Great dining for the whole family
Dubai is home to a number of restaurants that are perfect for a casual lunch out with the kids or a more elevated dinner experience. Thankfully, there are so many places to try out, some with kids’ menus that cater to younger tastebuds and others with sharing platters that make family dining easy.
There’s so much variety to choose from when looking for a family-friendly place that serves up high-quality food. We’ve rounded up some of the best family-friendly restaurants to try in Dubai. From views to games and entertainment, you can find a lot on offer.
21grams
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21grams is a restaurant and bistro fusion located on a rooftop in Meyan Mall, featuring spacious dining tables and light, earthy tones that create a sophisticated dining atmosphere. It is an award-winning concept founded in Dubai, serving delicious Balkan cuisine with a contemporary touch. Try out their freshly made Spinach Phyllo pie or Balkan Breakfast for 2 in the early morning. We’d advise you to be prepared to wait because it’s a walk-in only policy and for a stellar view of the Burj Al Arab, grab a table by the window.
Byron Bathers Club
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Byron Bathers Club is a beachside restaurant that is inviting for a lunch or breakfast with its casual atmosphere, special layout and stellar view of the ocean. The interiors exude laid-back Australian charm with their vibrant blue and white colour palette and mix of bohemian flair. It’s right on the shore of one of Dubai’s hotspots, The Palm Jumeirah and is an amazing place to take the kids over the cooler summer months to enjoy alfresco dining alongside a kids menu. Make your reservations early because this family-friendly spot is popular over the weekends.
Harummanis
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Hailing from Singapore to Dubai, this Singaporean Malay fusion restaurant is a cosy gem in Wasl 51 that brings in a homey atmosphere with its warm golden lighting and foliage decorating the room. Its menu features twists on traditional staples and a creative blend of street food made with an excellent culinary flair. Harrumanis also specialises in sharing meals, creating a great day out for the family to dine in an intimate setting with generous portions of flavourful platters. We’d recommend trying out their signature 6-hour slow-cooked Rendang that has 20 ingredients.
Kinoya
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Kinoya is a Japanese restaurant that delivers on both ambience and flavour. Its intimate minimalistic design and seating create a cosy atmosphere for a family meal. The wooden interior, sleek and open setting gives off a homey vibe where you can enjoy their signature ramen and can also watch the chefs in action by reserving a place at the counter. We’d recommend ordering the chef’s special Shio Paitan Ramen as the main and accompanying the meal with a drink from their extensive beverage menu.
Lila Molino
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Lila Molino is a Mexican café and restaurant which is a great spot for a quick daytime meal and is full of colourful, bold art that is a nod to South American culture. Its vibrant illustrations blend in well with the rich colour palette and unique decorations. This place is a homegrown gem that is designed for communal dining, making it perfect for a family lunch. The restaurant has a range of delicious Mexican dishes including Mole Enchiladas and Tacos of Chicken and Green Chile. There’s also a selection of small snacks that can be shared with the younger kids.
Odeon
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Serving up authentic French fare, Odeon is an unmissable Jumeirah gem. The gourmet store section is what dreams are truly made of. Stocked to the top with French goods, from different kinds of chocolate, candy, crisps, spreads and condiments to fresh seafood, freshly-baked bread, cured meat cuts, cheeses, dairy products and more. They’re bringing the very best of French fare to Dubai’s doorstep – and not just that. Their dedicated deli meats and seafood sections serve only the freshest selection. You can even pick your seafood on the spot. If you want it, they’ve got it.
Pitfire Pizza
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This homegrown pizza joint is the go-to for long-term Dubai residents, offering some of the best combinations of New York and Italian-style pizza. The casual pizzeria is an ideal restaurant to have a crispy, cheesy dinner with the family. We’d recommend trying out their delicious appetisers to start off the meal, including the handmade Garlic Knots and a selection of chicken wings. Another great part is that you can mix and match half-and-half flavours for a sharing experience that the whole family can enjoy. Over the weekend the restaurants tend to be busy, so get ready to wait in line.
Ribambelle
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Perfect for families with little ones – quite literally, because at Ribambelle, you will find a jungle-themed play area with slides, ball pits and dress-up rooms. For the adults, a co-working space ensures they can get things done while the kids play, as well as a stylish restaurant and bar upstairs. They also host regular workshops, from cake decorating to bath-bomb making.
Salt
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Salt is a homegrown burger joint that started as a food truck and is now a viral restaurant because of its famous juicy burgers and sliders. It’s a simple menu that offers the classic Salt Burger and other varieties of burgers, sliders and fries. We’d suggest trying out this place to satisfy your fast food cravings without having to compromise on quality and taste. Over the cooler winter months try out Salt at Kite Beach to enjoy an aesthetic beachside restaurant that has its own kids’ menu.
The Lighthouse
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The Lighthouse restaurant and bar is nestled in the artsy and cosy neighbourhoods of Dubai Design District Dubai Hills Business Park. The space is decorated with a colourful selection of books and tasteful statement pieces. Their all-day dining menu offers a selection of breakfast dishes, Mediterranean classics such as Grilled Chicken Souvlaki and Keftedes. The restaurant also offers a specialised kids’ menu. We’d recommend dining al fresco in the cooler winter months.
Image credit: @21grams.dubai on Instagram
