Strong breakfast
Eggs Benedict is praised for its super-soft brioche, while other reviews mention pancakes and well-cooked poached eggs.
Al Mankhool
Shakespeare and Co. Burjuman is a cafe in Al Mankhool known for its old-world interiors, broad menu and relaxed mall setting. Breakfast favourites include Eggs Benedict on soft brioche, while the cake counter and vegan dishes give you plenty of choice beyond coffee.
Source: Google Maps
Eggs Benedict is praised for its super-soft brioche, while other reviews mention pancakes and well-cooked poached eggs.
Reviews highlight multiple vegan dishes, including a vegan pizza and vegan cheese sandwich.
Vintage decor, bookshelves, elegant couches and a literary, Parisian feel make the setting more memorable than a typical mall cafe.
The Chicken Melt Sandwich was described as generously filled and delicious.
The menu reaches beyond cakes, with Mediterranean, American and vegan dishes for breakfast, snacks and full meals.
Karak tea arrives in a kettle that one reviewer said lasted two cups each for two people.
Go early. For a quieter breakfast or Friday brunch, arrive early on Fridays or visit on a weekday.
Check discounts. Ask which breakfast items qualify before ordering; one review says Esaad and other promotions did not apply across breakfast.
Use the app. Check the SAC app for discounts and points, since reviewers also noted limited third-party promotions.
Confirm closing options. If visiting late, confirm the kitchen or coffee machine is still operating rather than relying only on the posted midnight closing time.
Skip mojito. The strawberry mojito was described as overly sweet and artificial, so it may be safer to choose another drink.
Watch events. Mall events can make the seating area busy and service slower, so check the centre's activity before a time-sensitive meal.
Plan the visit
A small cake option, though one customer considered it overpriced for its size and quality.
A long-standing favourite mentioned as a sumptuous breakfast choice.
A distinctive toast served with beetroot hummus.
Several reviews report inattentive or unwelcoming service, including delayed acknowledgement and order miscommunication.
Some customers found the food and small cakes expensive for the quality or portion.
The open mall layout can bring crowd noise, especially when the shopping centre is busy.
A few customers felt the Burjuman branch performed less well than other branches, with complaints about cake and traditional-dish quality.
One evening visit found the machine closed before 10:30 PM despite online hours showing midnight.
The Bottom Line
Shakespeare and Co. Burjuman is a sit-down cafe in Al Mankhool where breakfast, cakes and full meals share the menu. Eggs Benedict with soft brioche, the English Breakfast, Chicken Melt Sandwich and vegan pizza are among the clearest review-backed orders.
The setting is a major part of the appeal: vintage details, bookshelves, couches and a relaxed literary feel make it more atmospheric than a quick coffee counter. There is useful variety for mixed groups, from Mediterranean and American dishes to vegan options, salads, sandwiches and desserts. Karak tea comes in a generous kettle, and reviewers also mention the hummus toast with beetroot hummus.
The cake selection is broad, though individual experiences range from excellent blueberry tart and decent cakes to stale or underwhelming slices. Budget for an upmarket cafe rather than a bargain meal. Service is inconsistent: some guests found staff warm and attentive, while others reported poor communication, slow attention or an unwelcoming late-night experience.
Because the cafe sits in an open mall area, crowd noise can affect the otherwise calm atmosphere. Go early on weekdays or Fridays for more space, check breakfast promotion conditions, and use the SAC app for discounts and points.