The only guide to City Walk you’ll need
City Walk isn’t just another lifestyle development — it’s Dubai’s answer to urban cool. A leafy, pedestrianised pocket between Downtown and Jumeirah, it blends buzzy restaurants, boutique shopping, street art, cinemas and coffee culture with a distinctly European swagger. Whether you’re here for dinner, dessert, or a dangerously affordable ‘just browsing’ moment, City Walk rewards wandering. Here’s where to start.
Where to Eat
RARE Brasserie & Bar
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A wood-fired brasserie that feels like the glamorous offspring of 1920s Paris and modern Manhattan. RARE seduces before the menu even arrives — think Rosso Levanto marble, suspended gantries and cinematic lighting. The food is flames-meets-finesse: prime cuts, smoky seasonal dishes and plates that read like poetry rather than menu listings. It’s a place for celebrations, deep conversations and lingering until dessert feels non-negotiable.
Daikan Izakaya
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The grown-up, moodier cousin of Daikan Ramen, this UAE-born concept channels the spirit of Tokyo drinking dens — with hip-hop, neon and a kitchen that refuses to cut corners. Handmade ramen, silky bao, crunchy gyoza, sushi and share-friendly snacks make it an easy crowd-pleaser. Come for dinner, stay for cocktails and that buzzy, unpretentious energy.
Primi
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Italy with heart, restraint and craftsmanship. Primi serves homemade pasta, wood-fired pizza, market-fresh salads and grills — all elegant without ever feeling intimidating. Pair your meal with house-made ferments, citrusy lemonades or a bold espresso. It’s refined, warm and perfect for long Sunday lunches.
Nola
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Part New Orleans townhouse, part private art collector’s residence. Enter via a moody staircase and settle in at the stunning marble jewel-box bar. The food is convivial and designed to share — seafood platters, raw bar favourites and generously sized mains. It’s effortlessly chic without losing its sense of fun.
Urth Caffe
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A Los Angeles institution built on organic, heirloom coffee and ethically sourced beans. The menu spans vibrant salads, bakes, hearty breakfasts and guilt-inducing desserts — all designed to keep you lingering. Great for weekend brunch, casual afternoons or working remotely with a slice of cake for company.
L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele
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The Naples legend — unchanged since 1870, and proud of it. Expect four traditional pizzas, blistered crusts, San Marzano tomatoes and mozzarella that deserves applause. No fuss. No theatrics. Just perfect pizza.
Flaky Pastry
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A shrine to croissants and laminated dough, with a glass-walled production kitchen so you can watch pastry magic unfold. Sweet, savoury, stuffed, glazed — you’ll plan your next visit before finishing your first bite. Coffee included, temptation guaranteed.
Where to Drink
Saya
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Pretty, inviting and proudly Dubai-born. Saya blends Mediterranean plates, indulgent desserts and all-day dining with a warm, feminine café aesthetic. Come for breakfast, midday catch-ups or a refreshing drink that photographs as well as it tastes.
Southpour
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Local roasters, expert baristas and an East London coffeehouse mood. Whether you want grab-and-go caffeine or a slow afternoon indoors, this spot does both beautifully.
NOX
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The day-to-night spot bringing relaxed dining and high-energy parties under one roof. Start with drinks, end with dancing, make no promises about the next morning.
Where to Shop
Okhtein
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Egyptian-designed, Italian-crafted accessories rooted in Arab heritage, modern luxury and sculptural elegance. A thoughtful, statement-making brand worth investing in.
Anatomi
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Polished, modest womenswear with fluid silhouettes, intricate detailing and timeless tailoring. Feminine without trying too hard.
The Giving Movement
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Sustainable streetwear and athleisure with purpose — every purchase supports charitable impact. Stylish, ethical and UAE-born.
Hooga
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Singaporean-Scandi home décor dedicated to hygge — candles, textiles, homeware and cosy moments you didn’t realise you needed.
3 Kicks
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All things sneaker culture. Limited-edition Jordans, Yeezys, streetwear and a mini basketball court vibe. Bring willpower.
True Religion
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Los Angeles denim with bold stitching and bigger personality. Elevated classics for people who love a statement jean.
What to See
Roxy Cinemas
Blockbusters, indie gems and documentaries screened in plush Platinum, Gold or Silver seating. A stylish escape from reality — popcorn essential.
Image credit: @noladubai on Instagram
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.
