From elegant waterfront dining in Dubai to casual bites, Dubai Festival City is a foodie’s delight. The best restaurants in Dubai naturally go out of their way to provide diners with an unforgettable experience. But add a stunning backdrop, the IMAGINE light show, the sparkling waterfront, and, you have the perfect recipe for a truly special dining event.
From family-friendly burger treats to romantic dining, Dubai Festival City restaurants have it all. Let’s take a look at some of our favourite eateries and explore some of the best waterfront dining in Dubai in 2025.
Vista – Dining with Skyline Views
For a casual sundowner soiree or a night out with friends, Vista adds a spectacular view to the menu along with tasty treats and bespoke beverages. As you explore the taster menu, the glittering Dubai skyline serves as your backdrop, making this a truly special place to dine.
Belgian Café
If you’re looking for a sports bar in Dubai that includes a touch of chic European café culture, the Belgian Café is a real treat. Meeting with friends for coffee has just become a new ritual, thanks to their tempting pastries and artisan coffee. In addition to delicious food, this delightful café creates a fun and lively atmosphere where you can watch top sporting events on the large TV screen or sit out on the terrace and take in the view. A little dash of Brussels in the heart of Dubai, the Belgian Café is a good-time experience that’ll keep you coming back for more.
Anise
With a buffet that’s guaranteed to entice you back for ‘seconds’, and a calming waterfront view over Festival Bay, Anise takes you on a culinary tour of the planet. With authentic Indian, Thai, Levantine, and Japanese specialities on offer, followed by an irresistible sweet trolley, this is the place to dine if you truly love your food. It’s not just a ‘meal’, it’s an experience. With a special menu for the little ones, this is the perfect place to introduce your kids to the idea that food doesn’t stop at burgers and chicken nuggets. It’s one of the best family-friendly restaurants in Dubai, making everyone feel welcome.
Joe’s Backyard
If you adore BBQ but always end up burning the sausages to a crisp, let someone else take care of the griddle while you relax and unwind. Joe’s Backyard has fast become one of the city’s go-to BBQ hotspots and a top destination for dining in Dubai. Sticky ribs, perfectly cooked brisket, and Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches that’ll make your mouth water, Joe’s takes the BBQ menu to a whole new level. This is much more than a restaurant; it’s an unpretentious, relaxed, and friendly eatery, and definitely your new favourite place to eat in Dubai.
Market Island at Dubai Festival City Mall For a truly diverse selection of places to dine in Dubai, Market Island is a culinary sensation and the largest food hall in the Middle East. This huge, purpose-built emporium features more than 50 diverse food outlets, including 16 brand new dining concepts debuting in Dubai. Tempt your tastebuds with everything from Mediterranean seafood influences to Peruvian, Korean street food and Chef Eyad. It’s the place to go for the best dining in Dubai in 2025.
Stay and Dine in Dubai in 2025
Dubai Festival City isn’t just home to some of the best places to eat in Dubai. It’s a lifestyle experience that features some of the city’s most elegant accommodation. Luxurious hotels, fabulous entertainment and sports facilities, and a shopping mall that’s home to over 400 stores, including global brands and family entertainment, Dubai Festival City encapsulates everything that makes Dubai such a desirable place to live and work. Check out our Hotels page to find out more about places to stay in Dubai Festival City, or click on our Dine page to explore more dining options.
