Lazy Cat first made waves as a dreamy brunch spot in Kuwait, a laid-back brand built around slow mornings, good food, and blue matcha and has expanded into Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and soon in Oman. The new Dubai cafe in Al Quoz Pond Park leans into that same ethos, garden-inspired interiors, a relaxed playlist, and a menu meant to be savoured, brunch, breakfast, and light dinner fare. With its newly opened terrace and Dubai winter finally arriving, it’s a daytime oasis with a nice breeze flowing through the space.

So when we saw posts about how amazing the club sandwich was, we followed. But here’s the thing, sometimes, influencer reviews have more sizzle than substance.

The Reality of the Food

We ordered what the hype promised, but to be fair what the menu actually says: the Maple Glaze Bacon Egg Club Sandwich, not a traditional three-layer club. On the surface, it sounds promising: bacon, egg, cheddar, avocado, lettuce. But bite in, and you realise it’s underwhelming, small, a little one-note, and missing real flavour. Just because something is shaped like a club sandwich doesn’t make it one in spirit.

The Pastrami Sandwich fared better. Lazy Cat’s version arrives on an English muffin, layered with Swiss gruyère, sriracha mayo, mustard, and, notably, pastrami that actually tastes like pastrami. It’s richer, sharper, flavour was more thought about when this was constructed. Both sandwiches come with a side of crisps which is a pleasant addition. The crisps are legitimately one of the high points, crisp, punchy, and perhaps more interesting than the sandwiches themselves.

We also asked for fries. Classic, right? And when they arrived, they were pretty decent. But when we asked for mustard, we were told that it costs extra. Mustard. A café that charges for condiments?

Service & Atmosphere

On a Monday lunchtime, the vibes at Lazy Cat felt casual, but the service was not. It felt rushed and inattentive, plates were being cleared while we were still crunching through crisps. There was little warmth, little pause. For a brand that sells “slow food, slow life,” it felt at odds with the promise.

The décor and ambiance, though, do deliver. The café has a lot of lush greenery and the terrace layout invites lingering. Lazy Cat’s space is peaceful and charming, plenty of nooks and natural light for a calm bite or coffee. But when the staff doesn’t match that ease, it breaks the illusion.

A Word on Influencer Culture

Here’s where you need to lean into your own experience. Influencer posts about Lazy Cat often highlight its photogenic interiors and signature dishes, and yes, the place is lovely. But liking something in a photo and actually eating it are two different things. Influencers show what looks good in a snapshot, not always what tastes good on the plate, especially when they’re paid to glamorise.

We came for the sandwich that had been hyped up. And yes, we left full, but not impressed. Influencer-led confidence can be persuasive, but as a diner, your taste should matter more than someone else’s content strategy.

Final Thought

Lazy Cat remains a worthy café for its aesthetic, its calm energy, and its all-day brunch options. It’s the kind of place you want to like. But if you’re going in for the viral dishes, temper your expectations. The food is decent, but it’s not immune to the hype. Lazy Cat is a pretty, pleasant café, but not everything that’s “Instagram famous” is culinary gold. Use your own palate, not someone else’s likes.

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