Fuel up the tasty way at Expo City’s best cafes and restaurants
Expo City Dubai, the former site of Expo 2020, has a host of attractions to visit. But where to head for delicious eats after all that exploring? Let’s take a look at the best cafes and restaurants in Expo City.
Note that currently, Al Fanar, The Mattar Farm and WOFL are closed due to renovation.
BEST RESTAURANTS IN EXPO CITY
The Expo 2020 site, Expo City Dubai, is a slice of paradise for anyone who loves their food, with outlets serving cuisines from across the globe. No matter what taste you’re craving, Expo City has you covered! You’ll come here for family-friendly meals and stay for street food options, sustainable choices, sweet delights and plenty more. Does all this make you peckish? Here are the best options for you.
Al-Fanar Restaurant & Cafe
At Al-Fanar Restaurant & Cafe, one of the best Arabic eateries in Dubai — also included in Dubai’s Michelin Guide — you get a genuine flavour of the Emirates. The Emirati restaurant attempts to revive “memories of Dubai when it was a little town on the beach of the Arabian Gulf” by evoking the UAE of the 1960s through traditional-style furnishings and authentic cuisine.
- Location: Corner of Al Wasl and Sunset Avenue
- Timings: 12:00 pm to 09:00 pm
Al Baik
Did you have the Al Baik experience in the mega exhibition?
A household name in Saudi Arabia, Al Baik is famous for its supremely succulent and deliciously crunchy chicken. Their menu includes the Big Baik, BBQ thighs, jumbo shrimp, chicken fillet nuggets and much more.
Dubai’s favourite fried chicken spot also has branches in the Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Ajman, Al Majaz Waterfront and City Centre Sharjah.
- Location: Opportunity area opposite Saudi Pavillion
- Timings: 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm
La Serre
A little piece of Paris, La Serre is perfect for casual catch-ups in an elegant and modern setting, the eatery offers everything from crepes and delicious salads to your favourite pastries & Viennoiseries.
Offering the best French cuisine in Dubai, the establishment is getting ready to launch four new locations in the UAE. This includes opening venues at Jumeirah, Dubai Design District, and the Mall of the Emirates.
- Location: Al Wasel Plaza
- Timings: Weekdays: 8:00 am to 10:00 pm | Weekends: 8:00 am to 12:00 am
Ecco Pizza&Pasta
Buon Appetito! Relish the most authentic Italian cuisine at Ecco Pizza&Pasta. The restaurant’s concept is fast casual eating, where “passion for good cuisine and joy of cooking come together”. The place for true pizza lovers, the delectable pizzas are made of the best wheat, tomato, mozzarella and more. Of course, there are plenty of pasta varieties on the menu too, as well as salads, soups, risotto, burrata, grilled meats and fish.
- Location: Sunrise Avenue, Opportunity District
- Timings: 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm
The Mattar Farm Express
Hattem Mattar has developed into a famous chef in the neighbourhood. He is the mastermind behind The Mattar Farm Kitchen. The smokehouse specialises in handcrafted Texan-style barbecue meat (mainly brisket) simmered until it is tender, melting, and delicious! Try their OG Brisket Sandwich Meal, Smok’d Brisket Wrap or Da Pastrami (a sandwich made with spicy smoked beef cut into thin slices).
- Location: Mobility FT Park
- Timings: 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Milky Ice Cream
The well-known, towering ice creams from this Polish-Emirati spot is once again available at the Expo site. This food truck in Expo City has locations throughout the UAE.
- Location: Ghaf Avenue
- Timings: 01:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Wofl
Enjoy waffles with a twist at Wofl Expo City!
One of the best restaurants in Expo City, Wofl, has relaunched its food truck. The Opportunity District eatery serves mouthwatering WOFL sandwiches with various delicious toppings. The homegrown food concept has locations all around the UAE. It opened its first venue back in November 2016 at Jumeirah Beach Residence.
They offer one of the most delicious waffles in Dubai. Think toasty Croque monsieur, Mexican-inspired dishes, New York-style dishes, and a tuna alternative from the Mediterranean. And how can we not mention here the speciality coffee? Roasted in Norway by Solberg & Hansen, served in Dubai!
- Location: Ghaf Avenue
- Timings: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
GRAND BEIRUT
Grand Beirut’s magnificent ambience transports you to Lebanon’s perpetually bustling scene, which was inspired by the capital of the world with the most charm. Enjoy a genuine Lebanese experience rich in art, culture, and cuisine.
- Location: Mangrove Avenue in the Sustainability District
- Timings: 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm
THE DAILY
The Daily is a must-visit neighbourhood hangout with amazing foreign flavours, Wi-Fi, and top-notch service. It’s lively and welcoming local atmosphere keeps you coming back, whether for a cup of coffee in the morning, a business lunch, or a meet-up over supper.
There is something for everyone, including nourishing, homemade-style meals, delectable, healthy salads, energising drinks, and vegan options.
- Location: Corner of Al Wasl and Horizon Avenue
- Timings: 6:30 am to 11:30 pm
FAQS
WHEN DID EXPO CITY OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
The full opening of Expo City took place on 1st October 2022.
WHAT ARE THE ATTRACTIONS IN EXPO CITY?
Want to spend a perfect day at Expo City Dubai? You can explore the following attractions in the eco-friendly, tech-driven community:
- Alif – The Mobility Pavilion
- Al Wasl Plaza
- Surreal
- Vision Pavilion
- Women’s Pavilion
- Around the World
- Garden in the Sky
- Terra (The Sustainability Pavilion)
WHAT ARE THE TICKET PRICES FOR EXPO CITY DUBAI?
Admission to Expo City Dubai is free of charge. However, you have to pay to visit the attractions. For instance, tickets for Terra (The Sustainability Pavilion) and Alif (The Mobility Pavilion) start at AED 50 for each pavilion. These pavilions are free for children under 12 and People of Determination. For more details, you can visit the official website of Expo City Dubai.
DOES EXPO CITY OFFER ACCOMMODATION AS WELL?
Yes! The new community will offer many apartments for those seeking housing in Dubai. These include one to two-bedroom loft apartments with courtyards, studios to two-bedroom flats and affordable co-living apartments.
WHAT ARE THE RESIDENTIAL OPTIONS IN EXPO CITY?
There are a couple of projects under construction in the district. One is Mangrove Residences which offers 1 to 4-bed apartments and 3-bed townhouses. Another development is Expo Valley, a villa and townhouse community.
Want to live near the futuristic community? The popular residential areas near Expo 2020 site in Dubai are your best bet. Investors searching for lucrative investment opportunities may consider the highest ROI areas near the Expo 2020 site.
And that’s a wrap on our post of restaurants in Expo City. We hope you have fun exploring this amazingly futuristic city in Dubai and enjoy some fab eats while you’re there!
Cover Image Credit: Images have been taken from Expo City’s Official Website.