From homegrown success stories to beloved neighbourhood gems, the ‘Best of JLT’ Awards recognise the culinary hotspots shaping JLT’s eclectic food culture
DMCC, the master developer behind Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT), has announced the winners of its inaugural ‘Best of JLT Awards’, celebrating the standout restaurants, cafés, and culinary concepts that make the neighbourhood one of Dubai’s most dynamic dining destinations.
Developed as a leading district to work and live, JLT has evolved into a renowned dining destination in its own right. Across its vibrant clusters, independent eateries, specialty coffee spots and relaxed neighbourhood bistros offer an increasingly diverse range of culinary experiences and have helped shape Dubai’s ever-evolving dining scene. The ‘Best of JLT Awards’ celebrate this evolution, recognising community favourites across five categories, with over 7,700 votes cast across the various rounds. Winners were selected by those who know the neighbourhood best – its residents, visitors, and wider culinary community.
And the winners are…
Best Restaurant
CQ French Brasserie
Founded by husband-and-wife duo Ziad and Rowan Kamel, following Ziad’s 10-year journey as a founder and operator of Couqley in JLT, CQ launched in 2025 as an entirely independent concept. Taking over the former Couqley location, the brasserie brings a fresh take on classic French dining to the neighbourhood. Inspired by Parisian café culture, the menu features French favourites including Steak Frites, Escargots, and Pain Perdu, complemented by a relaxed atmosphere and warm hospitality.
Best Bar
McGettigan’s
With roots dating back to 1964, McGettigan’s was founded by Irish hospitality veteran Jim McGettigan, with his son Dennis later bringing the brand to Dubai. The first McGettigan’s outside Ireland opened in JLT in 2010, quickly becoming a popular social hub and establishing the brand’s presence in the UAE. Known for its Irish hospitality, live entertainment, sports, and food, McGettigan’s has since grown into an international group with venues across the UAE and beyond. Its JLT location remains an established part of the district’s dining and social scene.
Best Asian
Hawkerboi
Initially founded in Dubai as a series of sell-out secret supper clubs, Hawkerboi quickly built a loyal following with its bold take on South-East Asian hawker food. In 2023, the concept opened its first permanent home in JLT, bringing its street-food-inspired dishes to The Park. Inspired by the flavours of Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, Hawkerboi combines fresh ingredients, aromatic spices, and bold flavours. Its distinctive atmosphere and open kitchen create an energetic dining experience that has helped establish it as a standout part of JLT’s culinary scene.
Best Casual Eats
Pitfire Pizza
Founded in Dubai by husband-and-wife duo Michele and Bill Johnson, Pitfire Pizza opened in JLT in 2016, becoming part of the district’s growing culinary scene. Known for its wood-fired pizzas, handmade dough, and bold, generous toppings, the homegrown brand has expanded across Dubai and into Abu Dhabi, with eight dine-in locations and three delivery-only branches. In 2026, Pitfire celebrated 10 years and almost 4 million pizzas served, evolving from a neighbourhood pizzeria into a much-loved UAE brand while retaining its independent spirit and strong community focus.
Best Hidden Gem
Autograph Deli
Autograph Deli has become a popular neighbourhood spot in JLT, offering a relaxed take on all-day dining with a menu spanning fresh salads, hearty mains, sandwiches, wraps, freshly baked pastries, and speciality coffee. Located in Silver Tower, Autograph Deli has become part of JLT’s everyday dining scene, offering a convenient and welcoming destination for breakfast, lunch, coffee, and casual meals.
Considered an incubator for homegrown culinary talent, JLT has been the launchpad for several of Dubai’s most iconic dining concepts. Household names including Vietnamese Foodies, Pickl, Wokyo, and Maiz Tacos all started as local cluster favourites before expanding across the emirate.
These trailblazers sit alongside a lineup of long-standing community staples, such as CQ French Brasserie, Pitfire Pizza, Bait Maryam, Mythos, McGettigan’s, and Nola Eatery & Social House – creating a lively, ever evolving food scene where there is always something new to taste.
Paul Ashton, Chief Property Officer at DMCC, said: “The dining scene in JLT has played a defining role in making the destination what it is today. Our food scene stands out for its diversity, from passionate independent operators to homegrown brands that have grown into citywide staples. The Best of JLT Awards are all about celebrating the talented people behind these venues and inviting everyone across Dubai to discover what makes dining in JLT so special.”
The awards mark another highlight in DMCC’s ongoing efforts of community-led lifestyle initiatives. It follows the success of the inaugural ‘Taste JLT’ earlier this summer, a two-week culinary showcase that brought together 30 participating restaurants offering exclusive curated menus, attracting thousands of diners from across the JLT community and wider Dubai.
