In Latakia, a cafe is not only somewhere to drink coffee. The coastal city lives a large part of its social life at tables looking out over the sea, and on 16 Tishreen street, which over recent years has turned into the densest cafe street in the city. What makes the Latakia cafes different from anywhere else is that the season changes everything: in summer life moves out onto the terraces and the corniche, and in winter it moves back into the air-conditioned rooms and the indoor cafes.
This guide is arranged by area and by purpose. Because a cafe with a view over the Mediterranean serves a completely different purpose from a small coffee bar specialising in espresso.
Cafes with a sea view
This is the first category visitors look for, and it is what sets Latakia apart from any other Syrian city.
Gardenia
The most firmly established name among the sea-view cafes in Latakia, and the one that appears most in visitors’ opinions. It has more than one terrace alongside an air-conditioned indoor room, which makes it work in both summer and winter. The view over the Mediterranean is the star of the place, especially at sunset, and the menu goes beyond coffee to meals and juices. It operates around the clock, which makes it a rare option for anyone looking for somewhere at a late hour.
Corniche Cafe
On the main road, with a direct location and a simple feel. A practical choice for a quick stop while walking along the Corniche rather than a destination for a whole evening.
16 Tishreen street: the heart of Latakia’s cafes
If you had to pick a single street for wandering between cafes in Latakia, this is it. You will find the specialist cafe, the social cafe and the family cafe all within a short distance.
Habtein Misk
One of the most prominent names on the street in visitors’ opinions, combining cafe and restaurant. The atmosphere is quiet and elegant, and the cheese maamoul in particular is singled out among the recommendations of those who have been. Shisha is available for anyone looking for it.
Loop (Loop Cafe)
It has an indoor section and an outdoor one, with furniture that mixes the modern and the traditional. The seating is roomy and comfortable, and booking ahead is possible so you can choose where you prefer to sit — a practical advantage at peak times.
Specialty coffee and coffee bars
A small category, but one that has clearly grown, serving people who care about the cup itself before the atmosphere.
OZ (OZ Coffee)
On Ghassan Harfoush street, described as a cafe with a clear concept and distinctive drinks. One of the names that comes up most in this category within the city.
Porta Espresso Bar
A small coffee bar focusing on bean varieties and espresso preparations, open from early in the morning.
ONYX Coffee
A relatively new name in the area around 16 Tishreen, part of the same wave of specialist cafes.
Cafes in the city centre
IL Cafe di Roma
One of the known options for anyone working from a cafe: there are power sockets and side tables suited to sitting for a long time, and the air conditioning runs all the time, which is not common in the city’s cafes. It is worth noting that the internet may not be stable at busy times, so relying on your own data package is safer.
Cozy 41
A small cafe with a quiet feel, one of the options that suits a sitting for two or some light work.
Which cafe suits which occasion?
- For a sea view and the sunset: Gardenia first.
- For working from a cafe: IL Cafe di Roma, bearing the internet question in mind.
- For specialty coffee lovers: OZ, then Porta Espresso Bar.
- For an evening with a group: Habtein Misk or Loop on 16 Tishreen street.
- For a very late hour: Gardenia, because it operates around the clock.
The difference between summer and winter
This point in particular is often overlooked. At the height of summer the corniche cafes and the terraces fill up, and booking ahead becomes necessary at weekends, especially at the places overlooking the sea. Out of season the activity moves into the indoor rooms and onto 16 Tishreen street, and the air-conditioned cafes, or those with an indoor section, become the practical choice.
Anyone visiting Latakia in winter is advised to check that there is an indoor section before heading to any cafe with a sea view, as some of them rely on their terraces alone.
FAQs about cafes in Latakia
What is the best cafe with a sea view in Latakia?
Gardenia is the most mentioned among the sea-view cafes, and it stands out for having more than one terrace alongside an air-conditioned indoor room that makes it work in both summer and winter.
Where are the cafes concentrated in Latakia?
16 Tishreen street is the densest cafe street in the city, followed by the area around the Corniche for the sea-view cafes, and the city centre for everyday sitting.
Are there cafes in Latakia suitable for working?
Yes, and IL Cafe di Roma is among the most prominent, with power sockets and constant air conditioning. It is better to rely on your own data package, as the internet can slow down at busy times.
