Eating out in Dubai is a real treat. Its restaurants cover the entire spectrum of the dining experience, from the super swanky to the laid back and casual. But when you’re holidaying with the family its not always easy to find a suitable restaurant that will cater for all the family – especially if you have a fussy eater in your clan. Here are a few suggestions of some of the best family-friendly restaurants the city has to offer.
Giraffe
After a long flight, it’s a pretty safe bet that you and the family will be hungry. Fortunately, Dubai International Airport is home to a number of family-friendly eateries, with Giraffe being among the best. There are three Giraffe locations in the airport in Terminals 1 and 3. They’re home to a menu that’s full of family favourites, such as fish and chips, a variety of burgers and a good range of sandwiches, as well as plenty of healthy options, including delicious salads and noodle bowls. There’s a special kids menu too, serving up plenty of classic dishes in smaller portions.
Lime Tree Café & Kitchen
A regular fixture in any list of Dubai’s best cafés the Limetree Café & Kitchen has become a firm favourite among locals and visitors alike. It’s a homegrown chain that was established in 2001 and now has four locations across the city.
It’s deli-style menu changes daily offering lots of mouth-watering homemade salads, quiches, sandwiches, and cakes. But it's not just the fresh, healthy ingredients that make this a hit with all the family, there’s also a dedicated children’s area complete with a play kitchen.
The Cheesecake Factory
This American themed restaurant (its first location was opened in Los Angeles in 1978) has four locations across Dubai, including The Dubai Mall. As the name suggests this restaurant is all about its desserts and is certainly a favourite with those who possess a sweet tooth – kids will love the choice of almost 50 cheesecakes and desserts. But the restaurant isn’t all about the sugar rush. Its extensive menu includes everything from steaks to fresh seafood, salads to sandwiches – it even won an award for its ‘healthful innovations’.
Pots, Pans, and Boards
The creation of London chef Tom Aikens, the youngest ever to be awarded two Michelin stars, Pots, Pans and Boards’ menu is drawn from his childhood experiences of home cooked meals made with produce grown in the family garden albeit with plenty of inspiration from around the world too. As the name suggests all the food is served in or on pots, pans and boards and dishes include an all-day Mediterranean breakfast, Southern-fried chicken burger, grilled sea bass and plenty more. The informal setting right on The Beach helps to add the family-friendly vibe that dominates this restaurant.
Fumé
Its Pier 7 Dubai Marina location means that Fumé is most certainly a restaurant with a view. It also boasts an effortlessly cool interior complete with exposed beams and stylish wood furniture. But like all great dining experiences appearance must be backed up with great food and Fumé doesn’t disappoint. Its laid-back atmosphere is reflected in its menu with all the dishes designed to be shared – making it a great family dining experience. And there are dedicated kids offerings too including milkshakes that youngsters will adore.
Your Premier Inn Restaurant
Want to keep it in-house? Premier Inn’s Nuevo restaurants are all well known for their premium quality dishes offering delicious, wholesome food for every palate. Whether you prefer a vegetarian option or want to experience the Arabic mixed grill, you'll find it at Premier Inn.