Aside from the Burj Khalifa and Abu Dhabi, Dubai Festival City is one of Dubai’s most popular tourist attractions and a personal favorite destination. Festival City is a staple entertainment, residential, business area and home to some of the best restaurants you could try!
In this article, I will cover some of the must-visit restaurants in Dubai Festival City.
1. Cafe Bateel
Cafe Bateel is a Middle Eastern cafe that offers some of the most delicious dates (including gourmet dates packaged in luxury gift boxes). Cafe Bateel provides vegan and vegetarian breakfast and lunch options, making it a perfect daytime choice.
Cafe Bateel has various features, including wheelchair accessibility, delivery services, free wifi, digital payments, and parking availability. The staff at Cafe Bateel ensures your needs and wants are met and that you’re comfortable, and the relaxed atmosphere makes Cafe Bateel an excellent choice for a peaceful breakfast or lunch with yourself or your loved ones.
You can visit Cafe Bateel any day of the week from 8 am to 12 am and contact them at +971 4 232 8856!
2. Vista Restaurant & Terrace
Vista Restaurant & Terrace is a beautiful bar and restaurant with a vibrant but relaxing atmosphere, making it an excellent option for winding down, having a fun night out, or even conducting business meetings. Vista Restaurant & Terrace offers contemporary and European cuisine and vegetarian-friendly options.
Vista has a stunning view of the Dubai city skyline, which can be taken in during their happy hour every evening from 6 pm to 8 pm. They also hold a Ladies Night every Wednesday from 8 pm to midnight! Vista Restaurant & Terrace has something for everyone, and you are sure to leave as a happy customer.
Vista Restaurant is open for your enjoyment throughout the entire week from 12 pm to 2 am. Feel free to give them a call at +971 4 701 1127.
3. Pierre’s Bistro
Pierre’s Bistro is an elegant European, French, and International cuisine restaurant that is one of the best-rated in Dubai Festival City. The staff at Pierre’s Bistro are attentive to detail and ensure you’re well taken care of. Plus, Pierre’s is located on the waterfront, so you can expect a view as great as the dining experience.
Pierre’s Bistro is an excellent choice if you’re looking to have a romantic dinner, get-together, or business meeting. Chef Pierre Gagnaire is the head chef of the restaurant. Given that he’s earned three Michelin stars, you’re certain to enjoy phenomenal courses and a memorable experience overall.
You can give Pierre’s Bistro a go on any day from 4 pm to 2 am except for Sundays, or call ahead at +971 4 701 1199.
4. Sirocco
Sirocco is a Middle Eastern, International, and European restaurant that’s great for dining with your loved ones or colleagues because of the laid-back atmosphere. Sirocco offers vegetarian-friendly, vegan, halal, and gluten-free options, so you can be confident in knowing you’ll find something you can enjoy!
Sirocco also has various features, including validated parking, wheelchair accessibility, and highchairs. The staff is accommodating and always happy to tend to your needs, making Sirocco an excellent choice for any mealtime.
Sirocco’s operating hours are from 6:30 am to 10:30 am, 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm, and 6:30 pm to 11 pm from Monday to Friday. Saturdays and Sundays are open for your enjoyment from 6:30 am to 11 am, 1 pm to 4 pm, and 6:30 pm to 11 pm. You can reach them by calling +971 4 701 1127.
5. Joe’s Backyard
Joe’s Backyard is an American barbeque, grill, and bar with a breathtaking view of the Burj Khalifa and Dubai skyline. Joe’s has a relaxed atmosphere, making it an excellent restaurant for any occasion.
Not only does Joe’s Backyard offer gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly options, but there’s also a happy hour all day long on selected beverages, a Sunday roast every week from 2 pm to 5 pm, and “The Girls’ Club” every Tuesday from 8 pm to 12 am. With a variety of flame-grilled dishes, live sports streaming, and entertainment nights, you’re sure to have a great time!
Feel free to visit Joe’s Backyard from 3 pm to 2 am on Mondays to Thursdays, and 1 pm to 3 am from Fridays to Sundays. You can contact them at +971 55 709 4509!
6. Zeste
Zeste is a quaint, laid-back cafe with a wide selection of healthy dishes and fantastic coffee. Zeste is the perfect restaurant to dine at if you’re looking for somewhere peaceful to have a business meeting, catch up with a friend, or enjoy your own company with a cup of coffee and a hearty meal.
Zeste serves vegetarian-friendly and vegan options, so worry not if you don’t eat meat. The staff at Zeste is attentive and ensures that you’re comfortable and satisfied, and delivery services are available if you choose not to dine in.
You can dine at Zeste any day of the week from 7 am to 9 pm, or call ahead at +971 4 701 1127.
7. The Cheesecake Factory
The Cheesecake Factory is a well-known favorite around many parts of the world. Despite the name, Cheesecake Factory doesn’t only sell cheesecake (much to my surprise when I visited!). With over 250 dishes made from scratch using sustainably grown and harvested ingredients, your meals are guaranteed to be high-quality and fresh.
The Cheesecake Factory offers a variety of dishes, including vegan, vegetarian-friendly, and gluten-free options, so there’s something for everyone. The atmosphere at The Cheesecake Factory is easy-going, the staff is prompt and efficient, and it’s an excellent choice for dining with your family.
The Cheesecake Factory is open from 10 am to 11 pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Sundays, and 10 am to 12 pm on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Should you have any inquiries, +971 4 419 0880 is their contact number!
8. Karam Al Bahr
Karam Al Bahr is a Mediterranean and Lebanese restaurant with daily specials and fresh catches straight from the sea that the restaurant overlooks. Outdoor seating on the terrace with shisha and an amazing view is available. You can also enjoy the classy, modern ambiance indoors.
Karam Al Bahr is an excellent choice if you want to try Lebanese food for the first time, as this restaurant will give you a quality Lebanese experience you won’t forget. With friendly and attentive staff, a satisfying dining experience is guaranteed!
Dine at Karam Al Bahr any day of the week from 12 pm to 12 am. You can also contact them at +971 4 701 1155.
9. Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe
Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe is a Middle Eastern grill with an array of Emirati cuisine. Al Fanar is one of the most suitable restaurants to visit to experience authentic Middle Eastern architecture and food. The staff is welcoming and makes your happiness and satisfaction a top priority.
With a relaxed atmosphere and variety of dishes, including vegetarian-friendly, vegan, gluten-free, and halal options, you’re sure to find a meal that caters to you. Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe has various features, including outdoor seating, wheelchair availability, and highchairs, making it a great restaurant to have a cultural experience with your family and friends.
Al Fanar is open from 9 am to 10 pm on Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, and 9 am to 11 pm on Thursdays and Fridays. Give them a call at +971 4 232 9966.
10. Belgian Cafe
Belgian Cafe is a European bistro-style restaurant and pub with a gorgeous view overlooking Dubai’s skyline. Belgian Cafe has a vast selection of beer available and vegan, vegetarian-friendly, and gluten-free food options.
Belgian Cafe is an excellent option if you’re looking to have a fun night out with friends, wind down after a long day at work, or eat a casual weekday lunch with family. With quick, efficient, and friendly staff, you’re guaranteed a satisfying Belgian experience.
The number of restaurants available in Dubai Festival City may be overwhelming since there are so many options from which to choose. Still, best believe you will have a great dining experience regardless of what restaurant you visit!
Feel free to stop by any day of the week from 12 pm to 2 am! You can reach them at +971 4 701 1127.
11. Hard Rock Cafe
Hard Rock Cafe is a famous, rock ‘n roll themed restaurant that serves classic American cuisine, from nachos and wings to juicy burgers and ribs. If you’re not a meat-eater, worry not! Hard Rock Cafe offers a variety of vegetarian-friendly, halal, gluten-free, and vegan options, so you can be sure you’ll find something you can enjoy.
Hard Rock Cafe has outdoor seating with a stunning terrace, a VIP room, live performances, and wheelchair accessibility! Whether you want to unwind with friends or have a romantic date with a loved one, Hard Rock Cafe can accommodate either.
You can have a great time at Hard Rock any day of the week from 12 pm to 12 am. Feel free to call ahead at +971 4 232 8900.
12. Choix Patisserie and Restaurant
If your sweet tooth needs some attention, Choix Patisserie and Restaurant is the place to be. With French and European cuisine on the menu, delectable pastries and desserts are a guarantee! Choix Patisserie offers vegan, vegetarian-friendly, and gluten-free options, so you don’t need to worry about not finding something you can enjoy.
With wheelchair and highchair accessibility and outdoor seating with a beautiful terrace, Choix Patisserie and Restaurant is a great place to visit with family and friends. Feel free to stop by any day of the week from 7 am to 9 pm, or contact them at +971 4 701 1127.
13. Anise
Anise is a restaurant with a wide variety of cuisines, including Chinese, Arab, Indian, and seafood dishes. With vast options of authentic flavors and a buffet, there’s something for everyone! Anise offers halal, gluten-free, vegetarian-friendly, and vegan options should you have a specified diet. If you’re not sure what you want to eat, Anise is the perfect restaurant to go to since they have a little bit of everything.
Not only does Anise have live cooking stations, but they also offer outdoor seating, validated parking, highchairs, and are wheelchair accessible. You can’t go wrong with Anise!
Treat yourself and your loved ones on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 6:30 am to 10:30 am, 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm, and 6:30 pm to 11 pm. Anise is also open on weekends from 6:30 am to 11 am, 1 pm to 4 pm, and 6:30 pm to 11 pm. You can reach them at +971 4 701 1111.
14. California Pizza Kitchen
California Pizza Kitchen is an American restaurant with an array of meal options. With vegan-friendly and vegetarian dishes, you can have a taste of America that is best suited to your diet. California Pizza Kitchen has a laid-back ambiance with prompt service, making it an excellent choice for any mealtime!
You can give California Pizza Kitchen a go with your family and friends from 10 am to 11 pm on Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, and 10 am to 12 am on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Feel free to give them a call at +971 4 320 4813.
15. Chili’s
Chili’s is a well-known Mexican restaurant with the most flavorful selection of dishes. With an upbeat and high-energy ambience, Chili’s is an excellent option for dining with friends and family. This restaurant is especially great for celebratory occasions like birthdays!
Chili’s is wheelchair accessible and open from 10 am to 11 pm from Monday to Thursday, and 10 am to 12 am from Friday to Sunday. Feel free to call ahead at +971 4 705 9676.
16. Maras Turka Cafe
Maras Turka is a Middle Eastern cafe with a wide selection of traditional Turkish dishes like baklava and kunafa. It is the perfect option if you want to try traditional Turkish cuisine. This authentic Middle Eastern cafe prepares its dishes with organic ingredients, so the freshness of your food is a guarantee! With a relaxed environment and friendly service, you can’t go wrong.
Maras Turka Cafe is open from 9 am to 11 pm from Sunday to Wednesday, and 9 am to 12 am from Thursday to Saturday. You’re welcome to reach out by calling +971 58 593 9870.