Criterium is an independent, community-driven guide to the UAE’s best in specialty coffee. These awards are decided entirely by your votes. By voting, you help uncover and celebrate the cafés, people, and products that truly deserve recognition. This is your chance to shape the conversation about quality coffee.
Explore the categories below and nominate who and what you believe stands out.
Here are the categories:
- Best coffee shop
- Best barista
- Best technician
- Best roastery
- Best coffee educator
- Best online coffee experience
Best coffee shop
Vote for the café you believe serves consistently great coffee with excellent service and a welcoming atmosphere. Think about places you’d recommend to friends or keep returning to because every cup is right.
Best barista
Vote for the barista who makes every coffee special through skill, warmth, and consistency. Think of someone who remembers your order and elevates your experience every visit.
Best technician
Vote for the technician who keeps coffee equipment running flawlessly. Think of the person who shows up when machines go down, ensures consistency through precise maintenance, and makes life easier for cafés and roasters.
Best roastery
Select the roastery you trust for delicious, consistent coffee with transparent sourcing. Consider who roasts the beans you love or who stands out for their range and quality.
Best coffee educator
Vote for the person who has helped you or others better understand coffee, whether through videos, classes, or posts. Someone who makes learning about coffee engaging.
Best online coffee experience
Vote for the e-commerce website that delivers a complete and satisfying coffee experience online. Consider sites that offer intuitive navigation, engaging content, detailed product information, transparent pricing, and responsive customer support. This category recognizes businesses that make it easy and enjoyable for coffee lovers and professionals to explore, learn, and shop for everything they need to enjoy great coffee at home or in their café.