An Afternoon at One Za’abeel

Some afternoons in Dubai feel effortlessly well-paced, unfolding without the need to rush. One Za’abeel is particularly suited to moments like this, where dining and culture intersect naturally.

I began at Home Bakery Kitchen, located in The Concourse, where valet parking makes for a seamless arrival. The space is bright and inviting, balancing comfort with a polished, understated aesthetic. With both indoor seating and an outdoor terrace, it works just as well for a business lunch as it does for a relaxed midday pause.

This is the only Home Bakery Kitchen branch offering a business lunch, available daily from 11am to 4pm. The set menu is thoughtfully curated, offering variety without excess. I opted for Fay’s lemon pasta (AED 66), paired with a Thai salad that added a fresh, citrus-led contrast. Light yet satisfying, it was the kind of meal that carries you comfortably through the afternoon. A glass of peach tea, crisp and refreshing, rounded things off perfectly.

Elsewhere on the menu, familiar favourites such as the Chicken Club Sandwich, Uncle Faisal’s Macarooni, and a selection of thoughtfully composed salads continue the theme of elevated comfort. It’s food that feels familiar, but quietly refined.

Dessert was non-negotiable. The limited-edition Emirati–Kuwaiti fusion cheesecake, also known as Dana’s cheesecake, features a creamy filling on a cardamom biscuit base, finished with an aseeda chocolate glaze. Paired with a flat white, it felt indulgent without being overdone.

After lunch, a walk through One Za’abeel led to The Plaza, where a photography showcase by Dubai-based photographer Zohaib Anjum offers a quieter moment. Captured during rare foggy days, the images present the towers in a softer, more atmospheric light. The showcase is part of Curated at One and is free and open to the public, running daily from 9am to 9pm until 4 January.

Taken together, it made for an afternoon that felt complete — considered dining, a standout dessert, and a cultural pause in between. For those drawn to spaces where food, design, and creativity meet, One Za’abeel continues to deliver.

Location – 

Home Bakery – The Concourse, One – Shop 6, Ground Floor – Zaa’beel First – Za’abeel – Dubai

The Plaza – Zaa’beel Palace St – Zaa’beel First – Za’abeel – Dubai