Time Out Market Dubai Food Hall in Souk Al Bahar: Restaurants and Bars

Dubai’s gastronomic epicenter, where the city’s best chefs have come together under one roof to surprise, inspire, and feed you with a view of the iconic fountains.

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Dubai is a city where the culinary choices can overwhelm even the most seasoned traveler. With over 13,000 restaurants, dozens of cuisines from around the world, and just one vacation, how do you manage to taste the best without going crazy from the sheer variety? The answer lies on the third floor of Souk Al Bahar market. Let’s be honest: Time Out Market Dubai isn’t your typical food court. It’s more like a gastronomic gallery, where each exhibit is a recognized urban favorite, carefully selected by experts. It’s a concentrated burst of flavors, a dynamic cultural hub, and, of course, one of the most breathtaking viewing platforms with a direct view of Burj Khalifa. So buckle up (and loosen your belt a bit in anticipation). We’re about to embark on a detailed gastro-reconnaissance that will make your visit here one of the main highlights of your trip to Dubai.

What is time out market? The "Best in Town" concept

First, you need to understand: Time Out Market is a vibrant gastronomic showcase operating on a simple yet brilliant principle: it features not those who paid the most for rent, but those selected by independent critics from Time Out magazine. At the heart of the concept is rigorous editorial curation, much like choosing the cover of a glossy magazine. Experts personally invite only proven stars of the culinary scene—establishments that have already earned prestigious awards, top ratings, or cult status among Dubai residents. This approach saves you from the agonizing task of sifting through hundreds of reviews. Essentially, the editors have already done all the work, bringing together "the best in town under one roof." The lineup of participants is regularly updated to reflect the emirate's latest gastronomic trends, ensuring that every visit can offer new discoveries.

A gastronomic journey through time out market: What to try?

Diversity is the key feature of the cuisine at Time Out Market. Spread across an area of 4,000 square meters, it brings together 17 restaurant concepts capable of satisfying every palate.

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To discover UAE cuisine

• Al Fanar Restaurant. Want to take a gastronomic journey back in time to Dubai in the 1960s, before the oil boom? Al Fanar is your gateway. Here, they don’t just cook authentic Emirati cuisine; they recreate flavors passed down through generations. Imagine the aromas of cardamom and saffron, tender lamb meat slowly braised for hours, and fluffy rice—this is honest, hearty, and incredibly fragrant food.

When you crave the best street food

• Pitfire Pizza. Local foodies argue until they’re hoarse, but many agree on one thing: this is where they bake the real, authentic New York-style pizza. Picture a huge slice you have to fold in half to eat. The thinnest dough, crispy yet slightly pliable, a "leopard-print" crust with fiery flecks, and a generous topping where gooey mozzarella competes for attention with spicy pepperoni.
• Pickl. Beware, these burgers are addictive! Pickl is an urban cult phenomenon, and rightly so. The secret is in the details: a perfectly cooked patty that oozes juice with every bite (no dryness here!), the softest brioche bun that soaks up all the juices without falling apart, and that signature secret sauce with just the right hint of spice, making you come back again and again.

For connoisseurs of fine asian cuisine

• Reif Kushiyaki. Innovative Japanese street food by star chef Reif Otman. Forget standard rolls. Reif takes familiar formats like ramen or sando sandwiches and turns them into a gastronomic spectacle with unexpected flavors and premium ingredients. His dishes are the reason foodies are willing to cross the entire city.
• BB Social Dining. Modern, bold, and incredibly social Asian cuisine. Their signature dish? Bao. Just imagine: snow-white, airy steamed dough that you bite into, revealing an explosion of flavor and texture inside—whether it's crispy chicken or tender beef. Perfect for sharing with friends... or eating it all yourself.

If you're looking for european classics

• Lana Lusa. A cozy corner of Lisbon in the heart of Dubai. This isn't just a restaurant—it's a teleportation to the sun-drenched streets of Portugal. Here, they prepare straightforward, soulful, and homestyle delicious food: juicy grilled seafood, aromatic stews, and, of course, their famous desserts. Food that feels like a warm hug.

A sweet finale and perfect coffee

• Brix. Dessert station by Chef Carmen Rivas—a place where diets humbly take a backseat. Forget about ordinary cakes. Here, you’ll find elegant dessert sculptures with mirrored glaze, unexpected textures (something crunchy, something melting), and complex, non-cloying flavors, where chocolate can pair with passion fruit, and caramel with sea salt. The perfect final note to your dinner.
• Boon Coffee. After such a feast, you’ll need the right coffee. Boon is all about coffee purists who specialize in select Ethiopian beans. Here, they’ll brew you a cup that will invigorate your taste buds with its intricate berry or floral aroma. This isn’t just caffeine—it’s a ritual and a worthy conclusion to your gastronomic journey.

More than just food: Atmosphere, views, and entertainment

Design and art installations: a modern loft with Arabic flair

The space at Time Out Market is a stylish loft where the cool smoothness of marble countertops meets the warmth of natural wood and the rugged shine of metal. Huge panoramic windows blur the boundary with the city, and in the evenings, the hall fills with the light of neon installations and whimsical shadows cast by designer lamps. The walls are adorned with works by local artists, adding an authentic Arabic touch to the space.

The main attraction: a terrace with views of Burj Khalifa and the fountains

From a daytime lunch to an evening party: how the atmosphere changes

• During the day: From 12:00 to 17:00, the atmosphere here is more relaxed and business-oriented. It’s the perfect time for a quiet lunch or an informal meeting, when you can leisurely explore all the corners without rushing.
• In the evening: After six o'clock, the calm daytime buzz gives way to the loud, energetic soundtrack of the big city. The air hums with hundreds of conversations, laughter, clinking glasses, and the rhythms of DJ sets. This is a place where energy is literally felt on your skin—an ideal prelude to a Dubai night.

Bars and live music: the heart of evening entertainment

The market area features three full-service bars, where mixologists craft both timeless classics and bold signature cocktails. In the evenings, especially on weekends (Friday and Saturday), the stage comes alive: you can hear everything from jazz improvisations to electrifying DJ sets that turn dinner into a real party.

Planning your visit: practical tips

Getting there and parking

• Location: Time Out Market is located on the 3rd floor of the Souk Al Bahar shopping complex in the very heart of Downtown Dubai.
• By metro: The nearest station is Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall. From there, a scenic 15-minute walk across the bridge will take you straight to Souk Al Bahar.
• By Taxi: Just tell the driver "Souk Al Bahar," and they'll understand.
• By Car: Guests of the market are provided with free parking on the premises of Souk Al Bahar.

Best time to visit

• For a quiet visit: Choose weekdays (Sunday through Thursday) from 12:00 to 17:00. There will be fewer people, allowing you to make your selections at your leisure.
• For vibrant experiences: Come in the evening on Friday or Saturday. Yes, it will be noisy and crowded, but this is when you’ll truly feel the city’s pulse, catch live music, and experience the most lively atmosphere.

Budget and prices

Entry to Time Out Market is completely free. You only pay for what you order. But be prepared: prices here are comparable to those of good city restaurants, not a mall food court. The average bill per person for a full dinner with a drink will be 120–200 AED.

Useful life hacks

• Lunch Deal & Happy Hour: To save money, seize the moment. On weekdays from 12:00 to 15:00, many stalls offer business lunches ("Lunch Deal") priced at 65–85 AED. And in bars, there’s a daily "Happy Hour" from 17:00 to 20:00 with discounts on drinks—perfect for kicking off your evening.
• Best photos: For the most stunning shots, head to the open terrace during the fountain show against the backdrop of the glowing Burj Khalifa. Inside, there are cool spots near stylish bars, neon installations, and art objects on the walls.

Our verdict: Why Time Out Market Dubai is a must-visit

Time Out Market is a concentrated experience of modern, cosmopolitan, and incredibly delicious Dubai. It’s a place where you can take a gastronomic trip around the world in a single evening without leaving a single building.

Pros:

• Unique concept: Quality guaranteed—only the city’s best restaurants, selected by experts.
• Dream location: Stunning views of the Burj Khalifa and the dancing fountains.
• Incredible variety: A selection that will satisfy even the pickiest group.
• Festive atmosphere: A stylish, dynamic space with live music and the energy of a metropolis.

Cons:

• Prices above average: This isn’t a budget dinner; it’s a full-fledged restaurant experience.
• Noise and bustle: During peak hours, it can get very crowded, and finding an available table turns into a quest.

A visit to Time Out Market is your very own gastronomic festival, where you decide for yourself which country’s cuisine to enjoy tonight and what soundtrack to set the mood. It’s the ideal spot for your first or last evening in town, allowing you to set the right tone for your entire trip or add a vibrant exclamation mark to it.