Ribambelle Dubai — Restaurant in Dubai

A delightful experience until the unclear bill arrived…. Whilst we had a positive experience eating here, and there was nothing negative to say about the food, service or the opportunity for the children. I cannot give anywhere near 5 stars due to the ridiculous vagueness around the minimum spend and the children’s access fees. The restaurant states a minimum of spend of 200aed per person and that kids are 200aed which includes use of the play area (150aed) and the crafts/workshop areas (50aed). We were a table of 4 (2/2) meaning our minimum spend was 800aed as stated by the hostess. However what is not stated, nor clear, is the children’s fee of 200 is actually part of the minimum spend. Therefore meaning we only needed to spend 500aed to meet the required table spend. Our understanding was we needed to spend 800aed and then the children’s play fee would be “redeemed” against the minimum spend (similar to how many beach club/hotel pool entry fees etc work). So we enjoyed our food, enjoyed our time whilst the kids played and painted, and spent over the 800aed required. To our shock, we then receive our bill that has an additional 300aed on it as the charge for the 2 kids play session. Even then waitress, host and manager could not explain the situation for clarity and shared that this has happened lots of times, instead referring me to information on the website and the emails received (I include this below). In “good faith” they then offer us two free children’s entries for our next visit, but that this would mean we would still be required to meet the minimum spend limit of 800 aed as a family of 4. I understand they do this in order to stop people paying for the play sessions and just ordering a coffee, but the phrasing of this system needs much work on its clarity and the provision of examples of how the system works, not using “language barriers” as a reason why they haven’t made it clear. This leave us in an awkward position where we would have recommended to others with children, but not we feel like we do not want to because this situation has unfortunately tainted our visit on what was an enjoyable afternoon and lovely meal.

Website wording: Minimum spend per child (12 months+): 200 AED (150 AED for playground, 50 AED for food/workshops). Minimum spend per adult: 200 AED for food & beverages. Applies to bookings...

The worst event coordination ive seen in my life. Although the event team is Huge and my event was Tiny. I tried to organize a small lunch party thinking i would avoid overwhelming event.. (for adults n kids) for just 7 kids n 8 adults. A nice guy Pavel gave me from his time 2-3 hours to take note about promising details. Nothing was executed because they had a bigger event next to us. N other birthday oarties.. The girls who tried to coordinate 1 night before (Sarah and..co) failed to communicate in a nice manner..she couldnt handle the proper info from Pavel (even the simplest one like kids meals) ,she tried even to give me a false quotation 1 night before.. when we arrived, i was surprised with a different colour of balloon, different table set up, pavel was not there, Sarah doesnt know anY Info … no one handled the kids and took them to the slime workshop. I had to visit her downstairs so she tells me “oh the slime workshop started and will finish soon..”:D i was ridiculously left out.. The kitchen and floor team (Aaref who tried his best) and manager maxim tried to fix these mistakes by offering extra dessert? :) but no oNe had the authority to Pay back their mistakes. Hostesses dont offer or remind you about validation!:) Only pastry or cashier team reminded us to pay a 5 aed difference for a mistake they miscalculated 🤦🏻‍♀️ the Managerial authority and generosity is ridiculously absent… I was extremely disappointed with this place after hearing good things about it. Not Recommended for Birthdays At All.. No coordination between Teams, no Authority whatsover from any...

The food was lovely overall, though the kids’ meal didn’t quite live up to expectations. Given the high prices, I feel the quality of the children’s options could be improved. Next time, I’d probably skip the kids’ menu and order something from the main menu for my child instead.

The play area, however, is absolutely fantastic. They’ve got dedicated staff playing with the children, plus a great selection of toys, books, and board games. We went midweek, and it was pleasantly quiet—though I can imagine it’s much busier on weekends!

A really thoughtful touch: my son was given not just a booster seat, but also a soft toy for back support—so sweet! The space is beautifully decorated with real plants and little trees, which gives it such a peaceful, earthy vibe.

The staff were all incredibly warm—like, extra friendly—and my son had such a great time playing. I also appreciated the smart family-friendly details, like the separate sinks for adults and kids just outside the toilets, making handwashing easy before meals. Even in the restroom, they’d thought of everything, including a spare nappy box with a kind little note—just in case.

It’s a place that really puts thought into the family experience—and that makes all the difference. I’d happily return!

One small note: I saw a summer offer on Instagram (70% off the playground or 30% off the menu), but no one mentioned it when we visited. It’s a bit disappointing considering how pricey everything is. A gentle reminder at the counter would’ve been...