The best restaurants in the Dubai Mall: 15 places that provide the perfect pitstop

Here’s where to eat in one of the world’s largest shopping malls

Updated on • Written By Lawrence Calman-Grimsdale

The best restaurants in the Dubai Mall: 15 places that provide the perfect pitstop

Located in Dubai’s chic downtown, the Dubai Mall is one of the world’s most famous shopping and dining destinations, nestled in the shadow of the Burj Khalifa (the world’s tallest building). The sheer number of restaurants in the Dubai Mall can be a little overwhelming. After all, this shopping centre is one of the largest in the world, boasting over 1,200 stores and services, an aquarium and underwater zoo, a VR park, cinemas, a kids’ theme park and even a haunted house. 

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When it comes to scouting out the best restaurants in the Dubai Mall, we’ve got you covered. There is a huge array of different cuisines and styles available, from family-friendly cafes to elegant, romantic dining rooms. While many Dubai Mall restaurants offer Middle Eastern classics like flatbreads and grilled meats, there are many which are more international. Sushi restaurants, for example, are numerous here, as are Italian ones. Some are more casual cafes while others offer a terrace under the stars where diners can gaze at the mesmerising Dubai fountains and skyline as they enjoy a bite to eat.

The various attractions and eateries at the Dubai Mall attract tens of millions of visitors each year. It doesn’t feel crowded, though, as it is about the size of 50 football fields. This means it’s a great place to wander around, shopping for gifts and settling in for delicious meals. The mall even has its own hotel with 250 luxurious rooms, so you can spend the night if you like.

Some of the restaurants in the Dubai Mall offer amazing views of the giant aquarium, which has over 300 species of marine life, including sharks and manta rays. This provides a great setting for enjoying some of the excellent seafood restaurants (sorry, fish). Many other restaurants have terraces and outdoor areas near the pool, ideal for sipping on cocktails after a day of lounging in the sun, or even some late-night dancing once the DJs come on. Here's a round up of the best restaurants at Dubai Mall to try next time you're in the area. 

Ana

One might think a restaurant in the biggest shopping mall in the world would struggle to make an impression, but Ana seems to have done just that, serving up a plethora of plates from all over the Middle East. Try the falafel in Emirati bread with sesame sauce, jijir and onion salad. Meatier options include the Arabic bread topped with lamb, potato, marrow and tomato sauce, or a Mbahar curry with chicken or lamb. Finish with one of Ana’s decadent desserts like the hot croissant with milk chocolate and caramel.
Where: First floor
Book now: Ana

Cabana

Cabana backs onto one of Dubai’s largest pools, making it the perfect place to so soak up the sun while you eat. Hot and cold mezze start the meal, with options like hummus, falafel and moussaka. Then, diners can move to the bigger plates, including corn-fed baby chicken, USDA-certified Black Angus or Omani lobster. The desserts are a little more western, including creme brulee, passion fruit cheesecake and praline panna cotta. Cabana even runs themed nights such as barbecues on Thursday and Friday.
Where: Level 3
Book now: Cabana

Opso Dubai

Opso is a chic Greek restaurant on the equally chic Fashion Avenue of the Dubai Mall. Enjoy classics like tzatziki, mezze plates and feta as well as raw dishes like salmon carpaccio and sea bream ceviche. Pasta such as lasagne and 24 karat gold leaf prawn linguine is available for diners who want something more Italian, while carnivores can go for the beef tagliata, grilled sea bass or lamb rack with forest mushrooms and graviera cheese.
Where: Fashion Avenue
Book now: Opso

Tulum

Tulum, nestled in the luxurious fashion extension of the Dubai Mall, is a contemporary Mexican restaurant featuring Aztecan flavours and a fun atmosphere. There’s an extensive selection of dishes here, including tacos, tostadas, chips and dips, grilled corn and more. Those looking to splash out should try the blue lobster with chipotle mayo cream or the roasted red snapper. Oysters are also a specialty here, with lots of different toppings and cooking techniques. Wash down the lovely food with some exciting cocktails and mocktails for a meal that will transport you to Mexico.
Where: Fourth floor
Book now: Tulum

Angelina Paris

This stylish Parisian boutique and tea room is the perfect spot to stop in at any time of day. In the morning, you can enjoy pastries, coffee and breakfasts such as poached eggs on toast or shakshuka. Later on, the offering features salads, sandwiches and burgers, and later still, steaks, lamb shank and other meatier dishes. The desserts are not to be missed, as they are the star of the show. There’s also a great kids’ menu for the little ones too.
Where: Fashion Avenue, Ground Level
Book now: Angelina Paris

Asma

Asma is widely regarded as one of the best Middle Eastern restaurants in Dubai, and it’s not hard to see why. Settle into the relaxed setting and comfortable interiors for a feast of delights. Owned by three Emirati sisters, the restaurant offers traditional Middle Eastern fare with a modern twist, bringing in flavours from Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Egypt and Syria. Try Asma’s arayes (spiced minced lamb in pita), falafel and other delicious starters before moving on to the main event: outstanding kebabs, salads, breads and dips.
Where: First floor
Book now: Asma

Din Tai Fung

It’s hard to think of a more famous dumpling restaurant than Din Tai Fung. Having started in Taiwan in the 70s, these XLB experts have taken over the world. XLB, for those who don’t know, stands for xiao long bao (soup dumplings). These dumplings in particular are what Din Tai Fung is famous for. Served in the steamer, these little parcels carry meat, mushroom and other fillings along with delicious, hot broth. Dubai Mall is lucky enough to have a branch, so be sure to stop by.
Where: Lower ground floor
Book now: Din Tai Fung

Galeries Lafayatte Le Gourmet

If you can’t decide what food you want, there are quite a few restaurants in Dubai Mall that offer multiple different cuisines. One of these is Galeries Lafayette Le Gourmet, a branch of the world-famous Parisian outpost. Here you’ll find everything from soup to sushi, steak to seafood, salad to sandwiches. In fact, this might be the most diverse menu in the whole mall (which has nearly 200 restaurants). Highlights include California rolls, Singapore fried noodles, grilled beef kofta and a seafood pizza, but truly the choice is yours.
Where: Ground floor
Book now: Galeries Lafayette Le Gourmet

Joe’s Crab Shack

Joe’s started in the states but has taken the world, including Dubai, by storm. If you want Southern-style seafood, this is the place. Dive into plates of crab, shrimp, crawfish and other seafood, often spicy and seasoned. Alternatively, there is steak and fried chicken for those who prefer the ‘mainland’, as well as plenty of giant cocktails to wash it all down. This restaurant also boasts an excellent view of the Dubai Mall aquarium, meaning Joe’s is sure to transport you to the coast.
Where: First floor
Book now: Joe’s Crab Shack

Jones the Grocer

Jones the Grocer is pretty versatile, offering not just great fresh produce, but also catering and all-day dining. This particular branch gives diners a huge range of choice through the day, from traditional English breakfasts and glorious granola in the morning to salad bowls and wraps for lunch then steak and burgers in the evening. Coffee and ice tea are on hand in the beverage department, with options like chai lattes and cafe Valrhona mochas. Be sure to try the charcuterie boards, featuring lovely meats, cheeses and fruits, ideal for sharing.
Where: Ground floor
Book now: Jones the Grocer

Social House

Social House in the Dubai Mall is another all-day dining option, where shoppers can feast on sumptuous plates while enjoying the views. The two views are of the Burj Khalifa (the world’s tallest skyscraper) and the dancing fountains. The menu showcases both east and west, so visitors can enjoy a global selection all in one place. It’s also a great place to work, and has a private dining room ideal for business lunches and meetings.
Where: Lower ground floor
Book now: Social House

GIA

GIA is one of the most romantic restaurants in the Dubai Mall. Boasting stunning views of the Dubai skyline and dancing fountains, it’s the perfect setting in which to enjoy an elegant meal of modern Italian dishes. The pizzas are great, with options like porcini and truffle or tuna, olives, anchovies and capers, ideal for a more casual meal. For more refined evening fare, try the homemade lobster pasta with tomato and burrata.
Where: New Fashion Avenue
Book now: GIA

Logma

Logma is a great place to go for not just a relaxed meal, but also a taste of authentic Khaleeji (eastern Arabic) cuisine. If you go for breakfast, you can sample dishes like shakshuka topped with feta and the Logma Benedict, which features poached eggs with khameer bread, hollandaise sauce and Khaleeji spices. Later in the day, the menu is more traditional with options like soups, stews, flatbreads and parathas. Rice dishes packed with delicious lamb and nutty cashews are also a must. Finish with a saffron milk cake for the full experience.
Where: Fashion Avenue
Book now: Logma

Bebabel

Those seeking a mezze-style meal in the Dubai Mall should head to Bebabel. You can expect a huge selection of small plates, including hummus, bulgur, vine leaves, falafel, halloumi, fatayer, soujouk and more. Flatbreads are also available, with toppings like labneh, za’atar and chicken. Grill platters are a great go-to for meat lovers, including shish, kebab and boneless chicken. Enjoy a deliciously sweet pain perdu or ice cream cup to finish, and even some shisha after if you like.
Where: 1st floor, Fashion Avenue
Book now: Bebabel

Eataly

Eataly is the Dubai Mall’s one-stop shop for all things Italian. Work your way through classic dishes in this relaxed, buzzy restaurant. If you go for breakfast, you can expect the likes of creamy scrambled eggs with caramelised datterini tomatoes or poached eggs with crispy potatoes and smoked salmon. Later in the day, start your meal with arancini, grilled shrimp or seared octopus with lemon and parsley crushed potatoes. From there, it’s pasta, pizza and risotto then secondi, which includes wagyu striploin with a choice of sides or chargrilled mackerel with capsicum salad.
Where: Lower ground floor
Book now: Eataly

There you have it! Once you've chosen which restaurant is right for you, just click the link and you'll be able to see much more, including reviews, photos, menus and how to book.

While the Dubai Mall has some great places to eat, you’ll need to widen your gaze if you want to try the best restaurants in Dubai. The city has so much to offer, each area catering to a different style of dining.

More relaxed diners head to the great restaurants in Dubai Marina, where they can lounge in the sun between meals. At the fancier end of the scale, Dubai has its fair share of Michelin-starred restaurants too. Then, after a restful sleep in one of the city’s stunning hotels, you mustn't miss the amazing breakfast places Dubai has either. 

We’re constantly adding to our best guides, so be sure to keep an eye out for more coming soon. 

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