Around The Block cafe is an easygoing, community-minded coffee haunt where specialty brews(Matcha lovers should make a point to visit them) and globally inspired comfort dishes set a relaxed, welcoming tone. The home grown cafe has recently opened its latest store at Nad Al Sheba Mall with interiors of Neutral tones and a touch of minimalism. It’s airy, calm, and ideal for a soft chatter.
The first coffee we tried was the Iced vanilla cold foam. This is one of those drinks that’s simple but incredibly well done. The vanilla cold foam wasn’t overpowering. It added just enough flavor to elevate the coffee. You still get the boldness of the coffee underneath, but the cold foam adds that touch of indulgence that makes it feel special. The layering was beautiful too. It’s important to stir at first otherwise you end up sipping the sweetness resting underneath. This drink is highly recommended for cold coffee enthusiasts.
There’s something quietly powerful about a well made cup of matcha. It’s not loud like espresso or overly sweet like flavored lattes. It’s earthy, complex, and grounding. And if you’re on the hunt for a truly good one in Dubai, Around The Block Cafe might just be your next go to. Our hot matcha latte was just a vibrant green latte with a soft, velvety surface that hinted at quality. The flavor was rich and grassy, with just the right amount of bitterness to let the matcha speak for itself.
The white brew was lighter in body but still rich in flavor. It’s a signature drink here, made with their carefully brewed single origin coffee and topped with a creamy, velvety layer of milk. Served chilled and usually in a clear glass. The texture is what really elevates it. Silky, light, and refreshing. Light enough for warm afternoons, but rich enough to feel like a treat. It gives you that caffeine boost without the intensity of an espresso or the weight of a heavy latte.
Breakfast is definitely exciting here. It’s the kind of place where you expect creativity, so when we spotted Meshawa Twist on the menu, I knew I had to try it. The same tangy, spicy, crispy Oman chips that defined every childhood school break, paired with a smooth cream cheese, all tucked inside a flaky, buttery croissant shell. The cream cheese softened the kick, making each bite feel indulgent while the Oman chips stayed crisp inside, offering that spicy-salty snap with every bite. It’s like a grown-up version of your childhood snack, wearing a designer jacket. It’s playful, bold, and local at heart. It takes you back while pushing your palate forward.
The cinnamon roll was soft and fluffy. But the real star was the cream cheese frosting on it. It was thick, silky, and irresistible. It slowly blended into the roll as I ate, turning each bite into a little moment of joy. The ATB french toast is a crowd pleaser. A thick slab of golden French toast, beautifully caramelized on the edges, like they’d just come off a hot skillet. The toast itself had that perfect custardy middle, buttery crust. Every bite was indulgent. The maple syrup tied it all together with that earthy sweetness that made it feel like a proper morning treat.
There’s something about pancakes that instantly puts you in a good mood especially when they’re made with a little extra love and ricotta. The pancake itself was thick, golden. The ricotta gave it this beautiful, soft texture that was lighter than usual pancake but still rich and satisfying. The sliced banana was caramelized, adding a mellow sweetness and a bit of contrast to the creaminess of the pancake. Honey butter brought a silky, sweet depth that pulled everything together. Soft, fluffy and subtly sweet with ingredients that shine on their own.
Click here to visit the official website. Click pictures below to see them in full screen view: