% Arabica Muscat Al Qurum

% Arabica is an international specialty coffee brand with coffee bars in many cities. Its first store in Oman sits on Sayh Al Malih Street in Al Qurum, across the road from Qurum Natural Park, in a busy commercial district that is also home to the headquarters of several large energy companies. It is an easy, central stop for a well-made coffee.

The signature design feature is a long illuminated shelf displaying Chemex brewers, the same glass brewers used in all the brand's stores. Single-origin coffee is brewed by Chemex, while espresso drinks are made on a custom Slayer espresso machine. Beans are roasted fresh in the store, so you can buy a bag to take home, either to brew yourself or as a gift for a coffee-loving friend.

Coffee is the focus here rather than food, so it is best for a quick caffeine stop, a takeaway before a walk in the park, or a meeting over coffee. Prices are typical of international specialty chains. Ask the baristas about the beans currently on offer if you want to try a pour-over rather than an espresso drink; brewing a Chemex takes a few minutes, so allow a little time. If you have never tasted the difference between brewing methods, ordering the same bean as a Chemex and as an espresso is an interesting comparison. Hours are not published on the location page, so check the brand's app or social media before making a special trip, especially during Ramadan.

It suits coffee enthusiasts, design lovers and anyone who wants a familiar, reliable specialty coffee in Muscat, and it is well placed for a takeaway on the way to somewhere else. Families can combine a drink here with a play in the park across the street.

Sayh Al Malih Street runs through Al Qurum, a short taxi ride from the Shatti Al Qurum, Al Khuwair and Qurum hotels. Qurum Natural Park is directly opposite, Qurum Beach is close by, and La Cabra and several other coffee shops in Al Qurum make it easy to compare styles on a coffee crawl through the district.