Dubai’s vibrant shopping scene is almost as famous as its landmarks, with some of the best places for haute couture, high-end jewellery, and other lifestyle goods. By comparison, grocery shopping is hardly glamorous, but Dubai does provide some unique places to shop as befits its distinctive style. Residents from across the city flock to the biggest supermarket chains in Dubai like Carrefour and Geant, but if you are craving a more niche selection of ingredients - especially those that are not local staples - then you might want to explore some of the best gourmet supermarkets in Dubai.
Eataly
Eataly is a food hall and marketplace concept that originated in Manhattan and has found international acclaim. In a city like Dubai – home to three Michelin-starred Italian restaurants – a unique Italian dining concept holds great appeal. Eataly first opened its doors at Dubai Mall in 2013 and has expanded into several key locations across the city due to its immense popularity. The restaurant section of Eataly offers an extensive menu featuring classic pizzas, pastas, antipasti, and delectable desserts. If you would like to recreate these dishes at home or to prepare your own gourmet Italian fare, Eataly’s marketplace contains a premium range of olive oils and freshly made pastas, sauces, pantry staples, and much more. The store also hosts regular events celebrating Italian cuisine and bringing in special ingredients in limited stock. Eataly’s commitment to authentic Italian ingredients makes it a must-visit for any Dubai gourmand.
M&S Food
British department store Marks & Spencer has been a major presence in Dubai’s retail scene for over two decades alongside its market and cafe, M&S Food. From its early beginnings in the historic Deira district to having multiple stores in every corner of the city, Marks & Spencer has been Dubai’s quintessential home for British products. M&S Food has branched out extensively from its initial offerings and is now a supermarket in its own right, with everything from artisanal baked goods, classic sweet and savoury snacks, and a fine selection of teas to a variety of produce imported from select British farms and a curated selection of other international products. Although M&S Food is an essential component of any Marks & Spencer store, the largest selection can be found at its flagship store in Dubai Festival City.
Hippo Box
One of the newest supermarkets in Dubai, Hippo Box is a high-end Asian store that opened at Dubai Mall’s expansive Chinatown District in 2023. It has quickly become one of the go-to destinations for Asian products that can’t be found anywhere else, offering a range of specialty items from Japan, China, Thailand, and many other East Asian countries. Here you will find everything from essential ingredients for sushi and dim sum to snacks and beverages with unique and often unconventional flavours. The store’s thoughtfully organised layout and modern decor create an immersive shopping experience, making it an essential stop when visiting Dubai’s most prominent East Asian lifestyle destination.
Waitrose
Another classic British brand and one whose presence is greatly appreciated by new expats in Dubai, Waitrose has become synonymous with the highest standards of quality. The supermarket chain has its own branded products, including fresh ingredients and prepared foods, as well as a full range of gourmet cheeses and deli items. Additionally, Waitrose has partnered with premium international and local brands to present an exclusive curation for a global shopping experience. The supermarket prepares fresh hot foods and baked goods daily, providing a great option for meals on the go as well. Waitrose is only open in select locations, with its largest branch located in Dubai Mall, lending it an air of exclusivity amongst Dubai’s supermarket franchises. If your nearest Waitrose does happen to be a bit out of the way, then you can also find Waitrose-branded products at Spinneys, a beloved local franchise that has been an official Waitrose partner for several decades.
Jones the Grocer
Since 1996, Jones the Grocer has been a notable presence in Australia’s shopping scene, offering a combined grocery and cafe concept like many of the other examples on this list. All of its global outposts, including those in Dubai, carry echoes of the original Sydney store in terms of the layout and little design flourishes. Communal tables are a hallmark of the brand, adding a social element to its cafe area, and the cheese room with its variety of seasonal gourmet cheeses is another highlight. For true enthusiasts, Jones the Grocer offers the option to subscribe to a monthly ‘cheese club’ where they can have a specially handpicked cheese selection delivered to their door. The cafe and restaurant are better known in Dubai than the supermarket component, but there is a treasure trove of high-quality ingredients for those who explore its shelves.
Organic Foods & Cafe
Organic Foods & Café is a pioneer in promoting healthy, organic living in Dubai. As a leading retailer of organic and natural products, this supermarket offers a wide range of fresh produce, dairy products, and pantry staples free from artificial additives and chemicals. This family-run store opened its original outlet in Satwa and has since expanded into other areas of Dubai to service a broader clientele. Their commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing is reflected in product selection and store practices. Whether you’re looking for organic vegetables, gluten-free products, or eco-friendly household items, Organic Foods delivers with a dedication to pure foods and quality. The supermarket also has its own organic cafe where hot and cold dishes are prepared daily.
Final Take
Dubai’s gourmet supermarket scene is as diverse and dynamic as the city itself. You can find some true hidden gems like Hippo Box, which is practically a secret despite being located in the city’s largest shopping mall, or global favourites like Eataly. All of these supermarkets provide an elevated shopping experience, curating high-quality products and championing culinary excellence with high service standards and trained staff to guide you towards finding the right product.
