Where to eat in Wasl 51, Jumeirah's newest restaurant precinct

There’s a seriously impressive range of eateries here…

Jumeirah 1 is undergoing a foodie renaissance, with new eateries popping up on a weekly basis. One of the most exciting developments is Wasl 51, a sleek enclave of restaurants and cafes at the northern end of Al Wasl Road that’s fast becoming one of Dubai’s hottest dining precincts.

From takeaway coffees that have been known to cause traffic jams, to Instagrammable breakfasts, authentic Portuguese lunches, and sublime desserts, here are all the best things to eat and drink in Wasl 51 right now.

Lana Lusa

Lana Lusa is a top contender for the most attractive restaurant that opened in Dubai in 2020. Everything has been painstakingly custom-made by Portuguese artisans specifically for the venue, and the menu features family recipes from founder Jessica Viveiro. Think bacalhau croquettes, garlic prawns, and flaky pastel de natas. Read our full review of Lana Lusa here.

Lana Lusa, Wasl 51, Jumeirah 1, daily 8am to 11pm. Tel: (0)4 380 1515. @lanalusadxb

Brunch & Cake

Barcelona transplant Brunch & Cake courts the Instagram crowd with its stunning interiors and eye-popping dishes. You can even dine in these bubble domes, overlooking Al Wasl Road.

Brunch & Cake, Wasl, Jumeirah 1, Dubai, Sun to Wed 8am to 10pm, Thu to Sat 8am to 10.30pm. Tel: 800 4726362. @brunchandcakedubai

Around the Block

Traffic has been known to come to a standstill outside Around the Block, as cars queue (literally) around the block for takeaway coffees. Make it past the coffee throng, however, and you’ll be rewarded with a high-quality menu inspired by the owners’ travels. Most recently, they turned Japanese with a tasty range of wagyu sandos and ramen.

Around the Block, Wasl 51, Jumeirah 1, daily 7am to midnight. @aroundtheblock

Mara Lounge & Restaurant

Sleekly styled Mara Lounge has been transformed into a winter wonderland at present, dishing out thick hot chocolates and candy-encrusted ice creams.

Mara Lounge, Wasl 51, Jumeriah, Sun to Thu 9am to midnight, Fri and Sat 9am to 1am. Tel: (04) 347 6007. @mara.dubai

Milk Bar

Pop into the contemporary yet cosy Milk Bar for breakfasts of baked cornbread eggs Benedict, or Turkish eggs nestled in sesame-coated simit. Sweet tooths, set your sites on the pastry counter, where Nutella-stuffed cookies, babka and Basque-style burnt cheesecake await.

Milk Bar, Wasl 51, daily 7am to 11pm. @milkbar.ae

Butter Dessert Salon

Another for the sweet fiends, Butter Dessert Salon turns out luscious cakes, cookies and tarts, paired with decadent coffees such as their cappuccino creme brulee.

Butter Dessert Salon, Wasl 51, Sun to Wed 9am to 11pm, Thu to Sat 9am to midnight. @butterdessertsalon

Mylk Lab by Genki

With its plant-based mylks and virtuous vegan mains (think kimchi bibimbap or the taco power bowl), you’ll walk out of this healthy concept cafe in a cloud of smug. The menu is also free of gluten, refined sugar, soy and peanut, so it’s ideal for those who have to watch what they eat.

Mylk Lab by Genki, Wasl 51, daily 10am to 10pm. Tel: (0)50 408 6946. @genkiuae

Saya

The third branch of photogenic Saya Caffe has opened in Wasl 51. Expect the brand’s signature explosion of pink blooms, Instagrammable interiors (including a black-and-white 2D room), hot drinks and desserts.

Saya Caffe, Wasl 51, Jumeirah 1, daily 9am to 1am. @sayacaffe.ae 

Dishtrict

This globe-trotting menu doesn’t pull any punches, with its slightly madcap marriage of Indian, Thai, Japanese and Italian cuisines. Standouts include the deliciously sacrilegious Thai arancini, and the ethereal matcha milk cake, which is worth a visit in its own right.

Dishtrict, Wasl 51, Sun to Wed noon to 11pm, Thu to Sat noon to midnight. @dishtrictdxb 

Charade

Board games and burgers combine in this vintage-style eatery, where you can tuck into chicken or beef burgers over a game of Cards Against Humanity. The old-school ‘smores will bring back all those childhood feels.

Charade, Wasl 51, Sun to Thu noon to 11pm, Fri and Sat noon to midnight. @charadedubai 

Blk Cab Coffee

The astroturfed patio is a great spot for coffee, but this monochrome cafe also turns out some tasty plates of food. Think doughnut and ice cream sandwiches, pepperoni pizza, loaded croissants, and the all-new ‘waco’, a Korean bubble waffle taco loaded with chicken, slaw and barbecue sauce.

Blk Cab Coffee, Wasl 51, @blkcabcoffee

Caf Cafe

The signature move at this sleek Kuwait-born cafe is the coffee con helado, topped with chocolately cubes of ice cream sandwich. They also do a strong selection of iced coffees, including cold brew and Spanish latte, that are perfect for the Dubai climate.

Caf Cafe, Wasl 51. @cafcafe

Happy Egg

Along the back stretch of Wasl 51, sister venues Happy Egg, Off the Grid and Crab Shed dish out bountiful all-day breakfasts, freshly folded crepes, and spicy Cajun-style seafood (the kind that requires a bib and gloves).

Happy Egg, Wasl 51, daily 8am to midnight. Tel: (0)54 436 4778. @happyeggdxb

La Fabbrica Italiana

Dubai’s first dedicated focacceria, La Fabbrica will be dishing out freshly baked focaccia, authentic tiramisu, and burrata when it opens the doors to this cosy trattoria.

La Fabbrica Italiana, coming soon to Wasl 51, @la_fabbrica_italiana

Orfali Bros

Also coming soon is this new bistro, which will act for a test kitchen for the Syrian-born Orfali brothers.

Orfali Bros, coming soon to Wasl 51, @orfalibros_bistro

Images: Instagram