Dubai is a vibrant city with an abundance of activities and dining options for families. After moving here, I quickly realized that finding a family-friendly cafe or restaurant was key to maintaining a sense of normalcy and enjoyment in our routine. With my two kids, Jake (who’s 6) and Lily (who’s 4), we’ve visited many kids-friendly restaurants and cafes, and let me tell you, we’ve had some great experiences. From relaxed spots with amazing play areas to cafes that even cater to my picky eaters, Dubai has something for everyone.
If you’re looking to explore the city and find some hidden gems for dining out with your kids, I’ve got you covered. Here’s my roundup of the best family-friendly places in Dubai, based on our own personal experiences.
- Oasis Café at Al Barari – A Hidden Gem for Families
When my family first moved to Dubai, we were on the lookout for places to escape the usual city noise, and Oasis Café at Al Barari turned out to be a beautiful surprise. Nestled in a lush green oasis, this cafe is a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. I remember the first time we visited – Jake and Lily couldn’t stop running around the play area, which is surrounded by palm trees and water features. It’s perfect for letting the kids explore while still keeping them safe.
The food is fantastic, with plenty of healthy options for both adults and kids. My favorite is their delicious quinoa salad, while the kids always go for the pasta or grilled chicken. The best part? You can relax and sip on your coffee while the kids are happily occupied in the play area. It’s an ideal place for a weekend brunch, and I always feel like I’ve had a mini escape.
https://www.instagram.com/hideout.albarari/?hl=fr
- Le Petit Palais at Galeries Lafayette – A Mini City for Kids
Le Petit Palais at Galeries Lafayette in The Dubai Mall is another one of our family’s favorites. It’s more than just a cafe – it’s a mini city for kids. Jake and Lily absolutely love this spot, especially because there’s a dedicated area for children to play. It has a soft play area, and they can also enjoy activities like arts and crafts while we relax and enjoy a meal. The atmosphere is calm, and it feels more like a cozy home than a busy restaurant.
The menu here is really great for kids; they offer simple, healthy meals like fresh fruit salads, veggie wraps, and pizza. The kids can also pick from a variety of smoothies, which is always a hit with my two. I love that it’s located inside The Dubai Mall because after a meal, we can easily walk around the mall or check out the aquarium. It’s the perfect way to keep the kids entertained for a few hours.
https://www.instagram.com/lepetitpalaisdubai/?hl=fr
- The Lime Tree Café – A Cozy Spot with a Family-Friendly Vibe
If you’re looking for a low-key place that has a welcoming vibe for families, The Lime Tree Café is always a go-to. Located in Jumeirah, it has been one of our favorite places since we moved here. The atmosphere is relaxed and warm, and the staff are incredibly friendly, always making us feel welcome with kids in tow.
Jake loves their homemade chicken nuggets, and Lily always chooses the kid’s sandwich, which comes with a side of fresh fruit. What makes this spot stand out is that they really understand the needs of parents with young kids. There’s always a high chair available, and the staff is super accommodating when it comes to extra requests like warming up baby food. Plus, they offer healthy, fresh food options for adults, which is a big plus for me!
The outdoor seating area is great for families with young kids because it’s spacious, and the kids can move around while we enjoy our coffee or a healthy bite. The Lime Tree Café has become our go-to for quick meals, and we love spending a casual morning there.
https://www.thelimetreecafe.com/
- Cafe Bateel – Where Quality Meets Family-Friendly Comfort
We stumbled upon Cafe Bateel when we were looking for a nice place to have brunch in Downtown Dubai. Since then, it’s become a regular spot for us. The thing I love about Cafe Bateel is that it offers a fine-dining experience but still feels incredibly family-friendly. The menu is quite diverse, offering everything from salads and sandwiches to pastries and traditional Arabic dishes.
The kids’ menu is top-notch, with healthy options like grilled fish and veggie pasta. Jake is obsessed with their chicken skewers, and Lily can’t resist their fruit salads. On our last visit, we sat outside on the terrace, and I could tell Jake and Lily were just in their element – the open space and fresh air were perfect for them to run around after the meal.
Cafe Bateel also has a lovely section for desserts, which is always a hit with my kids. They love trying the different pastries and cakes, and it’s a great way to end the meal on a sweet note.
- The Farm at Al Barari – Where Nature Meets Dining
For a truly memorable family day out, The Farm at Al Barari is unbeatable. It’s a little pricier than some other options, but the experience is well worth it. The atmosphere is tranquil and surrounded by nature, which makes it the perfect setting for a family meal. Jake and Lily absolutely love this place because there’s so much space for them to explore while I enjoy some quiet time.
The food here is mostly organic, and the kids’ menu includes options like pasta with veggies, chicken tenders, and fresh fruit. The highlight for me is the fact that everything feels fresh, healthy, and flavorful. The kids often ask if we can go back to “the farm,” because they love the outdoor seating area where they can watch ducks and other animals roam around.
Another reason I love The Farm is that it’s incredibly peaceful, so it’s a great spot if you’re looking for a family meal without any distractions or noise. It’s definitely an upscale spot, but we’ve always felt comfortable bringing the kids here, and the staff is always so accommodating.
- The Black Tap – Kids Can Play While You Eat
A place where you can relax while the kids have fun? Count me in! The Black Tap at Jumeirah Al Naseem is a great choice for families looking for a fun, laid-back dining experience. This spot is known for its epic burgers, milkshakes, and casual American comfort food. The best part? There’s a kids’ play area, so you can sit down and enjoy your meal while the kids have a blast.
Jake loves their famous “Crazy Shakes,” and Lily is a fan of the crispy fries. It’s a family-friendly environment, and the energy here is always positive and lively. The play area keeps them occupied, and we’ve had many relaxed weekends here, enjoying food and letting the kids play in the dedicated space. It’s an ideal spot for families who want to enjoy a fun and carefree meal.
- The Cheesecake Factory – Perfect for a Family Meal
Okay, I’ll admit, this one is a bit of a classic, but it’s a reliable choice for families. The Cheesecake Factory at The Dubai Mall is one of those places where you know you can always get something tasty. The menu is diverse, with plenty of choices for both adults and kids. For Jake and Lily, their kid-friendly menu offers dishes like chicken tenders, spaghetti, and mini cheeseburgers – simple but delicious.
What I love about The Cheesecake Factory is the portion sizes – they’re generous, so there’s usually enough to share if your kids are hungry but not too picky. Plus, they’ve got a large dessert menu (obviously!), and the kids love choosing from a wide variety of cheesecake flavors. It’s the perfect spot for a family meal that’ll make everyone happy, and it’s especially great when you want something familiar and comforting.
Conclusion
As a parent, finding family-friendly cafes and restaurants in Dubai can feel like a bit of a challenge sometimes, especially when you’re looking for places where the kids can have fun, the food is good, and everyone is happy. But after trying out many spots, I can confidently say that Dubai has some truly amazing options that cater to families with young kids. From quiet, peaceful cafes like Oasis Café to lively places like The Black Tap, there’s something for every kind of family outing.
The key is to find a place that balances great food with an environment that’s welcoming for kids. Whether you’re looking for a casual lunch, a weekend brunch, or a special night out, these cafes and restaurants are sure to offer a memorable experience for you and your little ones.
