V60 brewing
The V60 is a standout: one reviewer called it the best they had found in Dubai.
Encounter Coffee - ICD Brookfield
DIFC
Encounter Coffee is a coffee corner in DIFC, set within a bright, reception-like seating area. It is worth considering for specialty brews such as V60, decaf coffee and simple café bites, though parking and opening hours need checking before you go.
Reputation Score
4.2
★★★★☆
114 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Decaf option
The decaf has drawn especially strong praise, making it a useful choice beyond standard coffee orders.
Bright setting
The open, light-filled setting works well for a short break or a quiet coffee among greenery.
Weekend quiet
The café corner can be relatively peaceful on weekends, unlike its busier weekday periods.
Pastry pairing
Reviews specifically mention the almond croissant and yoghurt granola as worthwhile companions to coffee.
Small bites
Coffee and small bites are both mentioned positively for a quick refreshment break.
Tips for a Better Visit
Ask loyalty. Ask about the loyalty program when ordering; one reviewer says it exists but is not routinely mentioned.
Check hours. Verify the opening hours before setting out, since one customer found Google’s hours incorrect.
Avoid peaks. Visit outside peak periods if possible; a busy review mentions having to wait for coffee and small bites.
Plan parking. Arrange extra time or an alternative parking plan, as multiple reviews flag parking difficulties.
Try V60. If you prefer a hand-brewed coffee, consider ordering the V60, which received a particularly strong review.
Plan the visit
Practical details
Zaa'beel Second - DIFC - Dubai
Zaa'beel Second - DIFC, Dubai
| Mon | 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Tue | 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Wed | 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Thu | 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Fri | 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Sat | Closed |
| Sun | Closed |
Popular Mentions
Flat white
The flat white appears in both positive and negative reviews, so preparation may vary.
Banana bread
One regular reviewer describes the banana bread as a daily coffee pairing.
Common Concerns
Parking trouble
Parking is a recurring problem, with one review calling it particularly difficult.
Unclear location
First-time visitors may have trouble identifying the exact coffee-corner location.
Uneven service
One customer received the Ethiopia after choosing Burundi and described the brewing barista as unhelpful.
Early closing
Opening hours have caused confusion, including a customer being turned away in the late afternoon.
No alternatives
A review specifically reports that dairy alternatives were unavailable, alongside delayed orders.
DXB
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The Bottom Line
Encounter Coffee is a compact coffee corner in DIFC rather than a conventional standalone café. It sits in a bright, reception-like area with seating, making it handy for a quick office break, takeaway, or a short catch-up. The greenery and open light-filled setting are part of the appeal, and weekends can be relatively quiet.
Coffee is the main reason to come. The V60 is a standout mention, while decaf has also been praised. Reviews additionally point to the flat white, almond croissant and yoghurt granola, with banana bread described as a regular morning pairing.
There are enough food options for a small snack, but this is still primarily a coffee stop rather than a full restaurant. Service is often described as friendly and welcoming, although the experience is not perfectly consistent. One customer received Ethiopia after ordering Burundi, while another reported an over-hot, burnt flat white and difficulty getting it remade.
Dairy alternatives have also been reported unavailable. Plan the practical details carefully. Parking is repeatedly described as difficult, the location is not always clear, and opening hours have reportedly been inaccurate online or earlier than expected.
Ask about the loyalty program too; reviewers say it exists but is not always offered proactively. One customer reported paying 6$ for a single espresso, so check current prices before ordering.