There is a part of Dubai that looks nothing like the rest of the city. No glass towers. No mega malls. No gold everything. Instead, you get converted industrial warehouses, street art on concrete walls, the smell of freshly roasted coffee drifting through open doors, and the quiet hum of artists at work. That place is Alserkal Avenue Dubai. And once you have spent a few hours here, the Dubai you thought you knew starts to look very different.
Alserkal Avenue sits in Al Quoz Industrial Area 1, tucked between Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road. It has been the heart of Dubai’s contemporary art scene since 2007, but in recent years it has quietly become one of the best food destinations in the city too. Not the kind of food destination where a hotel chef serves you foam on a plate. The kind where a baker mills his own grains, a chocolatier makes 100+ flavours by hand, and a Japanese handroll bar operates with no reservations and a line out the door.
The dining here feels personal. Every restaurant, cafe, and bakery at Alserkal Avenue is independent. There are no chains. No franchises. No corporate menus. Just people who care deeply about what they make. And that shows in every cup of coffee, every slice of bread, and every plate of food that comes out of these warehouses.
This guide covers every restaurant, cafe, dining concept, and visiting experience at Alserkal Avenue. If you are planning a visit, bookmark this page.
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Alserkal Avenue Dubai: All You Need to Know
| Detail | Info |
| Location | Street 8, Al Quoz Industrial Area 1, Dubai |
| Nearest Metro | Noor Bank Station (Red Line), then a 5-minute taxi |
| Parking | Free parking available inside the complex |
| Entry | Free (individual venues may charge for specific events) |
| Website | alserkal.online |
| @alserkalavenue |
General Opening Hours
| Day | Hours |
| Saturday to Thursday | 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM (most galleries and studios) |
| Friday | Some venues closed, others open from 10:00 AM |
Restaurant and cafe hours vary. Many stay open until 10:00 PM or later. Always check individual venue pages for the latest timings.
How to Get There
- By Car: The easiest option. Alserkal Avenue is about 10 to 15 minutes from Downtown Dubai, Jumeirah, and Dubai Marina. Take the exit off Sheikh Zayed Road toward Al Quoz. Free parking is available inside the complex.
- By Metro and Taxi: Take the Red Line to Noor Bank Station. From there, a taxi takes about 5 minutes and costs around AED 15.
- By Taxi or Rideshare: Uber and Careem both work well. Tell the driver “Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz” and you will be dropped right at the entrance.
Restaurants at Alserkal Avenue Dubai
These are not your typical restaurant experiences. Every single one is independently owned, chef-driven, and deeply personal. No two feel the same.
Kokoro Handroll Bar
Kokoro is Dubai’s first Japanese handroll bar and one of the most talked-about restaurants in the city right now. The concept is simple. You sit at the bar. The chef makes handrolls right in front of you, one at a time, and hands them to you directly. You eat them immediately while the nori is still crispy. No plates. No waiting. Just fresh fish, warm rice, and perfectly seasoned seaweed, hand to hand.
The restaurant was brought to Dubai from Houston, Texas, by the team behind Pinza and Fiya. The fish is impeccable. The nigiri is playful. And the whole experience feels intimate and alive. There are no reservations. You walk in, put your name down, and wait. During peak hours, the wait can be long. Come during non-peak times to avoid the queue.
| Detail | Info |
| Cuisine | Japanese Handrolls, Sushi, Nigiri |
| Hours | Wed to Sun, 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM |
| Reservations | No reservations. Walk-in only. |
| @kokoro.dxb | |
| Price Range | AED 150 to 300 per person |
Le Guépard
Le Guépard is a small French brasserie that brings genuine Parisian charm to a warehouse in Al Quoz. The space is stylish and chic with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Coffee, pastries, salads, and French classics are on the menu. It is the kind of place where you sit for an hour with a cafe creme and a croissant and forget you are in the middle of an industrial area.
| Detail | Info |
| Cuisine | French Brasserie |
| Hours | Daily, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM |
| Contact | +971 56 687 8486 |
| @le_guepard_dubai | |
| Price Range | AED 80 to 200 per person |
Lila Molino + Cafe
If you are craving real Mexican food in Dubai, not Tex-Mex, not fusion, actual Mexican, Lila Molino is where you go. The tortillas are homemade using corn sourced directly from Mexico. The menu includes queso fundido, seared steak tortas, crispy chicken gringas, and green enchiladas suizas smothered in creamy sauce and cheese. On good days, you might catch the brisket enchiladas special. It is cosy, authentic, and the kind of food that makes you close your eyes when you take the first bite.
| Detail | Info |
| Cuisine | Authentic Mexican |
| Known For | Handmade corn tortillas, enchiladas, tortas |
| @lilamolino | |
| Price Range | AED 100 to 250 per person |
Fat Sandwich
Fat Sandwich does exactly what the name suggests. Big, generous, well-made sandwiches. The menu is straightforward and focused. Good bread, quality fillings, and portions that leave you properly full. It is a great grab-and-go option if you are spending the day walking through galleries and need something fast but satisfying.
| Detail | Info |
| Cuisine | Sandwiches |
| @fatsandwichdxb | |
| Price Range | AED 40 to 80 per person |
Lopo Pizzeria
Lopo Pizzeria is one of the newer additions to Alserkal Avenue. It brings Neapolitan-style pizza to the district with a focus on quality dough, fresh ingredients, and wood-fired cooking. The space is casual and fun. Good for a quick lunch or an evening meal with friends after gallery hopping.
| Detail | Info |
| Cuisine | Neapolitan Pizza |
| @lopopizzeria | |
| Price Range | AED 60 to 150 per person |
1004 Gourmet
1004 Gourmet brings Korean home cooking to Alserkal Avenue. The menu covers Korean comfort food classics. It is authentic, affordable, and popular with the Korean community in Dubai, which is always a good sign. If you love Korean food and want something real rather than a glossy K-BBQ chain, this is the spot.
| Detail | Info |
| Cuisine | Korean |
| Known For | Korean home-style cooking |
| @1004gourmet | |
| Price Range | AED 50 to 120 per person |
Akhu Manoushe
Akhu Manoushe serves traditional Lebanese manakeesh, which are flatbreads topped with zaatar, cheese, meat, and other fillings. Fresh from the oven, simple, and incredibly satisfying. The prices are friendly and the portions are generous. It is the kind of food that feels like a warm hug from a Lebanese grandmother.
| Detail | Info |
| Cuisine | Lebanese Bakery |
| Known For | Fresh manakeesh, zaatar, cheese flatbreads |
| @akhumanoushe | |
| Price Range | AED 20 to 60 per person |
NALA
NALA is a stylish canteen with a made-to-order menu designed to cover all moods and cravings. Dine in or take out. The menu changes and evolves, but the quality stays consistent. It has a relaxed, community feel that fits the Alserkal vibe perfectly.
| Detail | Info |
| Cuisine | International, Canteen-style |
| @nala.dxb | |
| Price Range | AED 60 to 150 per person |
SALATA
SALATA focuses on fresh, healthy, made-to-order salads. You choose your base, your toppings, your protein, and your dressing. It is fast, customisable, and a welcome option for anyone who wants something light and fresh during a day of gallery hopping.
| Detail | Info |
| Cuisine | Healthy, Salads |
| @salata | |
| Price Range | AED 40 to 80 per person |
Window
Window is the newest restaurant from FYTE Hospitality, the same team behind Kokoro. Led by Chef Gonzalo Platero, the 32-seat space is built around live-fire cooking. Ember-charred vegetables, grilled meats, and smoke-driven dishes that were developed over a full year of testing. It is intimate, ingredient-focused, and one of the most exciting new openings at Alserkal in 2026.
| Detail | Info |
| Cuisine | Live-Fire, Modern Grill |
| Seats | 32 |
| @window.dxb | |
| Price Range | AED 200 to 400 per person |
CarniStore
CarniStore is a butcher shop and grill concept. You pick your cut of meat, they cook it for you. The quality of the meat is the focus here. Premium cuts, skilled grilling, and a no-fuss approach to steak. If you are a meat lover, this is a must-visit.
| Detail | Info |
| Cuisine | Butcher Shop and Grill |
| Known For | Premium cuts, steak |
| @carnistore | |
| Price Range | AED 100 to 300 per person |
Cafes, Coffee and Bakeries at Alserkal Avenue
The cafe scene at Alserkal is arguably the best in Dubai. Every coffee shop here roasts, brews, or bakes something special.
Nightjar Coffee Roasters
Nightjar is a specialty coffee institution in Dubai. The space has an industrial, loft-style vibe with exposed ceilings, dark wood, and a huge wrap-around bar. Taps serve every kind of coffee you can think of. Cold brew, pour-over, espresso, filter, and more. If you care about coffee, Nightjar is a pilgrimage.
| Detail | Info |
| Type | Specialty Coffee Roasters |
| Hours | Daily, 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM |
| Contact | +971 4 330 6635 |
| @nightjarcoffee | |
| Price Range | AED 20 to 50 |
Subko Coffee Roasters
Subko is a Mumbai-born specialty coffee roaster and bakehouse that chose Alserkal Avenue for its first international outpost. The coffee is roasted in-house. The bread is baked fresh. The vibe is warm, minimalist, and very community-driven. If you love Indian specialty coffee culture, this is where it meets Dubai.
| Detail | Info |
| Type | Specialty Coffee and Bakehouse |
| Origin | Mumbai, India |
| @subko.in | |
| Price Range | AED 20 to 60 |
bkry
bkry is not just a bakery. It is an experimental bakespace. Co-founded by Chef Kameel Rasyid, the concept started as a popular bakery and has grown into a full-service dining spot. The open kitchen shows you everything. Grains are milled in-house. Chocolate is processed from bean to bar. The Pecan Salted Caramel croissant and the Palestinian Zaatar & Cream Cheese croissant are legendary. In 2026, the menu expanded to include lunch and dinner dishes like Truffle Pasta and Wild Mushroom on Toast. Artisanal spreads, jams, and specialty coffee round out the experience.
| Detail | Info |
| Type | Bakery, Cafe, Restaurant |
| Known For | In-house milled grains, croissants, artisan bread |
| Contact | +971 4 832 2433 |
| @bkry.dxb | |
| Price Range | AED 40 to 150 per person |
Ganache Chocolatier
Ganache Chocolatier is an artisan chocolate factory, cafe, and boutique all in one. Over 100 flavours to choose from. Baklava crunch, zaatar praline, rose, saffron, and dozens more. The chocolate is made on site, and you can watch the process through the open production area. A gift-wrapping station lets you customise your own boxes. It is one of the most unique chocolate experiences in Dubai.
| Detail | Info |
| Type | Artisan Chocolate Factory and Cafe |
| Known For | 100+ chocolate flavours, factory tours |
| @ganachechocolatier | |
| Price Range | AED 30 to 100 |
Pekoe Tea & Bread Bar
Pekoe is for people who take their tea as seriously as others take their coffee. The menu features a curated selection of teas from around the world, paired with freshly baked bread and light bites. The space is calm and thoughtful. A lovely stop before or after a Cinema Akil screening.
| Detail | Info |
| Type | Tea House and Bakery |
| Known For | Specialty teas, fresh bread |
| @pekoe.dxb | |
| Price Range | AED 25 to 70 |
More Cafes Worth Visiting
| Cafe | What Makes It Special |
| Feka | Specialty coffee in a minimal, warm setting |
| The Growhouse | Plant-based cafe and community space |
| Strawberry Fields | Fresh, vibrant cafe with a garden feel |
| thegoodlife. | Wellness-focused food and drinks |
| SWEY | Creative concept cafe |
| Mauz | New dining concept with fresh energy |
| MANNA | Community-focused food spot |
| I AM | Lifestyle and food combined |
| Chalk | Creative space with a cafe element |
Quick Price Guide
| Category | Average Spend Per Person |
| Quick bite (sandwich, manoushe) | AED 20 to 60 |
| Coffee or tea | AED 20 to 50 |
| Casual restaurant meal | AED 80 to 200 |
| Fine/specialty dining (Kokoro, Window) | AED 200 to 400 |
| Chocolates and gifts (Ganache) | AED 30 to 100 |
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Visiting Concepts: Art, Cinema, Performances and Workshops
Alserkal Avenue is much more than food. The dining exists within a rich cultural ecosystem. Here are the visiting concepts that make this place unlike anywhere else in Dubai.
Cinema Akil
Cinema Akil is the first arthouse cinema in the GCC. Founded by Butheina Kazim in 2014, it screens independent, classic, and world cinema that you will not find in any commercial multiplex in Dubai. The 133-seat space has vintage furniture, a cosy atmosphere, and regular themed film weeks covering Italian cinema, Palestinian films, Arab Cinema Week, and more. Tickets are affordable. The experience is intimate. If you love film, this is essential.
| Detail | Info |
| Location | Warehouse 68, Alserkal Avenue |
| Seats | 133 |
| Tickets | From AED 52.50 |
| Website | cinemaakil.com |
| @cinemaakil |
Art Galleries
Alserkal Avenue is home to over 20 contemporary art galleries. Entry is free at most of them. Exhibitions change regularly. Here are some of the most important ones.
| Gallery | Focus |
| The Third Line | Contemporary art from the Middle East and South Asia |
| Green Art Gallery | Modern and contemporary Arab art |
| Carbon 12 | International contemporary art |
| Grey Noise | Experimental and emerging artists |
| Leila Heller Gallery | Blue-chip and emerging international artists |
| Lawrie Shabibi | Contemporary art from MENA region |
| Ayyam Gallery | Syrian and Middle Eastern contemporary art |
| 1×1 Art Gallery | South Asian contemporary art |
| Ishara Art Foundation | South Asian art and culture |
| Gallery Isabelle | Contemporary photography and mixed media |
| Firetti Contemporary | International contemporary art |
| Efie Gallery | African and diaspora contemporary art |
| Aisha Alabbar Gallery | Emirati and regional contemporary art |
| Zawyeh Gallery | Palestinian contemporary art |
| Taymour Grahne Projects | International contemporary |
| Waddington Custot Gallery | European modern and contemporary art |
Tip: Most galleries are open Saturday to Thursday, 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Many close on Fridays. Entry is free. Art changes regularly, so even if you have visited before, there is always something new.
Performing Arts and Events
| Venue | What Happens Here |
| The Fridge | Live music, comedy, theatre, open mic nights |
| The Junction | Theatre productions, community performances |
| Sima Performing Arts | Dance, theatre, music training and shows |
| A4 Space | Community events, talks, workshops, pop-ups |
The Fridge is one of the most important live performance venues in Dubai. Comedy nights, live bands, and theatre productions run regularly. The Junction focuses on community theatre and has built a loyal following over the years.
Creative Workshops and Classes
| Venue | What You Can Do |
| thejamjar | Paint-your-own-canvas sessions, art classes |
| Tashkeel Makerspace | Ceramics, woodwork, printmaking, textiles |
| The Happy Studio | Art workshops for all ages |
| Gulf Photo Plus | Photography workshops and exhibitions |
| Chalk | Creative sessions and design workshops |
thejamjar is one of the most popular workshop spaces in Dubai. You walk in, pick up a canvas, choose your paints, and create. No experience needed. It is therapeutic, fun, and a great activity for couples, friends, and families. Tashkeel Makerspace goes deeper with professional ceramics, woodwork, and printmaking equipment and classes.
Health, Wellness and Fitness
| Venue | What They Offer |
| CRANK | Indoor cycling studio |
| Shimis Yoga | Yoga classes |
| YS Pilates | Pilates classes |
| DNA Health & Wellness | Gym, personal training, wellness |
| KARVE | Cardio-barre fitness |
CRANK has become one of the most popular cycling studios in Dubai. The energy inside during a class is electric. KARVE brings cardio-barre, a ballet-inspired workout, to the district. Shimis Yoga offers a calm, grounded practice in a beautiful warehouse setting.
Retail and Lifestyle
| Store | What They Sell |
| Nada Debs | Lebanese designer furniture and objects |
| Nappa Dori | Indian leather goods and accessories |
| Orient 499 | Lebanese contemporary lifestyle products |
| The Edit | Curated design and lifestyle store |
| Italian Shoe Factory | Handcrafted Italian footwear |
| Jaipur Rugs | Handmade Indian rugs |
| Maison Etherique | Fragrance and home |
| Mojo & Blssd | Streetwear and lifestyle |
| Montroi | Luxury leather journals and accessories |
| Zerzura Rare Books | Rare and collectible books |
Zerzura Rare Books is one of those places you walk into and lose track of time. Shelves of rare, out-of-print, and collectible books covering art, architecture, design, and culture. If you love books, this is a treasure.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Visit
- Go on a Saturday morning: Most galleries and cafes are open. The crowds are smaller than weekday afternoons when the after-work crowd arrives. The light is beautiful in the morning.
- Wear comfortable shoes: Alserkal Avenue is a walking district. The warehouses are spread across several streets. Comfortable shoes make the experience much better.
- Eat first, then gallery hop: Start with coffee at Nightjar or Subko, grab a croissant at bkry, then spend the rest of the morning walking through galleries. Come back for a proper lunch at Kokoro, Lila Molino, or CarniStore.
- Check Cinema Akil’s schedule before you go: They screen different films every day. Some screenings sell out. Check cinemaakil.com and book in advance if something catches your eye.
- Visit during Alserkal Art Month (March): This is when the whole avenue comes alive with special exhibitions, artist talks, performances, open studios, and events. It is the best time of year to visit.
- Combine with a Dubai art tour: Alserkal Avenue, Dubai Design District (D3), and the Jameel Arts Centre are all within a 15-minute drive of each other. You can do all three in a day for a full Dubai art experience.
- Come hungry and curious: The food is as much a reason to visit as the art. Try something you have never had before. A zaatar croissant from bkry. A handroll from Kokoro. A chocolate bonbon from Ganache. The whole point of Alserkal is discovery.
FAQs
1. Where is Alserkal Avenue located?
Alserkal Avenue is on Street 8 in Al Quoz Industrial Area 1, Dubai. It is between Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road, about 10 to 15 minutes from Downtown Dubai, Jumeirah, and Dubai Marina by car. The nearest metro station is Noor Bank on the Red Line, followed by a 5-minute taxi ride. Free parking is available inside the complex.
2. What are the opening hours of Alserkal Avenue?
Most galleries and studios are open Saturday to Thursday from 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Many close on Fridays. Restaurants and cafes have their own hours, with some staying open until 10:00 PM or later. Cinema Akil screens films into the evening. Always check individual venue pages for the latest timings, as they can vary.
3. Is there an entry fee to visit Alserkal Avenue?
No. Entry to Alserkal Avenue is free. Walking around the district, visiting most galleries, and browsing the shops costs nothing. Individual venues may charge for specific experiences like Cinema Akil screenings, workshop classes, or fitness sessions.
4. What are the best restaurants at Alserkal Avenue?
Kokoro Handroll Bar for Japanese handrolls. Lila Molino for authentic Mexican. Le Guépard for French brasserie food. CarniStore for premium steaks. Window for live-fire cooking. 1004 Gourmet for Korean home cooking. Akhu Manoushe for Lebanese flatbreads. Every restaurant here is independently owned and chef-driven, so the quality across the board is high.
5. What are the best cafes at Alserkal Avenue?
Nightjar Coffee Roasters for specialty coffee. Subko for Mumbai-born roasted coffee and baked goods. Bakery for experimental bread and pastries. Ganache Chocolatier for artisan chocolates. Pekoe Tea & Bread Bar for specialty teas. There are no chain cafes here. Every one is independent and unique.
6. Is Alserkal Avenue good for families?
Yes. Thejamjar offers paint sessions for all ages. The Happy Studio runs art workshops for kids. Cinema Akil screens family-friendly films during special events. Many of the cafes and restaurants are casual and welcoming for children. The open, walkable layout of the district makes it easy to navigate with strollers.
7. What is Cinema Akil?
Cinema Akil is the first arthouse cinema in the GCC, founded in 2014. It screens independent, classic, and world cinema from across the globe. The 133-seat space in Alserkal Avenue opened in 2018. Tickets start from AED 52.50. Regular themed film weeks cover Italian, Arab, Palestinian, and French cinema. It is one of the most culturally important venues in Dubai.
8. Can I buy art at Alserkal Avenue?
Yes. Most galleries sell the artwork on display. Prices range from a few hundred dirhams for prints and smaller works to hundreds of thousands for major pieces by established artists. Gallery staff are happy to discuss works and pricing. It is also a great place to discover emerging artists before they become well-known.
9. When is the best time to visit Alserkal Avenue?
Saturday mornings are ideal for a relaxed visit. Alserkal Art Month in March is the best time of year, with special exhibitions, open studios, and events across the district. The cooler months from November to March are the most comfortable for walking around. Summer visits work fine too since most spaces are air-conditioned, but some outdoor areas can be warm.
10. Is there parking at Alserkal Avenue?
Yes. Free parking is available inside the Alserkal Avenue complex and on surrounding streets. On busy days like Saturdays and during Art Month, parking can fill up, so arriving early helps. Alternatively, Uber and Careem drop-offs are quick and convenient.
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