The circular neighborhood of Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) boasts an array of cozy, home-grown eateries that are worth exploring. From fusion Asian dishes to authentic Thai food, JVC offers a culinary adventure for every palate. Here are nine Restaurants in JVC you should definitely check out.
1. Socialicious
A hidden gem in JVC, Socialicious offers a variety of fusion Asian dishes. You can’t go wrong with their Thai curries, available in red and green varieties with options for chicken, seafood, and vegetables. Their beef rendang and Burmese mutton curry are also highly recommended.
For fusion options, try their selection of baos – from shiitake mushroom to prawn tempura – or their waffles with fried chicken. The restaurant is cozy, with an outdoor seating area featuring greenery and hanging lightbulbs, making it perfect for the cooler months. They also have an extensive tea menu, including black, oolong, and blooming teas.
Opening Hours: Daily, 11am to 11.30pm
Location: Condor Castle Residence, District Circle 2, JVC
Contact: 04 240 0204
Website: socialicious.cafe
2. The Desert Wok
If you’re craving Chinese and Indo-Chinese food, The Desert Wok is the place to go. This quaint joint is popular among residents for dishes like chicken lollipops, crunchy beef, and mixed fried rice.
The interiors feature long booths that can get full quickly, so takeaway is a good option if you live nearby. Popular dishes include Shanghai noodles, stir-fried dry chili prawns, and Szechuan-style chicken or vegetables.
Opening Hours:
Saturday to Thursday, 11.30am-11.30pm
Friday, 1.30pm-11.30pm
Location: Hassan Building, District 13
Contact: 04 447 5022
Website: thedesertwok.com
3. Sticky Rice
Sticky Rice has a cult following for its authentic Thai food. Run by Emirati Mo Abedin and his late Thai mother Amena Rakkuson, the restaurant offers delicious dishes like spicy tom yum soup and pad Thai.
Despite a challenging year in 2020, Sticky Rice reopened with a larger seating area and its mascot, a plush toy named Kew. Be sure to ask for their specials, which include unique dishes like Mama’s sankaya pandan custard and Hainanese chicken on rice. They also offer plant-based meat dishes and popular soft serves.
Opening Hours: Daily, noon to 10pm
Location: Sobha Daffodil, JVC
Contact: 04 580 8350
Website: stickyrice.ae
4. Nalini’s Kitchen
For healthy home-style Indian food, head to Nalini’s Kitchen. Founded by home chef turned entrepreneur Nalini Sodhi Iyer, the restaurant offers a variety of breakfast options, including avocado toast and millet upma.
The extensive menu features both Indian and Western favorites with a healthy twist, such as Thai red salmon curry and rajma chawal. They also offer vegetarian and non-vegetarian thali options for a value-for-money meal.
Opening Hours:
Sunday to Thursday, 10am-11pm
Friday to Saturday, 9.30am-11pm
Closed Mondays
Location: Maple 1, Emirates Gardens 2, District 14, JVC
Contact: 04 276 4376
Website: naliniskitchen.ae
5. McCafferty’s
McCafferty’s is a traditional Irish pub that opened its first Dubai branch in September. Located on the rooftop of Circle Mall, it offers great views and a kitsch setting featuring antiques and an old telephone box.
The menu includes hearty pies, pizzas, burgers, and steak. We recommend the loaded chips with options like 24-hour smoked mesquite brisket and McCafferty’s Irish chicken curry. They also offer a Friday brunch and a traditional Irish Gaeilge night every Wednesday. Booking in advance is recommended as it gets busy on weekends.
Opening Hours: Daily, 11am-2am
Location: Circle Mall
Contact: 055 784 9220
Website: mccaffertysjvc.com
6. Goose Island Tap House
Chicago-born Goose Island made its Dubai debut at Five Jumeirah Village hotel. The vibe is laid-back with TVs streaming popular games, pool tables, and a golf simulator for those who fancy a few swings.
The menu features a wide range of pizzas and burgers, and vegans can enjoy dishes like caul-me vegan cauliflower wings. End your meal with a jumbo ice cream sandwich designed to share.
Opening Hours:
Sunday to Wednesday, 4pm-2am
Thursday, 4pm-3am
Friday, 12.30pm-3am
Saturday, noon-2am
Location: Five Jumeirah Village
Contact: 04 455 9989
7. The Coffee Mug
Don’t be deceived by its simple name; The Coffee Mug is a fusion Korean eatery offering Korean-style poke bowls, spicy chicken wings, barbecue items, and banchan. Their gimbap, a dish of rice, veggies, and meat rolled in dried seaweed, is a must-try.
Opening Hours:
Saturday to Thursday, 10am-10pm
Friday closed
Location: Gardenia 2, Emirates Gardens 1, JVC
Contact: 04 557 7691
Website: coffeemugnmore.com
8. Tasty Burger
Located next to The Coffee Mug, Tasty Burger is a hole-in-the-wall joint offering classic cafeteria food like fried rice, noodles, and shawarma. With limited outdoor seating, it’s more popular for takeaways and late-night orders, especially for shawarma and chai.
Opening Hours: Daily, 7am-1am
Location: Gardenia 2, JVC
Contact: 04 443 4735
9. Soul Street
Soul Street is an Insta-worthy restaurant offering a mix of street food from around the world. The menu features dishes like tandoori empanadas, nasi goreng, lotus crisps, kale fattoush, and shrimp kushiyaki.
With indoor and outdoor seating, live music from a resident DJ, and a popular Nomad brunch, Soul Street is a lively spot. In the evenings, it transforms into a vibrant nightlife venue.
Location: Five Jumeirah Village
Contact: Check hotel website for more details.
Conclusion – Restaurants in JVC
Jumeirah Village Circle is a hidden culinary treasure in Dubai, offering a wide range of dining options that cater to every taste. From the fusion flavors of Socialicious to the authentic Thai dishes at Sticky Rice, there’s something for everyone in JVC. Whether you’re a resident or just visiting, make sure to explore these unique Restaurants in JVC and enjoy the diverse food scene.
FAQs
- What are the best Restaurants in JVC?
Some of the best restaurants in JVC include Socialicious, The Desert Wok, Sticky Rice, and Nalini’s Kitchen. - Are there any vegetarian restaurants in JVC?
Yes, Nalini’s Kitchen offers a variety of vegetarian options, including vegetarian thali. - What type of cuisine can I find at Goose Island Tap House?
Goose Island Tap House offers a range of pizzas, burgers, and vegan options like cauliflower wings. - Is Soul Street suitable for a lively evening out?
Absolutely, with its live music, vibrant atmosphere, and diverse menu, Soul Street is perfect for a fun night out. - Do any JVC restaurants offer takeout options?
Yes, many Restaurants in JVC like The Desert Wok and Tasty Burger offer takeout options for convenience.
