Dubai Festival City is a contemporary entertainment and business community with a lot to offer. It is home to numerous shopping destinations, dining establishments, and entertainment hubs that cater to people of all ages. So if you’re searching for your next destination, especially if you’re traveling with your family, check out Dubai Festival City.
But there is one destination that stands out in the area because it is a one-stop shop for shopping, dining, and leisurely activities – and that is Dubai Festival City Mall. It houses over 400 outlets, including IKEA and high-end fashion shops.
Moreover, there are countless dining options around the mall.
Whether you are craving Indian dishes, Emirati cuisine, or Italian food, restaurants in the Dubai Festival City Mall are sure to have something that can satisfy different taste buds.
Most of the restaurants are located on the Festival Bay wing, so expect to dine while enjoying stunning waterfront views.
If you’re feeling hungry while at the mall, here are the top 12 restaurants where you can grab a bite or enjoy delicious meals with your family and friends.
#1 Al Fanar
If you’re looking for authentic Emirati food, Al Fanar must be on your list. They offer a range of all-day breakfasts, main courses, hot pots, and appetizers.
What makes Al Fanar even more favorable for diners is its interior design. All their branches across the emirate are themed to reflect the Old Dubai of the early 1960s.
#2 Eataly
Eataly is the perfect destination if you want to satisfy your cravings for Italian dishes. Besides their pasta, you must also try their irresistible Italian pizzas.
#3 Galito’s
Galito’s is a South African and Portuguese restaurant famous for its juicy and tender South African grilled chicken. Other foods worth trying include their chicken combo tada and peri peri fries.
#4 Hard Rock Cafe
The Dubai Festival City Mall houses the only Hard Rock Cafe in Dubai, so if you are a patron of this establishment, you can sip on your favorite beverage while snacking on some tasty bar bites here.
Hard Rock Cafe is one of the most-visited restaurants in the mall. It has been serving Dubai citizens for over two decades now, offering many dishes, including American staples like shakes and burgers. It also serves healthy dishes for health-conscious eaters and weight watchers.
Try their best-selling appetizer known as “one night in Bangkok spicy shrimp.” The shrimps are fresh, crispy, and coated with lightly spicy and creamy spicy sauce, and are paired perfectly with a bed of coleslaw and chips.
Burger lovers must try their 24-Karat gold leaf steak burger. As its name implies, this 500-gram Angus steak burger has 24-karat edible gold leaf layers, making it a sparkly, enticing food item.
#5 Joe’s Crab Shack
Joe’s Crab Shack is a must-try restaurant if you are craving seafood. Their menu includes a mouth-watering combination of crabs, lobsters, shrimp, and other types of fish.
Another favorite at Joe’s Crab Shack is their seasonal boiled crawfish. Other dishes you must try are the Ragin Cajun and Beantown back.
#6 Peppermill
Craving for Indian dishes? Peppermill got you covered. This is an Indian restaurant boasting highly experienced staff and quick service.
Their succulent butter chicken is the main reason patrons visit the establishment repeatedly. Other best dishes worth trying are the chicken biryani, chaat platter, ras malai cake, mutton biryani, and lassi. Peppermill also offers plenty of delicious vegetarian dishes.
#7 P.F. Chang’s
P.F. Chang’s is the pinnacle of Chinese food in Dubai. Their cuisine is unmatched in terms of taste and quality. Their cozy restaurant environment and unique Asian menu have transformed the perception of Chinese dishes in the city.
Their famous dynamite shrimps are definitely a must-try. You may also try their fusion-style dishes, which are prepared using the highest quality and freshest ingredients.
#8 Rainforest Café
Rainforest Café is a jungle-themed dining establishment that recreates the sounds and sights of the Amazon rainforest. This is certainly a must-try café if your kids love plants and animals.
They offer a wide range of American and international dishes that people of all ages love, including burgers, hearty steaks, and healthy salads and desserts. Some of their best-sellers are taco salad, Amazon fajitas, rainforest burgers, lava nachos, chicken tenders, guacamole burgers, and big islanders.
#9 Sultan Baba Iskender
Sultan Baba Iskender is one of Dubai’s leading Turkish restaurants. Their menu will take you on a delectable Turkish food tour right in the city.
Try out their signature Iskender kebab. This is a sumptuous blend of beef doner and tender lamb slices served with grilled pita bread. Other popular dishes you should try with your loved ones are the one-meter long Adana kebab and the Sultan Baba family platter.
#10 Texas Roadhouse
Texas Roadhouse is an American steakhouse serving fall-off-the-bone veal ribs, hand-cut steaks, fresh-baked rolls, and made-from-scratch sides. But apart from their legendary food and service, they are also famous for being a fun dining establishment because of their jukebox and line dancers.
#11 The Cheesecake Factory
The Cheesecake Factory is where everyone’s dessert dreams come true. You can indulge yourself with hearty portions of pasta, salads, nachos, beverages, and a wide selection of American-style cheesecakes. Choose a seat on the balcony so you can eat your food while enjoying the majestic views of the waterfront.
#12 Zaatar W Zeit
Indulge in an urban Lebanese experience at Zaatar W Zeit. Don’t miss their signature knife in the pan, which is a traditional Lebanese dessert made with cheese and phyllo. They also offer healthy meals, including their quinoa halloumi salad and Zooza salad. They also have snacks on the go, such as their signature wraps.
Apart from these restaurants in Festival City, there is also a food court in the mall. Here, you can find some of the familiar fast-food favorites like Hardees, Krispy Kreme, Wendy’s, KFC, and more.
You will have plenty of options in Dubai Festival City Mall if you are a foodie traveler. Whatever you’re craving, you can definitely find a restaurant that can satisfy your taste buds here. Better yet, why don’t you try the different cuisines during your visit?
Explore Dubai Festival City
Aside from taking a gastronomical trip, you should also include some of the unique experiences you can try at Dubai Festival City in your travel itinerary.
These include the Dream Aero flight simulator, IMAGINE, festival wheel, Fabyland, and dhow rides. While you’re at it, consider checking out the events in Dubai today. Who knows, you might get a chance to watch your favorite performer in person or perhaps win gift cards in your preferred stores and restaurants.
Enjoy!
Also read:
10 Best Places To Visit In Dubai At Night
Traveling During Pandemic To Dubai: Tips To Take Care
Dubai Facts: Amazing, Fun, And Interesting Facts About Dubai
