… and yes, we’re really excited about it…

The promise of a modern food hall should be a wildly intriguing offer for anyone who loves good food and general convenience. Basically: a tonne of great stuff to eat, all in one place.

When Time Out Market opens in early April, it should instantly inject some much-needed life into the Downtown lunch scene that has always felt a bit short on fantastic non-chain options. Now, they – as well as nearby residents and tourists – have 43,000 square feet of standout local and international flavour at their disposal.

The market, which spans across two floors inside Souk Al Bahar, will feature 17 restaurants along with three full bars and communal-style seating. One of the greatest appeals is its focus on giving small and/or burgeoning food entrepreneurs a permanent spot among its hallowed walls. Think of this as Shark Tank: Food Hall Edition.

There will also be a stage inside the venue, which will be home to performances from local artists, DJs and bands, according to a press release.

“We couldn’t be more excited to launch at Souk Al Bahar soon bringing our favourite homegrown brands together all under one roof” said Sandy El Hayek, General Manager of Time Out Market Dubai.

Here’s a look at the fantastic line up chefs and restaurateurs who’ll be inside:

Allo Beirut

Shawarma, falafel, fattoush, and more of all that good stuff at this fast-food Middle Eastern favourite’s new spin-off brand, Liban. @AlloBeirutStreetfood

Al Fanar

The critically-acclaimed and widely-beloved Al Fanar restaurant offers a menu of Emirati flavours and fresh seafood. @AlFanarRestaurant ⁠⁠

BB Social

The stunning DIFC restaurant brings its creative and innovative take on Asian cuisine to Souk Al Bahar with must-have baos, bowls and bites. @bbdifc

Brix

Is five courses of dessert too much of a good thing? We certainly didn’t think so. Brix is the stuff of your childhood dreams – and yet the Dubai dessert bar is also decidedly grown-up. @Brix_Desserts

folly by Nick & Scott

The acclaimed, modern European restaurant, headed up by supreme duo Nick Alvis and Scott Price, brings some of its iconic dishes to Downtown Dubai. @follydubai

Fulvio’s Kitchen

The 2019 What’s On Award-winning chef Fulvio, known as the head chef at the multi-award-winning restaurant Il Borro, serves up a range of Italian classics. @ful90

Local Fire by The Mattar Farm

Hattem Mattar has gained a reputation as Dubai’s premium pitmaster. At Time Out Market, The Mattar Farm’s only physical outpost, the team will offer a mix of tasty, meaty sandwiches, juicy brisket, and other favourites.

Long Teng

Longing for dim sum by the trolley load? That’s where Cantonese restaurant Long Teng comes in. We’re hoping for piping hot har gao, delicious xiao long bao, and fluffy chicken buns. @LongTengSeafood

Masti

Fun and mischief. That’s the Hindi translation for Masti, La Mer’s original licensed restaurant. As Indian restaurants go, Masti is definitely not your typical neighbourhood curry spot, but it’s bold, bright and ambitious. @MastiDubai

Pickl

pickl ice cream sando

Continuing their path for global domination, Pickl brings its iconic burgers, sandos and spicy sauces to Downtown Dubai. @eatpickl 

Pitfire

A JLT favourite and one of the city’s best pizza places, serving up its delicious rich crust pizzas with several of its most crave-worthy toppings. @Pitfire.Pizza.Dubai

Nightjar

Last year’s What’s On Award-winning cafe will refresh, refuel and power-up Downtown Dubai with its killer cups of Joe. @nightjar.coffee

Reif Japanese Kushiyaki

5.-Kushi-by-Reif-article

One of the city’s top chefs with a wealth of experience gained at some of the most esteemed restaurants. Now he’s taking over the Middle East with his Kushiyaki brand famous for putting waygu sandos on the map. @ReifKushiyaki

Little Erth by Nabz&G

Up there as one of the city’s favourite vegan restaurants, Little Erth by the wonderful Nabz and G whips up nutritious and delicious homely meals. We’re big fans of its minty-fresh summer rolls. @NabzandG

Scoopi Café 

Scoopi’s claim to fame is its ostentatious gold-leafed ice cream. While we probably can’t afford the price tag on that bad boy, its other exotic ice creams and decadent chocolates look equally appealing.

Two Leaves by Project Chaiwala

If you love tea, Project Chaiwala should be top of your list. The beloved brand brews up  flavours from karak, zafarani chai and masala chai using a range of alternative milks. @projectchaiwala 

Vietnamese Foodies

Big bowls of soothing pho will be executed flawlessly by the VF team with a menu of different stocks and ingredients.

Time Out Market Dubai, Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai, opening early April. timeoutmarket.com/dubai