Cafés and coffee shops are all over the Arabian Peninsula like a cheap suit, but Dar Alabareh has an old-world charm and feel about it, which ensures it steers clear of Starbucks naffness. More than just a meeting place, the joint has a homely atmosphere, and is a pleasant place in which to peruse the papers, surf the net (wireless internet is available), or simply to take a seat on one of the comfy sofas scattered with cushions and rest up for an hour after a session spent traipsing around Adliya.

In fact, the place is so warm and welcoming that you’ll be tempted to linger longer than planned – fortunately, staff are friendly and raise no objection. Feast on specialty sandwiches, hearty, wholesome salads, soups and wraps, as well as heartier mains like risotto. It’s the sort of place you could eat at every day for a week and not get bored. Expect fresh and interesting sandwiches, rivers of refreshing teas, savoury crepes and extravagant cakes.

The heavenly, homely cooking is complemented by excellent service – there’s a fine line between attentiveness and intrusion, which the waiters balance well. Factor in a browse around the art gallery of the same name next door on your way out.