Dubai’s dining scene keeps getting better every year, and 2026 is no different. The winners of the Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards 2026 have now been announced, and JLT has plenty to celebrate.
This year, multiple restaurants across JLT took home wins and highly commended titles across a wide range of categories, reinforcing the neighbourhood’s position as one of Dubai’s top dining destinations. From French brasseries and Thai street food to budget bites and bold Pan-Asian concepts, JLT continues to deliver exceptional variety and quality.
Award-Winning Restaurants in JLT
Hawkerboi, The Park
Winner – Best Pan-Asian
Highly Commended – Casual Dining Restaurant
A vibrant restaurant inspired by Asian street markets, Hawkerboi serves bold, flavour-packed dishes designed for sharing. With colourful interiors and an energetic atmosphere, it has quickly become a go-to spot for group dining in JLT.
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CQ Brasserie, Cluster A
Winner – Casual Dining Restaurant of the Year
Highly Commended – Best French
A modern French brasserie that blends classic dishes with a relaxed neighbourhood feel, CQ Brasserie is a favourite for both business lunches and laid-back evening dining. From steak frites to seafood platters, the menu is complemented by a well-curated drinks selection and a lively atmosphere.
Pitfire Pizza, Cluster D
Winner – Best Pizzeria
A well-loved Dubai favourite known for its New York-style pizzas, Pitfire Pizza delivers thin, crispy bases with generous toppings and bold flavours. From classic pepperoni to creative specials, it remains a reliable choice for casual dining and quick, satisfying bites.
Kima Izakaya, Cluster R
Winner – Best Budget
A casual Japanese spot focusing on simple, fresh ingredients and grilled specialities, Kima Izakaya offers excellent value without compromising on quality. Its relaxed setting and consistently well-executed dishes make it a standout in the budget dining category.
Highly Commended Restaurants
Several JLT favourites also earned highly commended recognition this year, highlighting the depth and consistency of the neighbourhood’s dining scene. From long-standing community staples to hidden gems, these spots continue to deliver memorable dining experiences across cuisines.
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Fusión Ceviche (Best Americas & Caribbean) – A lively Peruvian concept known for its fresh ceviche, citrusy marinades and vibrant sharing plates.
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Mythos Kouzina & Grill (Best Greek) – A much-loved taverna-style restaurant serving authentic Greek dishes in a cosy, welcoming setting.
- Café Isan (Best Thai) – A hidden gem specialising in bold, regional Thai flavours, with a focus on traditional Isan cuisine.
Shortlisted Restaurants
JLT’s presence across the awards extends even further, with several restaurants making the shortlist across multiple categories:
- Bait Maryam (Best MENA shortlist)
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Vietnamese Foodies (Best Pan-Asian shortlist
- Pickl (Best Burger Bar shortlist)
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Franky’s Pizzeria (Best Pizzeria shortlist)
- McGettigan’s (Best Pub Food shortlist)
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The Black Sheep (Best Pub Food shortlist)
- Betawi (Best Budget shortlist)
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Dhaba Lane (Best Budget shortlist)
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San Wan Hand Pulled Noodles (Best Budget shortlist)
- Asian Street by Thai (Best Thai shortlist)
A dining neighbourhood that keeps evolving
What stands out this year is the sheer variety within JLT. Within just a few clusters, you can experience flavours from across the world, from Peru and Greece to Thailand and France, all within walking distance.
With multiple award-winning restaurants and a strong lineup of highly commended spots, JLT’s dining scene continues to evolve and impress. Whether you're planning a business lunch, a casual dinner or a weekend catch-up, there has never been a better time to explore what’s on your doorstep.
