Bringing you all the best hotspots in Dubai, our editor-approved guide to another bustling hotspot is back. This time featuring Dubai Design District (D3).
As the region’s hub for design, fashion and culture, this community inspires talented individuals to constantly think outside the box.
From all the luxe eateries to enticing shopping avenues, has curated a guide for where you need to go on your next visit.
Restaurants & Cafés
Café Otaku
Offering authentic Japanese cuisine in the heart of Dubai Design District, Otaku embodied the philosophy of home throughout its layout. From a welcoming entrance to modern aesthetics, the café celebrates the minimal elements throughout the experience. Known for their speciality coffee and delicious Japanese pancakes, the café reflects the overarching simplicity of Japanese design. It’s open daily from 8am to 11pm.
Home Bakery Kitchen
Known for its wide range of irresistible desserts and seasonal savoury dishes, Home Bakery continues to have an undisputed reputation for authentic offerings. From their delicious chewy melts to fresh chocolate fondants, there’s more than enough on the menu to relish, whether you dine with your friends or family. Looking to continuously experiment with new flavours, the list on the menu keeps growing. Located in building 7, it’s open daily from 7:30am to 12am.
The Lighthouse
This restaurant and concept store sits at the intersection of food, creativity and design. With a menu focusing on Mediterranean-inspired delights, guests can choose from a myriad of dishes prepared with fresh seasonal produce. By incorporating the principles of fresh eating, each dish is prepared with nothing but the best ingredients. Adding to the venue’s charm is a minimal shop that boasts a handpicked selection of gifting merchandise including glassware, travel and lifestyle accessories by a pool of unique designers. Located in building 6, it’s open daily 8am to 4pm and Sunday to Wednesday 6pm to 9:45pm, Thursday and Friday 6pm to 10:45pm and Saturday 6pm to 10:30pm.
Joe & the Juice
With the flagship store found in d3, this popular Danish concept emanates a vibrant, uplifting environment where guests can savour their mouthwatering sandwiches and juices. For bites, Joe & The Juice serve up salad bowls, breakfast bowls, and sandwiches including spicy tuna and Joe’s Club a signature chicken, avocado and vegan pesto delight. Vegans, try the green bowl and avocado sandwich. With an in-store retail section, visitors can purchase various cups, coffee capsule sand more.
Akiba Dori
Adding to Dubai’s unique dining scene, the trendy restaurant has a range of classics inspired by Tokyo. From Neapolitan pizza to a licensed food hall-style indoor alleyway, the options are endless in this unique haven. With hints of the anime culture of Akihabara in Tokyo infused there’s more than enough for everyone who visits. Located in building 8, it’s open daily from 12pm onwards.
One Life Café & Kitchen
With an all-in-one combined co-working space, catering company, coffee roaster and restaurant, this quality-driven café offers nutrient-dense meals to all its visitors. With plenty of options to suit your nights, the kitchen ensures fresh and natural ingredients are always its core feature. From freelancers to wanderers, the place is open to all. Located in building 5, it’s open daily from 8am to 10pm.
The Espresso Lab
Leaving no bean unturned, this coffee haven lets guests embark refreshing journey. With a deep-rooted culture of innovation, the café continues to source, prep and serve the very best characteristics of each variety. From aromatic flavours to bringing the technical knowledge of the baristas to the table, there’s an intense drive for perfection that runs deep in the concept’s DNA.
The Host
This one-of-a-kind concept is a luxe space bringing world-class food, deserts and service caterings for small intimate gatherings or large formal events. With a chic minimal aesthetic, this haven truly brings something different to the market, with the purpose of celebrating special moments together. Located in building 8, it’s open from Thursday to Saturday 9am to 11pm and Sunday to Wednesday 8am to 10pm.
Shops
Mrs. Keepa
Designed to bring out a woman’s edgy side, each piece is an avant-garde modern interpretation of previous eras’ glamour. Without following seasonal trends, each eclectic silhouette embodies a vintage spirit, making its mark in the fashion industry. By incorporating sustainable elements, the brand is mindful of the environment and any ethical practices. Located in building 6, it’s open daily from 10am to 7pm, except on Friday.
Kristina Fidelskaya
The luxurious ready-to-wear fashion label is known for its intricate leather-cut pieces, bold silhouettes are structured suits. Presenting pieces that can seamlessly be worn from day to night, the brand has all the pieces that best fit your new season wardrobe. Both the office and showroom are situated in building 7 and it’s open daily from 9am to 5pm except on Friday and Saturday.
Maison Yeya
From haute couture to delicately embroidered bridal pieces, this Egyptian label is one of the most prominent brands in the industry. With pieces designed for any special occasion, visitors can shop for pieces that cater to each and every clientele. Known for their functional yet powerful designs, each piece strives to embody the qualities of a modern independent woman. With its headquarters located in D3, it’s open daily from 10am to 6pm, except on Friday.
Maison Des Fleurs
Born to express your love for any special occasion, this bespoke floral boutique has a wide range of bouquets under one roof. From fresh flowers to luxe arrangements, visitors can choose one that best suits their needs. Whether a corporate occasion or a set up for an event, this space offers the best in floristry, all under one roof. Located in building 1, it’s open daily from 10am to 10pm.
Fitness
The Warehouse Gym
To ensure your fitness regime is on track, Warehouse Gym offers a wide range of facilities for you to stay motivated no matter what time of the day you visit. From bodybuilding to a CrossFit area, guests can enjoy the services to reach their fitness goals. There’s even a juice bar for visitors to refresh themselves after a class or workout session. Located in building 8, it’s open from Sunday to Thursday 6am to 10pm and Friday to Saturday 7am to 5pm.
Design School
Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI)
For an immersive experience, this design university offers students the opportunity to learn and grow in an innovative environment. From product design to fashion design, this research-based learning mechanism develops pioneers who solve complex problems with a future-oriented mindset. To inspire the next generation of learners, the university has also tied up with international institutions including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Parsons School of Design.
