One of the most exciting and FREE attractions visitors to Dubai come to see is the nightly Dubai Fountain Show, held in the Burj Lake, Downtown Dubai.
Whilst you can watch the show for free from many vantage points around the lake, the best way to enjoy the Dubai Fountains without the stress of battling the crowds is while you are having dinner.
There are many restaurants on both the outside of Dubai Mall and in the Downtown Dubai area that you can sit back and relax whilst watching the showing every 30 minutes throughout the evening.
We know the choices can often be overwelming, and wait times to be seated can vary significantly if you visit at peak times. Pre-booking this element of your Dubai trip may be required to avoid any disappointment.
So ready to grab your front-row seat? Here’s what you need to know about the best restaurants with Dubai Fountain views.
Best Dubai Mall Restaurants to see the Dubai Fountains
Naturally, the Dubai Mall is one of the best places to view the Dubai Fountains. Here are a few of the best restaurants the Dubai Mall has to offer.
NOTE: There are many dining outlets attached to Dubai Mall, but do note they are all DRY – meaning alcohol cannot be served. There are licensed restaurant options though in adjacent hotels including the Palace Downtown and the Souk Al Bahar shopping complex, accessible from Dubai Mall over a small bridge
Social House – Lower Ground Floor
Social House is among the best places to check out if you’re interested in Dubai Mall restaurants near fountains. It has a friendly, casual vibe and an international menu featuring cuisines from around the world making it a real crowd pleaser. There’s also a coffee bar and the option of a private VIP room. This restaurant is a great choice for breakfast, lunch, or dinner in a convenient and central location.
It can get very busy at weekends especially due to it’s prime position, we recommend getting in for an early dinner just before the first evening show starts.
Carluccios – Lower Ground Floor
If you’re more in the mood for Italian cuisine, then Carluccios is an obvious choice. It was founded by the legendary Italian chef Antonio Carluccio, and much of its menu is inspired by his dishes. And of course, it provides an excellent view of the Dubai Fountain. You can watch the fountain while eating some real, authentic Italian pizza. It even offers all-day breakfast. Kids can be kept entertained with colouring packs and sepaarate menu with smaller bites.
Wafi Gourmet – Lower ground Floor
Are you a fan of Lebanese cuisine? Then you can’t go wrong with Wafi Gourmet. This restaurant has an excellent selection of traditional Lebanese dishes such as kebabs, shawarma, and mezze. Afterward, you can enjoy some sweet Arabic desserts while enjoying a view of the Dubai Fountain. It’s simply one of the best restaurants in Dubai Mall near the fountain offering both inside and al fresco dining.
Todd English Food Hall – Ground Floor (Fashion Avenue)
This is a great al fresco choice if no one in your group can decide quite what they want! The Todd English Food Hall was inspired by similar Food Halls in New York and Manila. Its menu consists of foods from all around the world which you can select off the menu or stroll among the street food-like vans to see what you fancy.
You can find anything you’re looking for here from traditional dishes to completely unique cuisines. It also features a balcony overlooking the Dubai Fountain, making it among the greatest places to watch the Dubai Fountains. It’s a bit of a pain to get into though, you need to enter from the Fashion Avenue side of Dubai Mall from inside.
(Todd English Food Hall closed during COVID-19 and does not appear to have re-opened as at November 2020)
NB. Currently has not re-opened post-COVID we await news if this is a permanent closure.
OFK – First Floor
The Open Flame Kitchen, or OFK, is an upscale international restaurant that’s located on Level 1 of the Dubai Mall. While this stylish restaurant provides food from all around the world, it leans somewhat towards Asian-inspired cuisine. Because of this, you can expect plenty of great dishes like miso, chicken, maki rolls, eggplant katsu, and much more. It’s one of the best fountain view restaurants Dubai has to offer for meat lovers.
TGI Fridays – Second Floor
If you’re looking for something a little more familiar, then TGI Fridays could be the best restaurant to see the Dubai Fountains. This restaurant has the fun, busy atmosphere and American dishes that you’d expect from a TGI Fridays. It can be found on Level 2 of the Dubai Mall (immedaitely above the Apple Store) which gives a great overhead view of the Dubai Fountain. Grab a burger or a steak and enjoy the show.
Tribes – Second Floor
Here is another fun restaurant you can find on Level 2 of the Dubai Mall – a real favourite with families. Tribes has a menu full of dishes from all over Africa. This is a very diverse continent, so there are plenty of different foods to try. The music and decor are also decidedly African, making this an incredibly unique dining experience. It’s among the most fascinating and fun restaurants with fountain views, both inside and outside seating options – perfect for a winters evening.
Want a cheaper eat? Along with the fabulous restaurants living the lower ground floor waterfront promenade, there’s a KFC & Pizza Hut option with some dine in tables!
Souk Al Bahar Restaurants with views of the Dubai Fountains
Souk Al Bahar, which sits opposite the Dubai Mall – connected by a pedestrain bridge – also has several excellent Dubai Fountain view restaurants. These are some of the best;
BiCE Mare – 3rd Floor
Bice Mare is a delightfully contemporary restaurant with a menu full of delicious Italian seafood dishes. This restaurant has won multiple awards, including the OpenTable Diner’s Choice Award and the Italian Specialty Chef Award. In addition to that, they have a terrace that provides incredible views of both the Dubai Fountain and the Burj Khalifa. It’s one of the greatest Dubai fountain restaurants for Italian seafood lovers.
Serafina – 2nd Floor
Serafina is another charming restaurant in Souk Al Bahar that offers an array of authentic Italian dishes. This restaurant also provides a unique atmosphere with Italian music playing in an intimate setting. And of course, Serafina has crystal clear views of the Dubai Fountain and Burj Khalifa. If you’re looking for restaurants near Burj Khalifa, then this one could be for you.
Karma Kafe – 3rd Floor
Along with offering spectacular views of both the Dubai Fountains and Burj Khalifa, Karma Kafe is among the best restaurants in Souk Al Bahar. It’s won multiple awards for its Pan Asian-inspired menu and relaxed lounge atmosphere. From here, you can enjoy watching the Dubai Fountain while feasting on meals such as sushi rolls, miso black cod, or Florida Bay rock shrimp tempura.
Karma Kafe also offer a bar and lounge, with Orient-inspire electric beats it’s a great place to carry on your evening until late at night. Don’t miss out on their special Thursday & Friday night Brunch – Blushing Dragon.
Baker & Spice – 2nd Floor
Baker & Spice is an excellent choice when it comes to restaurants with a view of the Dubai Fountains. That’s largely because of their focus on fresh, organic ingredients. They get all of their vegetables from local farms during the growing season. It’s a great place to grab a pizza or a steak while you’re watching the Dubai Fountains in a casual dining atmosphere.
Can’t get to Downtown Dubai at night? We know you may only have a short stopover and Dubai and plenty to see and do! If you can’t make the nightly shows, check out the lunchtime schedule – all the Dubai Fountain Timing information you need here!
Burj Khalifa Restaurants with Dubai Fountain Views
The legendary Burj Khalifa has some great aerial Dubai Fountain views as well. Whilst you can observe the fountains from AT The Top -The Burj Khalifa Observation Deck, you don’t quite get the same atmosphere as seeing the show from much lower down.
Here are a couple of the Burj Khalifa restaurants you should check out.
At.Mosphere – 122nd Floor
At.Mosphere is the world’s tallest restaurant located on the 122nd floor of the world’s tallest building. As such, it offers an unparalleled view of the city below it, including the Dubai Fountain. In addition to that, it provides a menu full of delicious seafood dishes and an extensive drink list. There’s simply nothing like it when it comes to restaurants in Dubai overlooking the fountains.
Armani/Mediterraneo – Lobby Floor
Armani/Mediterraneo is another one of the best Dubai Fountain restaurants in Burj Khalifa. This is a sophisticated Mediterranian restaurant, and its menu contains some of the best dishes Europe has to offer. You can choose what you like from their buffet, or you can have them prepare your meal in front of you. And of course, it provides a beautiful front row view of the Dubai Fountain.
NB: We still await news of Armani/Mediterraneo reopening in 2020
Nearby Downtown Hotels with great Dubai Fountain views
Many of the surrounding hotels in Downtown Dubai also offer great views from either their restaurant terraces, or even from within your room! Why not check out these options if you’d like to stay somewhere with a great view of the Dubai Fountains.
Thiptara at Palace Downtown
Thiptara is the best place to watch the Dubai Fountains if you’re looking for something with a quiet, romantic atmosphere. It’s situated right next to Burj Lake, and its menu consists of Bangkok-style seafood. Visiting this restaurant in Palace Downtown is like taking a mini-vacation to Thailand combined with a gorgeous view of the Dubai Fountain – it’s top of our favourite romantic dining spots in Dubai.
Zeta at Address Downtown
This beautiful terrace restaurant on Level 5 of the Address Downtown offers some of the best unparraelled views of the night Dubai Fountain show. With a California and seafood-inspired menu, enjoy light bites through to salmon, prawns or steak why taking in the breathtaking views of Downtown Dubai.
Children can dine at Zeta 50% discount making it a great upmarket family option away from the crowds you’ll find around the Dubai Mall vantage spots.
Do you have a favourite viewing spot for the Dubai fountains you’d like to share? Let us know in the comments!
Before you go… More important things you should know when planning a trip to Dubai
- Pop into our essential planning information page, it includes everything you need to know about getting around Dubai, a handy guide on what to pack and top tips for first-timers on the do’s and don’ts, laws and customs to be aware of.
- Check out this incredible list of 150+ places you should visit when you’re in Dubai.
- Pick up a Dubai Pass to save up to 50% on top Dubai attractions
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