Searching for the best cafes in Dahab? Then look no further. My cafe guide includes all of my favourites which I highly recommend and have personally visited multiple times!
When I first visited Dahab three years ago, I remember being amazed at the number of cafes in town. Especially after travelling around the country and drinking red Nescafe for the previous two weeks!
We’re absolutely spoiled for choice here with speciality coffee, European brunch dishes, coworking spots, cakes and desserts, and beachfront locations. And I have to admit that this is one of the main reasons that I stayed there for such a long time.
What makes Dahab so great is the number of independent, locally owned cafes instead of chains. I also love that every time I come back to Dahab there is a new cafe to try! Each coffee shop has its own unique style, serves homemade cakes and most importantly, some great espresso.
Whether you’re a coffee lover like me, a digital nomad looking to work on your laptop for a couple of hours or searching for brunch and dessert, there’s a cafe for you.
Where Dahab’s Best Cafes Are Located
There are wonderful cafes found all throughout the town, and they are all easily accessible by walking or Dahab-style, by riding a bicycle.
13 Best Cafes in Dahab
As well as serving coffee and cakes, most cafes in Dahab serve a menu that covers all three daily meals and some even come complete with sunbeds along the waterfront and operate as all-day hangouts for divers, backpackers and locals from sunrise to sunset.
Considering the remote location, the variety on offer in Dahab is definitely impressive, with most menus including vegan-friendly dishes and alternative milks. Although gluten-free diets might struggle here in Egypt!
I’ve personally visited and carefully chosen every single cafe on this list and I genuinely love them all for different reasons. I recommend each place based on the quality of the coffee, cakes and food, location and atmosphere, and if they’re suitable for remote work.
Heads Up: Most places here are still cash only, not all places have bathrooms or tissue, WiFi can be temperamental, service is casual and smoking is allowed indoors.
1. Coffee Wheel
Location: North Lighthouse.
Opening times: 9am – 9pm
Order: A flat white with banana bread.
Looking to drink coffee directly on the sandy beach and embrace the slow life in Dahab? Then this no-frills wooden waterfront place is the coffee shop for you.
Although I’ll admit I didn’t like this place when I first arrived in Dahab. The workers’ friends were always served before customers and the smell of drugs was overpowering.
However, I gave it a second chance and it has quickly become my favourite place for a slow morning. The sleepy atmosphere before the afternoon tunes was always tranquil, and I had first pick of deck chairs in the sun or bench seating in the shade.
Service is still relaxed but if you’re looking to drink a quality coffee steps from the shore, then nowhere compares to here. It can fill up quickly so the time of day you visit will totally affect your experience!
The coffee here steals the show but they also make fantastic chocolate shakes and sahlab (a warm fruit yoghurt drink). They don’t serve any food but they sometimes have cheesecake, banana bread and cacao balls on offer.
To match the rustic and unrefined vibe, there’s no WiFi or real tables which helps to keep away most of the digital nomad crowd, making it the perfect escape to read a book for an hour or two or the perfect spot to meet friends
2. Coffee & Cotton
Location: Steps from Lighthouse promenade.
Opening times: 7.30am – 8pm
Order: An ocean latte, a carrot cake smoothie bowl and one of their homemade cakes.
With a bright and aesthetically pleasing interior, Coffee & Cotton easily serves the best coffee in the tourist heart of Lighthouse. This is also the only spot in Dahab that I would describe as clean, modern, fresh and with a third-wave coffee shop aesthetic.
Now in a brand new location just around the corner from where it used to be, this larger and brighter space really stands out. It’s also not something you’d expect to see in a remote town like Dahab.
Featuring on-street seating, spacious tables with power sockets upstairs, and a balcony, there are plenty of seating options for meeting friends, escaping the heat or doing remote work.
This could be an incredible digital nomad cafe but they recently introduced a minimum spend of 200 EGP per hour (after your first hour) and I’m not sure I could eat or drink that much!
The drinks selection is excellent with a focus on high-quality coffee, herbal teas and fresh juices. Make sure to try the iced ocean latte or mango matcha latte! There are also plenty of contemporary all-day breakfast and sandwich options, including stacks of fluffy fruit pancakes, homemade carrot cake granola bowls, and filling toasted sandwiches.
I love an aesthetic, heavy and expensive-feeling mug and Coffee & Cotton really outshines every other cafe in Dahab with their minimalist artisan ceramic cups. It feels like I could be sitting in Cairo’s Zamalek or Maadi!
This quickly became my go-to spot to grab a takeaway cappuccino in Lighthouse, thanks to being conveniently located at the entrance to the promenade. It also has my favourite people-watching spot up on the balcony.
Lucy’s Recommendation: Try one of their unique cakes such as a date cake, lemon cheesecake, vegan avocado chocolate cake or a peanut butter energy ball.
3. Sarda Cafe
Location: North Assalah.
Opening times: Early until late.
Order: A flat white and one of their stone-baked pizzas.
One of my absolute favourite cafes in Dahab is Sarda. Located in the quiet northern part of Assalah, this beachfront cafe is my top spot for sunbathing with one of Dahab’s best flat whites!
Sarda is also home to potentially the best pizza in town!
One reason I love it here is the variety of outdoor seating options, whether you want a waterfront lounger, shaded couches, communal floor seating or an indoor bamboo chair.
The raised seating area has the perfect vantage point to look out over the incredible turquoise water.
Lucy’s Recommendation: Arrive early if you want to claim a waterfront lounger as they go fast!
I spent so many of my weekends here, enjoying something from their fresh and wholesome menu and then heading straight into the water for a swim before lying back on the sunbeds to soak up the sun.
Food prices are slightly on the higher side, but with the quality and the beachfront location, it’s hard to complain. The all-day menu is really diverse too and covers all three meals, but make sure to try the caramel fried banana pancakes or homemade pizza!
However, this isn’t the place to come if you’re looking for a cake to accompany your coffee, but more often than not they include some free dates with my drink.
I also love that they don’t play loud music but try to keep a calm and peaceful atmosphere.
There is WiFi too which I found it surprisingly fast, although when I worked inside at one of the tables, the beautiful view did make it hard to concentrate!
4. Khemah
Location: Northern end of El Mamsha, Lighthouse.
Opening times: 9am – 12am
Order: A cappuccino, a strawberry milkshake, and the beef potato tagine.
This unassuming spot quickly became my favourite cafe with a sea view and ‘proper tables’.
I can’t believe how many times I walked past this cafe on the corner without stopping to even check the menu!
I was really impressed with the fantastic coffee, rich and creamy thickshakes, calm atmosphere, comfortable tables and chairs (perfect for working)and the warm service.
The open-front cafe sits directly opposite the Lighthouse reef on the northern end of El Mamsha and has stunning, wide open views along the coastline. It’s not directly on the shoreline but is set facing it, which creates a great raised vantage point.
They have a billowing canvas roof which allows plenty of fresh air on hot days and it’s in the perfect location to watch the snorkellers and windsurfers while also being protected from the strong northern winds.
Prices are very, very reasonable, considering the central location, and the kitchen is open all day, serving fresh dishes from omelettes and salads to tajines. Look out for their themed evening events too, like a waterfront BBQ buffet!
This is a great place to relax, meet with friends or do a few hours of work in Lighthouse. I even brought my parents here when they came to visit!
5. Flat White (Eel Garden Branch)
Locations: Eel Garden and Lighthouse.
Opening Times: 9am – 11pm
Order: a flat white, of course!
Another beachfront cafe I love is Flat White’s new location in Eel Garden opposite the Amanda Hotel.
This open-air beach cafe became a firm favourite during my recent time in Dahab. It’s a vibe with its sandy floor, bare wooden tables, sun loungers lining the shore, shaded cabanas, floor cushions for lounging and most importantly, the strong coffee that’s decorated with a single bean on top.
I love the mismatched furniture with weathered and flaking paint as it adds to the laid-back and inviting character of the place. The service is friendly and unhurried, but nowhere in Dahab believes in rushing.
Mostly, I enjoy unwinding with my Kindle here, on occasion, I’ve used their shaded area for a few hours of remote work. It’s a dream to be able to sit in my swimwear and do some work on those hot sunny days.
But sadly there’s no Wifi or AC here and sometimes they play loud techno music unexpectedly.
6. Old Every Day Cafe
Location: Between Lighthouse.
Opening times: 7am – 3am
Order: A cappuccino and lemon cake.
This is my go-to spot for when I want to get some laptop work done in a cafe.
There are two waterfront restaurants with this name, but my favourite is the second one after the bridge. They roast their own beans here, have plenty of power outlets, decent Wi-Fi, and steps down into the sea if you want to cool off.
I’m still surprised that somewhere so touristy on the promenade can be so enjoyable and would be included in my Dahab cafe list!
Not only is the coffee like rocket fuel to kick start my creativity but they also have plenty of spacious tables to choose from. My favourite spot was always one of the window tables looking out over the waterfront terrace and Lighthouse Bay.
I love the bright and open space but others may find the background music and social atmosphere distracting. This is also the ultimate hangout spot after 5pm with fruity shisha pipes and live football games shown on 85” TVs, so it’s best to arrive earlier in the day if you plan on being productive!
They serve a mixture of international and Egyptian dishes all day but I always order the chicken and pineapple pizza (trust me, it’s fantastic!), or the shish tawook on Syrian bread and finish it off with a light and fluffy lemon cake. They recently started serving a variety of pastries too but I’d skip these as they never tasted very fresh and I’d order a slice of cake instead.
My coffee order is always a double cappuccino, flat white or an ice cream coffee frappe in the warmer months – it’s like drinking a dessert! Drinks are reasonably priced considering the location, but I feel some main dishes are quite expensive, however, they are probably in line with the other promenade tourist restaurants.
Like every other waterfront place, I need to mention that there’s no AC and only ceiling fans so it can get sweaty on hot days or when the wind drops.
Lucy’s recommendation: If it’s a calm, wind-free day, then come at sunset and sit at a waterfront table to see the fish and other sea life come to the terrace lights! I’ve spotted rays, eels and puffer fish here before!
7. 11:11 Avenue Speciality Coffee House
Location: Assalah Square.
Opening times: 8am – 10pm
Order: A beetroot latte and the refreshing tropical vegan smoothie bowl.
This speciality coffee house sits unassuming in Assalah Square between a vegetable market and a hardware store.
When I’m feeling like a European tasting coffee, this is where I go. They use 100% Colombian Arabica beans in their coffee and wow, you can really taste the difference! You can also choose your own bean variety and preparation method, like V60, Chemex or Aeropress if you’re into that.
I always struggled to get a seat in this cosy cafe as there are only a handful of small tables with bench seating downstairs, which speaks to its popularity.
There’s also a relaxed coworking area upstairs with super-fast Wi-Fi, which has a minimum spend per hour. But with speciality drinks and fresh, healthy dishes, it’s not difficult to meet that! I don’t mind the floor seating with low tables, but it won’t be the ideal desk set-up for everyone.
I love their menu which focuses on quality over quantity. There are a variety of vegan dishes, salad bowls, syriniky pancakes, eggy brunch options and homemade cakes, including a six-layer honey cake! And when you see the size of the tiny kitchen area, you will be even more amazed by the various contemporary dishes they are creating.
8. Tim’s Munch
Location: Lighthouse (Above H20 Divers)
Opening times: 8.30am – 4pm
Order: A flat white, fresh strawberry juice and literally anything from their breakfast menu!
Tim’s Munch is my number one brunch cafe in Dahab and I recommend it to everyone I meet.
Hidden on a rooftop above a dive shop on the promenade, this cosy cafe serves a fresh all-day breakfast menu and has lovely views over Lighthouse Bay. It honestly feels like a hidden gem as it’s tucked away from the noise and crowds on the promenade.
I always struggle with what to order when I come here as there are so many tasty options. Still, you can’t go wrong with the shakshuka eggs, American-style fluffy pancakes, the Egyptian breakfast sharing platter, hash browns or even just a flat white. Basically, everything on their menu is divine!
All of the dishes are cooked fresh in the little kitchen, so a word of warning: be prepared to wait a while during the lunchtime rush.
Tim’s Munch has a fun and social atmosphere and I loved meeting my friends here for a catch-up over brunch. I have seen people working here, but since it’s quite a small cafe with limited tables, I wouldn’t recommend it and would feel guilty taking up space.
The only downside to this cafe is that since it’s open-air and only has a few wall-mounted fans, the heat can get unbearable during the warmer summer months.
9. Ralph’s German Bakery
Locations: Lighthouse, Assalah, Mashraba
Opening times: 7am – 8pm
Order: A flat white, a Ralph’s special sandwich and a poppy seed swirl or a custard-filled fruit tart (it’s always hard to choose!)
I know I said that there weren’t any chains in Dahab, but Ralph’s German Bakery is the only exception!
It’s not a big chain, though and since the first one opened in Dahab, two more locations have been added in town, as well as one branch in Cairo.
And I have to mention Ralph’s because I visited so often that the workers started making my coffee before I even ordered!
I used to visit one of Ralph’s three locations in Dahab multiple times a week to pick up a fresh pastry and cake, sourdough bread, or one of their super-strong coffees.
They have a great breakfast and lunch menu, cold AC, comfortable indoor and outdoor seating, fast Wi-Fi, European-inspired cakes and bakery products, and friendly, happy staff.
All of their pastries are baked fresh every morning and you can really taste the freshness and quality of the ingredients compared to other cafes. They’re also one of the few cafes in Dahab that serve decaffeinated coffee.
All three places are great cafes for working online thanks to the height of the tables, power outlets and WiFi.
Lucy’s Recommendation: My favourite location for working on my laptop is definitely in Mashraba. It’s always the quietest branch and I was never made to feel uncomfortable working away for hours.
Lighthouse is always the busiest location with the majority of the tables outside and the pastries can sell out quickly during holidays and weekends. Assalah was my local branch and I used to visit there most weekends for a takeaway morning coffee but unfortunately they only have a couple of outdoor tables and they have a problem with the ventilation system, which wasn’t great for working inside.
10. Neom
Location: North Assalah.
Opening times: early until late.
Order: A flat white with their filling Egyptian breakfast spread.
A luxury hotel with a beachfront cafe that’s open to everyone, what I love most about Neom is its stellar views! The contrasting rocky mountain and turquoise sea view, especially from the second level’s full glass front, is one of my favourite views in all of Dahab!
I used to have a flat white most mornings at Neom when I lived nearby but with the recent beachfront expansion, change in staff, and loud party music, I now only go here when I want somewhere on the waterfront with a holiday atmosphere.
Sitting at the northern end of Assalah Beach, Neom is also one of my secret laptop-friendly places, due to its quiet upstairs area, bright open lobby, and fast Wi-Fi.
I always order a strong flat white, and go for the large Egyptian breakfast if I’m eating, but the BLT sandwich is also a great lunch option too.
They recently introduced a minimum charge for their shoreline floor seating area but I’ve not paid this if just ordering a coffee and staying for a quick visit. And just to let you know that if you’re short on time, I’ve experienced that their kitchen can take a while, even on quiet days!
11. Vallee
Location: Assalah Beach.
Opening times: 9am – 1am
Order: A fresh ginger, lemon and honey tea, homemade carrot cake and the Egyptian breakfast platter served with juicy olives and dates.
One of the newest cafes on this list, Vallee sits halfway along Assalah beach, perched over the shore, and is a lovely, peaceful place to go for a coffee. I was always made to feel welcome and the cosy decor makes it feel like a little oasis on the waterfront.
I truly believe that Vallee has the best vantage point, which overlooks the northern part of town and the spectacular mountain range.
The cushion floor seating is perfect for relaxing in the sun with a strong flat white, but the low tables might not be the best spot to work on your laptop.
They also serve a variety of tasty homemade cakes and my favourites includethe carrot cake, apple bread and honey cake!
Everything is made from scratch so the service can be on the slower side but if you have time, I’d order the tasty Egyptian breakfast.
Lucy’s Recommendation: Visit after sunset to enjoy a fresh hibiscus tea and carrot cake under the stars. I love the warm, cosy lighting and relaxed atmosphere.
12. Shanti Cafe
Location: Assalah
Opening times: 8am – 11pm
Order: A flat white, authentic eggs benedict and a freshly squeezed orange, ginger and lemon juice.
Down a side street in northern Assalah is a beautiful hidden oasis set amongst palm trees, which is perfect for a slow brunch or a cosy garden dinner.
Sometimes it’s a red flag when a restaurant tries to do too much and serve everything, but Shanti has perfected it. With a focus on fresh ingredients and high standards, you can really taste the quality there.
This cafe has both an indoor area with a vintage design and AC, and a shaded outdoor garden complete with rustic tables under a canopy of trees. It has such a special ambience, with an elegant but boho design, it made me feel instantly at home.
The coffee here is not bad but I wouldn’t go there just for the coffee. I’d order one of their fresh juices instead, such as the cucumber, basil, ginger and lemon. It’s so refreshing on a hot day! There’s also an extensive breakfast menu, including fresh and light brunch classics like smoked salmon benedict and avocado halloumi toast.
I loved coming to the garden when I wanted to escape the strong wind but still enjoy a coffee outdoors. This place can do it all, and it’s such a gem in Assalah.
13. Bayside Cafe
Locations: Lighthouse promenade and Assalah.
Opening times: 8am – 5pm
Order: Coffee and a customisable breakfast platter.
The Lighthouse promenade really lacks good coffee and quality breakfast options, as it’s filled with noisy beachfront cafes who prioitise lively holiday vibes and cashing in on their prime location over serving quality coffee.
But this is where Bayside Cafe helps to fill that gap.
This small and cosy cafe has two locations, with a new branch in Assalah, as well as the original on the Lighthouse promenade.
Bayside has made its name in Dahab by serving customisable breakfast plates like pancakes, eggs, platters, and French toast, including dairy-free, vegan, and vegetarian dishes.
My personal favourites include the shakshouka served in a metal dish and the pesto halloumi sandwich served with extra eggs. However, on both occasions, the wait times were long, portions were on the small side and prices were higher than average. But I suppose you’re paying for the central location!
Thankfully, the coffee is nice and strong though!
Both cafes have limited seating but my favourite spot was always in the front terrace in Lighthouse so that I could watch the divers, tourists and daytrippers on the promenade while in the sunshine.
More Dahab Cafes…
There are so many cafes to choose from here in Dahab but some aren’t quite good enough to write about, whether that’s because of service, prices, uncomfortable and poor atmosphere, or lack of cakes.
If you’re staying in Dahab longer term and want a list of even more cafes to try, these would be my next recommendations:
- Brooklyn Cafe
- Cafe Del Sur
- The Breakfast Cafe Dahab
- Bakeyard
- Schonemanns Cafe
- The Vegan Lab
- Chillax Cafe
- Flat White (promenade)
Final Thoughts on Dahab’s Cafes
The thriving coffee scene is definitely one of the reasons I’ve spent so much time in Dahab! With waterfront loungers, speciality coffee shops, brunch cafes and perfect digital nomad workspaces, there’s something for everyone!
And the list seems to keep growing every year!