If you are searching for the Best Indian Restaurants in Dubai Festival City, then UAE Explorer has got you covered. Dubai Festival City is not only a shopping and entertainment hub but also a hotspot for food lovers seeking authentic and diverse Indian cuisine. From traditional Punjabi flavors to South Indian specialties, vegetarian thalis, and modern fine-dining experiences, this vibrant area has a wide range of Indian restaurants that cater to every taste and budget. In this guide, we will explore the top Indian restaurants near Dubai Festival City, share insights on their menus, ambiance, pricing, and give you all the information you need to enjoy a memorable dining experience.
Why Dubai Festival City is Perfect for Indian Food Lovers
Dubai Festival City is more than just a shopping destination. The area is strategically located, easily accessible, and has become a gastronomic hub for both residents and tourists. Indian cuisine, known for its rich spices, diverse flavors, and unique cooking techniques, has found a prominent place here. Whether you’re craving a quick vegetarian meal, indulgent Mughlai dishes, or a Michelin-recognized fine dining experience, Dubai Festival City and its surroundings provide the perfect setting for Indian food enthusiasts.
Many restaurants here offer family-friendly dining, outdoor seating, delivery services, and even special catering options. This combination of convenience, variety, and quality makes the area a must-visit for anyone looking to savor authentic Indian cuisine in Dubai.
1. Amritsr Restaurant – Authentic Punjabi Flavors
Rating: ⭐ 4.8 | 5,189+ reviews
Location: Al Attar Center, Al Karama, Dubai
Cuisine: Indian, Asian, Grill
Special Diets: Vegetarian, Vegan
Meals Served: Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Catering, Dessert
Price Range: AED 50–100 for two people
Contact: +971 5 811 00152
Open Hours: 24 hours
Amritsr Restaurant is widely regarded as one of the Best Indian Restaurants in Dubai Festival City. Renowned for its Punjabi cuisine, this family-friendly restaurant offers a menu packed with rich, flavorful dishes. Customers often rave about their creamy butter chicken, perfectly spiced dal makhani, and freshly baked naans. Vegan and vegetarian options are also plentiful, making it suitable for all diners. Whether you visit for breakfast, lunch, or a late-night snack, Amritsr ensures a fulfilling experience with consistent quality.
Tips for Visiting Amritsr Restaurant:
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Try the Paneer Tikka and Lassi – signature Punjabi specialties.
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Weekend evenings can get busy; booking a table is recommended.
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Ideal for group dining or family gatherings.
2. Kamat Restaurant – Pure Vegetarian Delight
Rating: ⭐ 4.1 | 3,133+ reviews
Location: 27 Mohammed Ali, Kuwait St, Al Raffa, Dubai
Cuisine: Indian, Asian, Fusion
Special Diets: Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free
Meals Served: Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Dinner
Price Range: AED 15–35 for two people
Contact: +971 4 359 8444
Open Hours: 10:30 AM – 12:00 AM
Kamat Restaurant specializes in vegetarian Indian cuisine. From South Indian dosas to North Indian curries, the menu caters to both traditional tastes and modern health-conscious diners. Kamat has earned a reputation for its affordability, friendly staff, and authentic flavors. The restaurant also offers Indo-Chinese fusion dishes, a unique twist that appeals to those who enjoy a little variety.
What Makes Kamat Special:
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Affordable and wholesome meals perfect for families.
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Special thali options for lunch and dinner.
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Vegan-friendly dishes clearly labeled on the menu.
3. Anise – Luxury Dining at InterContinental Dubai Festival City
Rating: ⭐ 4.4 | 1,716+ reviews
Location: InterContinental Dubai Festival City, Lobby Floor
Cuisine: Indian, Chinese, International
Special Diets: Vegetarian, Vegan
Meals Served: Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Dessert
Price Range: AED 200–250 for two people
Contact: +971 4 701 1127
Open Hours: Weekdays 6:30 AM–10:30 AM, 12:30 PM–3:30 PM, 6:30 PM–11:00 PM; Weekends vary
Anise offers a buffet-style dining experience with a wide selection of Indian and international dishes. This restaurant is perfect for those looking for a luxurious yet family-friendly environment. Their Indian menu includes biryanis, curries, tandoori meats, and vegetarian specialties that receive consistent praise from diners. Anise is particularly popular for brunch and weekend family gatherings.
Dining Tips:
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Reserve a table for weekend brunch.
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Try the live cooking stations – especially the Indian curry station.
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Ideal for tourists staying near Dubai Festival City.
4. Masti – Modern Indian with a Twist
Rating: ⭐ 4.4 | 1,639+ reviews
Location: The Dubai Edition Hotel, Downtown Dubai
Cuisine: Indian, International, Asian
Special Diets: Vegetarian, Vegan, Halal, Gluten-Free
Meals Served: Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Dessert
Price Range: AED 250–650 for two people
Contact: +971 8 006 2784
Open Hours: Sun–Wed 12:30 PM–1:00 AM; Thu–Sat 12:30 PM–2:00 AM
Masti blends traditional Indian flavors with international culinary techniques. Recognized by the Michelin Guide, it is a hotspot for those who enjoy vibrant presentations and creative dishes. Their menu ranges from street-style Indian snacks to gourmet mains, with options for vegetarian and vegan diners.
Why Masti Stands Out:
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Unique cocktail pairing with Indian fusion dishes.
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Elegant ambiance perfect for romantic dinners or celebrations.
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Signature dishes include Tandoori Prawns and Spiced Lamb Chops.
5. Gazebo Restaurant – Mughlai Cuisine Excellence
Rating: ⭐ 4.1 | 1,064+ reviews
Location: Business Bay, Dubai
Cuisine: Indian, Seafood, Barbecue, Asian
Special Diets: Vegetarian, Halal
Meals Served: Lunch, Dinner, Dessert
Price Range: AED 50–250
Contact: +971 4 344 4088
Open Hours: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Gazebo Restaurant is famous for its slow-cooked Mughlai recipes and aromatic biryanis. If you’re craving authentic flavors and traditional Indian hospitality, Gazebo is an ideal choice. Their grilled meats and vegetarian curries are prepared with fresh ingredients and traditional spices.
Tips:
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Don’t miss the Chicken Tikka and Mutton Biryani.
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Perfect for group dinners or family occasions.
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Delivery and takeaway available for convenience.
6. Avatara – Michelin-Star Vegetarian Experience
Rating: ⭐ 4.7 | 251+ reviews
Location: Al Barsha, Dubai
Cuisine: Indian, Contemporary
Special Diets: Vegan, Vegetarian
Meals Served: Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Catering
Price Range: AED 450+
Contact: +971 58 143 2867
Open Hours: 6:00 PM – 11:30 PM
Avatara is a fine-dining experience featuring a 15-course vegetarian tasting menu. Every dish is meticulously crafted to provide a balance of taste, texture, and visual appeal. The restaurant is ideal for those looking for an elegant dining experience or celebrating special occasions.
Highlights:
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Creative fusion of Indian flavors with modern plating.
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Michelin recognition ensures top-quality standards.
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Perfect for food enthusiasts and special dining experiences.
7. Meals by Tasting Bay – Healthy Indian Cuisine
Rating: ⭐ 4.6 | 23+ reviews
Location: Damac Majestine Tower, Business Bay, Dubai
Cuisine: Indian (Healthy Meals)
Special Diets: Healthy, Vegan, Vegetarian
Meals Served: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Price Range: AED 50–100
Contact: +971 58 658 8114
Open Hours: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Meals by Tasting Bay offers nutritious and balanced Indian meals without compromising on flavor. This restaurant is ideal for health-conscious diners who still want authentic Indian dishes. The chefs are accommodating and can modify meals according to dietary needs.
Special Features:
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Customizable dishes for health or dietary requirements.
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Ideal for office lunches or takeaway options.
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Popular dishes include Lentil Curry, Vegetable Biryani, and Spiced Quinoa.
Additional Tips for Dining in Dubai Festival City
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Reservations Recommended: Many restaurants get busy during weekends and evenings.
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Check Menus Online: Menus and pricing can change seasonally.
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Consider Delivery Options: Several restaurants offer delivery for those who prefer to dine at home.
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Parking & Accessibility: Most restaurants have ample parking and wheelchair accessibility.
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Special Events & Catering: Some restaurants offer catering for private events or corporate meetings.
Popular Indian Dishes to Try in Dubai Festival City
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Butter Chicken & Dal Makhani
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Paneer Tikka & Palak Paneer
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Chicken Tikka & Lamb Rogan Josh
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Vegetable Biryani & Hyderabadi Dum Biryani
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Dosas, Idli, Vada (South Indian options)
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Masala Chai & Lassi
These dishes highlight the diversity of Indian cuisine and are widely available at the restaurants mentioned above.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the best Indian restaurant near Dubai Festival City?
Amritsr Restaurant is the top-rated choice with over 5,000 reviews praising its authentic Punjabi flavors and family-friendly environment.
2. Are there vegetarian Indian restaurants near Dubai Festival City?
Yes, Kamat Restaurant and Avatara specialize in vegetarian and vegan Indian cuisine.
3. Which restaurant is best for fine dining Indian experience?
Avatara and Masti are Michelin-recognized and perfect for an upscale dining experience.
4. Do these restaurants deliver?
Yes, most of the restaurants listed offer delivery through online platforms like Zomato, Deliveroo, and Talabat.
5. Are the restaurants family-friendly?
Yes, all seven restaurants are suitable for families, with seating arrangements and menus catering to children.
6. Can I find South Indian food in Dubai Festival City?
Yes, Kamat and Anise offer South Indian dishes like dosa, idli, and vada.
7. Are these restaurants halal-certified?
Most restaurants follow halal standards for their meats, and vegetarian options are widely available.
8. Do I need to make reservations?
Reservations are recommended, especially during weekends and peak hours.
9. What is the average cost for a meal?
Meals range from AED 15–100 for casual dining to AED 250–650 for fine dining per two people.
10. Are these restaurants accessible for differently-abled individuals?
Yes, restaurants like Kamat and Masti offer wheelchair accessibility and easy entrance facilities.
Final Thoughts
Dubai Festival City is a treasure trove for anyone seeking authentic Indian cuisine. From budget-friendly vegetarian meals at Kamat to Michelin-recognized dining at Avatara and Masti, the options cater to all tastes and occasions. Whether you are visiting with family, friends, or colleagues, these restaurants provide a rich culinary experience that captures the essence of India right in the heart of Dubai.
As UAE Explorer recommends, Amritsr Restaurant remains the most popular choice for its consistent quality, flavor, and welcoming atmosphere. Don’t miss out on exploring these amazing Indian restaurants near Dubai Festival City for a truly memorable dining adventure.