10 GREAT CHILD-FRIENDLY RESTAURANTS TO VISIT THIS SUMMER IN DUBAI

Spending the summer in Dubai with your family this year? Now that the school holidays have started, many parents are in need of fun activities to keep their little ones continuously entertained and happy. But why not make it a culinary experience for the whole family? At these 10 child-friendly restaurants, for every taste and age, from lively gastropubs to themed cafes with play areas, families can dine at and enjoy indoor entertainment all summer long. 

WAVEHOUSE

ATLANTIS THE PALM


Wavehouse is the best choice for those looking for a full day of fun activities paired with good food and refreshing drinks. The venue accommodates a restaurant and bar with daily live music performances, a bowling alley, arcade games, an artificial wave for surfing and children’s play areas, all under one roof. The perfect summer indoor plan with loads of fun for the entire family.


Time: Daily, 12pm to 1am

Contact: 04 426 2626

LUIGIA

RIXOS PREMIUM JBR


This popular Italian restaurant located in JBR wants to bring families together through sharing good food inspired by the homemade dishes of Italian grandmothers and aims to make every family gathering a memorable experience. As dining should be enjoyable for all guests, Luigia’s team goes above and beyond to keep the little ones entertained with a dedicated playroom including an area for soft play, coloring, reading books, a cinema, fuse ball and a video game machine. A great option for your next family lunch or to celebrate special occasions. 



Time: Monday to Friday, 5.30pm to 12am;

Saturday and Sunday, 12.30pm to 12am

Contact: 04 349 6950

MONDOUX

DUBAI CREEK HARBOUR



This bistro with three Dubai branches offers guests a modern and experiential gastronomy serving freshly prepared and unprocessed meals, desserts and cakes all day long. Besides the dedicated, extensive kids menu, children are invited to join cooking classes at their Sweeties Culinary School at the Creek Harbour branch where little chefs can roll-up their sleeves and discover their culinary potential. The best part? Parents can sit back and enjoy their meal while the kids are entertained. Due to the limited availability it is best to book in advance in order to secure a spot for your child. 



Time: Sunday to Thursday, 8am to 12pm;

Friday and Saturday, 8am to 1am

Contact: info@mondoux.ae

THE SCENE

PIER 7



The Scene offers a proper British gastropub experience in the heart of Dubai Marina that is authentic, seasonal and nostalgic. Kids are most welcome, especially at their BBQ style Big Family Brunch on Saturdays with live entertainment and classic British food for the entire family and arts and crafts, balloon bending and face painting for the little ones. Kids under the age of 6 eat for free and children between 7 and 12 only pay AED 49 for a Saturday afternoon full of fun and good food. 



Time: Monday to Friday, 12pm to 12am; 

Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 1am; 

Big Family Saturday Brunch, 12.30pm to 3.30pm

Contact: 04 422 2328

SHVILI

DUBAI HILLS MALL



Shvili restaurant has just opened its doors in Dubai Hills Mall, bringing authentic Georgian cuisine and traditions to Dubai. Guests can get a taste of the rich and diverse flavours of Georgia in a warm, cozy atmosphere with friendly service. There’s a spacious playroom to keep the little ones entertained while their parents are dining. Curious junior chefs can also enroll in Georgian cooking classes, taking place every Wednesday and Sunday at the restaurant.



Time: Monday to Thursday, 10am to 12pm

Friday to Sunday, 10am to 1am

Contact: 052 929 2088

CAFE CONFETTI

JLT



Kids can play for hours on end while parents are enjoying good food and a good time at the cute and cozy Cafe Confetti in JLT. The big play area is the ideal spot for little ones to make new friends or to host children’s birthday parties where guests can dig into Confetti’s selection of colorful cakes and desserts.



Time: Daily, 8am to 9pm

Contact: 04 554 6206

MAISON MATHIS

VOCO THE PALM



Maison Mathis has been an institution among Dubai’s family friendly restaurants for a long time, and they recently opened their second branch at Palm West Beach. Serving finest cuisine from the heart of Europe to the Middle East from breakfast to dinner, diners can enjoy a delicious meal paired with beautiful views for the whole family. A popular weekend plan for young and old is their weekly roast, available every Sunday between 1pm and 9pm.



Time: Monday to Thursday, 6.30am to 12am;

Friday, 6.30am to 2am;

Saturday, 7am to 2am;

Sunday, 7am to 12am

Contact: 04 249 5502

SCHOKO FABRIK 

BLUEWATERS ISLAND



Which child doesn’t love chocolate? The Willy Wonka inspired Schoko Fabrik at Bluewaters Island is every kid’s dream come true with loads of sweet treats on the menu and a three-flour soft play area to explore. The venue also helps you organize themed birthday parties where your child’s favourite movie characters can make and appearance and the little guests can enjoy customized birthday cakes. 



Time: Monday to Thursday, 11am to 11pm;

Friday to Sunday, 9am to 12am

Contact: 04 578 6121

MCCAFFERTY’S

WAFI CITY



Mccafferty’s pub brings a piece of Ireland to the heart of Wafi City, combining tasty Irish food with traditional music and great atmosphere. A family favourite is their weekly Saturday Brunch from 1pm to 5pm including live entertainment and pool access. Kids won’t get bored at the gastropub’s playground, pizza making or face painting while enjoying delicious treats. The perfect Sunday plan to get together with family and friends. 



Time: Monday to Friday, 11am to 1am;

Saturday and Sunday, 9am to 2am;

Saturday Family Brunch, 1pm to 5pm

Contact: 058 507 3623

MASHA & THE BEAR 

JBR 



Inspired by the popular cartoon series, Masha & The Bear located at the JBR Walk promises guests of all ages endless entertainment, fun and delicious food. The colorful and stylish indoor dining area including a large supervised playground and a real size Bear’s room will keep every child busy and every parent happy. There’s also an option to book kids workshops like pizza making or cake baking classes as well as birthday parties upon request. 



Time: Monday to Friday, 10am to 11pm; 

Saturday and Sunday, 9am to 12am 

Contact: 800 627 42

Nadia Wendinger

7/13/2023