No reservation required: Walk-in restaurants in Dubai

Time Out Dubai

20-04-2025

In a city as fabulous as Dubai, it's no surprise that some venues are booked up days (or even weeks) in advance.
But if you're a type B personality and left organising the plans right to the last-minute, don't fret, as we're about to let you in on a little secret.
There are heaps of places that don't need a reservation, meaning your day or night out needs no prior planning.
To make things easier, we've rounded up some of the hottest spots in town with no reservation required.
The best last-minute plans in Dubai
Pool days
Address Montgomerie
Credit: Address Montgomerie Dubai
The hotel in Emirates Hills is a dreamy walk-in option if you just fancy a chilled day stuck to a sun lounger catching up with your Kindle.
Offering a partly-redeemable pool pass, you can order a couple of drinks or a quick bite and soak up the rays, no prior planning needed.
Dhs150 (Dhs100 redeemable, weekdays), Dhs250 (Dhs150 redeemable, weekends). Open daily 7am-8am. Address Montgomerie, Emirates Hills, addresshotels.com (04 390 5600).
Alto 54
If you want a prime view of the Burj this weekend, then it doesn't get much better than Alto 54, the new sky pool at Address Sky View.
Now open for pool days, access is walk-ins only, so you can spend a few hours up in the clouds while soaking up the rays on a luxe lounger. Bliss.
Dhs600 (Dhs300 redeemable). Open daily 9am-sunset. Address Sky View, Downtown Dubai, addresshotels.com (04 873 8888).
Barasti
Best pool day deals in Dubai Credit: Barasti
A totally redeemable pool day? You heard right. This casual beach bar offers everyone pool and beach access for as little as Dhs150. Sign us up.
The sun beds are first come first served, so get there nice and early for a prime beach lounger.
Dhs150 (fully redeemable weekdays), Dhs200 (fully redeemable, weekends). Open daily from 9am-3am. Barasti Beach, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Waterpark (04 511 7373).
Beach by FIVE
Best pool day deals in Dubai . Credit: Beach by FIVE
Spanning a 150-metre stretch of sandy beach, the beach club features sun loungers, cabanas, hot tubs and an extremely Instagrammable glass-sided pool starring a one-of-a-kind chandelier.
Beach sun beds are first come first served so just rock up first thing to bag your spot for the day.
From Dhs200 (fully redeemable, Mon-Wed), from Dhs300 (fully redeemable, Wed-Sun). Open daily, 10am-7.30pm. Social Pool, FIVE Palm Jumeirah, palmjumeirah.fivehotelsandresorts.com (04 455 9989).
Fluid Beach Club
The best day pool day passes and deals in Dubai. Credit: Th8 Palm.
If impressive views are an essential accompaniment to your poolside bathing and lazing (in addition to a chilled beverage, of course), Fluid Beach Club at the trendy beachfront hotel Th8 Palm is the spot for you.
A sleek, streamlined infinity pool area complete with chic white sunbeds and pops of colours courtesy of bright red parasols offers up views of the Ain Dubai, Marina skyline and the Palm itself while sun beds are first-come-first-served.
Dhs200 (Dhs150 redeemable, Mon-Fri) Dhs250 (Dhs200 redeemable Sat-Sun). Open Daily 9am-7pm. Th8 Palm, Palm Jumeirah. th8palmdubai.com (04 525 8888).
O Beach Dubai
The iconic Ibiza beach club now has a permanent home in Dubai, and you can experience the same incredible music, entertainment and all-day party.
Of course, if you're desperate to get on one of those floating beds you'll need to book in advance.
But O Beach offers general admission with pool access (no lounger) for Dhs100 with two drinks included. Simply queue up on the day and in you go.
Dhs100 (general admission). Open Wed-Sun 11am-10pm. Habtoor Grand Hotel Beach Front, Dubai Marina, obeachdubai.com (052 858 0464).
The 305
Credit: 305 Beach Club
This Miami-inspired beach club is an Insta-worthy spot to park up on a lounger, where you can spend the day sunning on West Beach.
Sunbeds are given out on a first-come first-served basis, but you can book the cabanas in advance. Sip on a cold glass of grape and tuck into a freshly made pizza (and stick around for the sunset too).
Dhs200 (fully redeemable, Mon-Fri), Dhs250 (fully redeemable, Sat-Sun). Open Mon-Fri 9am-10pm, Sat-Sun 9am-midnight. The Club, West Beach Palm Jumeirah, solutions-leisure.com (04 423 8322).
Zero Gravity
The huge Dubai Marina beach club has both tables and beach beds on a first-come-first served basis, meaning you can turn up early and grab one.
You might not even need a table, as most of your day will be spent enjoying the pool and the dancefloor at this all-day party.
Entry prices vary. Open Tue-Thu 10am-9pm. Dubai Marina, 0-gravity.ae (04 399 0009).
Restaurants
Al Ustad Special Kebab
Al Ustad Special Kabab. Credit: Twitter.com/SultanAlQassemi
For some iconic dishes, Al Ustad Special Kebab, a renowned Iranian kebab house on Mankhool Street in Bur Dubai, has been a local favourite since its opening in 1978.
There are no reservations here, simply turn up and wait your turn for some of the oldest (and tastiest) kebabs in town.
Open Sat-Thu 11am-1am, Fri 5.30pm-1am. Al Hamriya, @ostadi_1978 (04 397 1933).
Calicut Paragon
If authentic Keralan cooking, packed full of flavour and spice, is what you're searching for, Calicut Paragon is for you. An excellent Indian restaurant specialising in Southern Indian cuisine, this has been one of the best budget restaurants in Dubai for many years.
Not only are almost all of the dishes under Dhs50, but there are no reservations allowed here, so you can stroll in anytime.
Open daily 7am-midnight. Al Nahda, @calicutparagon (04 251 2545).
Eleven Green
The award-winning restaurant is super casual, and a cooler-than-cool place to grab a burger.
If you're hunting for a last-minute bite with none of the fuss and all of the flavours, then sink into an art-deco banquette and tuck-into a Double Trouble or the signature Bull burger, smothered in melted cheese, house-made bacon jam and the venue's famous sauce.
Open Tue-Fri 12.30pm-4.30pm, 6pm-close, Sat-Sun from 12.30pm. Umm Suqeim, eleven-green.com.
Kokoro
Credit: Kokoro Handroll Bar
The handroll sushi bar has been a hotspot ever since it opened in Alserkal Avenue, and has operated on a first-come-first served basis from day one.
From spicy hotate rolls to a zesty negitoro, you might need to wait a little for a table to open up, but this foodie-favourite is more than worth it.
Open Mon-Wed noon-midnight, Sun-Wed noon-11.30pm. Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz eatkokoro.xyz
LahKee
A newer addition to Al Safa, walk-in and grab a window seat at the newly-opened Pan-Asian restaurant, where you can tuck into classics (with a twist).
From gnocchi burrata in tteokbokki sauce to noodles with beef short ribs and caramelised toast with teriyaki sauce, make sure you go hungry.
Open daily noon-10pm. Park Complex, Al Safa, @lahkee8 (04 575 6183).
Le Relais de L'Entrecôte
The steak sensation from Paris has now opened a restaurant in Dubai and it only serves one dish.
Accepting walk-ins only, you'll need to line-up with the other hungry diners and eagerly shuffle closer to the front of the queue. That is, unless, you visit at a certain time of day, when you might just be able to avoid the wait.
Once you're in, you can enjoy two servings of tender sirloin steak with a *secret* family sauce, fries and a crisp walnut salad on the side.
Open daily noon-3.30pm, 6.30pm-11.30pm. ME Hotel, The Opus by Omniyat, Business Bay, @relaisdelentrecotedubai (04 327 0388).
Pickl
Credit: PIckl
One of JLT's finest, the multiple award-winning burger bar has quick and easy dining down to a tee.
No need to book in advance, simply turn up and you'll most likely get a table. Then it's time to pick your patty and browse the incredible sides selection (the sando fries should not be missed).
Open Sun-Thu 10am-2am, Sat-Sun 10am-4am. One JLT, JLT, eatpickl.com (04 584 6859).
The Duck Hook
One of the most-loved, and best, pub gardens in Dubai, The Duck Hook's outdoor area is one of the busiest pub gardens in the city with its daily roasts, weekend barbecues and sports schedules.
The garden itself is huge so there's plenty of space for everyone, you might just need to wait a little if you're on the hunt for a bigger table.
The pub operates as walk-ins-only, so if you're heading at a peak time you might need to wait a little to grab a table.
Open daily 11.30am-midnight. Dubai Hills Golf Club, @theduckhookdubai (800 323 232).
Time Out Market
Credit: Time Out Market Dubai
Can't decide what you're in the mood for? No problem. Time Out Market has 17 different vendors offering some of the best dishes from across the city.
Whether you're in the mood for a pad Thai, a creamy burrata curry or a classic cheeseburger, you can take your tray to any table in the market, no reservation required. Add a side of Burj Khalifa views by sitting out on the terrace and get the full experience.
Open Mon-Thu noon-midnight. Fri noon-1am, Sat 10am-1am, Sun 10am-midnight. Souk Al Bahar, timeout.com (054 375 2421).
Za Za Slice
Credit: Instagram @‌zazaslice
Starting life as a pop-up at Sole DXB, Za Za Slice is one of the most talked about pizzerias in Dubai and for good reason.
You can either opt for a takeaway or join the queue to sit in. It might be a short wait, but it's worth it to hop up on a barstool and watch your thin, crunchy slices being prepared in front of you.
Now in Satwa and Creek Harbour, browse the six options on offer and cure that crust craving.
Dubai Creek and Satwa, @‌zazaslice (04 337 6679).
Nights out
BLING
(Credit: BLING Dubai)
BLING, is the party to be at on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday (yes, really).
Of course you can throw some dosh down on a VIP table, but you can also opt to stand at the bar with no prior reservation. Playing old-school hip-hop and R&B into the early hours, you can even make an entrance by driving a supercar right into the centre of the dance floor. Because… why not?
Entry prices vary. Open Thu-Sun 10pm-4am, Tue 10pm-4am. FIVE Palm Jumeirah Dubai, blingdxb.com (058 869 8996).
Caña by Tamoka
Credit: Caña by Tamoka
Grab a bean bag at one of the city's best beach bars and spend the evening chilling out on the sand.
A gorgeous spot to spend the sunset, the JBR venue is only for walk-ins, so you can experience the laid back bar with no hassle at all.
Open daily noon-10pm. The Ritz-Carlton Dubai, JBR, tamokadubai.com (04 318 6724).
Ernst Biergarten & Wirtshaus
Credit: Ernst Biergarten & Wirtshaus
German bar Ernst Biergarten is renowned for its hops, especially of the German variety.
Located at Trade Centre, you can make a reservation but there are usually a few tables spare, or room at the bar for you to enjoy a couple of drinks.
Open Sun-Thu noon-midnight, Fri-Sat noon-1am. 25hours Hotel, Trade Centre Area, ernstbiergarten.com (04 201 2155).
Fibber Magee's
Credit: ITP Staff Photographer
The legendary Dubai pub guarantees a good time. You can make a reservation, but there is always room to squeeze in a few walk-ins for a pint of the black stuff.
Expect quality drinks, great happy hour deals and top tier-craic, no matter what night of the week.
Open daily 8am-3am. Saeed Tower One, Sheikh Zayed Road, fibbersdubai.com (04 332 2400).
Lock, Stock and Barrel JBR
Credit: Lock, Stock, and Barrel
That one of Dubai's most raucous party bars has lots of space, so you can usually walk-in with no problems.
Keeping the vibes going into the early hours every single night, you can make the most of a range of weekly deals from ladies nights to happy hours.
Open daily 4pm-3am. Rixos Premium JBR, The Walk, JBR. lsbdubai.com (04 423 8307).
Surf Club
Credit: Surf Club
This cool spot on Palm West Beach is known to host some of the best DJs in town, and during the colder months there's a cracking party almost every single weekend.
You can book an area or a table if you're going all out, but most will opt to join the walk-ins queue early and get their spot in the crowd with no planning needed.
Open daily noon-1am. Palm West Beach, Palm Jumeirah, surfclubdubai.com (04 589 5444).
McCafferty's JVC
(Credit: McCafferty's)
Located on the rooftop of Circle Mall, McCafferty's JVC is the ultimate sports bar.
With picnic-style tables always buzzing with excitement, finding a seat can be a challenge, but you can easily find a spot near the bar or crowding around a pool table without calling ahead.
Open daily 10am-2am. Circle Mall, JVC, mccaffertysjvc.com (055 784 9220).
McGettigan's JLT
Credit: McGettigan's JLT
A resident favourite, McGettigan's JLT is always up for a good night, especially a last-minute one.
This is more the type of place where you just turn up and hope you can grab a table, but there are options to book in advance.
With a sprawling outdoor area and a more intimate interior with weekly live music and great deals on drinks, the Irish pub always offers up hassle-free fun.
Open Mon-Thu noon-2am, Fri noon-3am, Sat 10am-3am, Sun 10am-2am. Cluster J, JLT, mcgettigans.com (04 356 0470).
Goose Island Tap House JBR
Credit: Goose Island JBR
The new Goose Island Tap House in JBR ticks all the boxes when it comes to a great night out with your pals. Not only is it a destination for true hops connoisseurs (there are 23 different varieties of hops on tap), but you can easily grab a table or mill around the bar without a reservation.
A great spot to watch the big games, the pub is a chilled choice for a last-minute night out.
Open Mon-Thu noon-2am, Fri-Sat 11am-3am, Sun 11am-2am. FIVE LUXE JBR gooseislanddubai.com (04 455 9989).
Paradiso
Credit: Paradiso
This award-winning bar is an absolute vibe – with epic rooftop views, circus-style décor, and some very creative mixed drinks.
Of course you can make a reservation (and should if you want to bag the best seats in the house) but there is usually space for walk-ins on most nights.
Open Sun-Wed 5pm-2am, Fri 5pm-4am, Sat 4pm-4am. FIVE Luxe, The Walk, JBR, paradisodubai.com (04 455 9989).
The Irish Village, Garhoud
Credit: Faisal Khatib for ITP Staff Photographer
A long-standing Irish pub in Dubai, there's always room for you in the Irish Village's sprawling pub garden.
Located out next to Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, you can sing-along to the live music, grab a pint (or two) without having to organise anything in advance.
Open Sun-Thu 11am-1am, Fri-Sat 11am-2am. Garhoud, theirishvillage.com (04 282 4750).
Looking for things to do in Dubai?
10 award-winning happy hours in Dubai to try tonight
Brilliant places to stretch your dirhams
18 DIFC bars for delicious après-work chilling
Japanese… speakeasy… jazzy… whatever kind of bar you're after, DIFC's got it
31 fully redeemable pool passes in Dubai
Get your money's worth at these Dubai spots