Dubai Fountain Restaurants - Dining with a View

The Dubai Fountain – the world’s largest choreographed fountain – is set on Burj Khalifa Lake in Downtown Dubai. Its dramatic water shows run every 30 minutes in the evenings (6 pm–11 pm daily) and also at midday (1:00–1:30 pm, with Friday shows at 1:30–2:00 pm). Many Dubai fountain restaurants around the Dubai Mall, Souk Al Bahar, and adjacent hotels offer prime views of the fountain and the Burj Khalifa skyline. Below is a guide to the top Dubai fountain restaurants, their cuisine styles, dress codes, price ranges, and tips on getting the best seat.(Note: the fountain is temporarily closed for renovation from 19 April until 30 September 2025, reopening on 1 October 2025.)

Dubai Fountain Show Times and Viewing

The Dubai Fountain has music and light shows every thirty minutes and twice every night. The first show of the night starts at 6:00 pm and the last one ends at 11:00 pm. When the temperature is lower, the afternoon shows at around 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm are also there on weekdays. People can see the show free of charge because the fountain is located in a public park. People can have a wonderful time out there on the Waterfall Boardwalk and on boats. Passengers, while eating, go to the fountain and watch from restaurants near the fountain. The fountain will be closed for updating from April to September 2025. The anticipation will help the tourists achieve it successfully.

According to them, other promising spots to watch the show are the following:

The Dubai Mall Promenade
The floating boardwalk on Burj Lake
Traditional boats of the abra type on the Burj Lake.

Top 10 Dubai Fountain Restaurants

1. Thiptara – Thai Fine Dining

Thiptara at Palace Downtown is one of the most famous Dubai fountain restaurants with a beautiful view. Thiptara's name implies "water from heaven." It feels very romantic for many couples who come here. This place serves authentic Thai food. They have curries, seafood, and royal dishes on their menu. The food is delicious and the place is very elegant. The outdoor area provides an amazing view of the Dubai Fountain show.

Location: Palace Downtown, near Burj Lake
Specialty: Royal Thai curry and seafood
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, from 6:00 pm to 11:30 pm
Price: Very high, about 520 AED for two persons
Dress Code: Smart casual

2. Armani/Amal – Indian Fine Dining

Armani/Amal is an upscale Indian restaurant at the Burj Khalifa. Amazing outdoor views are available to the visitors at the restaurant. These tables overlook the Dubai Fountain and the high-rise buildings of Downtown Dubai. New-style Indian curries, grilled foods, and special drinks are the main food items that this restaurant serves.

Location: Armani Hotel, Burj Khalifa
Better Food Choices: Indian curries and grilled foods
Opening Times: Every day from 6:30 PM to 11:30 PM
Price: Pretty expensive, 570 AED for two people at least
What to Wear: Smart and fashionable clothes

3. Asado – Argentine Grill

Asado is an Argentine restaurant in Palace Downtown. The food here has an authentic taste of Argentine cuisine. The list includes mouthwatering steaks and grilled fish. The setting is looking very much like a rustic barn, and people observe the cooking. Through this field, guests are able to view the Burj Khalifa and the moving fountain. It's a good place for meat lovers who are trying to experience the food of a different country.

Place: Palace Downtown
Best food: Argentine steaks and grilled foods
Hours: Every day from 6:00 PM to 11:30 PM
Price: Medium, main dishes cost 110-185 AED
Dress Code: Nice but not too fancy clothes

4. Wafi Gourmet – Lebanese Dining

Wafi Gourmet is a Lebanese restaurant in the Dubai Mall. The food is served in large portions, and there is no such thing as a reasonable selling price. Families love this restaurant. In and out dining areas are available. The menu has many small dishes, grilled meats, and fresh fruit drinks. The restaurant remains open until late, allowing people to have their suppers here on weekends.

Place: Lower Ground, Dubai Mall
Best food: Lebanese small dishes and grilled foods
Open times: Every day from 10:00 AM to 1:00 AM
Price: Not too high
What to wear: Everyday clothes

5. Joe’s Café – Casual International Café

Joe's Café is a chill-out cafe located in the Fashion Avenue of the Dubai Mall. The café is a fusion of casual and finesse. The outdoors is vast and offers a clear view of the fountain and Burj Khalifa. Those who are hungry can choose everything from the different cuisines, desserts, and coffee. They bring their families or friends together. This site is very suitable for people who do not like to be too formal when visiting the fountain.

Location: Level 1, Fashion Avenue, Dubai Mall
Specialty: Pastries and international café menu
Open times: Every day from 9:00 AM to 12:00 AM (1:00 AM on weekends)
Price: Not too high, about 405 AED for two people
Dress Code: Casual

6. Carluccio’s – Italian Trattoria

Carluccio's is a restaurant offering pizzas, pasta, and ice cream in a variety of options that are all Italian. It is on the ground floor, and it has an outside area right in front of the fountain. The ambience has a fuss-free concept of getting much-needed sleep for families and tourists. Non-foodies with a tight budget prefer this place. The location is pretty and intimate, it is a very casual one, yet a lot of data savings can be enjoyed when compared to the other expensive Dubai fountain restaurants.

Location: Lower Ground, Dubai Mall
Specialty: Pizza, pasta, and gelato
Hours: Daily, mall opening hours
Price: Low–mid (AED 50–70 per main)
Dress Code: Casual

7. Karma Kafé – Pan-Asian Dining

Karma Kafé is located in Souk Al Bahar, across the bridge from Dubai Mall. It offers stylish interiors and a long terrace that overlooks the fountain directly. The menu mixes Asian flavors with international touches, from sushi to curries. The lively atmosphere makes it popular for groups and evening outings.

Location: Souk Al Bahar, Level 3
Specialty: Sushi, dim sum, curries
Hours: Daily evenings
Price: Low to medium, 50-70 AED for each main dish
Dress Code: Smart casual

8. Social House – International Casual Dining

Social House is located in the Dubai Mall. It has a really nice outside space with a view of a fountain. Many families are among those who like this place. The restaurant has a wide menu of burgers, pasta, and Asian food. Companies, kids, and tourists are the ones who are happy to eat there, along with the panoramic view.

Location: Level 1, Dubai Mall
Specialty: International comfort food
Hours: Daily, all-day dining
Price: Mid, around AED 200–300 per person
Dress Code: Casual

9. 99 Sushi Bar – Japanese Fusion

There are 99 Sushi Bar and Address Downtown Hotel. The place looks futuristic. The open-air area of the restaurant gives a clear view of Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain. The visitors mainly come for good sushi, beef, and mixed plates. Most people select this spot for their corporate dinners and romantic dates.

Location: Address Downtown Hotel
Specialty: Sushi and Japanese fusion plates
Hours: Daily, 12:00 pm–12:00 am
Price: High, about AED 500 for two
Dress Code: Smart casual

10. Neos – Rooftop Lounge Bar

Neos is on top of the 63rd floor of the Address Downtown hotel. Its elevated position provides an unobstructed view of the fountain. Neos does not concentrate on food and meals anymore, but is transformed into a party venue. It serves cocktails and small-sized finger foods only. Visitors prefer to be at the top and witness the fountain show. They are also involved in the live music that takes place in the cool environment. Neos is the ideal choice for night celebrities who desire spectacular views.

Location: 63rd Floor, Address Downtown
Specialty: Cocktails and lounge bites
Hours: Daily, 5:00 pm–2:30 am
Price: Mid (snacks AED 90–200)
Dress Code: Business casual

Tips for Fountain-View Dining

Reservations:

You should make a reservation for the Thiptara, Armani/Amal, Asado, 99 Sushi, and Neos. Casual restaurants have a space for walk-ins, like Joe's, Carluccio's, and Wafi. Special mention should be "beautiful view" seats when booking.

Best Viewing:

Dubai Fountain Boardwalk (needs ticket)
Boat rides on the lake
Waterside dining: fun + food

Fountain Closure:

Closed: Mid-April to end-Sept 2025

In winter, the fountains open, but without the fancy light effects. Therefore, no dance and lyric sessions, they just turn on and off.

Conclusion

Dubai has a lot of restaurants near the fountains where you can eat. Those are such as fancy Thai and Indian restaurants, and also cafes that are suitable for families. All of these places provide a unique opportunity for people to see the water and light shows. Eating at these places is a different feeling. To enjoy the fountain views at their highest, people should think in advance, wear the right clothes, and book their tables.