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Mood for food: The coolest foodie events this week

Mood for food: The coolest foodie events this week

What's On20-05-2025

Eat your way to the end of this foodie week…
Dubai is all about good food, good mood, which is exactly why these fun, foodie events in Dubai will keep you busy, full and happy to the end of the week. These are new, exclusive or limited-time foodie events in Dubai that you need to savour right here, right now. Take your pick from the list. Saicho x Kinoya
This limited-time-only menu is all that non-alcoholic goodness – think Saicho's premium single-origin sparkling teas alongside three specially curated dishes at Kinoya. A one-of-a-kind non-alcoholic pairing, the menu is available all day from May 23 to 25, with each pairing priced individually.
Kinoya, The Onyx Tower 2, The Greens, May 23 to 25, 2025, all day, starts at Dhs35, Tel: (0) 4 220 2920, @kinoya.ae Naughty Pizza x Chef Ali Yazdi
The pizzeria and the burger boss are collaborating for this special menu – the burger pizzas, a crossover featuring Naughty Pizza's signature dough wrapped around Chef Yazdi's signature angus beef patty or chicken cotolette milanese, layered with his special sauces and other additions.
Naughty Pizza, Fri, May 23, Business Bay, Sat, May 24, Dubai Festival City Mall, all day, @naughtypizza.dxb No Filter Vol. 3
More like a fusion of mood for drinks and culture – but you get it. Coffee party connoisseurs No Filter are hosting another one of their amazing caffeinated raves this weekend – takeover at Mara Lounge, Al Wasl, with a stunning line-up of DJs and a few prizes to give away. Limited spots only – don't miss out.
No Filter Vol. 3, Mara Lounge, Al Wasl, Sat, May 24, 4pm to 8pm, @nofilter.dxb BrewDog
Long anticipated, and finally opening – BrewDog is opening this week on May 23 and is perfect for those seeking post-work drinks or a weekend brunch. There will be live music and plenty of late-night energy. There will be lots of entertainment options, from duckpin bowling, and augmented darts.
BrewDog Dubai, Bluewaters Island, JBR, Dubai, open from May 23, 6pm. @BrewDogBluewaters Robz' Chef's Table
Check out this at-home chef's table experience – 13 courses, priced at Dhs750 per person including non-alcoholic pairing and Dhs850 with wine pairing. The menu is brought to you from the mind of Chef Robin Höfer, German native most recently ex-Ossiano, and features Asian inspiration, German childhood classics and some bangin' homemade fermentation.
Robz' Chef's Table, May 21 and 21, @chefrobinhoefer and @pearll_y, for inquiries and reservations, please send a direct message Funkcoolio
Pizza lovers and party people, this one's for you. Funkcoolio by Chef Akmal Anuar is turning one, and they're throwing a full-blown birthday bash by the port. Think unlimited pizza slices, laid-back beats, and breezy vibes at La Cote 3, Port De La Mer. It's the P.P.P – Port, Pizza, Party – and you're invited to celebrate all things Funkcoolio.
Funkcoolio, La Cote 3, Port De La Mer, Jumeirah 1, Dubai, Sun, May 25, 2pm to 12am, slices at Dhs50, @funkcoolio Dubai Restaurant Week
Grab the last of the Dubai Restaurant Week deals before they slip away this week. Running until May 25, this is the best way to dine at some of the best, most expensive restaurants in Dubai, but for less. Tuck into two-course lunch and three-course dinner menus for a fraction of the original cost. Discover the participating restaurants here.
Dubai Restaurant Week, across various locations, May 9 to 25
Images: Socials

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Itadaku, Wasl Vita Mall, Jumeirah, daily, 12pm to 3pm, 6pm to 10pm, Tel: (0) 4 223 6122, @itadaku_dubai Odeon Inspired by the joys of Parisian life, Odeon serves up delightful authentic food and a mind-boggling selection of gourmet French products, from different kids of chocolate, candy, crisps, spreads and condiments to fresh seafood, freshly-baked bread, cured meat cuts, cheeses, dairy products and more. You want it, they have it. It has that sort of homely feel of a neighbourhood establishment. Odeon, Jumeirah, daily, 8am to 10pm, Tel: ( 0) 4 340 2272, @odeondubai Iranish If you're looking for the most authentic Iranian food you can find in Dubai, Iranish is the place to be. It's a place filled with stories and each dish they serve has a legacy, a sweet tale of nostalgia behind it. The flavours are uniquely Iranian, meaning you won't find Iranian food of this kind elsewhere in Dubai. 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Girl & the Goose – Restaurante Centroamericano , Anantara Downtown, daily, 12pm to 1am, Tel: (0) 52 772 9888, @ Kiyoshi Located in Dubai Creek Harbour, this spot has all the makings of your next favourite casual Japanese retaurant. At first glance, Kiyoshi looks unassuming but inside, offers a menu of delicious Japanese classics and modern fusions, all with the stunning view of the Creek right outside. It's nice enough for a date night and casual enough to make it spontaneous, and if you're in and around the community, this is where you need to go next. Kiyoshi, Dubai Creek Harbour, daily, 12pm to 1am, Tel: (0) 4 572 6578, @kiyoshidubai bkry You can't have missed the fame of this Alserkal Avenue spot – bkry is a baking and non-alcoholic cocktail lover's dream. From gorgeous croissants to a fully-fledged menu – with incredible mixed drinks to enjoy, bkry is your new home for watching bakers work away at their craft while you enjoy the minimalist vibes. Everything is sourced locally, and the flour is even made in the bakery itself, so you know you're getting it good and fresh. bkry, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, open 8am to 10pm daily, @ Kumo The foundation of the concept is the first step done right. Housed in a refurbished Jumeirah villa from the 80s, it oozes all this retro charm and intimacy, where time slows down and a feeling of calm prevails. The food is delightfully traditional, with a touch of the modern, and the flavours are big and bold, not shying away colour, heat and tang. Kumo, Al Wasl, Jumeirah, Sun to Thurs, 1pm to 11pm, Fri to Sat, 1pm to 12am, Tel: ( 600) 555551, @ Hawkerboi Beginning life as an anonymous-chef-led secret supper club, it's secured a dedicated following, built almost entirely on word of mouth. It was such a success, they were encouraged to open a restaurant permanently, moving into new culinary hub, The Park, JLT, still retaining the trademark lively atmosphere and spicy South East Asian cuisine. Located on the first floor, the restaurant makes a fiery first impression with red neon lighting, an intriguing open kitchen, a buzzing outdoor terrace, and stunning views over the park area. Hawkerboi, The Park, JLT, Dubai. 6pm to 12am Sun to Thurs, 6pm to 1am, Fri and Sat. @ Daikan Izakaya The slightly more glamorous counterpart of Daikan Ramen, Daikan Izakaya in City Walk's C2 Licensed District, is a the perfect crossroads between fancy nightlife and laid back dinner. You can come here on a weeknight or a weekend, dressed up or down and enjoy simple, great food in a vibrant vibe. It feels noncommittal, endlessly fun and a great spot to stay late as well. You can dine, lounge at the bar afterwards and with a bustling atmosphere, it'll always feel upbeat and lively, which is what you want on date night. 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We say that because nothing about The Lighthouse is too much – too intense, too experimental, too fancy or too expensive. Nor is it too pale. It's just right for a weeknight when you don't want to be rudely surprised. The Lighthouse, across various locations, @thelighthouse_ae Wokyo Noodle Bar Nothing beats a hot, hearty and comforting bowl of ramen, and Wokyo Noodle Bar offers a noodle fix like no other. The noodle bar is known for its Sapporo-style ramen with a broth that is slow-cooked for 10 hours and poured over a wok sizzling with fresh vegetables and authentic ramen noodles. Other side dishes you need to try include chicken gyoza, homemade spring rolls and a tteokbokki that will leave you licking the bowl. The restaurant is also vegan-friendly, if that's how you roll. Wokyo, across various locations, @wokyo Uchi Uchi in DIFC is smaller then you'd expect – but it's also cosy, quiet and the perfect place for a casual date that's not too casual. Not only is the food delicious and wholesome, it's such a welcome break from the loud, large spaces that are a Dubai staple. A beautiful bar takes up much of the space in the middle and the service is welcoming and warm. DIFC comes off as too frilly, but this is one of the more easy-going spots where you can show up on the whim and find a good meal, guaranteed. Uchi, DIFC, Dubai, Sun to Wed, 12pm to 1am, Thurs to Fri, 12pm to 2am, Tel: (0) 4 298 5044, @ 3Fils 3Fils first opened in 2016 in Jumeirah Fishing Harbour, and quickly developed a loyal following, despite its petite size. It's an independently owned, unflashy, unlicensed, super-casual, no-reservations joint that also happens to serve delicious food. The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating, but all tables are served on a walk-in basis – so you won't be able to book ahead. This is for the uber casual – don't feel like cooking? Head over and find comfort staples. 3 Fils, Jumeirah Fishing Harbour, daily 12pm to 11.30pm, walk-in only. Tel: (0 4) 333 4003. Cafe Isan If your experience of Thai food has been limited to food colouring laced curry, tom yum instant ramen, or packets of sweet chilli crisps – you owe it to the land of smiles, to make a reparation trip to Cafe Isan. You can pick up deeply authentic, insanely aromatic versions of the Thai classics. But there's more. Trek deeper into the South-East Asian heartlands with Chef New's off-piste specials, fusion dishes, and less conventional concoctions. Level 1, Armada Avenue Hotel, Cluster P, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai. Sunday to Thursday 12pm to 12am, Friday and Saturday 12pm to 2am, Tel:(0) 58 5291003. 21 Grams 21 Grams is the kind of simple, unassuming eatery that you can go to for a sweet daytime date, maybe a lunch, but even dinner works. 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Lila Molino, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai, Tues to Sun, 9am to 10pm, closed on Mon, Tel: (0) 4 388 5600, @lilamolino Reif Kushiyaki Founded by Chef Reif Othman, Reif Kushiyaki is an unconventional Japanese restaurant, devoted to the many different parts of the chicken – neck to tail. An edgy and affordable alternative to kushiyaki experiences, the restaurant also has a special daily menu and an exclusive chef's table menu. Proudly homegrown, Reif Kushiyaki is located in Dar Wasl Mall, Time Out Market, and Dubai Hills. Multiple locations in Dubai. Open Sun to Thur, 12pm to 11pm, Fri and Sat, 12pm to 12am, Tel: (0)50 235 7071, @reifkushiyaki Brass Monkey Round up the group… After four successful years at Bluewaters, Brass Monkey has officially opened its second Dubai venue at C2. The two-storey adult-only playground features bowling, arcade games, pool tables, two outdoor terraces, and more. Brass Monkey, C2, City Walk, Dubai. Tel:(0)4 582 2244. @brassmonkeysocial Kokoro Kokoro, Dubai's first hand roll bar, is the newest Japanese offering at Alserkal Avenue, a small, almost hole-in-the-wall spot free of frills and fuss and full of the casual, inviting warmth one usually finds at a space like this. And fresh fish, of course. Every variety of it. Everything about Kokoro says laidback but not lazy, spontaneous but not overwhelming, so very cool but not alienating. Like that hipster barista you know who makes you feel like they woke up today to brew coffee for you and you only (and the 12 other people in the line behind you). Kokoro, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Sun to Wed, 12pm to 10.30pm, Thurs to Sat, 12pm to 11.30pm, @ Hoe Lee Kow If you're looking for a casual eatery to catch up with friends or enjoy quality food with your closest ones, unconventional Korean BBQ, Hoe Lee Kow is well worth a trip. Venturing into a new cuisine, chef Reif Othman was inspired by his years of travel and love for Korean BBQ. Located in Dubai Hills Business Park 4, the restaurant is cosy and minimalistic with playful nods to Korean culture including traditional masks, clothing, and decorative fans. Hoe Lee Kow, Dubai Hills Business Park, Building 4, Dubai. Sunday to Thursday 12pm to 11pm, Friday and Saturday 12pm to 12am, Tel:(0)4 255 5142, @hlkbyreif VNYL This is a new chip on the block – VNYL Dubai likes to call itself a Hi-Fi bar and has a swanky space plastered with all things music. Records on records from the very best of yesteryear, players you can use to have your own personal high-fidelity listening party and young design elements that give it that after-hours vibe. This is where you'd come for a no-frills night out and when you're done with dinner and drinks downstairs, you can head on over upstairs for the after party, which comes alive post midnight. VNYL HiFi, Bluewaters Island, Mon to Thurs, 1pm to 1am, Fri to Sun, 1pm to 4am, Tel: (0) 52 249 4004, @ Cucina Cucina feels like a family neighbourhood Italian, with the warmth and the carbs to show for it. This is a family-oriented restaurant and perfect for a cosy weeknight or weekend dinner date where you all want is a bowl of safe, delicious pasta and the company of a special person. They also have a gelato parlour, because you can't have dinner without dessert and classics on the menu that you know you'll love. Cucina, Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah, daily, 7am to 1am, Tel: (0) 4 666 1408, @cucinathepalm KATA As far as sushi in the mall goes, Kata really takes the cake. This Japanese restaurant not only has incredibly plated food that will look gorgeous for your socials as the Dubai Fountains go off in the background but Kata where the food looks good, it tastes even better – we promise. And it's mall dining, which means you can end up here after a day of shopping or just because and it's all chill. From maki towers to braised short rib, our personal favourite? The mushroom truffle rice pot. Kata, Waterfront Dining, Dubai Mall, daily, 10am to 12am. @ Pitfire Pizza Dubai's beloved homegrown pizza joint Pitfire Pizza has opened its first licensed dine-in branch in Dubai Hills Business Park. With the same relaxed vibe, great food, and wallet-friendly prices as the other Pitfire locations, this is the perfect spot for a quick lunch, impromptu date night, family-friendly dinner, and casual catch-up. What to order? Try their classic pepperoni primo with hot honey, a hot honey margarita, and a non-negotiable side of garlic knots. Pitfire Pizza, Dubai Hills Business Park, Dubai. Daily 11am to 11pm, @pitfirepizzabakers Din Tai Fung Only one way to describe this spot – comfort food. Din Tai Fung's notoriety as wholesome, hearty Chinese fare that can do no wrong is not without true reason, and this licensed outpost on the Bluewaters is no different. Like the Din Tai Fung of your childhood, every dish is a winner, with flavours and textures you're sure to be familiar with, albeit in the fancy packaging of a slightly more upscale venue and inventive cocktails to pair. It's not new, but it never gets old. Din Tai Fung, various locations, @dintaifungbw Isola Ristorante Celebrate love this Valentine's Day at Isola Ristorante, the charming Italian restaurant at Jumeirah Islands Clubhouse. On Friday, February 14, starting from 7pm, couples are invited to an evening of romance with live cello music, a delightful a la carte menu, and specially crafted cocktails inspired by the timeless love story of Romeo and Juliet. A special dessert awaits and the Romeo & Juliet Cocktail menu features unique drinks that reflect the themes of their story. Isola Ristorante, Jumeirah Islands Clubhouse, Fri, Feb 14, 7pm, Tel: (0) 4 583 3124, @isolarestaurantdubai Lola Taberna This Valentine's at Lola Taberna, couples will be welcomed with roses and a refreshing welcome drink before sitting down to a dinner from the la carte menu. With a minimum spend of Dhs199 per person, guests can enjoy a romantic dining experience accompanied by live entertainment. The evening will feature retro Spanish hits by Keco Fontana, followed by DJ Javi to keep the night alive. Who doesn't love some delicious food and a spot of Spanish music? Lola Taberna, TRYP By Wyndham Dubai, Fri, Feb 14, 7pm, minimum spend Dhs199, Tel: (0) 4 247 6688, @lolataberna Images: Socials/Supplied

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