Have a blast at the UAE’s best themed restaurants and cafes
The UAE is home to a host of thematically focused dining establishments that will fire your imagination and transport you to a whole different world. These eateries don’t just hint at a theme, they fully commit! So, feeling like you want to channel your inner viking? Maybe you fancy tredding in the footsteps of intrepid adventurer Phileas Fogg? You can do all that and more at the best themed restaurants in the UAE.
LIST OF THE BEST THEMED RESTAURANTS IN THE UAE
From restaurants inspired by Bollywood cinema to art-themed cafes, the UAE offers something for every foodie!
BEST THEMED RESTAURANTS IN DUBAI
ARABIAN TEA HOUSE RESTAURANT AND CAFE
Housed in Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Arabian Tea Restaurant and Cafe (previously known as Al Basta Art Cafe) is a garden-themed eatery in Dubai. The aesthetics of the restaurant feature a cross between traditional Arabic and Greek themes. The simple decor is completed in hues of white and blue with white rattan chairs, lace curtains, photographs and a wooden beam ceiling.
You can enjoy a wide variety of teas here. Popular options range from the Arabian Tea House special tea to sulaimani tea. Aside from teas, the place offers Emirati breakfast trays, Arabian Tea House special wrap, machboos deyay and biryani samak/robyan.
- Average cost for two: AED 225
- Location: Multiple including Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood (Popular branch)
- Timings: 07:00 am – 11:00 pm
- Contact: +971-56-998-9030
PDL CAFE
PDL Dubai houses an urban barbershop and a speciality cafe all in one. The cycle-themed cafe has quartz tabletops, blue tiled archway, bicycles on the wall and teal upholstery that pays subtle homage to the mid-century.
The cafe serves croissants, pastrami, vegan sandwiches, spicy-roasted Angus beef steaks and levant sandwiches. Chocolate layer cakes, cheesecake slices, kinder cookies and Spanish latte are also on the menu.
- Average cost for two: AED 120
- Location: Multiple including Shop 2, Block A, Mardoof Building, Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Safa
- Timings: 07:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Contact: +971-4-333-9924
SKETCH ART CAFE
Sketch Art Cafe is a quirky little spot in Dubai. The cafe is completely art themed, where you get the chance to sip away and munch on their menu classics while designing your own paper cup. Where do these painted paper cups go? The Sketch Art Cafe has a colourful statement wall dedicated to display of art created by their patrons!
The cafe has a simple menu, featuring breakfast items, acai, Nutella French toast and toothsome desserts like decadent brownies, crepes and gelato. Sketch Art Cafe also offers brews and drinks. You can try the regular Espresso or go with the more adventurous Spanish latte.
- Average cost for two: AED 140
- Location: Villa 1, 35 Street, Umm Ammar Road, Near Boxpark, Al Safa
- Timings: 07:00 am – 11:00 pm
- Contact: +971-4-271-2650
THE BHUKKAD CAFE
With a unique Bollywood-esque theme, The Bhukkad Cafe is a haven for South Asian street food lovers in Dubai. The cafe has a funky ambience, filled with quirky quotes, loud art, cheerful colours and mismatched seating.
The Bhukkad Cafe offers vada pav, bread pakoda, samosa, kanda phool, bhurji pav, seekh kebab omelette and pizza on puri. India’s famous “cutting”, “kadak” and “parle-g” chai are also available at this Indian-themed restaurant in the UAE.
- Average cost for two: AED 120
- Location: Multiple including Shop 6, Ground Floor, Shamma Building, Al Karama
- Timings: 11:00 am – 12:00 am
- Contact: +971-4-349-9957
FOREVER ROSE
Located in Boxpark, Forever Rose is a monochrome cafe in Dubai. Enter the two-dimensional world with 2D illustrations adorning the walls, beautifully juxtaposed with bright red roses placed on every table! Forever Rose is one of the most Instagrammable cafes in Dubai.
At the 2D-themed Forever Rose, you can find an array of brightly-hued dishes and drinks. Options include grandma’s quiche, roasted prawns, forever risotto mushrooms, give me prawns arrabbiata, mamas Alfredo chicken and teas infused with rose extracts.
- Average cost for two: AED 235
- Location: Boxpark, Al Safa
- Timings: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm | Fri-Sun: 10:00 am – 12:00 am
- Contact: +971-4-548-4210
PHILEAS FOGG
Nestled in Emirates Hills, Phileas Fogg (also spelt as Phileas Fogg’s) is a restaurant based on Jules Verne’s famous novel, Around the World in Eighty Days.
The place features quirky trinkets from all over the world. Expect telescopes, globes, leather-bound books, low tables, comfy sofas and wood-panelled walls inside, whereas, on the outside, you can find clocks dedicated to the world’s time zones.
Phileas Fogg serves International cuisine, featuring dishes like bacon and egg butty, halloumi fries, jerk pork belly bites and more. Artisan pizzas and steaks are also on the menu.
- Average cost for two: AED 320
- Location: Montgomery Golf Club Academy, 7th Street, Emirates Hills
- Timings: 08:00 am – 01:30 am | Fri-Sun: 08:00 am – 02:30 am ( Kitchen closes by 11:30 pm)
- Contact: +971-4-572-4477
CAFE RIDER
Cafe Rider is another themed cafe on our list. The most special feature of this place is that it is part of a custom motorcycle garage so you can expect lots of motorcycles used as decor props within the space.
Cafe Rider offers all-day breakfast, burgers, salads, coffee, tea and mocktails. You can also try their Mirzam single origin drinking chocolate, halloumi burger, bruschetta or French toast.
- Average cost for two: AED 130
- Location: Warehouse 7, Street 14 C, Umm Suqeim Exit Road, Al Quoz
- Timings: 08:00 am – 08:00 pm
- Contact: +971-4-321-4411
THE FARM
Themed around the concept of an “oasis of calm” The Farm is a sanctuary nestled amid flowing waterways, lakes and lush gardens in Dubai. The place serves wholesome food from Mediterranean and International cuisines.
You can try eggs your way, chips and salsa, baked salmon, tuna avocado tartare, linguine bolognese, lamb shank and other delicacies. The place also offers English breakfast, chocolate waffles, coffee, organic juices, milkshakes and blended teas.
- Average cost for two: AED 340
- Location: Near Glass Recycling Point, Al Barari
- Timings: 07:30 am – 10:30 pm | Ramadan hours may vary
- Contact: +971-4-886-6223
MOST POPULAR THEMED RESTAURANTS IN ABU DHABI
LAST EXIT AUH BOUND
Last Exit is a popular dining spot located en route to Abu Dhabi. This food truck park transports you to the world of Mad Max, the post-apocalyptic Australian action movie. The rustic trucks modified into monster vehicles and the graffiti-painted walls set the mood for this cataclysmic dining destination.
These include Starbucks, Burger Pit and Cupagahwa. The place serves coffee, burgers, steaks, fries and other dishes.
- Average cost for two: Subject to each pitstop
- Location: Sheikh Zayed Road, Near Interchange 11 (In the direction of Abu Dhabi)
- Timings: 06:00 am – 03:00 am (Subject to change)
- Contact: 800-738-245
DRVN
DRVN is an automotive-themed roastery and cafe in Abu Dhabi. The cafe is segmented into two sections – the mezzanine floor has a coffee bar, whereas the ground floor has a fine selection of vintage cars encased in glass boxes. The decor features warm elements, ornate chandeliers and of course perfectly preserved vintage rides like Ferrari 355 and Le Mans.
DRVN serves Neapolitan pizzas, burgers, pasta and a breakfast all day. The cafe also offers a tasteful variety of coffee beans such as Ethiopia Metekoma, Uganda Langi and Brazil Mantiqueira de Minas.
- Average cost for two: AED 200
- Location: Multiple including Old Airport road showroom 2, Saif Ghubash Street
- Timings: 08:00 am – 11:00 pm
- Contact: +971-2-441-7774
THEMED RESTAURANTS IN SHARJAH
STORIE CAFE
Calling all bibliophiles! Storie Cafe is a quaint retreat, with beautiful interiors, book-themed lights and a statement wall bearing the text – “The Storie of Coffee and People”. The place also has a bookcase featuring oodles of books. You can curl up on a wooden bench with your favourite book, coffee and some delicious bites here.
Consider it a mini library where you can enjoy a piping hot coffee, English brekkie and other delicious delicacies. This is one of the best cafes in Sharjah, UAE!
- Average cost for two: AED 150
- Location: Behind Blood Bank, Dubai Islamic Bank Street, University City
- Timings: 08:00 am – 12:00 am
- Contact: +971-6-550-2828
ALSTROEMERIA CAFE
The modern Alstroemeria cafe sports a clean, monochromatic setting with interiors completed with minimalistic industrial furniture. This cafe is a black and white world, elegantly accented with hues of beige and silver. Everything from wall paints and furniture to art, decor and plates is carefully selected to keep the minimalistic black and white theme consistent throughout.
The cafe serves salads, sandwiches, breakfast, croissants and desserts. You can also order cold and hot brews of coffee here. This was earlier located in University City; now it is based in the Industrial Area.
- Average cost for two: AED 195 (Subject to change)
- Location: Industrial Area – Muwailih Commercial
- Timings: 09:00 am – midnight
- Contact: +971-55-706-9884
DARK LAB
Dark lab is a skull-themed coffee shop in Sharjah. The cafe has heavy gothic influences, with sky plants, tiny skeletons, artworks and a white, cage-like almirah displaying coffee shots and beans.
The place serves delicious brews, smoothies, ice creams and açai with delicious toppings.
- Average cost for two: Call them to know
- Location: Al Wahda Street, Sharjah
- Timings: 07:00 am – 12:00 am
- Contact: +971-52-550-5924
Please note that Dark Lab is temporarily closed.
THEMED RESTAURANTS IN AJMAN
VIKING RESTAURANT
As the name suggests, Viking Restaurant offers visitors a glimpse into the medieval world which was largely dominated by seafaring Scandinavians from the late 8th to 11th century.
The restaurant has a King Ragnar-themed menu, where dishes are creatively named after Viking warriors and traditions, Where is My Lamb? The Lief Erikson T-Bone Meal and The Royal Tomahawk.
Enjoy a Viking’s meal with special drinks and live entertainment featuring fire dancers and singers. Medieval ballads are sung by a popular performer Daridel Paganfolk.
- Average cost for two: AED 450
- Location: Shop 4, Liwara 1, Al Bustan
- Timings: 07:00 pm – 12:00 am | Mon: closed
- Contact: viking.ajman (Instagram) | +971-4-526-0951
PIQUANT PICK
Piquant Pick is a train-themed cafe in Ajman that comes with tastefully-designed cabins featuring beautiful artworks and lights. The cafe is compartmentalised into different sections. The reception area extends into a spacious dining hall where diners usually enjoy a buffet. This section narrows down into a line-up of separate cabins – just like on a train!
The restaurant offers different types of cuisines, ranging from Indian to Arabian. The menu is extensive; however, their signature dishes like arrabbiata pasta, lobster grilled and pesto pasta are the most popular with guests.
- Average cost for two: AED 110
- Location: Shaikha Building, Rashidiya
- Timings: 11:00 am – 12:00 am
- Contact: +971-50-141-3700
DOT CAFE
Themed after the globally popular Netflix series, Squid Game, Dot Cafe is a must-visit place in Ajman. The cafe has hot pink, fully hooded jumpsuits bearing a triangle, circle or square symbol and a picture of the robot doll – but it doesn’t detect anyone who moves! (Pun intended).
At Dot Cafe, you can enjoy special treats like lava chocolate (AED 27) and Dot treat (AED 30).Furthermore, there are hot and cold coffees, blends and drinks on the menu.
- Average cost for two: AED 65
- Location: Behind Al Madina Supermarket, Al Jurf 2
- Timings: 06:30 am – 12:00 am | Fri: 06:30 am – 01:00 am | Sat-Sun: 08:00 am – 01:00 am
- Contact: +971-6-744-4989
Aside from the mentioned themed restaurants in the UAE, you can check out the following eateries.
- Rajinikanth 24/7/Rajinikanth Restaurant | Dubai
- The Friends Burger | Abu Dhabi
- Geek Kitchen | Abu Dhabi
FAQs ABOUT THE BEST THEMED RESTAURANTS IN THE UAE & MORE
ARE THERE CONCEPT RESTAURANTS IN DUBAI?
Yes, many! Check out these concept restaurants in Dubai.
ARE THERE ANY THEMED RESTAURANTS IN ABU DHABI?
Last Exit AUH Bound and DRVN are the most popular themed eateries in Abu Dhabi.
WHAT ARE THE BEST RESTAURANTS IN ABU DHABI?
Here is a complete list of the best restaurants in Abu Dhabi.
ARE THERE ANY HIDDEN CAFES IN DUBAI?
Find out about some of the city’s most unique cafes in this guide to hidden gems in Dubai.
IS THERE ANY ROBOT-THEMED RESTAURANT IN THE UAE?
Kiwizo Robotic Restaurant in Mushrif Mall, Abu Dhabi is a robot-themed restaurant in the UAE. The restaurant is temporarily closed.
ARE THERE ANY FAMILY RESTAURANTS IN THE UAE?
While there are many family restaurants in the UAE, those located in Dubai have a wide customer base. Here are some of the most family-friendly eateries in Dubai. Additionally, you can find a number of places in Dubai with indoor play areas to keep your little one busy!
That brings an end to our guide on themed restaurants in the UAE. However, these cafes are not pet-friendly. If you’re looking for some places to share your love of food with your four-legged buddies, try cat cafes in Dubai. Similarly, Meow cafe in Abu Dhabi is worth visiting. Expect pets, cuddles and coffee!
