These foodie spots challenge Italy in the pizza stakes.

Where to get the best pizza in the Middle East

Whether you’re partial to a deep pan, Roman-style squares or you’re a loyal thin and crispy fan, most of us can I agree on one thing – a mutual love for pizza.

One of Italy’s most famous foodie exports, the humble pie’s roots date back to 1889 when the first pizza is said to have been made to honour the Queen consort of Italy, Margherita of Savoy. Consisting of baked dough garnished with tomatoes and basil to represent the colours of the Italian flag, this foodie favourite has undoubtedly come a long way since with limitless options.

From stuffed crusts filled with melted cheese to gluten-free bases and a seemingly never-ending variety of toppings, we have tried them all to report back on the top three places for pizza fans to try across the Middle East. 

California Pizza Kitchen 

Serving up some of the tastiest slices in town, California Pizza Kitchen in Mall of the Emirates and City Centre Mirdif is a relaxed spot for all to enjoy and one of the best restaurants in Dubai to take your children.

The casual eatery is well loved for its classic Margherita (take your pick from either hand-tossed original crust or thin and crispy), but delve further into the vast menu and try the spicy chipotle chicken and fire-roasted vegetable options.

California Pizza Kitchen in Dubai

800 Degrees Neapolitan Pizza Dubai

Whipped up fresh using high-quality ingredients shipped straight from Naples, 800 Degrees Neapolitan Pizza is one of the best places to grab an authentic slice of pie. 

Build your pizza from an extensive selection of toppings (think rosemary turkey and smoked provolone) or opt for baked pasta, burratas, salads or grilled meat mains. We’ve chomped our way through the entire menu, and we’re delighted customers!

Find 800 Degrees Neapolitan Pizza located in Mall of the Emirates and City Centre Me'aisem.

800 Degrees Neapolitan Pizza Dubai in Mall of the Emirates

Pizza Hut

You just cannot go wrong with a round of pizzas at this ultimate cheat-day foodie spot. We are long-time lovers of the too-tasty-to-resist super supreme pizza – an indulgent doughy bite loaded with toppings and stuffed with a melted cheese crust. 

Pizza Hut is located in Mall of the Emirates, Mall of Egypt, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Sharjah, City Centre Ajman, City Centre Qurum, City Centre Deira, City Centre Muscat, City Centre Alexandria and City Centre Maadi

Article Source: https://www.malloftheemirates.com/blog/dining/foodie-edit-3-of-the-best-pizza-places-in-the-middle-east

There’s a reason these favourite dishes are Insta-famous.

The best restaurants in Dubai

Thirty years ago there was just a handful of restaurants in Dubai. Fast-forward to 2018 and the culinary options are now endless and challenge any other major city on the foodie front.

We have taken on the task of working our way through all the best restaurants in Dubai to report back on the current top three meals you must try immediately. 

If you’re not hungry right now, you definitely will be after reading this.


Din Tai Fung

Din Tai Fung at Mall of the Emirates, Dubai

One of Taiwan’s most famous restaurant chains, Din Tai Fung can now be found in Dubai’s Mall of the Emirates. There is a reason it was ranked as one of the world’s Top Ten Best Restaurants by The New York Times – it does the most delicious dumplings we have ever tried. Also known for their out-of-this-world wontons and chow mein, a meal here will be one to remember. 

Menu must-try: Their famous XiaoLongBao, a chicken and crab dumpling. 


Gourmet Burger Kitchen

Gourmet Burger Kitchen at City Centre Mirdif, Dubai

Sometimes we all need to sit down and devour a well-earned cheat meal. If you’re on the hunt for the perfect feast-day meal, look no further than Gourmet Burger Kitchen in City Centre Mirdif. This foodie chain serves uploaded buns filled with top-quality meat and fresh toppings. GBK also offers plenty of tasty side dishes and appetisers, including halloumi bites, hot wings and chargrilled chicken skewers. 

Menu must-try: You cannot go wrong with the Jalapeno Overload Burger – it will be well worth every single minute spent working it off on the treadmill. 


Tribes 

Tribes restaurant at Mall of the Emirates, Dubai

Tribes in Mall of the Emirates has become a firm favourite on the UAE foodie map. Expect exotic flavours and super fresh ingredients in the form of lavish meaty platters, fish skewers and curries. The African-themed restaurant also serves up yummy salads and sandwiches if you fancy a lighter bite.

Menu must-try: Do not leave without sampling the beef ribs. 

Texas Roadhouse

Texas Roadhouse restaurant at City Centre Deira, Dubai

Expect all your meaty favourites at Texas Roadhouse in City Centre Deira. This child-friendly eatery offers up plates piled high with hand-cut steaks, juicy rib racks, oven roasted chicken and grilled shrimp. The casual Western-themed atmosphere combined with the mouth-watering BBQ dishes make this a real crowd-pleaser for the whole family. 

Menu must-try: The grilled to perfection New York Strip steak.

The little ones will love eating out at these fun and tasty venues.




From Neapolitan-style pizzas to all-you-can-eat stacks of pancakes, we reveal the very best places to fill up hungry bellies at malls across Dubai and the wider Middle East.

Whether you’re looking for a quick pit stop to grab a bite on the go or a sit-down feast with the whole family, these venues offer something to suit all occasions and taste buds.

Bon appetite!


The Cheesecake Factory

This popular American important attracts the masses, and for good reason – The Cheesecake Factory Dubai’s menu is vast, as is the restaurant space, which overlooks the snowy slopes of Ski Dubai at Mall of the Emirates. Despite the sprawling size, the décor is warm and cosy with big banquet booths, amber lighting and more than enough seating options to suit your group.

Foodie highlights (and be prepared as portions are huge) include the spicy buffalo chicken bites, crispy crab wontons, California guacamole salad, and famous factory salad, while the little ones will love the roadside sliders and mini corn dogs from the children’s menu.

There is also a glass display cabinet by the entrance displaying a seemingly never-ending array of specialty cheesecakes, so don’t even think about not sneaking in a slice – it will be well worth the calories.

The Cheesecake Factory is located at Mall of the Emirates.

IHOP

As the name would suggest the International House of Pancakes (IHOP) is THE place to get a great stack of pancakes. Aside from golden pancakes topped with everything from blueberry compote to white chocolate chips, the casual eatery also serves up a broad selection of breakfast bites, juicy burgers, melted sandwiches and quesadillas. If you fancy taking the healthier route, opt for one of the fresh salads loaded with greens, grilled lean meats or the soup of the day.

While the menu is already super child-friendly, there is also a specialised kiddie section with create-a-face pancakes, mac ‘n’ cheese and chicken strips.

IHOP is located at Mall of the Emirates and City Centre Bahrain.

800 Degrees Neapolitan Pizzeria

Chow down on some of the best slices in town at 800 Degrees Neapolitan Pizzeria Dubai. Soft, chewy and perfectly topped, the pizzas are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Take your pick from three different bases (thin crust, gluten-free or our pick – original Neapolitan) and load up the fresh ingredients, which includes beef carpaccio, classic pepperoni, gourmet ricotta, and over 20 different types of veggies.

You’ll also find plenty of other options aside from cheesy pies, such as tomato and pesto burrata, homemade pasta and lamb shank.

Kids’ meal deals ring in at just AED35 and include a choice of margarita pizza, creamy penne pasta or tomato spaghetti wash down with fresh orange juice and scoop of gelato to finish the feast.

800 Degrees Neapolitan Pizzeria is located at Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Me’aisem, and City Centre Deira.