A Beloved Favorite Makes Its Debut in Dubai
At the close of May, I explored the newly launched La Marzocco showroom in Dubai. If you’ve been following my blog for some time, you likely know that La Marzocco ranks as my top choice among Italian espresso machine manufacturers. Indeed, when I relocated to Cape Town in 2010 to start my first coffee venture, Escape Caffe, having a three-group La Marzocco Linea espresso machine was a must. Therefore, La Marzocco has held a special place in my heart. Geek out moment.
Naturally, when I discovered that they were organizing an event at their Dubai showroom on Saturday, 23 May 2026, in collaboration with RAW Coffee Company, one of the pioneering specialty coffee roasters in Dubai, my excitement grew.
Initial Impressions
Upon stepping inside, you’re met with a stunning collection of espresso machines, as it was a showroom showcasing their range, GB5, Strada, and others. Briefly, La Marzocco originated in Florence in 1927 and has been handcrafting espresso machines for almost a century. Each machine prominently displays the Florentine lion on its emblem.
For this gathering, they partnered with RAW Coffee Company, ensuring that all coffees served that day were roasted by RAW. Perhaps intrigued by my coffee enthusiast appearance, I met Eric, a former Venezuelan barista champion, who graciously guided me through the showroom.
Exploring the Modbar and the Swan Grinder
We ascended to view the Modbar, which now features an integrated filter unit. This allows for a sleek, minimalistic counter arrangement with both espresso and filter brewing capabilities. Hooray!
I still recall my first encounter with a Modbar at Colonna & Smalls in Bath in 2017; I considered it one of the most aesthetically pleasing coffee shop setups I had ever witnessed.
Afterward, I returned downstairs and chatted with Filippo, an engineer currently stationed in Dubai for a couple of years. He introduced me to the remarkable Swan grinder, boasting 83mm conical burrs, stepless grind adjustment, and three speed settings. The demonstration clearly illustrated why the right grinder holds equal importance to the espresso machine itself.
Always remember that the choice of machine plays a crucial role in espresso preparation.
We brewed two different espressos, and I distinctly noted the flavor variations based solely on the grinder adjustments.
Machines, Collaborations, and Coffee Enthusiast Insights
As I strolled through the showroom following my geek moment, I admired some of their additional machines. One that caught my eye was the special-edition Linea Micra resulting from the La Marzocco collaboration with Porsche: Only 911 units were produced.
Porsche 911, get it? Clearly intentional.
I also devoted time to exploring the Linea Mini and the Linea Micra, which Eric had previously introduced. We experimented with the Acaia scales and discovered how different settings can influence the flavor profiles of espresso coffee. The Linea Micra is La Marzocco’s most compact machine, but don’t let its size mislead you. It still features dual boilers, commercial-grade temperature stability, and a PID controller.
This machine continues to be on my dream list, so if a kind reader wishes to gift me one, feel free to send me a DM, and I’ll gladly provide my Dubai address.
Coffee, Conversations, and Concluding Thoughts
Afterward, I had a conversation with the baristas from RAW Coffee about the various coffees offered, and took a few pictures (see the top photo).
Overall, I enjoyed a couple of milk-based coffees and several espressos (one blended with a hint of robusta to achieve that authentic Italian espresso experience) and truly savored the entire geeky experience.
I must admit I expected a larger turnout at the event, but it turned out to be beneficial for me as I was able to spend ample time with the team and learn more about the machines.
Positioned just off Sheikh Zayed Road, the La Marzocco showroom in Dubai is open for walk-in visits during the week, Monday to Friday. On Saturdays, they frequently host collaborations with local roasters biweekly, so check their website for more information. Whether you’re in the market for a high-end professional home espresso machine, setting up a café, seeking expert advice, or simply wanting to experiment with exquisite espresso equipment, a visit is definitely worthwhile.
If you’re looking for a unique Saturday activity and desire a genuine coffee enthusiast experience, I wholeheartedly recommend visiting La Marzocco Middle East, located at Shop 4, 80 Sheikh Zayed Road.
Ciao!
Title: A Coffee Lover’s Experience at La Marzocco in Dubai
Situated within the lively landscape of Dubai, La Marzocco serves as a haven for coffee lovers seeking an exceptional encounter. Renowned globally for its superior espresso machines, La Marzocco’s Dubai establishment offers more than merely a sneak peek into the realm of premium coffee preparation; it delivers an immersive adventure into the craft and science of coffee.
Upon entering La Marzocco in Dubai, guests are welcomed by a stylish, contemporary interior that mirrors the brand’s dedication to innovation and aesthetics. The area is carefully curated to display their iconic espresso machines, each a spectacular fusion of engineering and design. For a coffee lover, this feels akin to stepping into an exhibition where every item narrates a tale of artistry and enthusiasm.
The experience kicks off with a guided tour of the showroom. Informed staff members, equally passionate about coffee as the guests, lead the way. They delve into the story of La Marzocco, tracing its origins back to Florence, Italy, where it was established in 1927. This historical backdrop lays the groundwork for grasping the brand’s journey and its influence on the worldwide coffee sector.
One of the visit’s standout moments is the chance to engage in a practical workshop. Here, enthusiasts can attempt to master the art of crafting the perfect espresso under the supervision of skilled baristas. The workshop encompasses everything from choosing the ideal coffee beans to excelling in the milk frothing technique. Participants acquire knowledge about the significance of grind size, water temperature, and extraction duration, gaining appreciation for the intricate process that culminates in each cup of coffee.
For those eager to expand their expertise, La Marzocco provides specialized classes covering themes like latte art and coffee cupping. These sessions are tailored to elevate the abilities of both novice and seasoned coffee enthusiasts. Particularly, the latte art class is a crowd favorite, blending creativity with technique and yielding stunning, Instagram-ready creations.
The visit to La Marzocco transcends mere education; it also emphasizes enjoyment. The onsite café offers a diverse selection of coffee beverages, each meticulously prepared using La Marzocco equipment. Guests can relish a rich, creamy cappuccino or a robust, fragrant espresso, all while savoring the stylish atmosphere of the café. The menu also includes an assortment of pastries and light fare, making it an ideal locale for a relaxed coffee break.
In addition to its educational and culinary offerings, La Marzocco in Dubai regularly organizes events and collaborations with local coffee roasters and artisans. These gatherings promote a sense of community among coffee lovers and provide an avenue for sharing knowledge and experiences.
For any coffee enthusiast, a trip to La Marzocco in Dubai is more than a simple destination on a travel route; it’s a pilgrimage to a place where the love for coffee is honored in every aspect. Whether you’re a veteran barista or a curious newcomer, La Marzocco promises an experience that is both illuminating and motivating, leaving you with a heightened appreciation for the craft of coffee brewing.
