A complete guide to the iconic roastery and café in the Al Quoz area. Learn how to watch the beans being roasted, choose your perfect drink, and why this place is a must-visit for every coffee enthusiast.
When you think of Dubai, images of glittering skyscrapers and luxurious shopping malls come to mind. But away from the glossy facade, in the creative heart of the industrial district of Al Quoz, among art galleries and avant-garde workshops, lies a true haven for coffee connoisseurs. This is RAW Coffee Company—a place that since 2007 has effectively created and led the specialty coffee culture throughout the Emirates. This article is your insider’s guide into the world of RAW. We’ll take you “behind the scenes,” from the buzzing roasting facility to your ideal cup of cappuccino, and tell you not only about the coffee but also about the unique atmosphere, unforgettable experience, and all the practical details that will help you plan your visit to this landmark spot.
Industrial chic and the soul of the coffee community
The first thing that strikes you about RAW is its scale and authenticity. Here, all stereotypes about small, cozy coffee shops are shattered. Instead, you enter a vast, vibrant, and breathing space housed in a repurposed industrial warehouse, where every element tells a story of love for coffee.
A design that tells a story
The interior here is an honest, uncompromising loft. Your gaze meets soaring ceilings adorned with a dense web of utilities, cool, textured concrete underfoot, and the aroma of freshly roasted coffee mingling subtly with faint hints of metal and wood. Nothing here tries to pretend to be something else, and nothing distracts from the main focus—coffee. The space’s standout feature is its complete openness. The café area seamlessly flows into a visible roasting workshop accessible to everyone. You can sit at a table, savoring a flat white, while simultaneously witnessing real magic: how green beans tumble and darken within a massive steel roaster with a measured hum, filling the air with a rich fragrance, and right there, behind the counter, baristas work like alchemists, conjuring wonders with scales, funnels, and tampers. An ordinary trip for coffee here transforms into an enthralling performance.
Design with purpose: The open space and visible roasting workshop aren't just decoration. This is the RAW philosophy, showcasing complete transparency of the process and allowing every guest to feel involved in creating coffee.
Atmosphere: from an oasis for freelancers to a hotspot for the creative crowd
The vibe at RAW changes throughout the day. In the morning, there’s a calm, focused atmosphere: freelancers and digital nomads work here to the soft hum of keyboards. Closer to lunchtime, and especially on weekends, the space fills with lively conversations—friends come for brunch, curious tourists drop by, and local creatives meet up. RAW has become a true meeting place for an international community of like-minded individuals. Here you’ll find expats, coffee-loving tourists, and representatives of creative professions, all united by a shared passion. Subtle lounge music and ever-changing exhibitions in the art gallery on the second floor only enhance this unique creative ambiance.
RAW’s main treasure: Coffee from bean to cup
The heart and soul of RAW Coffee Company is undoubtedly its exceptional-quality coffee. The company fully controls the entire journey, from the careful selection and purchase of green beans from farmers around the world to the meticulous roasting process and brewing right into your cup.
The Coffee menu—a guide to flavors from around the world
The coffee menu can satisfy both a newcomer and a seasoned connoisseur. Here you'll find perfectly crafted espresso-based classics, as well as a wide selection of alternative brewing methods such as V60, Chemex, or AeroPress, which allow you to uncover the most subtle flavor nuances of the beans. Estimated drink prices range from 18 AED for an espresso to 35 AED for filter coffee. The prices listed are indicative at the time of writing this guide; it's always a good idea to check the current menu on the RAW website. To pique your curiosity, here are a few examples from the selection: try the classic Ethiopia Yirgacheffe with its vibrant floral notes, or the rare Yemen Mokha with its rich chocolate profile. Special attention should be paid to limited-edition series, which offer a unique and unforgettable taste experience.
What you need to know: specialty coffee: If you see the 'specialty' label, know this: it's top-tier coffee. On the international SCA scale, it scores over 80 points out of 100, guaranteeing a clean, rich flavor without defects. RAW works exclusively with such beans.
Food and desserts: the perfect complement
The food menu at RAW is deliberately kept concise, serving as the ideal accompaniment to the star of the show—coffee. There are no complicated hot dishes here, but rather items that perfectly complement your cup. Among the undisputed hits that any regular will eagerly tell you about are the famous banana bread (moist, dense, with a crispy crust and a caramel aftertaste), an incredibly tender carrot cake topped with creamy frosting, and simple yet perfectly assembled fresh sandwiches.
For foodies to note: focus on coffee: When planning your visit, keep in mind that RAW is primarily a coffee shop, not a restaurant. If you're looking for a full meal with hot dishes, this might not be the right choice for you. However, it's an ideal spot for a coffee break with dessert.
Planning your visit to RAW Coffee Company: A practical guide
Now that you've been inspired by RAW's atmosphere and aromas, here's all the practical information you'll need to plan the perfect trip to this coffee haven.
How to get there and where to park
The coffee shop is located in the industrial and art district of Al Quoz, which lies off the main tourist routes. You can reach it in several ways:
- By Metro: The nearest station is ONPASSIVE (red line). From there, you'll need to walk about 15–20 minutes or take a taxi for just a couple of minutes. This is a great option for budget-conscious travelers.
- By Taxi: The easiest and most convenient way. A ride from Dubai Mall will cost approximately 20–30 AED—of course, adjusted for traffic and dynamic pricing during peak hours.
- By car: A huge advantage of RAW is its own free parking right at the entrance, which is quite rare for popular venues in Dubai.
Best time to visit
The best time depends on the purpose of your visit:
- For work: If you want to work in a calm and productive atmosphere, come on a weekday morning.
- For socializing: For meeting friends, it’s better to choose the afternoon or weekends, but be prepared for the fact that it can get quite crowded at these times.
How to feel like one of the locals: cuppings and tours: Want to get the most out of your experience? Check the possibility of joining public tastings (cuppings) or tours of the roasting facility. This is a unique opportunity to dive into the world of coffee guided by professionals.
RAW Coffee Company: For whom this experience will be the main discovery in Dubai
If you thought RAW Coffee Company was just a place to drink coffee, you were mistaken. It’s a full-fledged center of coffee culture, a must-visit stop on the itinerary of anyone who wants to see a different, non-touristy, and truly vibrant Dubai.
Who will definitely enjoy it here:
- True coffee connoisseurs who seek impeccable taste and are ready to experiment.
- Curious travelers eager to discover an authentic, creative, and unpretentious side of Dubai.
- Freelancers and creative professionals looking for an inspiring space for work and meetings.
What to keep in mind:
- The food menu is limited to light snacks, baked goods, and desserts.
- On weekends and during lunch hours, it can get noisy and crowded here.
- Located in Al Quoz, it requires a dedicated trip—it’s not a place you can simply drop by on the way.
Visiting RAW is an investment in genuine experiences. It’s a chance to discover a different Dubai—one that’s creative, authentic, and incredibly aromatic. After all, it’s right here, amid the hum of the roaster and the conversations of passionate people, far from touristy glitz, that you’ll truly feel the pulse of its real, vibrant culture.
Comments