Some weekends just call for good food, good company, and no real plans beyond that. Taste of Dubai 2026 fits right into that category. From February 6 to 8, the city’s favourite food festival takes over Dubai Media City Amphitheatre, turning it into a three-day hangout with great cooking, live music, and those “just one more bite” moments.
If you’ve been before, you already know the vibe. If this is your first Taste of Dubai, take it as a sign to clear your schedule. Here’s everything you need to know about a February weekend the city does really well.
Taste the Best: Restaurants Revealed
Taste of Dubai is the city’s annual food festival with food from top restaurants, workshops by well-known chefs, live music, and an easygoing outdoor setup.
One of the main reasons people come back every year is the food line-up, and 2026 doesn’t disappoint. 16 restaurants will be serving taster-sized dishes, making it easy to try several places in one visit.
The participating venues cover everything from fire-led cooking to comfort classics and global flavours:
- Akira Back – Japanese and Korean fusion
- Demon Duck – pan-Asian cooking
- Duck and Waffle – British and American plates
- Indya by Vineet – Indian cooking
- Khadak – Indian street-style dishes
- Lena – Andalusian-inspired dishes
- Lento – artisan burgers
- Lowe – open-fire flavours
- Maya by Richard Sandoval – Mexican flavours
- Nama Yoso – modern Japanese cuisine
- Ting Irie – Jamaican and Caribbean fusion
- The Guild – European brasserie food
Each restaurant offers four to five dishes, and if you have special diet or preferences, vegetarian and kid-friendly options will also be available.
Meet the Celebrity Chefs at Taste of Dubai 2026
Food is only part of the story at the festival. The chefs behind it are just as much a reason to visit, cooking in front of you, sharing tips, and talking through how they approach their dishes.
The 2026 line-up of chefs includes:
- Gino D’Acampo who used to cook for Luciano Pavarotti
- Matt Preston, an award-winning food journalist and restaurant critic
- Rachel Allen, a bestselling cookery writer and TV chef from Ireland
- Jenny Morris, a cookbook author and TV personality
- Harry Heal, Dubai-based social media chef known for quick and practical recipes
A real bonus for BBQ fans this year: Fred Casagrande, Andrew Dickens, and Joe Nesbitt Larking will be sharing their take on fire cooking, proper technique, and getting the flavour just right.
All chef sessions are free to attend with any festival ticket and run on a first-come, first-served basis.
Taste of Dubai 2026: Ticket Packages and Prices
There are a few options to match different plans and appetites:
- General Admission: AED 80 (one-day entry)
- Taster Package: AED 185 (one-day entry, 2 food vouchers, and 2 drink vouchers)
- VIP Package: AED 350 (fast-track entry, 3 food vouchers, 4 drink vouchers, and access to VIP lounge)
Tickets are available via platinumlist.net, so it’s time to lock this one and start counting down to one of the tastiest weekends this winter in Dubai.
Kids under 12 can enter the festival grounds for free, with the exception for Taster or VIP package. Food and drink vouchers are collected at entry and can be used at any restaurant pop-up across the site.
Unmissable Experiences at Taste of Dubai 2026
Beyond the food and cooking stages, the festival keeps things moving all day and into the night. Multiple music areas feature DJs, live bands, and acoustic sets, giving you different moods depending on where you stop.
There’s also a curated market area where you can browse artisan products, sample specialty items, and pick up food-related finds to take home. Wander here between tastings and music sets, especially if you’re into supporting small brands and local producers.
Whether you prefer an afternoon visit or staying until late, the schedule works around you. Here are the festival timings:
- February 6 and 7: from 12 PM to 12 AM
- February 8: from 12 PM to 11 PM
If you like great food and festive atmosphere, Taste of Dubai 2026 is an easy yes. It’s the kind of weekend people end up talking about long after it’s over and already waiting for the next edition. This one belongs on your February calendar, just make sure you come hungry.
Stay tuned for more updates, food news, and upcoming events in Dubai.
