Gallery-hopping is a great way to enjoy a mix of artwork around town but it can also be a tiring adventure, especially in the summer months. Fortunately, several art spaces in Dubai feature little café areas and vice versa various coffee shops have art on display and some even encourage their customers to be creative. Explore gives you a round-up of spaces where art is on the menu.
Café Ceramique
This café is part restaurant part workshop where adults and children get a chance to unleash their artistic talent on a variety of earthenware — from crockery to sculpture. Pick any of the objects lined up on shelves, grab a paintbrush and create an object to display or a gift. Alternatively, take a look at the menu and choose from a range of breakfasts, bagels, sandwiches and desserts, plus a range of gourmet coffees and exotic beverages. The laid-back ambience makes it an entertaining venue for kids.
- Where: Town Centre, Jumeirah, and Dubai Festival City
- Timings: 9am-midnight, daily
- www.cafeceramique.com
Courtyard Gallery & Café
A spacious modern art gallery, with oriental architecture providing a rich mix of contemporary art and traditional design, the Courtyard Gallery & Café combines a rich selection of international art with a stylish cultural hangout. Its café is a nice space to relax in a creative atmosphere and enjoy a meal.
- Where: Street 6, Al Quoz 3
- Timings: 10am-6pm Saturday to Sunday
- www.courtyardgallerydubai.com
The Jamjar
The gallery exhibits contemporary art from emerging local talent and international artists. It has a combined concept of an urban DIY studio and Art Gallery. Each third Thursday of the month, it holds a live art event, Sketch, providing a platform for local artists to interact with their peers and meet potential customers. The gallery has a little counter area serving coffee/tea, soft beverages and nibbles.
- Where: St. 17a Comm 368, Al Quoz (behind Dubai Garden Centre)
- Timings: 10am to 8pm Saturday to Thursday, 2-8pm Friday
- www.thejamjardubai.com
Basta Art Café
An ideal stop if exploring the Bastakiya area in Bur Dubai, this leafy courtyard café in a traditional wind-tower building has a loyal local following. Head there for Basta Specials (fresh lime and mint juice) and big salads — the grilled haloumi, asparagus and mixed lettuce combo is a popular one. They also do breakfasts and offer a healthy kids' menu. Each dish has a description of the mineral and vitamin content, besides the calorie count. Enjoy a lazy afternoon in the dappled sunlight, browse through artworks that line the walls or look through handicrafts and jewellery in the gift shop.
- Where: Bastakiya, Bur Dubai
- Timings: 8am to 10pm daily
- Tel: 04-353 5071
XVA Gallery
The art at XVA Gallery in Bastakiya has attracted loads of visitors for the art on display since its opening but the food is what makes them return. Located in a lovely central courtyard, the café is surrounded by art rooms filled with a variety of contemporary paintings, sculptures, art installations and jewellery crafted by local and international artists. It serves freshly prepared vegetarian food including delicious salads, soups and sandwiches (the magaloumi and roasted vegetables are tasty). For those with a sweet tooth there is an array of ice-creams, plus a refreshing mint lemonade.
- Where: Bastakiya, Bur Dubai
- Timings: 9am to 7pm Saturday to Thursday
- www.xvagallery.com
More Café
More Café supports creativity and the arts. The café has always been a venue for aspiring artists to display their work. At any given time across six locations throughout Dubai, there might be up to 20 artists' works being displayed, showcasing a variety of different mediums. The café has also recently seen the arrival of the travelling art bus organised by The Jamjar. Guests visit More Café for lunch as part of their Dubai art trail. The open kitchen, communal spaces and distinct use of purple all contribute to the warm ambience of this café and the extensive menu offers an infusion of modern and international cuisines.
- Where: Al Murooj, Al Garhoud, Gold and Diamond Park, Festival City Promenade, The Dubai Mall, Mirdif City Centre
- Timings: Daily (check individual branch for timings)
- www.morecafe.biz
