Best child-friendly restaurants in Dubai: 17 places the whole family will love

Dining out in Dubai with the whole family? Despite its reputation for all things fancy and fabulous, Dubai is also home to a huge range of places to eat that kids and adults alike will love. Sure, it boasts its fair share of Michelin-starred restaurants, glitzy rooftop bars and reliable late-night eats, but Dubai’s family-friendly dining scene is just as ubiquitous. Naturally, this isn’t necessarily something you’d realise unless you have little ones in tow, but if you do, then keep on reading for some of the best kid-friendly restaurants in Dubai.  

All of the restaurants in this list are suitable for families. This could mean different things. Many offer dedicated child-friendly menus, so you can rest safe in the knowledge that there will be something suitable in price, portion size and style for the kids. Even if they don’t offer a specific kids’ menu, we've made sure to only include restaurants that clearly state they’re family-friendly. A few of the restaurants in this list even offer kids the chance to eat for free if they’re under a certain age, so it’s worth looking out for that extra perk too, if you have really young ones with you. 

We understand the importance of introducing kids to a wide variety of tastes and flavours from a young age, which is why our list of the best family-friendly restaurants in Dubai spans a diverse range of cuisines, from vibrant Vietnamese food and fine French fare through to awesome Arabian cuisine. You’ll also notice that we’ve included a combination of both fancy and casual places to eat, to ensure you have options for all occasions.  

Enough explanations! The kids are hungry (and so are you). Whether you're stuck for something to do in the summer holidays, looking for a child-friendly half term hangout or just want to spend some quality time with the kids, you're bound to find something to suit in our round-up of the best family-friendly restaurants in Dubai. 

Best child-friendly restaurants Dubai

Kid-friendly Dubai restaurant that'll keep your little ones well-fed and, often, well-entertained, whilst you take a break.

Black Tap Craft Burgers

What: Black Tap’s simple, delicious burgers have proven popular all over the world since the New York stalwart decided to head overseas. A large part of that is thanks to the smart menu design that keeps adults and kids happy with craft beers and crazyshakes alike, and it has been known to offer free meals for kids in the past as well.
Where: Mall of the Emirates, Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Barsha
Child-friendly menu? Yes
Book now: Black Tap Craft Burgers

Wavehouse 

What: The self-proclaimed home of fun, food and family entertainment, Wavehouse boasts its very own bowling alley, arcade hall and surfing experience on its Surf’s Up Waverider. Work up an appetite before heading to the industrial-chic restaurant to tuck into a host of international dishes: think chicken wings, poke bowls, burgers, sandwiches, pizza, seafood, grills and more. There’s even a section of ‘kids bites’ which includes mini hotdogs, spaghetti bolognese, penne pasta with tomato sauce and fish and chips.  
Where: Atlantis The Palm Hotel, Crescent Road, Palm Jumeirah 
Child-friendly menu? Yes 
Book now: Wavehouse 

Reform Social & Grill 

What: Located in the Lakes, Reform Social & Grill is inspired by a traditional British gastropub where you can indulge in everything from a full English to a Sunday roast. Cosy interiors complete with studded leather booths and wooden furnishings make for informal dining, while a menu of crowd-pleasing dishes ensure everyone is taken care of. Burgers, curries, pizzas, salads and pies are all up for grabs, as well as plenty of pub classics – think bangers and mash, a scotch egg with piccalilli and pork belly with cabbage and apple sauce.  
Where: The Lakes 
Child-friendly menu? No, but plenty of family favourites
Book now: Reform Social & Grill 

Bistro Des Art 

What: A 1970s Parisian bistro overlooking the Dubai Marina, Bistro Des Art offers relaxed dining with plenty of French flare. Everyone will love the rustic décor, from burgundy banquettes and chalkboard menus to wax-frizzled wine bottles, while the garden terrace is gorgeous during the summer months. There isn’t a kid's menu here per se, but little ones are sure to find something they like from the classic menu. Look out for steak frites, burger and fries and cheese ravioli for younger palates.  
Where: Dubai Marina Promenade, Marina Mall Area 
Child-friendly menu? No, but plenty of crowd-pleasers
Book now: Bistro Des Art 

Solo  

What: Trendy Italian restaurant Solo in Raffles hotel serves a family-style brunch on Saturdays, with a ‘bambini’ menu for little ones wanting to join in the fun. Dishes include mushroom arancini, a choice of pasta and sauce (think penne or spaghetti with creamy sauce or Bolognese), pizza Margherita and fruit salad with ice cream for dessert. One for the weekend!
Where: 13th Street, Sheikh Rashid Road 
Child-friendly menu? Yes 
Book now: Solo

Nineteen 

What: The menu at this calming Mediterranean restaurant ensures that no one misses out; grown-ups are able to indulge in seafood platters, hand-crafted pasta plates and elegant mains such as salt-crusted sea bass, while kids are taken care of with a dedicated menu of pleasing Italian classics. Keep it simple with a Margherita pizza if you like, or encourage them to try something new with toppings such as bresaola and rocket, or burrata and Parmesan. Better still, children 5 years and under eat for free from the buffet. 
Where: Address Montgomerie, Emirates Hills 
Child-friendly menu? Yes 
Book now: Nineteen 

Al Beiruti

What: Al Beiruti is a Lebanese restaurant-café on The Palm offering all-day dining, from warming brunch dishes to a wealth of mezze options. Perfect for long lunches or loungey evenings with the family, this welcoming spot pairs warm interiors with menus for every occasion and meal type. Look out for a kids selection too, which includes both Beirut dishes such as chicken tawouk or lamb kofta, as well as international options like burgers and pasta.  
Where: The Pointe, Palm Jumeirah Unit TPT-FB-IN11 
Child-friendly menu? Yes 
Book now: Al Beiruti Seaside 

Vibe 

What: A lot of kids' menus feature the same pizza, pasta and burger options which are likely to get stale after a while. If you’re looking for somthing healthier when eating out, venture over to Vibe, an all-day eatery in the Sofitel hotel with a host of lighter twists on classic dishes. Think a quinoa burger with green salad, zoodle noodles featuring spiralised veg, and breaded chicken nuggets.  
Where: The Retreat Palm Dubai MGallery by Sofitel, East Crescent, The Palm Jumeirah 
Child-friendly menu? Yes 
Book now: Vibe 

Imperium 

What: It can be a little tricky taking kids to really fancy places, but at Imperium you get the lavish opulence of its stunning gilded column dining room combined with an easy-going ambience and its extensive menu. Families with young children are welcomed with open arms, because everyone deserves to dine under chandeliers once in a while.  
Where: Ground level, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray 
Child-friendly menu? No, but the team are welcoming to little guests
Book now: Imperium 

Galeries Lafayette Le Gourmet 

What: You can find Le Gourmet tucked away inside shopping centre Galeries Lafayette, perfect for a pit stop when the kids tire of traipsing around the shops. Discover a variety of global cuisines here, from sushi to Lebanese, Indian and Italian cuisines. There is also a child-friendly menu which includes kids' fried rice, chicken noodles, fish fingers with fries, pasta alfredo and more.  
Where: 2nd Level, Galeries Lafayette, The Dubai Mall 
Child-friendly menu? Yes 
Book now: Galeries Lafayette Le Gourmet 

Zaytoun 

What: On Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, Mediterranean-Arabian restaurant Zaytoun serves a ‘Mashawi Nights’ menu which includes a selection of grilled meat and seafood, as well as soups, salads and starters. The best bit is that kids between six and 12 years old eat at a discounted price, while children five years and under eat for free! Bring the whole family along to enjoy the spectacular views and in-house musicians while you dine.  
Where: Crowne Plaza, Festival City 
Child-friendly menu? No but there are special prices for children 
Book now: Zaytoun 

Vietnamese Foodies 

What: Vietnamese food might seem a little challenging for younger tastebuds, but we think it’s a great idea to introduce as many flavours as possible while they’re young! You never know what will stick. You can find a few Vietnamese Foodies sites dotted around Dubai, a casual restaurant where fresh vegetables, herbs and 14-hour broths are used to create its fragrant dishes. Check out the ‘kids corner’ menu for the likes of shrimp rolls, chicken pho and prawn pad Thai.  
Where: PL-04 Lake Terrace Tower, Cluster D, Jumeirah Lake Towers 
Child-friendly menu? Yes 
Book now: Vietnamese Foodies 

Restaurants where kids eat for free Dubai

Dubai restaurants often run deals where kids eat for free when accompanying adults buy food - these restaurants below are some of our favourites, but these deals come and go so always check that the offer is available before you book!

McGettigan's JLT

What: One of Dubai’s best-known Irish pubs, McGettigan’s isn’t just good for pints of Guinness (though that is an excellent reason to visit) - the menu is chock full of comforting pub food (think mac and cheese, burgers and buttermilk chicken strips) and often runs deals when children up to 12 can eat for free from Monday-Thursday as well.
Where: Next to Bonnington, Jumeirah Lake Towers
Child-friendly menu? Yes, and children up to 12 can eat for free midweek.
Book now: McGettigan's JLT

Jones the Grocer

What: Aussie group Jones the Grocer is well-liked for its simple, healthy food offering based around great, fresh produce. This is a perfect one for parents out with the kids, especially if you're out in multiples of three, as for every two adult meals you buy, you get a free child's meal (which includes gourmet burgers, pasta options and more).
Where: Ground Floor, Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai
Child-friendly menu? Yes, and kids eat free when two normal meals purchased.
Book now: Jones the Grocer

Yalumba

What: Award-winning Yalumba is the primary restaurant at Le Meridien Dubai, and it proves extremely popular for easy-going, homely interiors and an international menu packed with crowd-pleasers. Kids up to 12 eat for free, and there’s often loads of entertainment to keep them busy, from pizza-making classes to movies and magic shows.
Where: Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre, Airport Road, Dubai International Airport
Child-friendly menu? Yes, and children under 12 eat for free.
Book now: Yalumba

The Scene by Simon Rimmer

What: Simon Rimmer is a relative household name in the UK as the resident chef and host of Sunday Brunch and patron of Greens Restaurant in Manchester, but his name is also over the door at The Scene in Dubai Marina, which serves up English comfort food galore. Kids get to eat free for every adult that orders, making this an ideal pitstop if you’re in the area.
Where: 4th Floor, Pier 7 Dubai Marina Mall, Dubai Marina
Child-friendly menu? Yes, and a child eats for free for every adult that orders food.
Book now: The Scene by Simon Rimmer

The Noodle House 

What: The Noodle House serves up relaxed Asian-inspired street food in a cool contemporary dining room, including a kid's menu featuring lots of exciting dishes. There are three dining options for children – Noodles, Katsu or Tempura – which are served as complete meals. Katsu, for example, includes Malay chicken satay, chicken katsu, jasmine rice, peanut sauce and sliced bananas for dessert. Plus, dishes can be eaten with chopsticks, hands or spoons! Why not let them choose to give them some autonomy over mealtimes? 
Where: Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Shop 47, Madinat Jumeirah 
Child-friendly menu? Yes, and children under 12 can eat for free with accompanying parent
Book now: The Noodle House

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