in fashion, the arts, or that new chef all Paris is talking about.


Don’t miss:
Telescope, Cafe Lomi, Ten Belles.

Luxembourg

FLORENCE


Luxembourg’s latest specialty coffee shop is no other than small is size but major in taste and style, Florence, nestled on rue Adolphe Fisher. The vibes are cool, the staff super friendly and they serve Sproud, a pea protein milk that truly makes a huge difference in plant-based cappuccinos. Not just amazing coffees with a smile are served here, you can also purchase some carefully selected natural wines by local business Assemblages,  some delicious cashew-coconut spread by Luxembourg-based Nux Organics, some delicious chocolate tabs and even some trendy ceramics.


Other Luxembourg Favourite:


KNOPES- The real OG on the Luxembourgish coffee scene, Knopes is consistently good, and one of our top places to unwind in the city center or the Gare neighborhood. Truly passionate about coffee, the owner, a charming lady, will be more than happy to recommend what blend or beans are best for your tastes. The mocha and white iced mocha with oat milk are absolute winners. They also have seasonal drinks and a nice variety of goods you can purchase from coffee makers, grinders, but also chocolates, jams, or cups.
BLOOM – The perfect place for a quick bite with excellent coffee and the best vegan chocolate banana bread – ever – ! It’s also a cozy option to work away from home, with their inviting decor and big wooden tables.

BRUSSELS

BUDDY BUDDY


We absolutely love this place. First of all, its decor: wow. So beautifully architectured with warm colors. The friendly staff will be happy to guide you through their different drink options, some that include their delicious spreads (we are still dreaming about the hazelnut – praline – mocha limited edition) or just a simple good espresso that you can enjoy with one of their many gluten free and/or vegan pastries that are also exceptional. Best news? You can buy the spreads.


Other Brussels Favorite


CAFE DU SABLON – a central spot for one great coffee to go, or to enjoy on their terrace. Yummy treats available as well.
BELGA & CO – The Rue Du Bailli’s little gem that serves coffee as we like it – strong, acidic, in a warm atmosphere. They are also in Antwerp.

CLICK FOR MORE INFO


DUBAI

THE ESPRESSO LAB
WILD AND THE MOON
AMONGST FEW CAFE
BATEEL
LE GUÉPARD

BEIRUT

BACKBURNER
CAFÉ YOUNES
KALEI

PARIS

CAFÉ COUTUME
LOMI
TERRES DE CAFÉ
DREAMIN MAN
TEN BELLES

LUXEMBOURG

FLORENCE
KNOPES
BLOOM

BRUSSELS

BUDDY BUDDY
CAFÉ DU SABLON
BELGA & CO

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