In Dubai, where restaurants open and close at lightning speed, a new gastronomic religion has emerged. Its main commandment is that food shouldn't just be delicious—it must be dazzlingly beautiful. In this world of perfectly crafted avocado toast and desserts resembling art objects, establishments become stages, and guests turn into food bloggers eager to share their next masterpiece on social media.
Visual gastronomy in Dubai: In an environment of fierce competition, it's often "Instagrammability"—from interior design to food presentation—that becomes the decisive factor, transforming an ordinary café into a pilgrimage site.
And on this stage, there's one undisputed star: Brunch & Cake. The concept, born in sunny Barcelona, has found its second home in Dubai and has become a true landmark. This isn't just a place to grab breakfast; it's a full-fledged experience you'll remember for a long time—and will surely capture in hundreds of photos. Let's explore what makes Brunch & Cake so magical, what you should try first, and how to plan your visit for perfection.
Atmosphere: Barcelona boho-chic under the Dubai sun
Brunch & Cake is a factory of good vibes. The main philosophy of the establishment is to bring guests pure, unadulterated joy, and you can feel it in every detail. On weekdays, there's a relaxed, almost home-like atmosphere here. But be prepared: on weekends, especially during peak hours from 10:00 to 14:00, the café transforms into a buzzing hive filled with laughter, conversations, and the clicking of cameras.
The interior, created by Rady Interior, is a true embodiment of boho-chic style. Thanks to the panoramic windows, the space is literally bathed in light. Natural materials dominate the décor—light wood and rattan—while the color palette is built around delicate, powdery shades of beige, pink, and mint. Comfort is enhanced by plush sofas, cushions, live plants in woven pots, macramé decor, and, of course, those iconic hanging swing chairs—the venue's main photo spot.
Kitchen philosophy: The creators describe their approach with the phrase 'Grandma's kitchen, but with a twist.' They draw inspiration from childhood favorites, giving them a bold modern interpretation and fantastically stunning presentation.
Menu: When food is an art
Bestsellers that took Instagram by storm
The menu at Brunch & Cake rests on three pillars: giant portions, the freshest ingredients, and, most importantly, breathtaking presentation. Every dish here is a work of food art, one you’ll first want to gaze at and photograph for a long time before even tasting it. Although the entire menu deserves attention, there are a few items that have become true legends:
- Breakfasts: Absolute hits include Eggs Benedict (69 AED) in several signature variations and the iconic Avocado Toast (62 AED) served on artisan bread, generously adorned with berries and edible flowers.
- Pancakes and Desserts: The café’s hallmark offering is incredibly fluffy Brownie Pancakes (59 AED). If you’re in the mood for cake, opt for the delicate Milk Cake or the decadent Millionaire's Cake.
- Beverages: Besides classic coffee options, be sure to try the signature Spanish Latte (32 AED) or one of the vibrant fresh-squeezed juices (from 36 AED).
The café also caters to guests with special dietary preferences. You’ll find vegan desserts on the menu (such as “Vegan Cookie Dough” for 29 AED), gluten-free pancakes (“Gluten-free Pancakes” for 64 AED), and a wide selection of vegetarian dishes.
The price tag: how much does the "wow factor" cost?
The main question everyone wonders before their first visit: what are the prices? Let's be frank: the prices at Brunch & Cake are above average for Dubai cafés. The average bill per person for a hearty breakfast with a drink easily comes to 100–130 AED.
Is this price justified? Guests' opinions are divided. Some are convinced that the huge portions, the quality of ingredients, the unique presentation, and the atmosphere itself are worth every dirham—they're paying for a complete experience. Others believe that the cost, especially for drinks and desserts, includes an "Instagram markup."
To help you form your own opinion, here's a brief price comparison.
| Item | Brunch & Cake (AED) | Common Grounds (AED) | The Sum of Us (AED) | Jones the Grocer (AED) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eggs Benedict | 69 | 65 | 68 | 70 |
| Avocado Toast | 62 | 57 | 54 | 60 |
| Cappuccino | 32 | 22 | 21 | 24 |
| Orange Juice | 36 | 28 | 29 | 30 |
Data valid as of November 2025.
Plan your budget: High prices are the most common topic in reviews. When planning your visit, be prepared for the bill to be higher than at other popular breakfast spots in Dubai.
Your visit: Addresses, parking, and useful tips
How to get there and where to park (Location Wasl 51)
- By public transport: The nearest metro station is World Trade Centre (Red Line). From there, it's about a 7-minute taxi ride to the café (2.5 km). The closest bus stop is Wasl Road 1 (routes No. 12, 15, 93, 98E), from which it's just a 3-5 minute walk to the café.
- By car: Guests of the Wasl 51 complex have access to free underground parking (don’t forget to validate your ticket at the café). Valet parking is also available (around 20 AED), as well as RTA street parking in zone 337C (4 AED/hour).
- By taxi: Approximate fares from key areas:
- DXB Airport: 45–55 AED.
- Dubai Mall: 20–25 AED.
- Dubai Marina: 60–70 AED.
Visiting rules and useful tips
- Reservations: It’s best to book a table in advance on weekends and holidays, especially for larger groups. On weekdays, you can come without a reservation, but be prepared to wait a bit in line.
- Dress code: Casual or smart casual. Shorts are perfectly acceptable for men during the day.
- Children: The café is family-friendly and offers high chairs for young guests.
- Smoking: Smoking is strictly prohibited indoors. An open terrace is designated for smokers. There is no hookah service at the venue.
- Pets: Small dogs are welcome on the terrace.
- Accessibility: The venue is equipped with ramps for wheelchair users and has a dedicated accessible restroom.
Amenities and services
Guests are provided with free Wi-Fi, but many reviews mention that access is time-limited (up to 2 hours). This makes the café less than ideal for long work sessions with a laptop. There are also only a few outlets by the tables, so make sure to arrive with fully charged devices.
However, the service at Brunch & Cake is something almost everyone praises. The staff is described as friendly, quick, and thoroughly familiar with the menu. The waiters are always ready to assist with your choices and do everything possible to ensure your comfort.
Guests' verdict and position on the gastronomic scene
Awards and reviews
An interesting fact: despite its phenomenal popularity, Brunch & Cake doesn't chase accolades. The café hasn't yet been featured in prestigious guides like Michelin or Gault&Millau. Its reputation is built not on critics' ratings, but solely on guests' affection and the powerful word-of-mouth effect on social media.
- Google Maps: Average rating of 4.5 out of 5 (based on over 2,500 reviews).
- TripAdvisor: Average rating of 4.5 out of 5 (based on approximately 320 reviews).
Brunch & Cake compared to competitors
Brunch & Cake has confidently carved out its niche. While competitors focus on specialty coffee, minimalism, or farm-to-table products, this café has concentrated on one thing—creating the ultimate visual "wow" effect.
| Criterion | Brunch & Cake | Common Grounds | The Sum of Us | Jones the Grocer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concept | Photogenic breakfasts and desserts, a "wow factor" | Australian coffee culture, healthy menu | Artisan coffee shop and bakery, bistro | Delicatessen, gourmet foods, family-friendly café |
| Price Level | High | Medium | Medium | Medium+ |
| Atmosphere | Bright, boho-chic, lively | Minimalist, urban, dynamic | Stylish, intimate, artisanal | Family-oriented, cozy, business-like |
| Key Differentiator | Maximum emphasis on the visual aesthetics of dishes and interiors | Focus on specialty coffee quality | In-house production (roasting, baking) | Café + delicatessen store format |
To go or not to go: who will enjoy Brunch & Cake?
The success of Brunch & Cake is a perfect storm of quality cuisine and a viral concept designed for the social media age. This place doesn't just sell food—it sells an emotion, a celebration that you immediately want to share with the whole world.
The key to success: Brunch & Cake has flawlessly captured the global trend toward 'visual' gastronomy. Here, the beauty of presentation and the photogenic interior are as integral a part of the product as the taste of the dishes themselves.
Why you should definitely stop by:
- You're looking for the perfect shot: This is a Mecca for those who want to create vibrant and memorable content for their social media.
- You love delicious food in generous portions: You’ll enjoy hearty servings, creative recipes, and fresh, high-quality ingredients.
- You need a mood boost: A stylish interior, plenty of sunshine, and friendly service are guaranteed to leave you feeling positive.
When it’s better to choose somewhere else:
- You’re on a tight budget: Prices here are noticeably higher than the city average.
- You don’t like noise and bustle: During peak hours, be prepared for queues and a rather lively atmosphere.
- You plan to get some work done: Wi-Fi limitations make the café less than ideal for working on your laptop.
Bottom line: Brunch & Cake is a must-visit for tourists seeking vibrant experiences, Instagram foodies, and anyone who wants to treat themselves to a little celebration. However, if you’re traveling on a limited budget, looking for tranquility, or need a spot for a business meeting, you might want to consider other options.
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