Coffee quality
The coffee is described as rich, smooth and balanced, with excellent espresso, cappuccino and Americano options.
illy Caffe - Mall of the Emirates
Al Barsha
An Italian-style coffee shop in Mall of the Emirates, Al Barsha, serving illy espresso alongside café food and desserts. Reviews make it appealing for a proper coffee break, with standout mentions for the salted latte, San Sebastian cheesecake and a calm, comfortable setting for reading or working.
Reputation Score
4.7
★★★★★
796 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Desserts
Cheesecake, cakes, cookies and other desserts repeatedly earn praise; the San Sebastian cheesecake is noted for being indulgent without being too sweet.
Relaxed setting
The café is described as clean, cozy and relaxing, with an open lounge area and a branch that can be quiet enough for reading.
Laptop sockets
A review notes that the café has sockets for laptops, making it useful for doing work during a mall visit.
Vegetarian choice
One regular visitor specifically praises the number of vegetarian options available.
Quick service
Several reviews describe service as attentive and efficient, including one visitor who found it quick while the café remained comfortable.
Tips for a Better Visit
Customise sweetness. If ordering the salted latte, ask for your preferred sweetness and whether it can be served for you to mix yourself.
Check orders. If ordering vegetarian food, confirm the sandwich contents when it arrives; one review describes a non-vegetarian item being served by mistake.
Bring your laptop. For a work stop, bring your charger or laptop: a review specifically mentions sockets available for laptops.
Try a cake. Pair the coffee with a dessert, especially the San Sebastian cheesecake, which one reviewer found indulgent without being overly sweet.
Plan the visit
Practical details
Mall of The Emirates - E11 Sheikh Zayed Rd
Al Barsha First - Al Barsha, Dubai
| Mon | 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Tue | 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Wed | 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Thu | 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Fri | 8:00 AM – 11:30 PM |
| Sat | 8:00 AM – 11:30 PM |
| Sun | 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
Popular Mentions
Salted Latte
The salted latte received especially enthusiastic praise, though a repeat visit found it less sweet and slightly bitter until adjusted.
Nuvola
Nuvola is named alongside the Caramel Latte Macchiato as one of the drinks a customer enjoyed most.
Caramel Latte Macchiato
A customer specifically recommends this drink, pairing it with Nuvola among their favourites.
Strawberry Matcha
The signature strawberry matcha is described as very good and worth trying during a shopping break.
Pistachio and chocolate drink
A customer enjoyed this drink for its balanced richness and presentation.
Common Concerns
Order error
A vegetarian customer received a non-vegetarian sandwich, then reported being charged for the replacement sandwich and a long cappuccino.
Small portions
One review found the food and pastries fresh and tasty but felt the portions could be larger for the price.
Drink consistency
The salted latte was less sweet and slightly bitter on a second visit, though the drink was adjusted after feedback.
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The Bottom Line
Illy Caffè is a coffee shop in Mall of the Emirates, Al Barsha, built around illy espresso and an Italian café-style break. Reviews point to rich, smooth coffee, with the salted latte, Spanish latte and Americano all getting specific praise. It is also a good stop for dessert: the San Sebastian cheesecake, baked cheesecake and warm double chocolate cookie are among the clearest customer favourites.
The setting matters as much as the cup. Customers describe it as clean, cozy and relaxing, while one reviewer found this branch quiet enough for reading. Another used it for work and appreciated having a laptop socket, so it can be more than a quick takeaway between shops.
The open lounge area is also mentioned as a reason to linger. Service is a consistent strength, with reviews describing welcoming, attentive and quick staff. There are a couple of practical cautions.
Portions may feel small for the price, and one vegetarian order went wrong, with a non-vegetarian sandwich served before a replacement was provided and charged. If you order the salted latte, clarify how sweet you want it and whether you prefer to mix it yourself.