Generous portions
Large, filling servings are repeatedly mentioned, with one diner calling them good value for money.
Applebee's
Dubai Festival City
Applebee's is a full-service American grill in Dubai Festival City, serving hearty portions in an informal setting. Reviews point to reliable favourites such as back ribs and creamy mushroom pasta, plus creek-facing seating for relaxed meals.
Reputation Score
4.4
★★★★☆
1,128 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Creek views
Window tables can give you a view of the creek, while outdoor seating is also praised for its fountain or bay outlook.
Creamy pasta
The mushroom pasta stands out for its creamy, strongly flavoured sauce; one review preferred it to the Alfredo.
Family occasions
Reviews describe successful birthday meals and thoughtful anniversary greetings, making the branch workable for family celebrations.
Busy-day service
Even during one busy visit, orders were reported as accurate, correctly delivered and handled attentively.
Fresh mains
Chicken mains, salads and fajitas receive especially positive mentions, including moist chicken and generous servings.
What to Eat at Applebee's How we choose these items We use AI to find praise and criticism of specific foods and drinks in a selection of Google reviews. For Applebee's, this list is based on 50 reviews, not every review of the restaurant. The score is positive reviews minus negative reviews. For example, two positive reviews and one negative review give +1. Each review counts once per item; neutral comments do not change the score. A zero score is not a positive recommendation. “Only neutral feedback” means there are no positive or negative votes. “Mixed feedback” means equal numbers of positive and negative votes. The quotes are examples of what people said, not every comment we counted. We use different reviews where we can. We normally show up to 10 foods and 5 drinks with non-negative scores. Items with the same score stay together. If a tied group would go past the limit, that group and the lower non-negative scores go into Honorable mentions. If an overflowing positive top tie would leave the list empty, we show up to 10 items from that tie and keep the rest in Honorable mentions. Foods and drinks with a negative score are under What to Avoid. Use this as a guide to what reviewers liked, not a guarantee that you will like it too.
Foods and drinks mentioned in reviews of Applebee's, ranked by positive reviews minus negative reviews. Zero-score items have no net positive feedback; their labels distinguish neutral-only from mixed feedback.
Food 10
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Back ribs Net +1
“The food has a very big platter, the back ribs are very recommended as it is so delicious. Our server, Puja, is very approachable and friendly towards us.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The food has a very big platter, the back ribs are very recommended as it is so delicious. Our server, Puja, is very approachable and friendly towards us.”June 2026
-
Buffalo wings Net +1
“We ordered Buffalo wings, Chicken Quesadillas, Chicken Pasta, and drinks, all of which were delicious and perfectly cooked.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We ordered Buffalo wings, Chicken Quesadillas, Chicken Pasta, and drinks, all of which were delicious and perfectly cooked.”September 2024
-
Calamari Net +1
“Food tasted amazing and I finished every morsel of it. The wild mushroom pesto pasta was filling and the calamari was fried to perfection.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Food tasted amazing and I finished every morsel of it. The wild mushroom pesto pasta was filling and the calamari was fried to perfection.”December 2023
-
Chicken pasta Net +1
“We ordered Buffalo wings, Chicken Quesadillas, Chicken Pasta, and drinks, all of which were delicious and perfectly cooked.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We ordered Buffalo wings, Chicken Quesadillas, Chicken Pasta, and drinks, all of which were delicious and perfectly cooked.”September 2024
-
Chicken quesadillas Net +1
“We ordered Buffalo wings, Chicken Quesadillas, Chicken Pasta, and drinks, all of which were delicious and perfectly cooked.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We ordered Buffalo wings, Chicken Quesadillas, Chicken Pasta, and drinks, all of which were delicious and perfectly cooked.”September 2024
-
Chicken strips & fries Net +1
“The Oreo cookie shake was really good, and the chicken strips & fries was also enjoyable.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The Oreo cookie shake was really good, and the chicken strips & fries was also enjoyable.”February 2025
-
Chips & salsa Net +1
“We tried the veg flatbread and the chips & salsa—both were good.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We tried the veg flatbread and the chips & salsa—both were good.”January 2026
-
Fajita Net +1
“The fajita was also really good, applebees has the best chicken out of all the restaurants Ive gone to.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The fajita was also really good, applebees has the best chicken out of all the restaurants Ive gone to.”June 2026
-
Fiesta salad Net +1
“I love it specially fiesta salad. It was my first time and honestly so delicious & salman was my server very knowledgeable and friendly.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I love it specially fiesta salad. It was my first time and honestly so delicious & salman was my server very knowledgeable and friendly.”July 2026
-
Mango pomegranate sparkler Net +1
“We ordered a Mango Pomegranate Sparkler. Tasted really refreshing.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We ordered a Mango Pomegranate Sparkler. Tasted really refreshing.”August 2020
Honorable mentions (9)
-
Mushroom pasta Net +1
“I took the mushroom pasta, which was really creamy and had a lot of flavor. Id say its better than the alfredo. We had to add on chicken (which is a must in my opinion as it made the meal taste really good) 10/10 from me.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I took the mushroom pasta, which was really creamy and had a lot of flavor. Id say its better than the alfredo. We had to add on chicken (which is a must in my opinion as it made the meal taste really good) 10/10 from me.”June 2026
-
Oreo cookie shake Net +1
“The Oreo cookie shake was really good, and the chicken strips & fries was also enjoyable.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The Oreo cookie shake was really good, and the chicken strips & fries was also enjoyable.”February 2025
-
Original pancake Net +1
“We also enjoyed the original pancake, served with a selection of sauces, with the classic old-style sauce being our favorite.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We also enjoyed the original pancake, served with a selection of sauces, with the classic old-style sauce being our favorite.”January 2026
-
Shrimp pasta Net +1
“The culinary experience was equally impressive, with dishes that exceeded our expectations. The shrimp pasta, although slightly spicy, boasted a rich and creamy sauce.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The culinary experience was equally impressive, with dishes that exceeded our expectations. The shrimp pasta, although slightly spicy, boasted a rich and creamy sauce.”January 2026
-
Smothered chicken Net +1
“For main dish, we ordered Smothered Chicken with a side of Spanish Rice. From the pic you can see a very untidy plate!! Chicken tasted good, the mashed potatoes weren’t seasoned with the right amount and the veggies were not steamed/cooked all the way.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“For main dish, we ordered Smothered Chicken with a side of Spanish Rice. From the pic you can see a very untidy plate!! Chicken tasted good, the mashed potatoes weren’t seasoned with the right amount and the veggies were not steamed/cooked all the way.”August 2020
-
Steak topped with shrimp and creamy herb sauce Net +1
“I tried the steak topped with shrimp and creamy herb sauce at Applebee’s, and it was a very satisfying meal. The steak was cooked well and stayed tender, while the shrimp added a nice touch of flavor. The sauce was rich without being too heavy.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I tried the steak topped with shrimp and creamy herb sauce at Applebee’s, and it was a very satisfying meal. The steak was cooked well and stayed tender, while the shrimp added a nice touch of flavor. The sauce was rich without being too heavy.”December 2025
-
Veg flatbread Net +1
“We tried the veg flatbread and the chips & salsa—both were good.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We tried the veg flatbread and the chips & salsa—both were good.”January 2026
-
Wild mushroom pesto pasta Net +1
“Food tasted amazing and I finished every morsel of it. The wild mushroom pesto pasta was filling and the calamari was fried to perfection.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Food tasted amazing and I finished every morsel of it. The wild mushroom pesto pasta was filling and the calamari was fried to perfection.”December 2023
-
Country fried chicken Net 0
Only neutral feedback
“However, the country fried chicken were just okay, nothing special, and the fried onion rings were disappointing.”
Positive 0Negative 0Neutral 1
Drinks 1
-
Iced tea Net +1
“My food orders quickly arrived however my beverage order of Iced tea took some time. I could understand if it was a cocktail and busy during lunch peak period so would appreciate for my future visit to serve the drink first then the food. Like appropriate waiting times.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“My food orders quickly arrived however my beverage order of Iced tea took some time. I could understand if it was a cocktail and busy during lunch peak period so would appreciate for my future visit to serve the drink first then the food. Like appropriate waiting times.”December 2023
What to Avoid (3)
Food 3
-
Alfredo Net −1
“I took the mushroom pasta, which was really creamy and had a lot of flavor. Id say its better than the alfredo. We had to add on chicken (which is a must in my opinion as it made the meal taste really good) 10/10 from me.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“I took the mushroom pasta, which was really creamy and had a lot of flavor. Id say its better than the alfredo. We had to add on chicken (which is a must in my opinion as it made the meal taste really good) 10/10 from me.”June 2026
-
Boneless buffalo wings Net −1
“For appetizers, we ordered boneless buffalo wings, which didn’t seem to be marinated enough, hence were very bland.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“For appetizers, we ordered boneless buffalo wings, which didn’t seem to be marinated enough, hence were very bland.”August 2020
-
Fried onion rings Net −1
“However, the country fried chicken were just okay, nothing special, and the fried onion rings were disappointing.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“However, the country fried chicken were just okay, nothing special, and the fried onion rings were disappointing.”February 2025
Tips for a Better Visit
Choose windows. Ask for a window table if the creek view matters to you; the view is a clear part of the experience.
Try off-peak. For a calmer meal and easier menu browsing, consider an early or quieter visit rather than a busy period.
Add chicken. If ordering mushroom pasta, consider adding chicken; one diner felt it noticeably improved the dish.
Check temperature. If food is delayed, check that it arrives hot, since one review found a late order borderline cold.
Plan celebrations. Birthday and anniversary meals are mentioned positively, with greetings and family-friendly attention adding a celebratory touch.
Plan the visit
Practical details
Dubai Festival City
Al Kheeran - Dubai Festival City, Dubai
| Mon | 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Tue | 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Wed | 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Thu | 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Fri | 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Sat | 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Sun | 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
Common Concerns
Service delays
Several reviews mention slow table attention or delayed food, so service can be uneven at this branch.
Temperature issues
One diner reported food arriving late and borderline cold, despite expecting a fresh, warm meal.
Warm interior
A review specifically says the restaurant needs better cooling, which may matter during a longer meal.
Dining noise
The room can be noisy, making it less suited to conversations when you want a quieter meal.
Upkeep concerns
One particularly negative visit reported tables left dirty for long periods and poor overall upkeep.
DXB
LOCAL
LOCAL
The Bottom Line
Applebee's in Dubai Festival City is a casual American grill with a menu built around filling comfort food. The reviews particularly point to back ribs, creamy mushroom pasta, chicken fajitas and a steak topped with shrimp and creamy herb sauce. Portions are often described as generous, so this is a place where a single main can make a substantial meal.
The setting adds something beyond the food. Window tables can overlook the creek, while outdoor seating has been praised for views of the fountain or bay. Families use the restaurant for birthdays and other occasions, and reviews mention thoughtful anniversary and birthday touches.
It is also described as a large venue with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. Service is a notable strength in many recent visits, including accurate order handling even when the restaurant was busy. Still, the branch is not perfectly consistent: some diners experienced long waits, late or borderline-cold food, and one reported tables left dirty for extended periods.
Another review found the room noisy and said cooling needed improvement. For the best chance of an easy meal, choose a quieter time, request a view table, and check that delayed food arrives hot.