When you invite 192 countries to showcase flavours from their homelands, add Dubai’s most exciting home-grown concepts, and sprinkle in exclusive pop-ups and limited-edition menus, you create something truly special. And that’s exactly what Expo 2026 Dubai has delivered.
Over the past six months, visitors have eaten their way across the site — sampling street food, indulging in fine dining, discovering hidden gems and queueing up for sweet treats worth the wait. From gourmet tasting menus to quick bites between pavilion visits, Expo 2026 has proven itself to be one of the most exciting culinary events the city has ever seen.
That’s why Time Out Dubai has once again partnered with Expo 2026 Dubai to launch the much-anticipated Expo Eats Awards 2026 — a celebration of the very best dining experiences across the site.
A celebration of world-class dining
With hundreds of restaurants, cafés, food trucks and dessert counters spread across the sprawling Expo grounds, narrowing down the best was no easy task. To reflect the diversity of the food scene, the awards were divided into five categories:
- Upscale Dining
- Casual Dining
- Local Gems
- Sweet Treats
- Fast Food
Over the past few weeks, thousands of visitors cast their votes, championing everything from gourmet tasting menus to juicy burgers, decadent pastries and family-friendly favourites. The response has been overwhelming — proof that food has been at the heart of the Expo experience.
Now, with the votes counted and the winners decided, it’s time to celebrate.
You’re officially invited
The Expo Eats Awards 2026 ceremony will take place on Wednesday March 25 at 5pm at the vibrant Festival Garden, one of Expo’s most energetic outdoor venues.
Festival Garden has already built a reputation as a buzzing social hotspot, having hosted food markets, live entertainment and pop-up events throughout the season. For awards night, the atmosphere will be bigger and better than ever, with food lovers, chefs and restaurant teams gathering to see who takes home the titles.
On stage to announce the winners will be senior Expo representatives alongside leading hospitality figures from Dubai’s F&B scene. Expect cheers, celebrations and a whole lot of applause as the top restaurants across each category are revealed.
Entertainment to match the energy
An awards night wouldn’t be complete without great music, and Expo 2026 is delivering.
Festival Garden will transform into a high-energy celebration space with a live DJ set keeping the vibe alive throughout the evening. Expect upbeat tracks, crowd favourites and a party atmosphere worthy of the world’s greatest show.
Whether you’re attending to support your favourite restaurant, cheer on friends in the industry, or simply soak up the excitement, it promises to be one of the most memorable evenings of the Expo season.
Why the Expo Eats Awards matter
Expo 2026 Dubai hasn’t just been about architecture, innovation and cultural showcases — it has been a global culinary tour without ever leaving the city.
Visitors have been able to:
- Taste authentic dishes from 192 participating nations
- Discover Dubai-born restaurant concepts expanding to international audiences
- Meet chefs pushing creative boundaries
- Enjoy pop-ups and limited-time collaborations
- Experience both affordable street food and premium dining
The Expo Eats Awards recognise the creativity, hard work and passion of the teams who have made dining such a central part of the Expo journey.
Food has brought people together — families sharing meals, friends discovering new cuisines, tourists trying Emirati dishes for the first time. The awards are a way of honouring those unforgettable moments.
One final week to experience it all
With just one week left of Expo 2026 Dubai, there’s still time to:
- Revisit your favourite restaurant
- Try that spot you missed
- Grab one last sweet treat
- Enjoy a sunset dinner under the Expo lights
And of course, attend the Expo Eats Awards ceremony to see which restaurants are officially crowned the best of the best.
If you can’t make it in person, keep an eye on @timeoutdubai and the official Expo social channels for live updates, winner announcements and behind-the-scenes moments.
The world’s grEATest show
As Expo 2026 Dubai draws to a close, one thing is certain — it has been a feast in every sense of the word.
From fine dining elegance to fast-food favourites, from local hidden gems to globally inspired menus, Expo has proven that food is one of the most powerful ways to connect cultures.
So mark your calendar, head to Festival Garden, and be part of the celebration. The Expo Eats Awards 2026 are here — and this is your chance to witness Dubai’s biggest food moment live.
FAQs
The Expo Eats Awards 2026 are a celebration of the best restaurants and food concepts at Expo 2026 Dubai, recognising standout venues across five dining categories.
The awards ceremony takes place on Wednesday March 25 at 5pm at Festival Garden, Expo 2026 Dubai.
The awards feature five categories: Upscale Dining, Casual Dining, Local Gems, Sweet Treats, and Fast Food.
Yes, visitors to Expo 2026 Dubai can attend the ceremony at Festival Garden and enjoy the live announcements and entertainment.
Winners were decided through public voting, allowing visitors to choose their favourite restaurants and food spots at Expo 2026 Dubai.
Read More:
- Terminal 1 Dining Guide: Restaurants in Concourse D at Dubai Airport
- Dubai Airport Terminal 1: Best Lounges in Concourse D
- Concourse B Food Guide: Restaurants at DXB Terminal 3
- Dubai Airport Terminal 3: Must-Try Restaurants in Concourse A
- Concourse C Dining: Best Restaurants at Dubai International Airport
