Family outings are always a special time for bonding and creating memories. However, for parents, the thought of dining out with their little ones can sometimes be daunting. The need for family-friendly restaurants has never been more prominent, as they offer the perfect solution for keeping kids entertained while allowing parents to enjoy their meals and conversations in peace.
Enter the vibrant city of Dubai, known for its grandeur and hospitality, which has embraced this need with open arms. Dubai is home to a plethora of restaurants that cater to families, providing play areas or activities to keep the children engaged and happy. In these family-centric restaurants, play spaces are ingeniously integrated into the dining experience. These are not just any play areas; we're talking about imaginative, safe, and stimulating environments where children can slide, climb, explore, and even make new friends. While the kids are off in their own world of adventure, parents can relax and enjoy their culinary journey without the frequent interruptions that come with restless children.
This article will guide you through a list of such restaurants where fun for your kids is just as important as the dining experience. Stay tuned as we explore these child-friendly havens that promise a good time for all!
Shvili
This family-friendly restaurant offers a journey into Georgian culture with its warm interiors that mimic a traditional Georgian family home. The space is filled with live plants and dark wood, creating an inviting and cosy atmosphere.
The cuisine at Shvili is a testament to the rich flavours of Georgia. Head Chef Lika Mardaleishvili introduces a menu that includes traditional Georgian main dishes such as Chashushuli with juicy veal and vegetables, Chakhokhbili Georgian roast chicken with cilantro and adzhika spices, and Chkmeruli chicken in a creamy garlic sauce. These dishes are served in Ketsi, the traditional Georgian clay pot, enhancing the authenticity of the experience.
The kids' play area at Shvili is an 'eduplaytional' den designed to engage and educate. Here, little guests can partake in daily cooking classes and nature-based activity sessions. This interactive space allows children to learn about food and nature while being creatively engaged, ensuring they are entertained and enriched. Meanwhile, parents can relax and enjoy their meals, knowing their children are in a safe and stimulating environment.
Location: 1st floor, Dubai Nakheel Mall
Timings: Monday to Thursday: 9 am – 11 pm | Friday – Sunday: 9 am – 12 am
Contact: +971 58 512 6795
Sven’s Baker’s Kitchen
Sven’s Baker’s Kitchen is a charming community-centric cafe that feels like a cosy space, right around the corner from Grosvenor House. With Sven Mostegl at its helm, the cafe exudes a warm, welcoming vibe akin to visiting a family home. Sven's passion for baking and healthy, nutritious food is infectious, ensuring that every guest feels like part of the family.
The menu at Baker's Kitchen is an adventure into the world of sourdough and healthy eating. With an open bakery concept, the aroma of fresh bread envelops you as you step in. The menu is designed like a storybook, tracing the history of Baker's Kitchen and Sven's journey with baking.
Families visiting Baker's Kitchen are in for a treat, not just with the food but with the dedicated large play area for kids. This ensures that while adults relax and enjoy their meals, children are happily engaged in play. The indoor space is designed to keep kids busy and entertained with various activities and a welcoming atmosphere where every child is greeted with a pretzel or pretzel stick after their visit.
The original Dubai Marina location of Baker's Kitchen boasts both indoor and outdoor seating, offering beautiful views of the Marina. The ambience is perfect for families looking to spend quality time together over a delicious breakfast or a leisurely afternoon meal.
Location: Ground floor, Dusit Princess Residences, Al Emreef Street, Dubai Marina
Timings: Monday to Sunday: 8 am – 9:30 pm
Contact: +971 56 824 0790
Café Confetti
This stylish cafe is the epitome of a family-friendly venue, where parents can unwind and children can revel in an environment made just for them. With a cosy ambience that welcomes every guest like family, it's a popular spot for those seeking a delightful blend of good food and a comfortable setting.
The menu at Cafe Confetti is a delightful mix of cafe classics and unique offerings. Salads, sandwiches, and various ice creams provide a broad spectrum of choices. However, the star of the show is the "Ice Cream Spaghetti," a whimsical dessert that's a hit among kids and adults alike. It's an inventive dish that resembles a plate of spaghetti but is made of vanilla ice cream, strawberry sauce, and white chocolate shavings.
The venue boasts a wooden play area stocked with plenty of high-quality toys and games, ensuring the little ones are engaged and entertained. The cafe is thoughtfully designed with both indoor and outdoor dining spaces, including an outdoor play area that's perfect for cooler days. Parents can relax and enjoy their meals while keeping an eye on their children as they play in a safe and inviting environment.
Location: Jumeirah Lake Towers, Cluster U, Al Seef 2 Lake Level
Timings: Monday to Sunday: 8 am – 9 pm
Contact: +971 4 55 46 206
Common Grounds
Common Grounds provides a welcoming retreat for those who value wholesome, nutritious fare and the enchanting scent of freshly brewed coffee. The ambience at Common Grounds is warm and welcoming, embodying the spirit of a neighbourhood cafe. The cafe's Australian influence is evident in its laid-back style, inviting you to relax and unwind.
The all-day breakfast is a highlight, offering a vast array of choices like French Toast, Turkish Eggs, Kale & Mushroom Scramble, and Smoked Salmon Benedict. The portions are generous, and every dish is served with a focus on freshness and quality. For those seeking something lighter or a mid-day refreshment, the cafe also serves salad bowls, detox smoothies, freshly baked pastries, and a variety of coffee options.
The play area at Common Grounds is a thoughtfully designed space, perfect for families with young children. Located at the rear of the cafe, it provides a safe and engaging environment for kids to play, do arts and crafts, and make new friends. This setup allows parents to enjoy their meals without needing to constantly supervise their little ones, knowing they're safe and having fun within the cafe. The play area's strategic placement means children have to walk through the entire restaurant to exit, giving parents added peace of mind.
While Common Grounds doesn’t have a specific kids’ menu, it offers plenty of options that are kid-friendly. The combination of delicious food, a welcoming atmosphere, and a fantastic play area makes it a go-to spot for weekend breakfasts, play dates, and family outings.
Location: Ground Floor, Nakheel Mall, Palm Jumeirah
Timings: Sunday to Thursday: 8 am – 9:30 pm | Friday to Saturday: 8 am - 11:30 pm
Contact: +971 50 900 1699
Phileas Fogg
Phileas Fogg captures the essence of Jules Verne's classic novel ‘Around The World in 80 Days’. It's not just a restaurant; it's a journey into the adventurous world of Phileas Fogg, who bet he could circle the globe in 80 days. This venue spread over a sprawling 33,000 square feet, can host up to 1,000 guests and is segmented into several unique areas: Fogg’s Sports Pub & Beer Garden, kids’ play areas, The Orangery Restaurant, and The Arena for events.
The décor of Phileas Fogg's is a meticulous homage to the 19th-century adventure, with a row of clocks showcasing different time zones and travel-inspired trinkets like globes and telescopes scattered throughout.
The menu offers a diverse selection of dishes from various regions around the world, echoing Fogg's international journey. In addition to the adult menu, there’s a specially crafted children's menu featuring favourites like chicken tenders, mini burgers, and ice cream, ensuring little adventurers are also well-catered for.
Phileas Fogg's is a celebration of global culture, culinary diversity, and the spirit of adventure, all wrapped up in a setting that pays tribute to a timeless literary classic. It’s an ideal spot for families, sports enthusiasts, and anyone looking to indulge in a unique, globally inspired-gastronomic and leisure experience.
Location: Montgomerie Golf Academy, Al Thanayah Fourth, 10 7th Street, Emirates Hills
Timings: Sunday to Thursday: 8 am – 1:30 am | Friday to Saturday: 8 am - 2:30 am
Contact: +971 4 572 4477
Luigia
The restaurant Luigia stands as a heartfelt tribute to the cherished grandmother figure, Luigia. It embodies the belief that good food has the power to unite families and create lasting memories.
The authenticity of Luigia's Italian roots shines through in its cuisine. Even those who are not Italian but have an appreciation for authentic Italian food have praised its quality and genuineness. The pizza is particularly noteworthy for its perfectly charred, crispy dough, the fresh, melt-in-your-mouth cheese, and the overall deliciousness that captivates both adults and children. The pasta and salads are equally impressive, with each dish reflecting the true flavours of Italy.
Luigia is designed with comfort and family-friendliness in mind. The restaurant is spacious, featuring cosy round booths that are perfect for families or large groups. The layout includes various seating options like high tables, booths, and long tables, catering to different preferences and needs.
The indoor play area is a standout attraction. It includes a foosball table, arcade machines, playhouses, and a cinema room that plays cartoons – a paradise for kids who can play to their hearts' content. This thoughtful addition ensures that children are entertained and engaged, allowing parents to enjoy their meal in a relaxed setting.
Location: Rixos Premium Dubai, The Walk, JBR Ground Floor
Timings: Monday to Sunday: 5:30 pm – 11:45 pm
Contact: +971 4 349 6950
Here are a few more places where you and your kids can have a great time together:
- Mondoux: Dubai Creek Harbour, Dubai Mall and JBR
- Masha and the Bear: The Beach, JBR
- The Scene: Pier 7, Dubai Marina
- HuQQabaz: Jumeirah
- The Green Room: Els Club, Dubai Sports City
Happy Exploring with the little ones!
Also Read:
Focus Content Squad
Focus Content Squad
Focus Content Squad
Focus Content Squad
