Own roasting
Beans are roasted in the shop, with staff helping customers choose and grind them for home machines.
The Coffee Merchant
Business Bay
The Coffee Merchant is a specialty coffee shop in Business Bay focused on its own roasted beans and carefully made drinks. Customers come for espresso, pour-overs such as the V60, and a calm space where they can work, read, or enjoy a croissant and coffee.
Reputation Score
4.9
★★★★★
364 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Bean guidance
Baristas suggest different beans and milk options based on your taste, making the menu approachable for coffee enthusiasts.
Strong coffee
Reviews highlight balanced espresso, a carefully made oat cappuccino, and distinctive V60 coffees including tobacco bourbon.
Work-friendly
The quiet setting has indoor air conditioning, outdoor seating, and plugs for laptops and phone chargers.
Calm setting
Minimal decor, chill jazz, and a quiet location make it comfortable for reading, focused work, or a relaxed catch-up.
Good pastries
Customers specifically praise the croissants and buttery chocolate chip cookie alongside the coffee.
Tips for a Better Visit
Ask baristas. Tell the baristas your taste preferences; reviewers say they recommend suitable beans and unfamiliar milk options.
Catch sunset. For the outdoor view, arrive about 15 minutes before sunset and sit outside.
Bring laptop. It works well for remote work: bring your laptop and use the available plugs and charger points.
Try V60. Coffee enthusiasts can ask for the V60 tobacco, a pour-over one reviewer said they return for repeatedly.
Plan food time. If you are ordering a simple sandwich, allow extra time; one review reports an unusually long wait.
Plan the visit
Practical details
The Coffee Merchant, AG Tower
Business Bay, Dubai
| Mon | 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Tue | 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Wed | 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Thu | 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Fri | 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Sat | 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Sun | 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
Popular Mentions
Avo toast
The avo toast is described as generous and perfectly seasoned, especially with an almond milk cappuccino.
Almond milk cappuccino
A creamy, nutty cappuccino pairing mentioned alongside the avo toast.
Iced latte
The iced latte is noted for a strong coffee taste.
Common Concerns
High pricing
One reviewer found AED30 expensive for a medium cappuccino and said the price might prevent a return visit.
Small portions
A reviewer felt the coffee portions were too small, especially comparing the latte with the larger Americano.
Limited food
The food selection is described as small, with one customer asking for more substantial breakfast choices.
Slow sandwiches
Simple sandwiches reportedly took an unusually long time to arrive on one visit.
Brew variation
One coffee-focused reviewer found the Americano too weak and the V60 over-roasted, though they still liked the brownie and staff.
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The Bottom Line
The Coffee Merchant is a specialty coffee shop in Business Bay with a clear focus on roasted beans and carefully prepared drinks. You can order espresso, an iced latte, or a V60 pour-over, and buy freshly roasted beans for home use. Baristas are often praised for explaining the beans and matching them to a customer’s taste.
The coffee is the main draw. Reviews mention balanced oat-milk cappuccinos, fruity Colombian and Yemeni V60s, tobacco bourbon, and an espresso described as having light acidity. There is food too, including avo toast, egg and cheese sandwiches, croissants, cookies, and breakfast items, though the selection is relatively small.
The room suits a quiet coffee break or a laptop session. Customers mention indoor air conditioning, outdoor seating, plugs for laptops and phone chargers, calm minimal decor, and music that changes between mornings and afternoons. Sitting outside shortly before sunset can reveal a view between the surrounding buildings.
Budget a little carefully: one customer reported paying AED30 for a medium cappuccino, while another found portions small. Sandwiches have also taken a long time on one visit, so coffee and pastries may be the safer quick stop.