Baker & Spice outlets are starting to pop up around town with the regularity of More, Shakespeare & Co and Lime Tree. Indeed, the outlet at Dubai Marina is the third to open in Dubai in as many years (the other two are based in Downtown Dubai). Not that we’re complaining, mind – we’ve always been a fan of the fresh, locally grown produce used by the brand, especially when incorporated into the wholesome dishes listed on the menu.

More importantly, however, the Marina has been screaming out for a place like this. The only other options are on The Walk and visiting the likes of Paul and Le Pain Quotidien on a Friday morning is tantamount to scrumming down against the New Zealand rugby team. Already, it’s a challenge getting a table on the terrace at the new Baker & Spice (we imagine it’ll get even busier once word spreads). Anyone who does eventually get a seat is issued a lightweight, yet quality menu featuring breakfast staples, salads, simple pasta dishes, coffee and juice. With a level of indecision that was disproportionate to the number of items listed, we eventually settled for coffee, pancakes and a feta and spinach omelette. To pass time as we waited (service was a little slow and confused, but we’re putting this down to the restaurant only having been open for a week), we popped inside to marvel at the smart open kitchen, the long wooden tables occupied by families who looked as though they had come straight from a Disney casting call, giant bowls of fresh fruit and veg, and the shelves on the far wall crammed with homemade jams and preserves. The hive of activity was a breath of fresh air for the area, which hitherto has only had the likes of Starbucks and Costa to sate its breakfast-time needs.

We headed back outside to enjoy the sunshine until the pancake arrived, followed a little later by the omelette. The former was presented as two amply sized fluffy discs embellished with blueberries alongside a berry compote and a snow-white spoonful of whipped cream. The result was a filling, not to mention indulgent dish that makes for a great start to a lazy Friday – or any day for that matter. Though the omelette took longer, our wait was rewarded by a soft, light egg exterior, enveloping pungent feta and fresh, crunchy spinach.

We’ve said in the past that Baker & Spice isn’t the cheapest of cafés in town, though we doubt very much that anyone in the Marina will be quibbling over a few dirhams – the enthusiasm among our fellow diners was almost palpable and the latest Baker & Spice is doubtless set for a rosy future at its new home.

The bill (for two)
3x Americano coffees Dhs45
1x Blueberry pancake Dhs38
1x Feta/spinach omelette Dhs40
Total (excluding service) Dhs123