Where to eat near Dubai World Trade Centre during Gulfood
Let the traffic and metro rush pass while you dine
If you’re heading to Gulfood, here are some great restaurants to try near DWTC. Plus, it’s a good way to skip the traffic and to avoid metro queues.
Here are 18 great restaurants near Dubai World Trade Centre
25hours Hotel Dubai One Central
Walking distance: 20 minutes from DWTC and DICEC
At 25hours Hotel Dubai One Central, you can head to Tandoor Tina in the lobby to the right of the cool fountain/book centrepiece for Indian food with a twist, or head to Ernst Biergarten for an authentic Bavarian experience. If you do have energy left over after your busy day, head upstairs to Monkey Bar for upbeat music, delicious sips, bites and maybe some dancing.
Bagatelle
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Walking distance: 13 minutes (via footbridge) from DWTC and DICEC
Head across Sheikh Zayed Road via the World Trade Centre Dubai Metro station to Bagatelle in the Fairmont Hotel and escape to the South of France. All dishes on the table are meant to be shared, which is great news if you’re dining with a large group, as you’ll have more options to try. Making a reservation? Keep in mind the wait time as you queue alongside Dubai Metro passengers. Bagatelle is open daily from 7pm to 3am.
C Restaurant
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CULINARA Social Dining
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Walking distance: 20 minutes from DWTC and DICEC
Perched high in the sky at The Link in One Za’abeel, Culinara Social Dining is not only Dubai’s latest culinary destination, it’s also the highest. Culinara brings together a careful selection of original, homegrown dining concepts under one sleek, sky-high roof. You will be spoilt for choice with options spanning Greek-Mediterranean at The Dish, spicy noodles at SIO Ramen House, pizza at KONA Pizza House, Japanese wellness dishes at NETTE and more. Read more here.
Love Mukbang Korean BBQ and Seafood Restaurant
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Walking distance: 5 minutes from DWTC and DICEC
You may have passed by the Dubai World Trade Centre Apartment blocks a number of times, but have you been to Love Mukbang Korean BBQ and Seafood Restaurant? Inside, you can tuck into premium BBQ cuts and sizzling seafood in a cosy setting. Think cherry blossoms, lanterns, traditional Korean prints and more.
McGettigan’s DWTC
Walking distance: 3 minutes from DWTC and DICEC
McGettigan’s is deemed the best gastropub experience in Dubai, and lucky for you, there’s one mere minutes away from DWTC and DICEC. Here, you can enjoy a refreshing sip and international dishes inspired by Ireland and America, Asia and beyond. The later it gets, though, expect the party atmosphere to amp up.
NIDO Restaurant
NIDO Restaurant
Walking distance: 10 minutes (via footbridge) from DWTC and DICEC
Enjoy a taste of Spain in Dubai at Nido Restaurant in The Sheraton Grand Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road. There are Latin-based cocktails – just what you need after a busy day of networking. Pair it with artfully prepared tapas. If you can’t find it, no… you aren’t tired. It’s one of those hidden tapas bars. You can enter discreetly through Moe’s on 5th’s secret wine cellar.
Opa
Walking distance: 10 minutes (via footbridge) from DWTC and DICEC
Accessed through a private lift on the side of the Fairmont hotel, it’s almost like you’re stepping into a Greek hideaway. The menu is split simply into dips, cold starters, salads, hot starters, Greek-style pizzas and mains, with all dishes designed to share. You’ll leave Opa having had a smashing time – in every sense of the word.
PizzaExpress
Walking distance: 1 minute from DWTC and DICEC
If all you’re looking for after your event, exhibition or conference is a slice of pizza? Head to PizzaExpress for a delicious slice you can enjoy in a relaxed setting. Warning: This restaurant is one of the closest to the World Trade Centre and the metro, and hungry visitors will make this the first spot they visit if they see long lines. So, get those reservations booked in well in advance; don’t bank on dropping in and hoping for a seat.
Note: this will be the case for all of the restaurants in this space leading up to the convention centre. There’s O’Doner, Habib Beirut, India Bistro, and more.
StreetXO
StreetXO
Walking distance: 13 minute from DWTC and DICEC
Had a rollercoaster of a day? Well, you may as well top it off with a dining experience to match at StreetXO. StreetXO Dubai is the groundbreaking concept by four-time Michelin-awarded Chef Dabiz Muñoz, and he is setting Dubai fine dining on fire. Muñoz has been heralded as the Best Chef in the World by the Best Chef Awards for three consecutive years, so you’re in for a treat. He is known as the boundary-pushing chef, which means this street food restaurant is one for the bucket list.
And don’t forget about the newly opened 25 Jump Street Dubai
Located a few minutes away from the DWTC is Dubai’s newest dining destination: 25 Jump Street.
The new district of licensed venues has officially opened, bringing with it a whole new collection of restaurants, bars and lounges into a one curated hotspot. As well as international exports from London, Beirut and Denmark, you’ll find a collection of homegrown concepts here, too.
Em Sherif Deli
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Em Sherif cafes and restaurants are already found in locations across the UAE, but you’ll find the first Em Sherif Deli at 25 Jump Street. A cosy neighbourhood eatery born in Lebanon, the community-focused concept features an array of sandwiches, mezze and homemade desserts, perfect for grab-and-go lunches or afternoon catch-ups. With indoor and outdoor seating, it’s a relaxed spot for dining in, or pick up your lunch from the counter and take it al-desko. You can also pick up a selection of pantry items – like pickles, jams and spices, and even Em Sherif merch.
Yubi
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The UAE’s first homegrown hand roll bar comes courtesy of 7 Management, the curators of 25 Jump Street, and acclaimed chef Reif Othman. Yubi is an industrial-chic hand roll restaurant, where guests can dine at a counter that wraps around the open kitchen, or at wooden tables that dot the restaurant and terrace. A paper menu presents you with an array of hand rolls, maki, nigiri, snacks and mains – but you can also ask about the daily specials that you won’t find on the regular menu. Tick the items you want, and watch the masters at work, with dishes brought to you as they’re ready. By day, it’s a lively spot for a flavourful lunch, but by night, the licensed spot comes alive with chilled tunes and Japanese-inspired cocktails pairing perfectly with the hand roll menu.
Antika
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Having migrated from DIFC to 25 Jump Street, you’ll still find Antika serving up its Middle Eastern-inspired dinner and a show concept. Welcoming guests from Wednesday to Sunday, evenings begin late here – with doors open from 9pm and the shows starting later. Think belly dancers, singers and saxaphone players performing at regular intervals as you dine on a menu of bold Levantine flavours designed to share.
Joe and the Juice
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Cult favourite Joe and the Juice is one of the more casual daytime dining options at 25 Jump Street. Perfect for lunches to go (although there is plenty of dine-in space too), you’ll find their signature juices, sandwiches and salads all stocked here.
Esco-bar
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Already found on Palm West Beach, the second outpost of Beirut-born Tex-Mex restaurant Esco Bar is now open at 25 Jump Street. Latin flavours and handcrafted cocktails are the foundation of the menu at this vibrant eatery. As welcoming for drinks with the girls as for a date night dinner, it’s a crowd-pleasing spot that caters to all occasions. A roster of live DJs bring a vibrant nightlife element to evenings here.
Junk
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These viral smash burgers began life in France, and Junk now has locations all over the country, as well as in London. But as they expand to the Middle East, they’re now bring their signature smash patties, brioche buns and secret sauce to 25 Jump Street.
Lady Bird
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Full of character, playful charm and a hint of cheek, Lady Bird is a cosy neighbourhood bar inspired by the tiny, lucky ladybird. Welcoming guests into a warm space with a cosy neighbourhood feel, it’s got an easygoing aesthetic and a menu of innovative drinks and grazing bites. A drinks-first philosophy shapes the experience, built around seven signature cocktail archetypes, and the kitchen complements the bar with comfort-driven dishes delivered with quiet sophistication, offering refined takes on familiar favourites designed to pair seamlessly with the drinks. From light daytime plates to indulgent shared dishes, every detail reflects Lady Bird’s vision of creativity, quality and character, creating a welcoming space guests will want to return to.
Pepperoni Comedy Club
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Looking for a new unique dining spot in Dubai? Head to Pepperoni which brings a playful spin to the city’s foodie and entertainment scene. Pepperoni is a one-of-a-kind concept offering three dynamic spaces designed for different experiences. You can bring a date to impress, chill with colleagues post lunch or just enjoy the night with your mates. Come for the food and perch up in a retro diner-inspired setting, complete with Photo Booth, pinball and a menu of American-Italian classics. On the stage, expect homegrown and international acts. There is seating for over 100 guests, offering an intimate experience for all.
Words: Aarti Saundalkar and Alice Holtham
Images: Instagram and supplied
