Al Quoz restaurants to try in Dubai right now

By Blanche D'mello | Posted on

Discover the best Al Quoz restaurants in Dubai, from hidden cafés to chef-driven spots and casual dining favourites in the city’s creative district

CASSETTE

 

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A cultural anchor in the Al Quoz creative district, CASSETTE is a homegrown Parisian-style bistro located in the historic The Courtyard. Founded by Haider Madani, it is a space where music meets food. The menu features hits like the braised beef bourguignon, truffle Parisian gnocchi and some of the city’s best French toast.

Middle Child

Located in Alserkal Avenue, this “One To Watch” winner by MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants is Chef Lynn Hazim’s debut Dubai concept, built around a nostalgic, chef-led approach to food. It reimagines childhood favourites and sandwiches into refined, flavour-driven plates, alongside a gourmet grocer and a cookbook shop stocking over 500 titles.

NALA

 

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NALA from the Tashas Group is a fast-casual “fancy canteen” that makes grab-and-go feel thoughtful. Set in Alserkal Avenue, it offers indoor and outdoor seating, specialty coffee and creative mocktails, crowd-pleasers such as The Sof sandwich, Pistachio Bostock, and Coconut Mochi Pudding, plus savoury options like Tuna Pita. Guests can also take home house-made treats like Chilli Crisp, granola, and coffee capsules.

Window

 

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Window, the new restaurant from FYTE Hospitality, the team behind Kokoro, has opened in Alserkal Avenue. Led by Chef Gonzalo Platero, the 32-seat space is built around live-fire cooking, with ember-charred vegetables, grilled meats and smoke-driven dishes developed over a year of testing and refining.

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Subko Specialty Coffee Roasters and Bakehouse

 

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Mumbai-born specialty coffee roaster and bakehouse Subko has opened its first international outpost in Alserkal Avenue. Spread over two floors, the 5,000 sq ft space serves microlot coffee, sourdough, croissants, and cacao sourced from across the Indian Subcontinent. Guests can also join coffee cuppings, cacao tastings, and watch production in action, showcasing the subcontinent’s place on the global specialty coffee map.

Wild & The Moon

This eclectic café pays homage to locally sourced ingredients and ethically procured elements, characterised by a commitment to gluten-free, additive-free, and vegan-friendly offerings. The café’s healthful delights encompass desserts, super bowls, salads, and soups, complemented by rejuvenating smoothies and a curated selection of cold-pressed juices.

KAVE

 

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KAVE is a community-focused space that blends a café, concept store, and creative hub. Built with 95% salvaged wood and repurposed furniture, it offers a cozy, eco-friendly atmosphere. The menu features wholesome, locally sourced dishes like veggie pho, super bowls, and vegan desserts, all with zero-waste practices. Guests can join workshops, explore vintage finds at the Market of Misfits, and even bring their pets, with a special dog-friendly menu available.

Le Guépard

 

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Le Guépard is a multi-layered café and brasserie inspired by 20th-century European design, featuring Art Deco interiors and vibrant De Gournay wallpapers. The front serves as an all-day brasserie and tea room, while the back houses private dining rooms for supper clubs and intimate events. The menu offers modern twists on French classics, including salmon and cream cheese pancakes, signature croissants, and the “Le Marie Antoinette” mocktail, all set in a stylish, art-filled atmosphere.

21grams

This soulful neighbourhood bistro celebrates Balkan cuisine with a menu full of authentic, comforting flavours. Diners can enjoy signature items like handmade phyllo pies and slow cooked meats in a bright and welcoming environment.

One Life Kitchen and Café

 

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One Life Kitchen and Café in Alserkal Avenue is a creative culinary space that serves as both a vibrant social hub and a productive workspace within the arts district. The venue features an open kitchen and an in-house coffee roastery where chefs prepare a diverse menu of wholesome dishes ranging from wood-fired pizzas to nutrient-dense salads and artisanal breakfasts.

Lila Molino + Cafe

 

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Lila Molino + Cafe is a Mexican concept store and café located in Warehouse 18 at Alserkal Avenue. The venue features a dining area decorated with murals by Mexican artists and a shop selling house-made tortillas, salsas, and traditional crafts. Led by chef Shaw Lash, the kitchen focuses on wood-fired flavours and heirloom corn ground in-house to create a menu featuring brisket enchiladas, crispy chicken gringas, and salads.

Ganache Chocolatier

This expansive venue serves as both a chocolate factory and a cafe. The cafe menu features elaborate desserts and a signature hot chocolate made with high quality European cocoa. It is a must visit for chocolate lovers seeking an immersive and indulgent experience.

SMK (Holy Smoked)

SMK in Al Quoz specialises in authentic Texas-style slow-smoked meats prepared in a warehouse setting. The menu focuses on high-quality brisket and ribs that are cooked over wood for several hours to achieve a signature tender texture and smoky flavour.