Al Barsha 3, especially around Hessa Street, has quietly become one of Dubai’s most popular areas for shisha lovers. From upscale lounge-style venues with DJs and premium shisha to relaxed neighborhood cafés perfect for long evening sessions, the area offers something for every mood and budget.
Whether you’re looking for a lively night out, a laid-back spot to unwind with friends, or a place where good food and shisha go hand in hand, this guide highlights the best shisha cafés and restaurants in Al Barsha 3, based on atmosphere, overall experience, and local popularity.
- 1. OCCO Restaurant & Lounge
- 2. Hookania Cafe
- 3. Cozy Cabana Cafe
- 4. Hookah Grand Cafe
- 5. Arabesque Cafe
- 6. Nafas Cafe
- 7. Gahwetna
- 8. Layali Kish Restaurant
- 9. Layali Isfahan Restaurant & Cafe
- 10. Mahfel Restaurant & Cafe
1. OCCO Restaurant & Lounge
OCCO is one of the standout “dress-up a little” shisha-and-dinner spots on Hessa Street. Expect a polished lounge atmosphere, a lively evening crowd, and a menu that leans into upscale Middle Eastern / international dining.
The shisha is a big reason people come here — it’s positioned as a premium experience, and the vibe is ideal for date nights, celebrations, or when you want something more elevated than a casual café.
2. Hookania Cafe
Hookania is a solid “go-to” shisha café on Hessa Street that blends café comfort with a shisha-first setup. It’s the kind of place you can drop into for a long session — whether it’s a chilled afternoon smoke or a late-night hangout with friends.
Food options are café-style (snacks, desserts, quick bites), but the main attraction is the shisha and the easy, relaxed vibe.
3. Cozy Cabana Cafe (Hessa Street)
Cozy Cabana is a classic Hessa Street shisha café vibe: relaxed seating, long operating hours, and a menu that covers a lot — from full meals to desserts and hot drinks. It’s popular for casual meetups and longer shisha sessions.
If you’re after a comfortable “everyday” shisha spot (not overly fancy, not too loud), this one is worth including.
4. Hookah Grand Cafe
Hookah Grand Café is a convenient option if you want a straightforward shisha café experience with long hours (including late-night and early-morning sessions). It’s a simple, functional spot with shisha, drinks, and food.
5. Arabesque Cafe
Arabesque is one of the “known names” on Hessa Street — the kind of shisha café where you can settle in, order the classics, and stay for a while. The space and vibe suit group gatherings, casual catchups, or an easy evening session.
It’s not trying to be a luxury lounge — it’s more of a dependable local café feel with shisha, tea/coffee, and a menu that covers the basics.
6. Nafas Cafe
Nafas Café is one of the quieter, budget-friendly Hessa Street options that people mention when they want a “cheap but still functional” shisha café experience. It’s typically more low-key than the flashy lounges.
If your list needs variety (not everything being upscale), Nafas helps balance it out with a casual, local feel.
7. Gahwetna
Gahwetna is popular with people who want an easy place to chill (and sometimes work) while having shisha.
The overall vibe is casual, and prices tend to be approachable compared to luxury lounges.
It’s a good option for daytime sessions or those “I just want a simple shisha and a drink” kind of evenings.
8. Layali Kish Restaurant
Layali Kish is a great pick if you want a place where the food matters just as much as the shisha.
It’s known for Iranian-style grills and a cozy, no-fuss setting that suits long, relaxed evenings.
If your audience wants “good shisha + solid food, not just vibes,” this belongs on the list.
9. Layali Isfahan Restaurant & Cafe
Layali Isfahan combines Iranian food and café culture with shisha in a casual, approachable setup.
It’s a good add to your list because it appeals to people who want a proper meal with their shisha,
without the “club lounge” energy.
Think: relaxed seating, classic flavors, and an experience that works for both groups and casual evenings.
10. Mahfel Restaurant & Cafe
Mahfel is a strong “all-rounder” in Al Barsha 3: a restaurant-café hybrid with a wide menu, shisha, and a social atmosphere. It’s the type of venue that works for a full evening — dinner, tea, dessert, then a longer shisha session.
If you want variety in your list, Mahfel balances food, shisha, and an energetic crowd (especially on busier nights), without being a nightclub.
Al Barsha 3 (especially around Hessa Street) is packed with shisha options for every mood — from upscale lounges like OCCO to relaxed, budget-friendly cafés where you can sit for hours. Use this list to match the vibe you want: premium nights out, casual shisha sessions, or food-first places where the shisha is the perfect add-on.
Al Barsha 3 proves that you don’t need to head to Downtown or Marina to find great shisha in Dubai. With its mix of premium lounges, casual cafés, and food-focused restaurants, the area caters to both serious shisha enthusiasts and those just looking for a relaxed place to spend the evening.
Whether your priority is ambiance, affordability, food quality, or simply a comfortable place to sit for hours, this list covers the strongest shisha spots Al Barsha 3 has to offer. If you’re exploring the neighborhood or looking for a new go-to shisha café, these venues are a great place to start.
