Explore Dubai’s Culinary Delights Along the Metro Line

The Dubai Metro has been our reliable companion for 15 years, whisking us across the city and helping us escape the notorious traffic. But did you know that your Nol card does more than just get you from point A to B? It opens the door to a plethora of some of the best dining experiences in Dubai. Regardless of your starting or ending station, there’s a delectable meal waiting just a few minutes away on the red line. Join us as we delve into the finest restaurants accessible via the Dubai Metro, perfect for both budget-friendly dinners and lavish business lunches.

Expo 2020 – PXB

Distance from the station: 18 minute walk.

Take a leisurely stroll through the Expo City pavilions and arrive at PXB Lifestyle. This all-plant-based café offers an impressive array of delicious alternatives, featuring dishes like katsu curry, loaded burritos, and classic breakfast favorites. With a focus on health and sustainability, PXB also hosts yoga classes and wellness sessions, offering a holistic experience post-meal.

Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat-Sun 10am-8pm. Terra – The Sustainability Pavilion, Expo City. @pxblifestyle.

Dubai Investment Park – Mama’esh

Distance from the station: 7 minute drive (a car is recommended for the last leg).

Dubai Investment Park is expansive, and while you won’t find a plethora of dining options right at your feet, a short drive leads you to the delightful Mama’esh. Don’t miss the chance to savor their signature manaesh and the delectable baked halloumi.

Daily 7am-5pm. Dubai Investment Parks Office, Green Community Village. mamaesh.com (600 548287).

Al Furjan – McCafferty’s

Distance from station: 16 minute walk.

Though a bit removed from the hustle and bustle, a quick walk from the Dubai Metro station brings you to McCafferty’s, a cozy Irish pub famed for its hearty dishes, including fish and chips and the classic cottage pie. Happy hour kicks off daily at 10am, allowing you to enjoy a refreshing pint at a reasonable price.

Sun-Thurs 10am-midnight. Fri-Sat 10am-2am. Jebel Ali Village, Al Furjan. mccaffertysalfurjan.com (04 422 1491).

Energy – Sushi Library Festival Plaza

Distance from station: Short walk.

Hop off the metro and dive into this delightful sushi spot for a quick bite, featuring their renowned zebra roll and shifudo ramen. With a menu offering reasonably-priced Asian dishes, you can indulge in an array of small plates or choose a traditional bento box for a taste of various flavors.

Sun-Wed noon-10pm, Thurs-Sat noon-11pm. Festival Plaza. dubaifestivalplaza.com (054 793 2398).

Ibn Battuta – Coterie

Distance from the station: 9 minute walk.

Time Out Dubai’s Sports Bar of the Year 2023, Coterie not only boasts fantastic deals and a wide range of sports broadcasts, but also serves top-tier food. The sports bar area is strictly for adults, but there’s a family-friendly dining space for those looking to enjoy a heartwarming roast dinner complete with massive Yorkshire puddings.

Daily 8am-2am. Ibn Battuta Mall, coteriegroup.com. (04 570 8072).

DMCC – Pitfire Pizza

Distance from station: 4 minute walk.

The original location of this pizza hotspot is nestled in Cluster D of JLT. Created by a husband-and-wife duo, Pitfire Pizza is known for its generously topped, large pizzas, featuring everything from classic pepperoni to creative toppings like turkey ham and pineapple, or even potato and dates.

Sun-Thurs 11am-11pm, Fri-Sat 11am-midnight. Cluster D, JLT, pitfiredubai.ae (800 748 3473).

SOBHA Realty – Café Isan

Distance from the station: 11 minute walk.

Located in JLT, Café Isan stands out with its mismatched plastic furniture and Thai market-style bar, all at budget-friendly prices. This charming spot serves up authentic dishes from the Isan region of Thailand, packed with punchy flavors and a variety of curries, stir-fries, and noodles. Make sure to enjoy a meal on the outdoor terrace.

Sun-Thurs noon-midnight. Fri-Sat noon-2am. Armada Avenue Hotel JLT, Cluster P, JLT, cafeisan.co (058 529 1003).

Dubai Internet City – Dukkan El Baba

Distance from the station: 9 minute walk.

A quaint eatery that opened its doors in early 2023, Dukkan El Baba offers a regular menu along with daily specials, ensuring that every visit can be a new experience. The menu features an array of Lebanese classics, including vine leaves, stuffed courgette, and succulent shawarma, all at fantastic prices.

Daily 9am-1am. Barsha Heights, @dukka_el_baba (04 344 0140).

Insurance Market – Swiss Butter

Distance from station: 5 minute walk.

This neighborhood steakhouse focuses on just three main dishes, but they execute them flawlessly. Choose from beef fillet, chicken breast, or salmon, all generously slathered in their signature Swiss Butter sauce, accompanied by a salad, baguette, and your choice of fries or baked potato. Its proximity to the Insurance Market Dubai Metro station makes it a convenient option.

Daily noon-midnight. Novotel Dubai Al Barsha. swissbutter.com (04 370 6314).

Mall of the Emirates – Eugène Eugène

Distance from the station: 5 minute walk.

Wander over to the stunning French terrace at Mall of the Emirates, adorned with lush greenery, red leather banquettes, and golden accents. The menu features French classics with a modern twist, including oysters, foie gras terrine, and apple tart, making it a must-visit for food lovers.

Daily noon-11.30pm. Kempinski Mall of the Emirates, Al Barsha, euegeneeugene.ae (04 379 8963).

Equiti – Al Beiruti

Distance from station: 3-minute walk.

With multiple branches in Dubai and Lebanon, Al Beiruti is a favorite among fans of authentic Lebanese cuisine. The branch along Sheikh Zayed Road has a vibrant atmosphere, serving up a variety of hummus, falafel, and spiced chicken liver, finishing with a delightful mixed grill and kunafa dessert—truly a gem not to be missed.

Daily 8am-3am. Sheikh Zayed Road, albeiruti.com (04 320 0043).

ONPASSIVE – Maxzi the Good Food Shop

Distance from station: 5 minute walk.

If you’re craving a smashed burger, look no further than Maxzi. Originally launched as an online grocery store, it transitioned to a physical location in Al Quoz in 2018, where its mouthwatering burgers made with wagyu beef and served on soft potato buns have cultivated a loyal fan base.

Daily 8.30am-1.30am. Al Shafar Investment Building, Al Quoz, maxzi.ae (04 395 3988).

Business Bay – Prime 68

Distance from station: 13 minute walk.

Perched on the 68th floor of the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, Prime 68 offers stunning skyline views and expertly cooked steaks, appealing to meat lovers. Known for their specialization in steak, this restaurant consistently delivers quality dishes at reasonable prices.

Sun-Wed 6pm-midnight. Thurs-Fri noon-3pm, 6pm-midnight. Sat 1-4pm, 6pm-midnight. JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, Business Bay, @prime68dxb (04 414 3000).

Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall – 99 Sushi Bar and Restaurant

Distance from station: 20 minute walk (don’t forget the Dubai Mall tunnel!).

Located in the shadow of the majestic Burj Khalifa, 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant is a must-visit for sushi lovers in Downtown Dubai. With high-quality rolls and sashimi, along with incredible sharing platters, this eatery guarantees a delightful experience.

Daily noon-2am. Address Downtown, 99sushibar.com (04 547 2241).

Financial Centre – Chic Nonna

Distance from station: 9 minute walk.

This beautiful DIFC restaurant offers a mix of comfort food such as pizza and pasta alongside a more refined tasting menu that showcases the chefs’ culinary talents. With expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that open in the winter, the dining room provides stunning views of Burj Khalifa.

Daily noon-11.30pm. DIFC, chicnonna.com (04 605 2000).

Emirates Towers – La Cantine Du Faubourg

Distance from station: 6 minute walk.

From its trendy lounge, which is always buzzing, to its uniquely designed dining area by Kokian, La Cantine du Faubourg epitomizes chic dining. This vibrant French restaurant in Dubai caters to a stylish crowd, serving exquisite dishes and an impressive wine selection—be prepared to stay late!

Mon-Thurs noon-2am, Fri noon-3am, Sat noon-5pm, 7pm-3am. Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Sheikh Zayed Road, lacantine.ae (04 352 7105).

World Trade Centre – Miss Lily’s

Distance from station: 11 minute walk.

Originating from New York, this vibrant Jamaican eatery has established itself as one of the best Caribbean restaurants in Dubai. Known for its festive atmosphere, Miss Lily’s is a favorite for a fun night out. Indulge in jerk chicken, hot pepper shrimp, and salt cod fritters for an authentic taste of the Caribbean.

Mon 7pm-2am, Tues-Wed 7pm-1am, Thurs 7pm-2am, Fri 7pm-3am, Sat 2-6pm, 8pm-3am, Sun 6pm-midnight. Sheraton Grand Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, misslilys.com (04 356 2900).

Max – Unwind Dubai

Distance from the station: 9 minute walk.

The UAE’s first board game café is just a short walk from the metro station. Enjoy a game of Ludo while you wait for your food. A spicy Bombay-style sandwich paired with a matcha latte makes for excellent brain food to keep you on your A-game.

Mon-Thurs 8am-midnight, Fri-Sat 8am-1am. Tower B, Park Gate Residences. unwinddubai.com (04 328 4030).

ADCB – Calicut Paragon

Distance from station: 15 minute walk.

Situated in the heart of Dubai’s “Curry Corridor,” Calicut Paragon is renowned for its authentic Keralite flavors at affordable prices. The warm and inviting decor reflects the essence of homes in Kerala’s Calicut district, serving up some of the region’s finest dishes.

Daily 7am-midnight. Karama paragonrestaurant.com (04 335 8700).

Burjaman – Al Ustad Special Kebab

Distance from station: 15 minute walk.

This iconic Iranian restaurant has been a staple since 1978, famed for its yogurt-marinated chicken and mutton kebabs. Al Ustad Special Kabab has earned its reputation for serving some of the best kebabs in Dubai, making it a must-visit for food lovers.

Open Sat-Thu 11am-1am, Fri 6pm-1am. Al Mussallah Road, Deira alustadspecialkabab.has.restaurant (04 397 1933).

Al Rigga – Al Safadi

Distance from station: 10 minute walk.

Just a short walk away, Al Safadi is a haven for authentic Lebanese cuisine. Enjoy a mixed grill followed by their delicious cheese kunafah drizzled in syrup for a satisfying end to your meal.

Daily 9am-1am. Al Dana Building, Al Rigga Road. alsafadi.ae (600 500601).

City Centre Deira – Han Shi Fu

Distance from station: 10 minute walk.

This Chinese restaurant features an incredible all-you-can-eat à la carte deal for just Dhs59, allowing you to indulge in endless dim sum, baos, appetizers, and main courses. From dumplings to fried rice, there’s something for everyone, and you’ll even receive a complimentary dessert to wrap up your meal.

Dhs59 (Mon-Thurs), Dhs69 (Fri-Sun). 6-8pm and 8-10pm. City Centre Deira. hanshifu.ae (04 228 1075).

GGICO – Twiggy

Distance from station: 9 minute drive (taxi may be needed for the last leg).

Perched above Twiggy Lagoon at the stylish Park Hyatt Dubai, Twiggy by La Cantine offers an elegant setting adorned in neutral hues and boho-chic decor—perfect for a leisurely lunch or romantic dinner. The menu features fresh sushi, salads, and exquisite grilled meat and seafood dishes.

Daily 10am-1am. Park Hyatt Dubai, Deira, twiggy.ae (04 602 1105).

Dubai International Airport Terminal 1 – Sawa

Located on the first floor of Terminal 1’s Concourse D, Sawa specializes in traditional Lebanese street food. Expect to find a selection of classic dishes such as fresh shawarmas, creamy hummus, and delicious fatayers, catering to a variety of tastes and appetites.

Terminal 1, Dubai International Airport.

Dubai International Airport Terminal 3 – Asian Street Kitchen

If you’re catching a flight out of DXB, don’t miss the chance to try some Korean fried chicken at Asian Street Kitchen. Alternatively, opt for the delicious shish tawouk at Comptoir Libanais, complemented with hummus and dips to satisfy the whole family.

Terminal 3, Dubai International Airport.

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