A global culinary journey awaits! A guide to the restaurants and cafes at Expo 2020
- Sustainability District
- Opportunity District
- Mobility District
- Al Wasl Plaza
- Jubilee Park
- Al Forsan Park
- Coffee Stops
- FAQs
Expo 2020 has proven to be an all-inclusive event since its spectacular opening. Aside from the country pavilions, Expo 2020 is home to numerous eateries showcasing beautiful cuisines from around the world. Food is paramount to the event’s multi-cultural experience. Enjoy authentic street food and outstanding fine dining creations by renowned global chefs at these Expo 2020 restaurants and cafes.
ALL ABOUT EXPO 2020 RESTAURANTS AND CAFES
Along with the many benefits of Expo 2020 Dubai, you can witness exciting new innovative culinary concepts as they are introduced to the world for the first time.
With a diverse range of cuisines, venues and gastronomic experiences in one location, Expo 2020 is all set to be an epic journey for the taste buds.
Things to do at Expo 2020 are limitless. Explore the variety of Expo 2020 restaurants and cafes, as each comes with its particular ambience. Go from a picnic on a food truck park to a three-course supper at an exclusive restaurant! The choice is yours, and there are plenty.
Everyone’s favourite comfort dishes are offered in food truck parks in every district, including pizza, hot dogs, burgers, ice cream, waffles and more. These outdoor venues are ideal for a short stop to refuel with friends and family.
In this guide, we’ve brought together some of the must-visit culinary experiences and their locations in and around the various Expo 2020 pavilions. Time to tuck in!
SUSTAINABILITY DISTRICT
VEG’D
Veg’d’s by Matthew Kenny offers tasty, nutritional drinks and meals on the go for people who are passionate about healthy living. It’s one of the most popular options for vegan restaurants at Dubai Expo 2020. This restaurant supports sustainability by serving delicious, satisfying and flavourful vegan food.
Known for his Michelin star winning plant-based dishes, Kenny has two other outlets at the Expo – Mudra and XYST. All three eateries are located in a three-storey venue.
Visitors can enjoy an all-day breakfast sandwich, afternoon tea, and vegan small food bites and dessert. There is also a rooftop venue serving plant-based sushi, BBQ and cocktail menu.
- Timings: Sunday to Thursday 09:00 am – 11:30 pm | Friday and Saturday 09:00 am – 01:00 am
XYST
Matthew Kenney uses plant-based methods to create vivid versions of traditional meals from the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines at this restaurant. Expect options like vegan shawarma, stacked flatbreads, a wide mezze menu, drinks, artisan beer and wine here. All in all, XYST in the Sustainability Pavilion is a must-visit.
- Timings: Sunday to Thursday 10:00 am – 10:30 pm | Friday and Saturday 10:00 am – 01:00 am
LA PATISSERIE
Looking for sweet treats? La Patisserie celebrates food and the moments of happiness we all deserve. Just walk in and taste a warm croissant, a piece of luscious chocolate cake or take in the aroma of freshly made bread mixed with roasted coffee beans from Costa Coffee.
- Timings: Sunday to Thursday 10:00 am – 10:00 pm | Friday and Saturday 10:00 am – 12:00 am
GRAND BEIRUT
Grand Beirut at Expo 2020 will transport you to Lebanon’s colourful culinary scene. Taste the best from the Levant with authentic recipes curated by top food and beverage specialists.
- Timings: Sunday to Thursday 10:00 am – 12:00 am | Friday and Saturday 10:00 am – 01:00 am
CHICKEN TIKKA INN
Every dish at the Chicken Tikka Inn, counted amongst the top-ranking Pakistani restaurants in Dubai, is unique. This is where you can get some of the yummiest grilled meat in town. Their cuisine has been created with passion since 1972, with a menu that has evolved over four decades. Its tantalising barbecue dishes are not to be missed! Rediscover one of Dubai’s top grills at Expo 2020.
- Timings: Daily 10:00 am – 12:00 am
MAJLIS AL NASEEM CAFE
The Majlis Al Naseem Cafe is the UAE’s first camel milk café. A hidden gem in Dubai, this cafe at Expo 2020 depicts Arabian hospitality and culinary delights in all their glory.
Majlis Al Naseem Cafe combines the finest of the modern world with the region’s tradition and heritage, all centred on the desert’s “white gold” — camel milk.
- Timings: Daily 10:00 am – 01:00 am
DELI-2-GO
Whether you need a coffee, bagel, baguette, salad or soup — Deli-2-Go has everything prepared, packaged and ready to go. Costa Coffee powers this deli. Now you know where to go the next time you need a caffeine boost.
- Timings: Sunday to Thursday 10:00 am – 10:00 pm | Friday and Saturday 10:00 am – 12:00 am
OPPORTUNITY DISTRICT
EXPO STREET FOOD: OPPORTUNITY DISTRICT
These casual outdoor venues are ideal for a quick pit break to refuel with friends and family. There are several stalls to choose from, including Domino’s, Shawarma Vibes, Burro Blanco, Kaake W Manoushe, HighJoint, Doh and Fat Aunts.
- Timings: Sunday to Thursday 10:00 am – 11:00 pm | Friday and Saturday 10:00 am – 01:00 am
MARAHEB RESTAURANT
With a promise of authentic flavour, service and environment, this mandi restaurant in Dubai is the best place to go for Yemeni cuisine at Expo 2020. Maraheb Restaurant has been serving customers since 2011 and offers an unrivalled assortment of traditional tastes. Their distinct flavours have garnered customer satisfaction over the past ten years.
- Timings: Daily 10:00 am – 01:00 am
AL REEF LEBANESE BAKERY
This iconic Lebanese bakery serves some of Dubai’s greatest manakish. Choose from zaatar, spicy tomato, spinach or ooey-gooey cheese variants, which will be prepared right in front of you in a blistering-hot brick oven. Millions of people will have the opportunity to experience Al Reef’s old-world cuisine at affordable prices at Expo 2020.
- Timings: Sunday to Thursday 10:00 am – 12:00 am | Friday and Saturday 10:00 am – 01:00 am
KUTIR
For the first time, Chef Rohit Ghai brings Kutir, his first solo restaurant, to Dubai Expo 2020. Kutir serves a fiery, authentic and traditional Indian menu inspired by the heritage of hunting in the lush forests of India. The menus emphasise seasonal ingredients with a focus on seafood.
- Timings: Sunday to Thursday 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm | Friday and Saturday 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm
KOJAKI
Kojaki offers a refined, approachable and imaginative take on Korean-Japanese cuisine, produced with quality ingredients and modern culinary techniques. Visit this restaurant at Expo 2020 to treat your taste buds to an explosion of flavours.
- Timings: Sunday to Thursday 10:00 am – 11:00 pm | Friday and Saturday 11:00 am – 01:00 am
MOBILITY DISTRICT
EXPO STREET FOOD: MOBILITY DISTRICT
Enjoy flavours from around the globe at the Expo Street Food, Mobility District.
- Timings: Sunday to Thursday 10:00 am – 11:00 pm | Friday and Saturday 11:00 am – 01:00 am
SCARPETTA MERCATO
Scarpetta will open its first burrata bar in the UAE. Scarpetta’s kitchen philosophy aims to create powerful flavours by enhancing the essence of seasonal ingredients.
The distinctive pasta is prepared fresh in-house with the best, locally-sourced ingredients. Scarpetta’s famous spaghetti tomato and basil are nothing short of amazing in terms of taste and preparation.
- Timings: Sunday to Thursday 10:00 am – 10:00 pm | Friday and Saturday 10:00 am – 11:00 pm
GARDEN ON 1 SPORTS LOUNGE
Great friends, drinks and sports is the perfect combination! Garden on 1 at the Mobility District allows visitors to indulge in tempting dishes, ales and other hot and cold beverages. Also on the list of entertainment is bingo, live sports and quiz nights.
- Timings: Sunday to Thursday 12:00 pm – 11:30 pm | Friday and Saturday 12:00 pm – 01:00 am
DAMPA SEAFOOD GRILL
Try out Dampa Seafood Grill, if you haven’t already! Listed as one of the best restaurants in Dubai, it brings a vibrant, exciting and yet casual ambience to Expo 2020. Don’t be afraid to get messy and eat with your hands.
The restaurant is known all over town for its grilled squid and calamari. Lighting effects are expertly positioned with LED and pin lights to create the unique Dampa-specific mood at Expo 2020.
- Timings: Sunday to Thursday 10:00 am – 10:00 pm | Friday and Saturday 10:00 am – 11:30 am
BARON
Baron, a restaurant that originated in Beirut, takes an organic approach to its service. The eatery’s team comes from some of the world’s finest restaurants— yet the atmosphere of the restaurant makes their visitors feel like they are at their favourite neighbourhood spot.
The menu is an amalgamation of ingredients from sustainable fishing boats, organic farmers’ markets and the team’s travels. Delicious veggies, smashing fish, charcoal-roasted meats, insanely fantastic wines and creamy espressos are some of the finest dishes you will taste at the Expo 2020.
- Timings: Sunday to Thursday 10:00 am – 11:00 pm | Friday and Saturday 10:00 am – 01:00 am
AL WASL PLAZA
JUBILEE GASTRONOMY RESTAURANT
At Expo 2020 Dubai, dining will be revolutionised as Jubilee Gastronomy offers one-of-a-kind gastronomic experiences at their iconic ‘Chef’s Table’ concept.
This is where the world’s finest chefs will prepare a signature four and nine-course menu at Al Wasl Plaza, with twice-weekly appearances from prominent local chefs.
Chef Guilherme’s distinctive menu will be available throughout the event. To guarantee a spot, you will have to make a reservation ahead of time.
- Timings: Sunday to Thursday 10:00 am – 12:00 am | Friday and Saturday 10:00 am – 01:00 am
THE NATIONAL BY GEOFFREY ZAKARIAN
Geoffrey Zakarian, a chef based in the United States, brings his idea of a contemporary grand café to life at The National in Expo 2020. Zakarian’s unique modern American cuisine is featured on the menu, and his cooking style has garnered him great acclaim. It’s light and simple, focusing on seasonal ingredients prepared using traditional methods.
- Timings: Sunday to Thursday 10:00 am – 11:00 pm | Friday and Saturday 10:00 am – 01:00 am
DA BY CRABCHIC
DA by CrabChic is the ultimate seafood experience from Russia. The gourmet food by CrabChic will be the focal point of the customer experience at DA. Russian seafood will be transformed into modern art thanks to bold culinary presentations like Kamchatka king crab, tiger prawn, scallops, sea urchin, oysters, clams, Caspian beluga and osetra caviar.
DA is set to have incredible views from its unique rooftop location, complemented by spectacular wrap-around digital art screens. This restaurant also has one of the best bars in Expo 2020. Plus, the restaurant only accepts guests 18 years of age or older.
- Timings: Sunday to Thursday 12:00 pm – 12:00 am | Friday and Saturday 12:00 pm – 01:00 am
TAWA
If you don’t consume gluten or prefer to avoid it, order with confidence at Tawa, knowing that everything is cooked in a gluten-free kitchen.
A satisfying experience awaits you in Tawa, a place where life is gluten-free and full of flavour.
- Timings: Sunday to Thursday 10:00 am – 12:00 am | Friday and Saturday 10:00 am – 01:00 am
JUBILEE PARK
TALABAT KITCHEN
The revolutionary Talabat cloud kitchen is positioned on the edge of Jubilee Park and is home to 30 brands — serving up to 15 distinct cuisines from around the world.
If you want to experience unique exhibits in Expo 2020, head to the Talabat kitchen. Allow the Talabat riders, delivery robots and robotic baristas to spoil you with culinary masterpieces from this innovative, state-of-the-art kitchen. The Talabat Kitchen is open daily from 10:00 am to 01:00 am. Brands covered include:
- Pinza
- Kababji Grill
- Tortilla
- Aseer Time
- Alien Burger
- Sushi Art
- Freez
- Poke & Co
- Chick’n Co
- Man’oushe Street
ALKEBULAN AFRICA DINING HALL
Expo 2020 houses the world’s first African dining hall, Alkebulan, which allows visitors to sample the cuisine from the continent. Alexander Smalls, an award-winning chef, has created the Alkebulan cuisine concept — making it among the most anticipated spots to visit in the list of Expo 2020 restaurants and cafes.
Each counter and concept has its distinct design, paying homage to the region’s cuisines and the chef’s personality. The food hall will have ten special counters, each with its own menu.
AFRO STREET BY COCO
This counter features delicacies like Ugandan-style small chapatti wraps packed with meat or vegetable curry to highlight the flavours of West African street food.
BAR CANE BY COCO
Expect doughnuts and dessert-inspired mixed beverages at Bar Cane by Coco.
CHICKEN COOP BY ALEXANDER SMALLS
This establishment will soon be your go-to place for a rotisserie and fried chicken.
CHOMA BBQ BY COCO
Choma BBQ is where the skill of roasting, grilling and smoking meats will be at full display. Highlighted items on the menu include Zanzibar-style spicy rice and lamb served with kachumbari salad and Kenyan-style meat skewers with roasted green bananas.
JIKO COCKTAILS BY TRIBE HOTEL KENYA
At this counter, a brilliant bartender promises to bring the flavours of Africa together through unique mixed beverages.
PENJA BY PIERRE SIEWE, GLORY KABE & MOOS GBANE
Featuring delicacies like farm cockerel baked with mustard and tapioca and tandoori veggies with fermented cassava semolina — the African offerings at this counter are genuinely unique.
SEVEN SEAFOOD BY CHEF KIRAN JETHWA
You will find contemporary East African seafood prepared with regional ingredients, flavours and combinations.
SHOWBOX BAKERY BY MAME SOW
This counter offers the entire pan-African bakery experience, featuring Ethiopian injera flatbread, as well as sweet and savoury delicacies.
SWEET OPHELIA’S BY ALEXANDER SMALLS
This is an Afro-Asian wok bar selling rice, noodles and dumplings. Another option is Cameroonian pepper fish, a West African favourite.
TASTY GOAT BY KIRAN JETHWA
Find “nose-to-tail” dining, blending modern East African cuisine’s various tastes, textures and flavours at Tasty Goat.
- Food Hall Timings: Sunday to Thursday 10:00 am – 12:00 am | Friday and Saturday 10:00 am – 01:00 am
AL FORSAN PARK
IRIS LOUNGE
Iris Lounge offers a casual yet elegant ambience. Enjoy delicious food with influences from the Mediterranean, Japan, South America, and a variety of signature cocktails.
- Timings: Sunday to Thursday 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm | Friday and Saturday 12:00 pm – 01:00 am
QAZAQ GOURMET
You will have to visit the Kazakh Pavilion to try the culinary delights at Qazaq Gourmet. One of the popular restaurants at Expo 2020, Qazaq Gourmet, specialises in an array of authentic and traditional Kazakh nomadic recipes and a wide variety of flavours from across the country.
- Timings: Daily 12:00 pm – 10:30 pm
SARD
Sard specialises in Saudi Arabian cuisines and offers cuisine from 13 regions. Each of the interactive stations tells the Sard storey from a different angle.
- Timings: Sunday to Thursday 10:00 am – 11:30 pm | Friday and Saturday 10:00 am – 12:30 am
COFFEE SHOPS AT EXPO 2020
Can’t think of starting the day without your favourite cup of joe? There will be several spots to rest and rejuvenate while you explore. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to sample delectable delights at one of the many delightful coffee shops.
- B-Café at the Mobility Pavilion
- Costa Coffee (next to Estonia Pavilion on Sky Avenue, Mobility District)
- Daily Dose at 2020 Plaza
- Depresso Café at the Sea Plaza in Mobility Pavilion
- Dips Café at the Mobility Pavilion
- Rogue Coffee at Al Forsan Park
- RX Coffee Apothecary at the Sustainability Pavilion
- Saddle at Al Forsan Park
- Storm at the Sustainability Pavilion
- Koub by Wacup Café at the Sun Plaza in Opportunity Pavilion
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS?
WHAT IS THE DURATION OF EXPO 2020?
Expo 2020 will be held in Dubai from October 1, 2021, to March 31, 2022.
WHERE CAN I ENJOY THE BEST CULINARY EXPERIENCE AT DUBAI EXPO?
The global exhibition has strengthened Dubai’s position as a world-class culinary destination. And things are about to get more exciting. Now you can ‘eat your way around the world’ at the Expo 2020 Dubai Food Festival, which kicks off on February 14, 2022.
The theme lineup includes:
- Restaurant Week – February 14 to February 27
- BBQ Festival – February 18 to March 06
- Dine Around The World – February 18 to March 13
The food festival, which runs until March 13, will feature street food, upscale dining and sustainable eating concepts by Michelin-star chefs. Seeing how the World Expo has been serving up great food until now, you can expect some interesting choices at the festival.
HOW MUCH DOES AN EXPO 2020 TICKET COST?
Standard ticket to Expo 2020 costs AED 50.
That wraps up our guide to the Expo 2020 restaurants and cafes. If you are visiting Dubai for the event and are looking for places to stay, check out the best hotels near Expo 2020.
It’s easy to travel to Expo 2020 by public transport. Shuttles start from 05:00 am each morning and continue after midnight. To get more information about the venue and its offerings, use the Expo 2020 app.
