Wind tower, old-fashioned air con
Basta Art Café
On our very first day in Dubai, we discovered Basta Art Café across the street from our hotel and loved it instantly. There was even a cafe cat. In a courtyard of an old wind tower, Basta is located in the Old Bastakiya quarter, close to Dubai Creek.
It seemed to be an expat hangout, so not that local, but very child-friendly. We popped by almost every day, trying new things most of the time (‘cept Alex who kept ordering pancakes with strawberries). Their Arabic breakfast is great, with tea, white cheese, greens, tomatoes, Arabic bread, honey and a delicious, slightly salty yogurt. In fact, I want some right now!
Just as delicious any time of day, is their drinks selection, with Moroccan mint tea and fabulous juices. Here’s our favourite:
Funny-looking, but delicious lime and mint juice; tastes like a non-alcoholic mojito
Shakespeare & Co
On our last day, we happened to pass Shakespeare & Co in The Village on Jumeirah Road. Thinking it was a branch of the great Parisian book shop, I decided to stop by for a quick look. Instead, it turned out to be a restaurant/patisserie/flower shop, fabulously decorated in a turn-of-the-century, very opulent style. We only had time for ice creams on the large airy terrace.
Around us, by the potted trees and the fountain, others were lounging in the comfortable cushioned wicker sofas, smoking sheesha. Ahh, next time. Sans kids.
This is part of DeliciousBaby’s PhotoFriday series. Have a look at other great photos here.
Looks like a great place to be hanging out, local or not. I do like breakfast in the mediterranean, nothing close to sugared cereal here. Just fresh good stuff.
@Lora – Yeah. Has something to do with the pace of life, I think.
My husband just got back to Dubai and said it’s very kid friendly. Hope we get a chance to visit someday and try out your favorite cafe!
@Bridget: Dubai is very child friendly. Both my daughters want to go back. I suspect Dubai’s creative shopping malls are involved in that desire somehow
Sans kids?
@Alli: Ok, sans kids under legal sheesha smoking age then …
Both places sound like great discoveries…bookmarking this in case we are ever in Dubai.
@Lucia: They are. Wouldn’t mind hanging about in Basta for a bit right now – with a laptop and a glass of green juice.
Just what I needed to know for my upcoming trip to Dubai.
Inka, you travel all the time, you lucky girl you!
Spennende !!
tvi tvi og en god klem til deg !!!
Reidun
Tusen takk, Reidun – og klem til deg også.
ooh, i wish I’d had this list when i was there in February! nice pics too
You know, I’ve been to Basta – it’s in that garden right by the museum, right?
Both look like great spots to relax. I would love to try the breakfast. That yogurt sounds delicious.
Nice post Sophie,
The non-alcoholic mojito looks very refreshing.
Jason
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