23 brilliant restaurants and bars in JLT that you need on your radar

Time Out Dubai

3 days ago

JLT is home to loads of wonderful homegrown restaurants, but there are also a few decent bars in the area if you're looking for a post-work drink, ladies' night or catch up with your mates.
Selected from Time Out Dubai's best restaurants, which means you know they've been tried and tested – anonymously and independently.
Here are the best restaurants in JLT
Asian Street by Thai
Best restaurants in JLT. Credit: Asian Street by Thai.
This teeny, tiny spot in JLT's Cluster F is perched right next door to the popular budget spot San Wan Hand Pulled Noodles, making the area quite the culinary corner. With around 20 seats you need to time it right to make sure you can get a space and once settled in you'll be delighted with the pocket-friendly, totally authentic, fuss-free Thai cuisine.
Spring rolls, satay, green curries, pad Thai, pad kra pao and Thai omelette are among the classics here and they're all done expertly. One of the best Thai restaurants in Dubai, and one of the best value, too.
Unlicensed. Cluster F, JLT, @‌asianstreetbythai (04 391 8828).
Check out our full Asian Street by Thai review here
Bait Maryam
Best restaurants in JLT. Credit: Bait Maryam.
A tribute to chef Salam Dakkak's late mother Maryam, cosy Palestinian restaurant Bait Maryam is nestled in a corner of JLT boasting homely flavours and furnishings. Inside it feels like you're stepping into someone's home – and in essence, you are, with trinkets and booked all owned by Maryam found about the restaurant.
Boasting Middle Eastern comfort food, try silky smooth hummus, muhammara and labneh dipped up with fresh bread, as well as pasta with yoghurt, shakshouka, soujouk, moussaka and kibbeh. There's a wide selection of moreish manakish, plus hearty grills, too.
Unlicensed. Cluster D, JLT, baitmaryam.com (054 704 4774).
Check out our full Bait Maryam review here
Café Isan
Best restaurants in JLT. Credit: Café Isan.
The winner of Time Out Dubai's Best Thai Restaurant for several years running, Café Isan really is the most authentic, fun and friendly spot to enjoy Thai food in Dubai. Found in JLT, the mismatched plastic furniture, Thai market-style bar, pop tunes and affordable prices make it the best Thai restaurant in Dubai, while the food is utterly delicious.
Coming from the Isan region of Thailand, expect punchy flavours (Thai spicy really means spicy) with curries, stir-fries, noodles and more. Take a seat out on the large terrace in winter – but be sure to book ahead, the city's Thai food fans love it as much as we do.
Licensed. Armada Avenue Hotel JLT, Cluster P, JLT, cafeisan.co (058 529 1003).
Check out our full Café Isan review here
Canary Club
Best restaurants in JLT. Credit: Canary Club.
This cool Miami-style spot from the team behind The MAINE, Canary Club has retro vibes and a US-inspired menu. Found in Banyan Tree Residences in JLT, the décor is cool and there's a large bar area.
The menu ranges from sushi to grills and the short-rib pizza is a dish not to be missed. Popular for its ladies' night as well as its standalone bar, Tiki Club, there are plenty of reasons to shimmy down to Canary Club for your next night out.
Licensed. Banyan Tree Residences, JLT, canaryclub.com (04 584 5999).
Check out our full Canary Club review here
Couqley
Best restaurants in JLT. Credit: Couqley
This little French eatery and bar is quintessentially Parisian, with charm, class and a welcoming atmosphere. There's an impressive range of premium drinks and the bar staff are knowledgeable.
Chuck a solid playlist of tunes into the mix, and it's hard to go wrong at this petite French haunt in JLT. Good service, good food, good drinks – what's not to like?
Licensed. Cluster A, Jumeirah Lakes Towers (04 514 9339).
Check out our full Couqley review here
Dhaba Lane
Best restaurants in JLT. Credit: Dhaba Lane
A budget, Indian street food-style eatery in JLT, Dhaba Lane has been delighting savvy diners with its moreish curries since 2017. Serving traditional dishes from Punjab to Delhi, Calcutta and beyond, there are plenty of regional flavours to try here.
It serves traditional plates with a modern twist, all at prices that won't make your eyes water. The interiors are cute and the spices are punchy, check out curries, chaat, biryanis and beyond.
Open daily, noon-3.30pm, 6.30pm-midnight. Unlicensed. Cluster D, JLT, dhaba-lane (054 999 4251).
Franky's Pizzeria
Best restaurants in JLT. Credit: Franky's Pizzeria
The Park in JLT is one trendy place to visit – being home to cool Asian street food eatery Hawkerboi and café Splendour Fields. And now you'll also find Franky in Florence here – one of the best pizzerias in Dubai, and one of the newest.
Neapolitan-style pizzas come adorned with toppings including cavallo nero, black truffle and mushroom, mussels and prawns, 'broken meatball' or classic stracciatella. The interiors are decked out with foliage and artwork, while the views from this rooftop spot are also superb. Order a drink and enjoy a slice at sunset.
Licensed. The Park, JLT, @‌frankyspizzeria (050 427 5217).
Check out our full Franky's Pizzeria review here
Fusion Ceviche
Best restaurants in JLT. Credit: Fusion Ceviche.
A petite, unassuming Peruvian spot in JLT serves absolutely brilliant ceviche. With super-fresh fish and packed full of flavour (and a fair amount of heat) it's one of the best Latin American restaurants in Dubai and a terrific place to delve into Peruvian food.
With only a handful of tables, bag a spot at the counter and go with the chef's recommendations for the most authentic experience. The Peruvian juices are worth a try too. A laid-back restaurant that's a top one to check out if you're looking for something a little more off the radar.
Unlicensed. Cluster Q, JLT, @fusionceviche (04 449 6292).
Check out our full Fusion Ceviche review here
Good Burger at Maiz Tacos
Best restaurants in JLT. Credit: Good Burger.
Part of popular Mexican joint Maiz Tacos, Good Burger opened in 2020 and quickly found a following of burger fans in JLT. Promising to use only the freshest of premium ingredients, it's a small spot that packs a punch when it comes to quality.
Get stuck into the original Good Burger if you're keeping things simple, or ramp it up a notch with the mushroom and Gruyère version. If you're a fan of Maiz Tacos, try the Birria Burger for a palate-popping combo of the two concepts.
Unlicensed. Cluster Y, JLT, @‌goodburgerdxb (04 514 4712).
Best restaurants in JLT. Credit: Hanoi Naturally
If you're after authentic Vietnamese cuisine in an unassuming location, Hanoi Naturally is the one for you. Tucked away in the budget eatery haven that is JLT, this cute little spot serves up some of the tastiest Vietnamese grub in town.
Proudly using clean cooking techniques and fresh, healthy ingredients, the menu is full of flavour-packed plates such as fragrant prawn summer rolls and zingy papaya salad, as well as truly slurpable pho with everything from brisket to chicken, veggie to prawn. For traditional, healthy dishes on a budget, this is one of the best Asian restaurants in Dubai.
Unlicensed. Cluster C, JLT, hanoinaturally.com (04 431 3099).
Check out our full Hanoi Naturally review here
Hawkerboi
Best restaurants in JLT. Credit: ‌Hawkerboi.
A relative newcomer to the Asian dining scene in Dubai, Hawkerboi can be found at The Park in JLT. Offering cool, moody date night vibes with an interesting list of mixed drinks, Hawkerboi started life as a supper club, before setting up in its permanent location in April 2023.
Now one of the best Asian restaurants in Dubai – and Time Out Dubai's Casual Restaurant of the Year for 2024 – Hawerboi is always buzzing. The open kitchen serves street food-style plates, think chicken satay, crispy fried squid, duck gyoza and banana blossom salad, as well as perfectly roast meat, flavoursome curries and palate-popping stir-fries.
There's a tasting menu – which comes in at under Dhs400 for nine courses – if you want to explore different dishes, too.
Licensed. The Park, JLT, @‌hawker.boi (505 427 5217).
Check out our full Hawkerboi review here
‌Jamie Oliver's Pizzeria
Best restaurants in JLT. Credit: ‌‌Jamie Oliver's Pizzeria.
As to be expected from a pizzeria behind one of the world's most famous chefs, Jamie Oliver's makes the kind of pizza you'll crave for no reason at all. It could be a random Tuesday afternoon, and those bold simple flavours that sit atop traditional doughy bases will pop straight into your head.
Popular with a steady stream of office workers who have claimed this JLT spot as their favourite lunch location, book ahead to avoid disappointment.
Unlicensed. Cluster R, JLT, instagram.com/jamieoliverspizzeriagcc (04 874 7082).
Check out our full Jamie Oliver's Pizzeria review here
McGettigan's JLT
Best restaurants in JLT. Credit: McGettigan's JLT
One of the most popular Irish bars in the city, McGettigan's JLT pulls in the crowds day and night, thanks to its fun-loving vibe and cracking deals. Brunches, happy hours, roast dinners, ladies' nights, live music, comedy – you'll find it all at this longstanding pub.
The terrace is a prime spot for the winter months having all the feels of a proper pub garden. The food menu is a solid selection of burgers, wings, flatbreads, sausage and mash et al, which will fill you up and keep you happy.
voco Bonnington Dubai Cluster J, JLT, mcgettigans.com (04 356 0470).
Check out our full McGettigan's JLT review here
Mythos Kouzina & Grill
Best restaurants in JLT. Credit: Mythos Kouzina & Gril
Despite facing new competition every year, Mythos remains the best Greek restaurant in Dubai, no question. A go-to if you want incredible Greek food, prepared expertly at a reasonable price, there is now a second, similarly excellent Mythos at C2 in City Walk, but it's the OG that holds our hearts.
Found in JLT, this cute taverna-style spot has a friendly vibe, a petite terrace ideal for cooler months and a menu jam-packed with home-cooked favourites that you won't be able to get enough of. From creamy, garlicky tzatziki, to comforting, flavour-laden moussaka and gemista, a glorious baked feta and an unmissable mixed grill platter (those lamb chops are outstanding), this is one you'll be returning to time and again – we guarantee it.
Licensed. Armada Avenue Hotel JLT, Cluster P, JLT, mythosdubai.com (04 399 8166).
Check out our full Mythos Kouzina & Grill review here
Pickl
Best restaurants in JLT. Credit: Pickl
Everyone's heard of Pickl – and with good reason, it's a giant when it comes to the best burgers in Dubai. A multiple winner of the Best Burger Bar in Dubai award, you can look forward to a perfectly seared patty, smothered in special sauce and snuggled into a squishy potato bun.
Not only are the beef versions lip-smackingly good, but Pickl's chicken sando has become the stuff of legend, so make sure you order one of each – you won't regret it. Morning, noon, night – there's never a wrong time to dig into a Pickl burger.
Unlicensed. One JLT, JLT, eatpickl.com (04 584 6859).
Check out our full Pickl review here
Pitfire Pizza
Best restaurants in JLT. Credit: Pitfire Pizza
It's done it again. New York-Neapolitan-style pizzas are the order of the day here at Pitfire. Pizzas so loved that they can be found at Time Out Market Dubai, the original branch is nestled in JLT's Cluster D. Set up by a husband-and-wife team, the pizzas here are massive and come fully loaded – Pitfire doesn't skimp on the toppings.
There's everything from traditional pepperoni and margherita to turkey ham and pineapple and even potato or dates, meaning whatever your jam you'll find it here. The crusts are puffy and blistered and Pitfire is still the best pizzeria in Dubai (and the only place for those compulsory garlic knots).
Unlicensed. Cluster D, JLT, pitfiredubai.ae (800 748 3473).
Check out our full Pitfire Pizza review here
Saigon
Best restaurants in JLT. Credit: Saigon.
Don't be deceived by the laid-back atmosphere of this casual Vietnamese spot in JLT – chefs here are serious about authenticity, serving up the likes of crispy spring rolls, healthy salads and steaming bowls of pho and noodles in a tiny, no-frills restaurant that won't break the bank.
Prioritising quality over quantity (trust us here, it's one of the best Asian restaurants in Dubai), it's popular with both locals and expats alike, who can't help but be drawn in by the inviting smells emanating from the kitchen.
Unlicensed. Lake Terrace Tower, Cluster D, JLT, saigon-restaurant.com (04 576 4466).
Check out our full Saigon review here
San Wan Hand Pulled Noodles
Best restaurants in JLT. Credit: San Wan Hand Pulled Noodles
Having opened in JLT in 2023, tucked away in an unassuming corner of Cluster F, right next to Asian Street by Thai, San Wan Hand Pulled Noodles' popularity has rocketed into it claiming the title of the best budget restaurant in Dubai, hands down.
Service is friendly and there's a concise menu of Northern Chinese classics that you don't want to miss. Serving affordable, authentic Shaanxi cuisine, the main order here is, as the name suggests, those deliciously moreish noodles – which you can watch the chefs pulling in the kitchen.
The chicken wontons are a must-try too. In short, don't miss it – it's a mighty find in a low-key location.
Unlicensed. Cluster F, JLT, @‌sanwan.dxb (050 759 9584).
Splendour Fields
From the team behind Tom & Serg and Common Grounds, you know you're onto a good thing if you stop by Splendour Fields. Found at The Park in JLT – in the same building as Hawekerboi and Franky in Florence – there are super views over the lawns, which make for the ideal backdrop for your coffee break.
With special home-brews and baked goods from Rise & Dawn Bakehouse, a croissant and coffee is elevated here. In the morning choose from plates such as ricotta hotcakes, mushroom and truffle benedict or smashed avo, while later in the day salads, burgers and mains like Aussie parma star. A cute new addition to JLT's café scene from a respected brand.
Licensed. The Park, JLT, @‌splendourfields (056 603 0897).
Check out our full Splendour Fields review here
Tiki's Bar by Canary Club
Found atop Canary Club in DIFC, this extension of the popular restaurant has proved particularly popular since it opened its doors at the end of last year, and it's got some brilliant bar food to thank.
Those taco makis, skewers, rolls and pizzas taste even better washed down with creatively-named mixed drinks – the Tahitian Traveller is a Time Out Dubai favourite.
Licensed. Inside Canary Club, Banyan Tree Residences, JLT, canaryclub.com/tikis (04 584 5999).
Check out our full Tiki's Bar review here
The Little Bali
Credit: The Little Bali
Another cracking affordable eatery in JLT – for authentic Balinese cuisine there's nowhere better in Dubai than The Little Bali.
With budget plates that are bursting with flavour, the menu is traditional with top choices such as ayam taliwang (grilled chicken with lalapan, rice and sambal taliwang) and ikan goreng (crispy tilapia in a choice of sauces).
You can also find more unusual meats such as oxtail and camel on the menu too. Don't miss the nasi goreng and satay sampler platter for classics done well.
Unlicensed. Cluster U, JLT, littlebali.ae (04 554 8575).
Check out our full The Little Bali review here
ubk
Forget happy hours, it's happy days at this cool and casual hangout. The venue serves up happy hour deals from opening time to last orders.
Not only are there great offers to be had, but this is a top spot to catch a game or a live band with pals, enjoy decent-priced, hearty pub grub (including a recently introduced Beyond Burger or a massive hot dog) and soak up the sun from the spacious outdoor area.
Licensed. Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Cluster A, Jumeirah Lakes Towers (04 438 0000).
Check out our full ubk review here
Vietnamese Foodies
Vietnamese food has become a cornerstone cuisine in recent years, but if it's a no-nonsense venue, healthy cooking and wallet-friendly prices that really float your boat, you could do much worse than Vietnamese foodies.
Home to steaming hot pho bowls that feature the legendary 14-hour simmered broth, this is the restaurant to go to for an unapologetically slap-up Asian meal in JLT.
Unlicensed. Cluster D, JLT, vietnamesefoodies.com (04 565 6088).
Check out our full Vietnamese Foodies review here
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