Good Eats: A Foodie’s Guide to the Best Food Courts in Dubai
Are you a foodie? Oh, you’ll surely have a grand time eating your way around Dubai!
But we’re not just talking about street food spots, authentic eats and restaurants here because Dubai also has some of the best food courts in the region.
You could be craving for Asian food or you’re on the lookout for new dining concepts. If you’re the type of foodie who loves to have options when it comes to food, then prepare your appetite as we explore Dubai’s best food courts.
Depachika Food Hall
Website: https://depachika.ae/en
Address: Nakheel Mall – Palm Jumeirah – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 4 363 3633
Operating hours:
- 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM from Sunday to Thursday
- 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM from Friday to Saturday
Price:
- Approx. AED 45 per person
Stepping inside Depachika feels more like being in a food-themed park than your typical Dubai food court because of its cozy interiors and wide variety of food options.
Located in Nakheel Mall in Palm Jumeirah, Depachika was launched in 2019 and it was the first of its kind in the country.
Since then, the food hall has been the go-to spot for foodies looking for good food without the hefty price tag.
Now, what exactly does Depachika mean? The food hall is actually a combination of two Japanese words: depa meaning “department store” and chika meaning “basement.”
So, this food hall literally means a department store in a basement. Interesting, right?
But Depachika offers more than just good Japanese food. All of its vendors are carefully selected to offer artisanal, specialty and unique food and gifting products.
So, whether you’re craving traditional Emirati food or Asian food, you’ll surely find a vendor that would satisfy those cravings.
Our Recommended Vendors
Don’t know where to start with all these amazing food options?
Relax because we got you covered with these highly recommended vendors at Depachika:
- The CheeseRoom
- The Lime Tree Cafe and Kitchen
- Lana Lusa
- Casa Della Pasta
- 1762
Pro tip:
Aside from its food offerings, Depachika also has vendors selling everything from French truffles to artisanal cheeses.
Do you want to enroll in a cooking class while you’re in Dubai? Check out Mamalu Kitchen at Depachika.
Time Out Market Dubai
Website: https://www.timeoutmarket.com/dubai/
Address: Level 3 – Souk Al Bahar – Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 54 375 2421
Operating hours:
- 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM from Sunday to Thursday
- 12:00 PM to 1:00 AM from Friday to Saturday
Price:
- Approx. AED 105 for two people
Spanning over 4,000 square feet, Time Out Market is one of the biggest food courts in Dubai where you can dine with views of the Burj Khalifa and the rest of Downtown Dubai.
Located in Souk Al Bahar, this massive foodie complex features 17 homegrown food vendors and three bars that sell everything from local snacks to serious eats.
But the experience already starts before you even sample anything from Time Out Market.
The moment you step inside, you’ll be greeted with an explosion of colors and textures that offer a festive vibe to get you in the mood for a good time.
Brazilian-born street artist Tarsila Schubert’s striking mural brings the space together while you only need to look up to see the majestic Burj Khalifa through the glass ceiling.
But the real gem of Time Out Market is really its carefully curated list of vendors, which is considered one of the best in the city.
The thing is, you can’t just sell anything in this food court.
In fact, every dish is personally taste tested by local food experts to make sure that you only get the best bites in Dubai.
Our Recommended Vendors
We know that this Dubai food court is a lot of space to cover. So, we did the homework for you and came up with this list of our highly recommended vendors:
- Masti
- Little Jun’s
- Mattar
- Reif
- Pitfire Pizza
- Slab Cocina
- Atrium Bar
- Liban by Allo Beirut
Pro tip:
Don’t want to wait long for a table at Time Out Market? Go right after the food court opens for lunch or dinner, so you get the best spot in the house and get first dibs on the food.
South Market Food Hall
Website: https://www.lovethatdesign.com/project/gate-avenue-south-market-difc/
Address: DIFC Gate Avenue – Sheikh Zayed Road – Trade Center – DIFC – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 4 585 0898
Operating hours:
- 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily
Price:
- Approx. AED 55 for two people
With 15 different kitchens in one food court, you can expect an exciting gastronomic experience in the South market at DIFC Gate Dubai.
Spanning over 836 square meters, this food hall has an industrial theme with touches of wood and green to create a simple yet relaxing ambiance that’s perfect for dining out.
South Market also caters to different international cuisines. So, if you can’t decide whether you want to eat Mexican, Thai or Japanese food, you have everything right here.
The food hall also offers elevated dining options, which means that you get to enjoy well-curated dishes from restaurants instead of just your regular food vendors.
Our Recommended Vendors
Are you having a hard time deciding which vendor to try first?
We tried some of these vendors and here are some of our recommendations:
- Bahiya Restaurant
- Crab Market
- Earth Kitchen
- BKK Bistro
- Cereal Killer Cafe
- Burritos Beyond Borders
Pro tip:
Are you overwhelmed with all the food choices at South Market? Ask the team at each restaurant for their best dishes, so you can narrow down your options.
Streetery Food Hall JLT
Website: https://streeteryfoodhall.com/
Address: Lake Level – Shop D-6B – Cluster D – Jumeirah Lake Towers – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 4 587 3373
Operating hours:
- 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily
Price:
- Approx. AED 120 for two people
Streetery Food Hall JLT is the best food court in Dubai for authentic Asian-style hawker eats in a relaxing environment.
Located in the JLT neighborhood, Streetery takes you on a street food journey across Asia with its festive interiors and familiar aromas.
From its neon signs to vendors wearing red aprons, you’ll instantly feel like you’re wandering in the streets of Singapore or Kuala Lumpur when you’re at Streetery Food Hall JLT.
So, if you’re craving for classic Asian street food, especially those being sold in hawker markets, you should check out this food hall.
Our Recommended Vendors
You won’t have a hard time choosing from the vendors selling a variety of authentic Asian eats at Streetery because they all have something unique to offer:
- Hing Kee
- Fat Aunt’s
- Zen
- So Sanok
- The Pink Imli
Pro tip:
Don’t have time to visit Streetery? Place your orders online and they’ll deliver it in your hotel.
Food Central
Website: https://www.citycentredeira.com/foodcentral
Address: Level 2 – Deira City Center – Deira – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 4 209 3105
Operating hours:
- 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM from Sunday to Wednesday
- 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM from Thursday to Saturday
Price:
- Approx. AED 230 for two people
Food Central combines good aesthetics and good food in a Dubai food court where you can enjoy culinary offerings from around the world.
Located in Deira, this one-stop foodie destination features a modern organic theme with exposed beams, wood floors and touches of greenery everywhere to soften up the interiors.
And if you’re wondering where all those beautiful aromas are coming from, it’s from Food Central’s herb wall that brings the space together.
But the real highlight of this food court is the wide variety of offerings that will surely satisfy your cravings for different cuisines.
Whether it’s Filipino barbecue or Mexican tacos, Food Central has it all.
Our Recommended Vendors
We know that choosing the right restaurant can be a tough decision. So, we made sure to have some recommendations handy for you:
- Kitchen 35
- Mang Inasal
- Chalco’s Mexican Grill
- Mr. Chaat Hut
- Asian Wok
- Poke and Co.
Pro tip:
Are you stressed out from all the exploring you’ve done around the city? Check out Food Central’s Wellness Center where you can enjoy complimentary yoga classes on the weekends.
Downtown Kitchens
Website: https://propsearch.ae/dubai/downtown-kitchens
Address: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard – Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 4 366 1688
Operating hours:
- 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily
Price:
- Approx. AED 210 for two people
Located in the heart of the city, Downtown Kitchens is a massive 195,000-square feet food court in Dubai where you can find dining concepts from homegrown and foreign businesses.
This foodie paradise is where you’ll find new dining trends, concepts and artisanal offerings from talents who are constantly developing new things to wow diners.
In fact, it’s home to Truffle House, the first specialty truffle shop in Dubai.
Downtown Kitchens has an industrial feel that blends well with its surroundings. But the different restaurants add color and texture to the space with views of the Dubai fountain while you dine.
Our Recommended Vendors
Stepping inside Downtown Kitchens is a multi-sensory experience. But before you get overwhelmed with your choices, here are some places you should check out first:
- Off the Hook
- Coffee Planet
- Fiore Dell Amore
- Hampstead Bakery
- Ribbons andBalloons
- Choco Churro Cafe
Pro tip:
Do you want to relax after all that eating? Head to On the Go Beauty Center inside Downtown Kitchens for some relaxing spa treatments.
Al Areesh Club
Website: https://www.alfuttaim.com/real_estate/al-areesh-club/
Address: Al Areesh Club – Al Badia Boulevard – Dubai Festival City – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 4 546 7400
Operating hours:
- 7:00 AM to 10:30 PM from Sunday to Wednesday
- 7:00 AM to 11:30 PM from Thursday to Saturday
Price:
- Approx. AED 140 for two people
The Food Hall at Areesh Club is a family friendly food court in Dubai that offers a wide range of artisanal and classic food and drink options.
Located in Dubai Festival City, this food hall is a mixing pot of different dining concepts to cater to every preference in a relaxing environment.
Are you bringing the entire family for lunch or dinner? This is the place to be since it has everything you need to satisfy different taste buds in one place.
Does your husband love a good burger? Do you prefer Italian food? Are the kids craving soft serve ice cream? The Food Hall at Areesh Club has it all for you.
Our Recommended Vendors
Are you thinking about what to order on the menu? Here are our top recommendations:
- Labneh and Za’atar sourdough toast
- Quattro platter
- Nashville hot chicken
- Truffle and mushroom pizza
- Baked manaeesh
- Super falafel wrap
- Boneless chicken wings
Pro tip:
Make the most out of your trip to Al Areesh Club by taking advantage of its facilities including yoga classes, outdoor swimming pool and even a hair and beauty salon for some pampering.