17 Homegrown Heroes to Try at Time Out Market Dubai

If you’re struggling to decide where to eat in Dubai, there’s an easy answer: head to Time Out Market Dubai.

Set inside Souk Al Bahar in Downtown Dubai, the 43,000-square-foot food hall brings together 17 food concepts under one roof, showcasing some of the city’s best-known chefs and homegrown restaurants. And while the line-up spans everything from Japanese and Thai to French and Latin American, they all have one thing in common: they’ve made their mark on Dubai’s dining scene.

From casual bites to proper sit-down-worthy plates, these are the restaurants and food concepts to know.

à la grecque

Greek food gets a Dubai-born makeover at à la grecque, a concept created exclusively for Time Out Market by chef Athanasios Kargatzidis, better known as Chef Tommy. Expect generous souvlaki, Greek-inspired sides, salads and plenty of cheese-forward goodness. The whole-baked halloumi is one for the must-try list.

@alagrecque.dxb

BB Social Dining

One of Dubai’s best-known modern concepts, BB Social Dining brings its playful Asian-meets-Eastern style to the Market. Think small plates, bao and bold combinations, including its signature short rib and soft-shell crab creations. It’s the kind of menu made for ordering several things and sharing.

@bbdifc

Boon Coffee

Coffee lovers, this one’s for you. Dubai-based speciality roaster Boon Coffee serves carefully sourced Arabica alongside espresso-based classics, cold brews and more inventive drinks. Pair your caffeine fix with all-day breakfast favourites and freshly baked treats for an easy Market pit stop.

@booncoffee

Café Isan Thai

Bringing the fiery flavours of Thailand’s Isan region to Downtown Dubai, Café Isan has been a Dubai favourite since 2016. The Market outpost is the place to go for fragrant curries, pad kra pao, papaya salad and the restaurant’s signature tom yum. Expect plenty of heat – in the best possible way.

@cafeisan_thai

CQ French Brasserie

For classic French comfort food without the formality, CQ French Brasserie keeps things pleasingly straightforward. Steak frites is the headline act, while escargots, steak tartare and goat’s cheese salad round out a menu of French favourites. It’s all about hearty plates, proper sauces and golden fries.

@cqbrasserie

Fusion Ceviche

Peruvian food takes centre stage at Fusion Ceviche, founded by chef Penelope Diaz. The Dubai-born restaurant specialises in vibrant seafood dishes, with a menu that moves from classic ceviche to tiraditos and other punchy Peruvian creations. If you like your food fresh, citrusy and full of flavour, this is the one.

@fusioncevichedxb22

Izu Burger

Chef Izu Ani turns the humble burger into something rather more glamorous at Izu Burger. Expect quality beef, Emmental, soft milk baguettes and indulgent toppings, alongside crispy chicken burgers and loaded fries. Save room for the passionfruit cheesecake – it’s a firm favourite from the chef’s repertoire.

@izuburger

Little Jun’s

Chef Kelvin Cheung’s Little Jun’s takes a globe-trotting approach to comfort food, combining Asian influences with American favourites. The menu reflects Cheung’s Canadian, American and Indian upbringing, resulting in dishes such as bang bang cauliflower and a decadent burnt garlic butter lobster roll.

@junsdubai

Long Teng

Dim sum fans should make a beeline for Long Teng. The Business Bay restaurant brings its Cantonese cooking to Time Out Market, with beautifully made dim sum and seafood dishes taking centre stage. Expect familiar favourites alongside expertly prepared Chinese classics.

@longtengseafood

Mattar

Come hungry – Mattar is all about seriously smoky portions. Helmed by pitmaster Hattem Mattar, the Dubai-born smokehouse is known for its slow-cooked meats, particularly its 18-hour smoked brisket. Pastrami and beef chorizo also feature, served either plated up or tucked into buns.

@mattar.ae

Masti

Colourful, creative and anything but your average curry house, Masti puts a contemporary spin on Indian cuisine. Chef Prashant Chipkar takes familiar flavours and gives them an international twist, with dishes inspired by cuisines from around the world. Expect plenty of surprises alongside the classics.

@mastidubai

Onda by Alici

A taste of the Amalfi Coast comes courtesy of Onda by Alici. The seafood-focused concept serves up Italian coastal flavours, with crudo, homemade pasta, mussels, prawns and calamari on the menu. It’s a good choice when you’re craving something fresh and Mediterranean-inspired.

@alicidubai

Pitfire Pizza

Dubai’s much-loved Pitfire brings its distinctive pizzas to the Market. The pies sit somewhere between New York and Neapolitan styles, with crisp, blistered bases and toppings that range from classic to decidedly unconventional. Founded by Michele and Bill Johnson, the brand is also known for its carefully developed dough, which is fermented for 72 hours.

@pitfirepizzabakers

REIF

Chef Reif Othman’s Japanese concept is a must for fans of ramen, sushi and kushiyaki. The Market menu includes everything from rich ramen and uramaki to sandos, all given Othman’s signature playful spin. It’s casual Japanese dining with plenty of personality.

@reifkushiyaki

Scoopi

Fancy something sweet? Scoopi is where you’ll find ice cream with plenty of theatre. The Dubai-born ice creamery uses liquid nitrogen to create its famously smooth scoops, while playful creations – including its cotton candy burrito – add a dose of fun. Keep an eye out for unusual flavours, too.

@scoopicafe

SLAB Cocina

Chef Omar Rodriguez takes diners on a culinary tour of the Americas at SLAB Cocina. The menu draws from Mexican, Peruvian and other Latin American influences, with dishes such as ceviche, tacos and corn fritters. There are also plenty of Middle Eastern touches woven into the cooking, making this one of the Market’s more eclectic offerings.

@slab.uae

Three by Eva

Three by Eva celebrates Jordanian and Levantine cooking through the eyes of chef Eva Halasa and her daughters Emilie and Lilian Rihani. The family-run concept serves comforting plates including hummus, msakhan, fatteh, falafel and grilled meats, with a focus on the flavours and traditions of the region.

@threebyeva

@timeoutmarketdubai

Image credit: @timeoutmarketdubai on Instagram

Zainab Ali

Curious, expressive, and always chasing new ideas, Zainab sees creativity as a way of life. She thrives on discovering new perspectives, connecting with people, and turning inspiration into something tangible. Her work and her world reflect a balance of intuition, imagination, and authenticity.

Contact me: zainab@nommemag.com

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