Visit these food halls in Dubai for a unique dining experience
Along with an impressive selection of restaurants, cafes and bars, there are some popular food halls in Dubai where foodies can try delicacies from around the globe – all in one welcoming, unique setting.
A spin to the traditional food courts, this pocket-friendly dining concept is mushrooming in Dubai in recent years. Want to know more about these fast-casual dining options? Check out our guide of the top food halls in Dubai.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A FOOD HALL AND A FOOD COURT
Food halls are quite similar to food courts except that they don’t feature fast-food chains in particular. Most food courts usually have a pizza place, a burger chain, an option or two for Asian foods, an ice cream parlour and maybe a dessert or beverage place.
On the other hand, a food hall is more of a destination that features locally-developed restaurant concepts or new ventures of local chefs and entrepreneurs. They serve a variety of innovative foods and beverages, most of which are prepared from scratch.
BEST FOOD HALLS IN DUBAI
Now that we know the difference between a food court and a food hall, it’s time to discover the popular Dubai food halls everyone is talking about these days.
THE SOCIAL DISTRIKT
Social Distrikt, a burgeoning food hall at Palm Jumeirah, spans an impressive 20,000 sq. ft. From Pinsanity and Circle Cafe to Rock House Sliders and Go Greek, there’s something for everyone at this gorgeous-looking emporium of tasty eats.
You can have a great time in its social areas, entertainment corners and at its cooking workshops. There is also a beautiful patio at Social Distrikt which provides front-row seats to the mesmerising Palm Fountain show.
- Location: The Pointe – The Palm Jumeirah
- Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 09:00 am to 01:00 am | Friday and Saturday 09:00 am to 02:00 am
- Average cost for two: AED 100
- Contact: +971-52-580-8282
TIME OUT MARKET
Time Out Market is extremely popular with fans of food halls in Dubai. The 4,000 sq. ft. market, located next to The Dubai Mall in Souk Al Bahar, has 17 home-grown eateries and three bars. Amongst the must-try items are snickers sandos, spicy veg samosas and ceviche pani puri.
The colours and textures of the food hall’s interiors mimic a sandy shoreline, while the venue’s striking mural is designed by Brazilian-born UAE street artist Tarsila Schubert. The “market” gets extra brownie points for offering breathtaking views of Burj Khalifa through its glass ceiling.
- Location: 3rd Floor, Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai
- Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday 12:00 pm to 12:00 am | Friday 12:00 pm to 01:00 am | Saturday 10:00 am to 01:00 am
- Average cost for two: From AED 105 to AED 200 depending on the restaurant
THE SOUTH MARKET
The South Market at DIFC Gate Dubai is a happening dining destination, whichffers an interesting variety of dishes from 15 different kitchens. Constructed with an industrial theme across 836 square metres, it is set to become one of the most popular dining destinations in Dubai.
This Dubai food hall is a great place to try various global cuisines such as Mexican, Egyptian, Thai, Japanese and American food.
Some of the popular restaurants at DIFC South Market are Bahiyah, Burrito Beyond Borders, MAD – Modern Asian Desserts, Katsu and Co. and Earth Kitchen.
- Location: Gate Avenue, DIFC
- Opening hours: Everyday 10:00 am to 08:00 pm
- Average cost for two: From AED 55 to AED 140 depending on the restaurant
- Contact: +971-4-585-0898
FOOD CENTRAL
Whilst Food Central at Deira City Centre is one of lesser known food halls in Dubai, its reputation is growing swiftly. This is where foodies can find some amazing local restaurants with live cooking stations and deli counters.
Indulge in a food experience like no other at Food Central Deira that features carefully crafted dishes with premium and fresh ingredients. There is an irresistible harmony of textures and flavours at this food hall in Deira, Dubai.
Th is eclectic food hall features cafes and street food from around the globe. Enjoy the delicious flavours of Asian cuisine at Asian Wok, or if it’s Indian food on your mind, try Mr. Chaat.
For speciality coffee and artisan food, head over to Kitchen35. Some other options at the Food Central food hall in Deira, include Pizza Al Taglio, Merika Café, Eureka, BKK Bistro, Acai Spot and Balqees Honey. In the food hall, there is also a one-of-a-kind Bee Hive, which allows all kitchens to use honey straight from the source for their dishes.
- Location: Level 2, Deira City Centre, Deira
- Opening hours: Sunday to Wednesday 10:00 am to 10:00 pm | Thursday to Saturday 10:00 am to 12:00 am
- Average cost: AED 60 to AED 230 for two depending on the restaurant selected
- Contact: +971-4-209-3105
STREETERY
If you’re looking for a cosy food hall in JLT, Streetery Food Hall should be your go-to spot. This food hall in Dubai specialises in South East Asian cuisines that includes popular dishes from Chinese, Malaysian, Thai, Indonesian and Korean street foods.
For Indonesian flavours, try Hing Kee at the Streetery food hall in Dubai. Delve into succulent satay skewers with varied protein options, such as chicken, squid, sea bass and prawn. You can also order their flavourful food online through their app or the official Streetery website.
- Location: Lake Level, Shop D-6B, Cluster D, Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT)
- Opening hours: Everyday 11:00 am to 11:00 pm
- Average cost: AED 120
- Contact: +971-4-587-3373
DEPACHIKA
Depachika Food Hall is another option for foodies looking for something delicious without a hefty price tag. Located in the Nakheel Mall in Palm Jumeirah, this stunning food hall has plenty of dining options. Depachika was the first-ever food hall in the UAE when it opened in 2019.
The word “depa” is an abbreviation of the Japanese term for “department store”, whereas “chika” means basement so the literal translation of depachika is a department store in a basement.
This popular food hall at Nakheel Mall Dubai offers an array of impressive dining options, with particular focus on artisanal foods from Japan and other Asian cuisines. The food hall is located near the apartments to rent in Palm Jumeirah, making it convenient for tenants to indulge in regular culinary delights.
- Location: Nakheel Mall, Palm Jumeirah
- Opening hours: Everyday 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Average cost: Varies depending on the restaurant selected
- Contact: +971-4-363-3633
DOWNTOWN KITCHENS
Mohamed Bin Rashid Boulevard has a beautifully built market hall! The 195,000 sq. ft. Downtown Kitchens offers a selection of dining concepts from homegrown and foreign talent. Truffle House (Dubai’s first speciality truffle shop), Off The Hook (a Louisiana-style seafood restaurant), Fiore Dell’ Amore (Italian cuisine) and Pizz’art (traditional pizza establishment) are some of the concept kitchens in the food hall.
- Location: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd – Downtown Dubai
- Timings: Everyday 11:00 am to 11:00 pm
- Average Cost for Two: AED 100 to 210
- Contact: +971-4-366-1688
THE FOOD HALL AT AL AREESH CLUB
Located in Dubai Festival City is Al Areesh food hall, a part of the Al Areesh Club. This family-friendly dining destination offers niche and artisan eateries that include a live bakery, a speciality coffee shop, a live butcher shop and a soft-serve ice cream parlour. The food hall also features a seasonal outdoor BBQ spot.
- Location: Al Areesh Club, Al Badia Blvd, Dubai Festival City
- Opening hours: Sunday to Wednesday 07:00 am to 10:30 pm | Thursday to Saturday 07:00 am to 11:30 pm
- Average cost: AED 140
- Contact: +971-4-546-7400
THE DAILY DXB
If you’re somewhere close to the airport, the Daily DXB Urban Street Food Hall is one of the best dining options in Concourse B Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport.
The food hall has five different kiosks including, The Roost, known for its fried chicken and Walk the Wok, ideal to try Asian dishes cooked in a traditional wok. You can also try St Mia for all your Italian food cravings.
Wanna Poke is where patrons can enjoy Hawaiian poke bowls and The Market is where you can get a good selection of pastries and other snacks. Each eatery offers customisable dishes according to your preference.
- Location: Dubai International Airport Terminal 3, Al Garhoud
- Opening hours: 24 hours
- Average cost: Varies depending on the restaurant selected
- Contact: +971-56-368-1065
FAQS
WHERE TO GET THE BEST STREET FOOD IN DUBAI?
Whether you’re craving the Indian vada pav or Isaw (a Filipino speciality), there are many places to eat street food in Dubai that offer a variety of street food from different regions.
There are plenty of other Asian street food places in Dubai where patrons can indulge in wok-fried noodles, wontons, dim sums and countless other street food staples. For more options, check out the list of the best restaurants in Dubai to find a restaurant or a cafe that suits your budget and preferences.
WHERE TO GO FOR BREAKFAST IN DUBAI?
Would you like to start your day with a delicious breakfast in Dubai? There are several outstanding eateries with a wide range of breakfast selections.
If you don’t like to get up too early on weekends, you might prefer planning a brunch party! From Muncachas and The Scene to Americano and Hell’s Kitchen, there are plenty of excellent brunch options in Dubai.
This concludes our list of the best food halls in Dubai that offer new dining concepts to foodies. Exploring any of these lifestyle hubs of activity should be on your weekend to-do list!
If a fine cup of coffee is all you need, head over to The Dubai Mall. You can find excellent cafes in Dubai Mall that offer inventive brunch-style food with excellent hot and cold beverages. For more updates on dining options in Dubai, stay tuned to MyBayut.
Cover Image: Courtesy of the official website of City Centre Deira.
