You just landed at the bustling Dubai International Airport (DXB). Take a taxi or use the RTA bus and head north for a greenery-filled neighbourhood of Dubai that is sure to please you. This is Dubai Festival City, sitting on the outskirts of the city and home to a number of incredible experiences. Besides hosting one of the best shopping malls and the mesmerizing IMAGINE performances, there is also quite a long list of beautiful outdoor restaurants in Dubai Festival City in 2026, letting you experience global cuisine, thoughtful ambiance and lasting memories all in one place. Isn’t it incredible?
The most common transport mode in Dubai Festival City is taxi as reaching the nearest Dubai Metro station could take some time on foot. Nonetheless, you can also find plenty of RTA bus routes running past the prominent Dubai Festival City Mall, such as 44, 24, 53, F08 and F62. DXB is just 10 minutes from the neighborhood and other top attractions in Dubai, such as Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Dubai Frame and Museum of the Future, are also easily accessible.
Dubai Festival City is famous for its restaurants. Starting from global cuisine options to scenic, panoramic glimpses of the skyline, this neighborhood has plenty of dining options to offer. This is the ultimate guide to 25+ best recommended outdoor restaurants in Dubai Festival City, featuring scenic dining experiences, indulgent cuisines, use of the best cooking techniques and some really great options at DFC Mall itself. These restaurants promise lasting memories and, therefore, need to be added to your Dubai itinerary at all costs.
You can come to Joe’s Backyard, for instance, for open-air ambiance, delicious nachos and great drinks. There is Helipad Frozen Cherry to enjoy a round of drinks in a lounge built atop a helicopter pad. Sounds thrilling, right? Places like Karam al Bahr, The Market Island, Pierre’s TT, Sirocco Restaurant, Semsom and more also need to be added to your list. Let’s take a look at the most indulgent options in 2026. You are not going to be disappointed.
Read More: 40+ Best Outdoor Restaurants in Palm Jumeirah 2025
25+ Best Outdoor Restaurants in Dubai Festival City 2026
1. Joe’s Backyard
Bringing people together for the love of BBQ, Joe’s Backyard is going to be your ultimate holiday hangout spot in Dubai. From Happy Hour and Ladies Night deals to Sunday Roast starting from AED 150 and more, this place offers endless possibilities. You can also soak in beautiful glimpses of all the scenery around. Once the festive season starts, Joe’s Backyard picks up the celebratory mood and makes sure your moments are as pleasant as possible.
- Opening Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 1:00 pm to 2:00 am
- Friday to Saturday: 1:00 pm to 3:00 am
- Contact Number: +971 557094509
- Location:
- Holiday Inn & Suites Dubai Festival City by IHG
- Al Kheeran – Dubai Festival City – Dubai
2. The Bay by Social Distrikt
Time to check out The Bay by Social Distrikt, a 3,900-square-metre outdoor market at Festival Bay, Dubai Festival City. You are going to see the perfect combination of global food, retail and entertainment here. The Bay by Social Distrikt has 500+ seats and attracts more than 1 million people annually. Make sure to add this place to your Dubai itinerary for 2026 at all costs. You are not going to be disappointed.
- Opening Hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 4:00 pm to 12:00 am
- Location:
- Festival Bay – Dubai Festival City Mall
- Al Kheeran – Dubai Festival City – Dubai
3. Eataly
Check out Eataly, one of the finest outdoor restaurants in Dubai. Located at Dubai Festival City Mall, this place is counted among the city’s greatest Italian dining places, offering authentic pizzas, freshly-baked bread and so much more. The food are prepared from only the freshest ingredients and best cooking techniques. Your experience at Eataly is going to be much more magical than you currently expect it to be.
- Opening Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 9:00 am to 11:30 pm
- Friday to Saturday: 9:00 am to 12:30 am
- Contact Number: +971 42241083
- Location:
- Dubai Festival City Mall – First Floor – Festival Square – Dubai
4. Vista Restaurant and Terrace
From a large outdoor terrace to a premium atmosphere, Vista Restaurant and Terrace at InterContinental Dubai Festival City needs to be on your list. You get a panorama of sophistication. From its bespoke collection of beverages and flavours to the international a la carte selection, Vista Restaurant and Terrace offers a truly remarkable experience. Be it a lazy afternoon or a social night out, this place is suitable for all occassions.
- Opening Hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 1:00 pm to 3:00 am
- Contact Number: +971 47011127
- Location:
- InterContinental Dubai Festival City by IHG
- Dubai Festival City – Dubai
5. Hard Rock Cafe Dubai
Hard Rock Cafe Dubai is located just off the Business Bay crossing at Dubai Festival City Mall, one of the best shopping malls in Dubai. From delicious burgers and refreshing salads to house made entrees and a huge space for entertainment, Hard Rock Cafe Dubai is an exciting place to be in. The evening hours tend to be busier. Both locals and tourists adore this place for its ambiance and electrical vibe.
- Opening Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 12:00 pm to 1:00 am
- Friday to Saturday: 12:00 pm to 2:00 am
- Contact Number: +971 42328900
- Location:
- Dubai Festival City Mall Zone 8A – Dubai
6. Turkish Village
Step into Turkish Village, one of the most authentic Turkish restaurants in Dubai. Located at Dubai Festival City Mall, Turkish Village serves traditional Turkish meals using real recipes and the freshest ingredients. From grilled meats to tasty mezze, there are a lot of options to indulge in. You can also find a relaxing atmosphere, suitable for all kinds of occasions and gatherings. Bring your friends and family along for a memorable experience.
- Opening Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 9:00 am to 11:00 pm
- Friday to Sunday: 9:00 am to 12:00 am
- Contact Number: +971 43449955
- Location:
- Dubai Festival City Mall – Al Kheeran
- Dubai Festival City – Dubai
7. Helipad by Frozen Cherry
There is a lounge bar that is sitting right on a helicopter pad in Dubai. Excited about exploring it? Helipad by Frozen Cherry is the name, sitting on DFC Mall’s helipad and offering MediterrAsian food, live music and international DJs. This is one of the most scenic lounge clubs in Dubai, featuring natural landscapes, great furniture and irresistible ambiance. You are going to adore the experience for a long, long time.
- Opening Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 5:00 pm to 12:00 am
- Friday to Saturday: 5:00 pm to 3:00 am
- Contact Number: +971 524697349
- Location:
- Dubai Festival City Mall – Al Kheeran – Dubai Festival City – Dubai
8. Al Fanar
Time for a beautiful journey into the heart of Emirati cuisine. Al Fanar is one of the best outdoor restaurants in Dubai, seamlessly preserving the culinary traditions of the UAE. From age-old recipes and best cooking techniques to the freshest local ingredients, Al Fanar puts in considerable amount of effort into each dish to make it taste effortless and memorable. It is a famous place among both locals and tourists.
- Opening Hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 9:00 am to 10:00 pm
- Contact Number: +971 42329966
- Location:
- Ground Floor, Dubai Festival City Mall
- Near P.F.Chang’s, Canal Walk – Dubai
9. Zaytoun
Mediterranean by day and Arabian by night. Zaytoun is one of the best outdoor restaurants in Dubai Festival City, serving up the finest breakfast, a decadent selection of international delicacies and an outdoor leisure deck that is suitable for hosting all sorts of celebrations. From BBQ stations to live music and more, Zaytoun does not disappoint. The dress code is smart casual and there are buffet options, too, on some days.
- Opening Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 6:30 am to 10:30 am
- Saturday to Sunday: 6:30 am to 11:00 am
- Contact Number: +971 47011111
- Location:
- Al Kheeran – Dubai Festival City – Dubai
10. The Market Island
Spanning 70,000 square feet, The Market Island at Dubai Festival City Mall boasts the largest food hall in the Middle East. From 40+ brands to a grand hub for laid-back dining, The Market Island needs to be on your itinerary. You can find outdoor seating areas, select meals, different food stations and incredible gastrobomic concepts. Open from early in the morning till late, this place is a complete package.
- Opening Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 10:00 am to 12:00 am
- Friday to Sunday: 10:00 am to 1:00 am
- Contact Number: +971 585245807
- Location:
- Dubai Festival City Mall, Mall 9 – Crescent Dr
- Al Kheeran – Dubai Festival City – Dubai
11. Shvili Dubai Festival City – DFC
This is one of the best Georgian restaurants in Dubai. Offering outdoor seating, an indulgent feasts of flavours, great beverages and unforgettable memories, Shivli has a lot to offer. You are most likely to stumble upon some mysterious names in their menu, such as phali, gebzhalia, adjapsandali and chashushuli. The chef makes sure to use the freshest ingredients and best cooking techniques to present the most authentic Georgian dishes before you.
- Opening Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 10:00 am to 11:00 pm
- Saturday to Sunday: 10:00 am to 12:00 am
- Contact Number: +971 522200868
- Location:
- Dubai Festival City Mall – Al Kheeran – Dubai Festival City – Dubai
12. Semsom
Located at DFC Mall, Semsom is one of the best outdoor restaurants in Dubai. This place specialises in healthy and delicious Lebanese dishes, preparing all things from the freshest ingredients and using the best techniques. You can also soak in the relaxed atmosphere and unmatched ambiance all around. The outdoor seating area is beautiful and the thoughtful hospitality only adds to the overall experience.
- Opening Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 9:00 am to 12:00 am
- Friday to Sunday: 9:00 am to 1:00 am
- Contact Number: +971 564061171
- Location:
- Dubai Festival City Mall, Ground Floor – Dubai
13. Applebee’s
Does Applebee’s ring a bell? This is one of the largest casual dining brands on a global basis. You get an authentic grill experience, delicious appetizers and entrees, cosy ambiance and unmatched vibes. Applebee’s is located at different locations in Dubai and the bustling Dubai Festival City Mall is one of the popular places. From mojito to sangria, the place also offers a bunch of refreshing beverages.
- Opening Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 7:00 am to 11:00 pm
- Friday to Sunday: 7:00 am to 12:00 am
- Contact Number: +971 43421019
- Location:
- Dubai Festival City Mall – Al Kheeran
- Dubai Festival City – Dubai
14. Karam al Bahr
Looking for an authentic Lebanese seafood restaurant in Dubai? You need to step into Karam al Bahr at InterContinental Dubai Festival City by IHG. From a great range of fresh seafood to exquisite Lebanese dishes, Karam al Bahr does not disappoint. You can also find shisha and desserts. Expect business lunches, daily specials and fresh catches from the sea as you dine in a beautiful setting.
- Opening Hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 12:00 pm to 12:00 am
- Contact Number: +971 47011155
- Location:
- Promenade Level – InterContinental – Al Kheeran
- Dubai Festival City – Dubai
15. Food Hall at Al Areesh
Get a taste of Italy and a moment of pure delight. This is the Food Hall at Al Areesh, a modern-day food marketplace bringing together artisanal and niche F&B offerings. The staff is super friendly and the range of delicious food items here are sure to be part of your lasting memories. The place opens up early in the morning and remains operational till late in the night. Bring your friends and family members along.
- Opening Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 8:00 am to 10:00 pm
- Friday to Saturday: 8:00 am to 11:00 pm
- Contact Number: +971 45467400
- Location:
- Carrefour Market – Al Areesh Club
- Al Badia BLVD – Al Kheeran – Dubai Festival City – Dubai
16. Sirocco Restaurant
Step into Sirocco Restaurant, one of the best outdoor restaurants in Dubai Festival City, for a truly special experience. From delicious buffets for breakfasts to an incredible international spread for dinner, this place has it all. Sirocco Restaurant is a true gathering place for international flavours, letting you experience the best of all in one place. Make sure to reserve your table as busy travel seasons get the place busier.
- Opening Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 6:30 am to 10:30 am, 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm and 6:30 pm to 11:00 pm
- Saturday to Sunday: 6:30 am to 11:00 am, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 6:30 pm to 11:00 pm
- Contact Number: +971 47011127
- Location:
- Holiday Inn & Suites – Al Kheeran
- Dubai Festival City – Dubai
17. Anise
Anise is easily one of the best outdoor restaurants in Dubai Festival City Mall. Offering splendid glimpses of the scenery all around, a lavish buffet of global treats and eight live cooking stations, Anise is a terrific all-day dining spot at InterContinental Dubai Festival City by IHG. The dessert menu of this place is also quite reputable. Your experience at Anise is going to be much more magical than you currently expect it to be.
- Opening Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 6:30 am to 10:30 am, 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm, 6:30 pm to 11:00 pm
- Saturday and Sunday: 6:30 am to 11:00 am, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, 6:30 pm to 11:00 pm
18. CHOIX Dubai Patisserie and Restaurant
You need to head to InterContinental Dubai Festival City by IHG for CHOIX Dubai Patisserie and Restaurant. Experience a vision of Parisian culinary lifestyle in Dubai. Headed by experimental three-Michelin-starred chef Pierre Gagnaire, this place definitely does not disappoint its customers. There are plenty of options in cakes, desserts and pastries. Those seeking vegetarian options are also in for some surprises.
- Opening Hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 7:00 am to 9:00 pm
- Contact Number: +971 47011127
- Location:
- Lobby Level InterContinental Dubai Festival City – Dubai
19. Naughty Pizza
Home to the best pizzas in Dubai, Naughty Pizza is located at Business Bay and Dubai Festival City, too. The crust here is fluffy, the cheese is unbeatable and the people are super bubbly. In an authentic Italian setting, indulge in the most delicious and sumptuous pizzas that are sure to motivate you to keep coming back for more. The place uses the highest-quality flour straight from the mills of Molini Pizzuti and has custom-made pizza ovens, too.
- Opening Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm
- Friday to Saturday: 12:00 pm to 12:00 am
- Contact Number: +971 44269991
- Location:
- Dubai Festival City Mall – Market Island Food Hall – Dubai
20. Pierre’s TT
Check out Pierre’s TT at Dubai Festival City. This is one of the best French restaurants in Dubai, offering a truly sensorial dining experience. The Three Michelin starred Chef Pierre Gagnaire is sure to leave a lasting impression on you. The delightful setting overlooking Dubai Creek makes it a great spot for a night out. It is definitely recommended to have a reservation at Pierre’s TT as good things tend to sell out fast.
- Opening Hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 4:00 pm to 2:00 am (Closed on Sundays)
- Contact Number: +971 47011199
- Location:
- Promenade Level – InterContinental Dubai Festival City by IHG
- Al Kheeran – Dubai Festival City – Dubai
21. Texas Roadhouse
In 1993, Kent Taylor founded Texas Roadhouse on the principles of fresh, authentic food made by hand. No shortcuts – just real food made on an everyday basis. Today, Texas Roadhouse is spread across the globe, including in Dubai. You get great food for great prices. The ambiance is also justifiable and the memories you create here are going to be accompany you for a long time. Do check out this place on your Dubai trip.
- Opening Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 11:00 am to 11:00 pm
- Friday to Sunday: 11:00 am to 12:00 am
- Contact Number: +971 44190826
- Location:
- Dubai Festival City Mall – Al Kheeran
- Dubai Festival City – Dubai
22. Dimash
Come to Dimash Restaurant & Cafe at Dubai Festival City Mall. This is one of the best outdoor restaurants in Dubai and offers a delicious combination of Syrian and Lebanese food for you. From Hummus to Dimash Tabbouleh and Chess Fataier, there are a number of indulgent dishes to try out at this place. The prices are also responsibly decided to make sure all people get to try out the delicacies and don’t burn a hole in their pockets at the same time.
- Opening Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 8:00 am to 12:00 am
- Friday to Saturday: 8:00 am to 1:00 am
- Contact Number: +971 505879133
- Location:
- Dubai Festival City Mall – Al Kheeran – Dubai Festival City – Dubai
23. Origami
Housing Japanese culinary craftsmanship, Origami is one of the best outdoor restaurants in Dubai Festival City. This place at DFC Mall takes its customers on a delicious culinary journey through the reinterpretation of traditional sushi rolls. Origami is famous for its Tiger Tempura, Crab Salad and more delicacies. Make sure to get your reservations sorted as the bust tourism seasons in Dubai get this place busier.
- Opening Hours:
- Sunday to Tuesday: 10:00 am to 2:00 am
- Wednesday to Thursday: 10:00 am to 11:00 pm
- Friday to Saturday: 10:00 am to 12:00 am
- Contact Number: +971 42620261
- Location:
- Dubai Festival City Mall – Ground Floor
- Al Kheeran – Dubai Festival City – Dubai
24. Nando’s Dubai Festival City Mall
Experience a truly memorable gastronomical experience at Nando’s Dubai Festival City Mall. This place specialises in Portugese-style, flamed-grilled chicken dishes. Nando’s is perfect for all kinds of occasions. You can also check this place out for some much-needed me-times. The staff is also famous for its thoughtful hospitality and the overall ambiance Nando’s has to offer its customers is superb.
- Opening Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 11:00 am to 11:00 pm
- Friday to Saturday: 11:00 am to 12:00 am
- Contact Number: +971 600542525
- Location:
- Dubai Festival City Mall – Ground Floor
- Crescent Dr – Al Kheeran – Dubai Festival City – Dubai
25. Kashkan by Ranveer Brar
Celebrity Indian chef Ranveer Brar has opened a remarkable dining outlet in Dubai, named Kashkan. It is one of the best Indian restaurants in Dubai, offering a range of aromas and spices. From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, Kashkan at Dubai Festival City Mall specialises in dishes from different parts of India. You are also going to find the ambiance and hospitality really amazing. Make sure to add it to your itinerary.
- Opening Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm
- Friday to Sunday: 12:00 pm to 12:00 am
- Contact Number: +971 551291646
- Location:
- Level 1, Dubai Festival City Mall
- Al Kheeran – Dubai Festival City – Dubai
26. Kooya Filipino Eatery
Located at Dubai Festival City Mall, Kooya Filipino Eatery is one of the best outdoor restaurants in Dubai. You can find it at Market Island. Just as the name suggests, Kooya Filipino Eatery is one of the best Filipino restaurants in Dubai, offering a great glimpse of the Philippines to residents and tourists in Dubai. Dubai also has a really large Filipino expat community. These people can check out Kooya Filipino Eatery to reminisce the flavours of their motherland.
- Opening Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 10:00 am to 11:00 pm
- Friday to Sunday: 10:00 am to 12:00 am
- Contact Number: +971 504276891
- Location:
- Market Island Food Hall – Dubai Festival City Mall
- Crescent Road – Al Kheeran – Dubai Festival City – Dubai
Hope this guide to the best outdoor restaurants in Dubai Festival City brings you clarity on the most important dining options to add to your 2026 itinerary. The bustling Dubai Festival City is located at a comfortable distance from both Dubai International (DXB) and different attractions in the city. These outdoor restaurants are carefully selected, considering their thoughtful hospitality, vibrant settings, outdoor seating areas and customer feedback. Many of the places on this list are also located at Dubai Festival City Mall, one of the most prominent retail places in the Emirate. From international cuisines like Filipino, French and Indian to the local Emirati cuisine, these places offer a collective range of global flavours for you to indulge in.
Best Outdoor Restaurants in Dubai Festival City 2026: FAQs
1. Does Dubai Festival City have great outdoor restaurants?
Definitely. Dubai Festival City has a number of outdoor restaurants that specialise in global cuisines. From Indian and Italian to French and Georgian, these dining outlets are incredibly special. You can also find Emirati cuisine-focused restaurants here.
2. Which are the best outdoor restaurants in Dubai Festival City Mall?
One of the best shopping malls in Dubai, the bustling Dubai Festival City Mall definitely has a number of prominent outdoor restaurants. These include The Bay by Social Distrikt, Eataly, Hard Rock Cafe Dubai, Turkish Village and Helipad by Frozen Cherry.
3. Which outdoor restaurants in Dubai Festival City are good for Indian cuisine?
You should check out Kashkan by Ranveer Brar. Considered one of the best Indian restaurants in Dubai, Kashkan is located at DFC Mall. This place uses a range of spices and cooking techniques hailing from Kashmir to Kanyakumari to present the best possible dish.
4. Which outdoor restaurants in Dubai Festival City are good for Emirati cuisine?
You can come to Al Fanar, located on the ground floor of Dubai Festival City Mall. This place takes pride in preserving the culinary traditions of the UAE. Al Fanar uses only the freshest ingredients and best cooking techniques, making this place a much-needed addition to your Dubai itinerary in 2026.
5. Is Joe’s Backyard a great outdoor restaurant in Dubai Festival City?
Joe’s Backyard is counted among the best outdoor restaurants in Dubai. Famous as a holiday hangout spot, this place instantly turns up the celebratory mood. You can also find beautiful Happy Hour deals and Ladies Night offers, among other promotions.
Read More: Guide to 24 best shopping malls in Dubai
1 AED