The Market Island — Restaurant in Dubai

Enthusiastic after seeing the video on Social Media drove half town to get there and be disappointed. The place aims to be a copy ( at a larger scale) of a similar food court but unlike that one , the food concepts here let a lot down. I will not speak of all of them , as we didn't try everything. The biggest disappointment was the korean one , in particular the ramen. We order a Shin ramen and chicken in teriyaki sauce ( can't remember the exact name in the menu) We've been asked about level of spiciness , so it seemed to be well thought through. Once I went to pick up the order I realised something was not right with the ramen, it smelled like cup noodles and the dehydrated carrots were greeting me still half soaked. I tried to eat it but couldn't get the idea of my head that this is just a cup noodle. Moved to the chicken it was spicy as hell, though we clearly said not spicy (at this point I wonder how spicy would be like) . So with empty stomach decided to approach and question the food quality we reviewed , considering we paid for both dishes aprox 130 aed. We were informed that indeed Shin ramen it is a packed cup noodle ramen and for this dish only they are using the noodles but for all the others in their menu thy do hand made noodles. They offered to replace so we got another bowl. I wish I could say it was better but things didn't get any better. We got a bowl of soup, noodles, carrots, broccoli and a piece of chicken.I have never seen a ramen with carrots and broccoli. Useless to say we could not eat that Overall the experience was terrible and to think you go to a food court and pay 60 aed for a cup noodle worth 5.90 at a supermarket is actually inadmissible. A proper restaurant,and may I say award winning restaurant, are serving proper cooked ramen for the same price so I can't help to feel this is a rip off. We went for a second pizza Margherita, which I must say was very good. The staff at the stand was friendly and the quality of the food at the level of a restaurant. I feel sorry for them as the food and concept is good but they will be losing out on reviews because of other places that will drag this down. To sum it up, if the idea was to have the largest food court for people to show, take pics and videos and make it viral , that has been achieved. But the food should live up to those...

Today, I visited Market Island, the largest food hall in the Middle East, nestled within the vibrant Dubai Festival City Mall. As I stepped into this culinary haven, I was immediately captivated by the bustling atmosphere, where the tantalizing aroma of global cuisines filled the air. The spacious, modern design blended seamlessly with a lively vibe, making it a feast for the senses.

Strolling through the food hall, I encountered an array of stalls, each showcasing dishes from different corners of the world. From sizzling Asian stir-fries to authentic Italian pizzas, and freshly baked pastries to Middle Eastern delicacies, there was something for every palate. The open-kitchen concept added a dynamic touch, allowing me to watch skilled chefs prepare meals with finesse and passion.

One of the highlights was the diverse seating options, perfect for solo diners, families, and groups. Each section was thoughtfully designed to create a welcoming and comfortable experience. I indulged in a few dishes, savoring the rich flavors and appreciating the fresh, high-quality ingredients used in every bite.

Beyond the food, Market Island also offered a cultural experience, with live entertainment and interactive events that added an extra layer of excitement to the visit. The ambiance was enhanced by the cheerful chatter of visitors, the clinking of plates, and the subtle background music that tied everything together.

My visit to Market Island wasn’t just about satisfying my hunger; it was a journey through global cuisines, a celebration of flavors, and a reminder of how food can bring people together. It’s a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a memorable culinary...

This was a one-time experience for me. I decided to visit after hearing repeated promotions on a popular radio station. To get a sense of the variety, I tried three different outlets offering Asian, Arabic, and Georgian cuisine. Unfortunately, the food at all three was overpriced and lacked flavor, leaving little to write home about. While the presentation may appeal to social media, the quality and taste didn’t match the high price point.

I encourage others to try it themselves and form their own opinion rather than relying on advertisements. Paying AED 65 for a dish doesn’t necessarily mean you’re getting good food.

The overall atmosphere was dimly lit and lacked energy, giving it a somewhat dull vibe. It seems like an attempt to replicate other popular markets in Dubai, but it falls short, offering neither a view nor much vibrancy.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that this is not your typical food court. It’s relatively quiet, so families with young children might find it less suitable if the kids are likely to make noise.

Personally, I’ll stick to my usual spot upstairs, where the food is tastier and more reasonably priced. To clarify, it’s not just about the price—it’s the lack of quality at that price point that was disappointing. Even at 50% less, the flavor would still be underwhelming. My feedback isn’t based solely on personal preference, as I’ve enjoyed the same cuisines at other...