Fresh cakes
Customers describe the cakes as fresh and well made, with one review praising three large cakes.
Shakespeare and Co. Al Barsha Mall
Al Barsha
Shakespeare and Co. in Al Barsha is a cosy mall cafe for breakfast, brunch, cakes and full meals. Reviews particularly highlight its fresh salads, generous portions, French desserts and a quiet setting that works well for coffee, study or an unhurried lunch.
Reputation Score
4.2
★★★★☆
119 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Breakfast spot
Breakfast and brunch are recurring strengths, from weekend breakfasts to a well-liked French Toast.
Quiet setting
The branch is described as quiet and comfortable enough for working or studying.
Large portions
The scaloppine al limone was described as soft and juicy, while portions were called generous.
Quick meals
Some diners report food arriving quickly, including a tasty lunch and beef short ribs.
Cosy decor
The interior is repeatedly described as cosy, with one diner saying it feels homely despite the mall surroundings.
Tips for a Better Visit
Allow time. Build in extra time for service: one visit took 15 minutes just to receive the menu.
Check orders. Check drinks and customisations when they arrive; reviewers reported missing ice, cheese and other requested details.
Try breakfast. Breakfast is a safer starting point than experimenting blindly, with weekend breakfasts repeatedly praised.
Choose cakes. If you are visiting for dessert, cakes are one of the more consistently praised choices, including fresh large cakes.
Avoid dishes. One reviewer specifically advised avoiding the mac and cheese and barbeque chicken pizza after an unsatisfying meal.
Ask ingredients. Ask whether ingredients have changed before ordering vegan dishes; a supplier substitution was not explained upfront.
Plan the visit
Practical details
Al Barsha Mall, Corner 23rd and 24th Street, AL Barsha 2, G Floor
Al Barsha - Al Barsha 2, Dubai
Popular Mentions
baby chicken
Baby chicken is praised as delicious and appears alongside positive comments about consistent food quality.
lentil soup
The lentil soup is singled out as a long-standing favourite for weekend breakfasts and coffee visits.
Common Concerns
Uneven service
Several reviews describe long waits, including 15 minutes for a menu and 35 minutes for a second cake.
Order errors
Orders have been mishandled, including iced coffee without ice and an omelette arriving without the requested cheese.
Food inconsistency
Although many reviews praise the food, one diner found the steak microwaved and the lamb shank old.
Hygiene concern
A review raised a hygiene concern after a staff member smoked outside and reportedly did not wash their hands on returning.
High prices
Some customers consider the prices high enough to affect whether they return.
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The Bottom Line
Shakespeare and Co. Al Barsha is a mall cafe with a cosy interior and a menu that suits breakfast, brunch, coffee, cakes and full meals. Breakfast is a recurring favourite, while named dishes such as scaloppine al limone, baby chicken, beef short ribs and French Toast all receive positive mentions.
Cakes are another dependable draw: one customer ordered three large cakes and found each fresh and well made. The branch can be pleasantly quiet, making it useful for studying, working or a relaxed coffee. Several diners also mention generous portions and food arriving quickly.
It is not a uniformly smooth experience, though. Service reviews range from fabulous to frustrating, with reports of waiting 15 minutes for a menu, a daughter's cake arriving 35 minutes late and drinks or requested ingredients being missed. Food quality is similarly mixed.
Many customers call the meals tasty, but one found the steak microwaved and the lamb shank old; another disliked the mac and cheese and barbeque chicken pizza. Prices are described as high by some reviewers. For a first visit, breakfast or cake is the clearest starting point, and checking order details on arrival is wise.