Rooftop setting
The open rooftop venue gives dinner and brunch a relaxed outdoor feel, especially in cooler weather.
Aprons & Hammers
Dubai Production City
Aprons & Hammers is a seafood restaurant in Dubai Production City where cracking crab, lobster and shrimp with hammers is part of the meal. Reviews also point to a lively rooftop setting, Saturday brunch, and dishes worth seeking out such as the garlic chilli shrimp bucket and charcoal squid.
Reputation Score
4.8
★★★★★
105 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Live music
Friday visits can include a live band, while other reviews mention DJs and music that suit the venue’s lively atmosphere.
Seafood quality
Several diners describe the seafood as fresh, with strong flavours across dishes such as grilled salmon, shrimp and sushi.
Standout brisket
The brisket is a notable non-seafood choice; one diner described it as perfectly cooked, delicately cut and full of flavour.
Family friendly
Families are well catered for, with one Sunday BBQ visit including live music and entertainment for children.
Free games
The venue has offered free Pacman, Street Fighter and pool, adding something to do beyond eating and drinking.
What to Eat at Aprons & Hammers 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 Aprons & Hammers, 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 Aprons & Hammers, 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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Blazin hot wings Net +1
“The Blazin hot wings were a hit at the table, with just the right amount of heat and a crispy texture.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The Blazin hot wings were a hit at the table, with just the right amount of heat and a crispy texture.”January 2023
-
Breaded shrimps Net +1
“PS: their breaded shrimps are AMAZING”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“PS: their breaded shrimps are AMAZING”April 2023
-
Brisket meal Net +1
“Best place to be , amazing food and atmosphere, specially brisket meal, Good service and profisonal staff.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Best place to be , amazing food and atmosphere, specially brisket meal, Good service and profisonal staff.”February 2023
-
California maki roll Net +1
“The California Maki Roll was also delicious, with fresh seafood and a nice balance of flavors.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The California Maki Roll was also delicious, with fresh seafood and a nice balance of flavors.”January 2023
-
Charcoal squid Net +1
“Service impeccable, food out of this world (you have to get the charcoal squid!) Great HH, free Pacman and Street Fighter, free pool, great food (I know I'm repeating myself) but holy moly, it's just head and shoulders above anything else in SC.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Service impeccable, food out of this world (you have to get the charcoal squid!) Great HH, free Pacman and Street Fighter, free pool, great food (I know I'm repeating myself) but holy moly, it's just head and shoulders above anything else in SC.”November 2023
-
Chocolate molten cake Net +1
“They also sang for my sisters birthday and brought out a chocolate molten cake and a warm skillet apple pie. That was the best ending to a wonderful, fun evening!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“They also sang for my sisters birthday and brought out a chocolate molten cake and a warm skillet apple pie. That was the best ending to a wonderful, fun evening!”January 2023
-
Fish and chips Net +1
“We spend 1083 for 4 people including wine and 3 beers and wiski and 3 brisket and 1 fish and chips and sushi-wings-squid as starter and sharing desert All were really delicious and fresh”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We spend 1083 for 4 people including wine and 3 beers and wiski and 3 brisket and 1 fish and chips and sushi-wings-squid as starter and sharing desert All were really delicious and fresh”December 2022
-
Garlic chilli shrimp bucket Net +1
“Shaq recommended the garlic chilli shrimp bucket and it was spot on. Definite repeat.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Shaq recommended the garlic chilli shrimp bucket and it was spot on. Definite repeat.”February 2024
-
Grilled salmon Net +1
“The grilled salmon was perfectly cooked and had a great smoky flavor.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The grilled salmon was perfectly cooked and had a great smoky flavor.”January 2023
-
Lobster roll Net +1
“Food was great - we only ate mainly starters and lobster roll - and will definitely have to go back to try their boils and buckets.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Food was great - we only ate mainly starters and lobster roll - and will definitely have to go back to try their boils and buckets.”May 2023
Honorable mentions (9)
-
Pepper clams Net +1
“He recommended the pepper clams which was my first and it was fantastic.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“He recommended the pepper clams which was my first and it was fantastic.”April 2023
-
Ragin hot shrimps Net +1
“The Ragin Hot Shrimps were also a standout dish, with a spicy kick that was balanced out by the creamy sauce.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The Ragin Hot Shrimps were also a standout dish, with a spicy kick that was balanced out by the creamy sauce.”January 2023
-
Salmon poke bowl Net +1
“Had the tuna salad and salmon poke bowl refreshingly good!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Had the tuna salad and salmon poke bowl refreshingly good!”March 2023
-
Saturday brunch Net +1
“Thank you for amazing Saturday Brunch!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Thank you for amazing Saturday Brunch!”February 2024
-
Shrimp bucket Net +1
“Highly recommend you check it out, shrimp bucket is our go to!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Highly recommend you check it out, shrimp bucket is our go to!”May 2023
-
Shrimp tacos Net +1
“The Shrimp Tacos were another favorite, with fresh, flavorful ingredients and a nice crunch from the tortilla.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The Shrimp Tacos were another favorite, with fresh, flavorful ingredients and a nice crunch from the tortilla.”January 2023
-
Tuna salad Net +1
“Had the tuna salad and salmon poke bowl refreshingly good!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Had the tuna salad and salmon poke bowl refreshingly good!”March 2023
-
Warm skillet apple pie Net +1
“They also sang for my sisters birthday and brought out a chocolate molten cake and a warm skillet apple pie. That was the best ending to a wonderful, fun evening!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“They also sang for my sisters birthday and brought out a chocolate molten cake and a warm skillet apple pie. That was the best ending to a wonderful, fun evening!”January 2023
-
Filet Net 0
Only neutral feedback
“My filet was overcooked but they immediately made another one.”
Positive 0Negative 0Neutral 1
What to Avoid (2)
Food 2
-
Crab salad Net −1
“This the first time I visited this brunch as I always like the food they serve I did see the differences except the crab salad the crabs come less than usual, however, the food is very tasty, the service on top level ( Mr Mohamed, take very good care of us) over all very good 💯 I can strongly recommend to visit soon, this branch will close for summer,”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“This the first time I visited this brunch as I always like the food they serve I did see the differences except the crab salad the crabs come less than usual, however, the food is very tasty, the service on top level ( Mr Mohamed, take very good care of us) over all very good 💯 I can strongly recommend to visit soon, this branch will close for summer,”May 2023
-
Seafood platter Net −1
“Unfortunately - for a seafood restaurant - their seafood platter was hugely below average. I could likely have ordered in for half the price and got a better seafood meal.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“Unfortunately - for a seafood restaurant - their seafood platter was hugely below average. I could likely have ordered in for half the price and got a better seafood meal.”January 2023
Tips for a Better Visit
Check weather. Choose cooler weather for the open venue; a diner found it hot when desert coolers were unavailable.
Confirm charges. Ask about live-band or event surcharges before sitting down, since one guest said the extra charge was not disclosed at entry.
Try shrimp. The shrimp bucket is a reliable first order: one regular diner specifically called it their go-to dish.
Order squid. If you want a dish with a strong review endorsement, try the charcoal squid, which one diner singled out.
Consider brunch. Brunch is repeatedly described as family-friendly and good value, with food, music and attentive service mentioned together.
Visit winter. For the liveliest outdoor experience, consider the cooler season; a Friday-night diner called it a great winter venue.
Plan the visit
Practical details
Studio One Hotel - Aprons and Hammers - 3rd Floor
Dubai Studio City, Dubai
Common Concerns
Extra charges
One guest was surprised by a separate band charge that was not explained on entry, so event fees may need checking beforehand.
Summer heat
The open venue can become uncomfortable in hot weather; one review specifically mentioned there were no desert coolers.
Portion changes
A returning diner felt portions had become smaller than the previous year and said the crab in the salad was less generous.
Mixed platters
One diner found the seafood platter far below expectations and considered it poor value compared with ordering elsewhere.
High prices
At least one recent visit described the prices as still high, despite the guest previously enjoying the restaurant.
Customer-reported prices
These are customer-reported mentions, not a current price list. Prices may have changed.
AED 25
20%, discount on food and house drinks
“Don't miss out on their "20%, discount on food and house drinks starting at AED 25" offers”Google review · January 2024
DXB
LOCAL
LOCAL
The Bottom Line
Aprons & Hammers is a seafood restaurant in Dubai Production City built around hands-on eating: guests can crack into seafood with hammers, or choose easier dishes from the broader menu. Reviews particularly mention the garlic chilli shrimp bucket, charcoal squid, brisket and salmon poke bowl, so there is plenty beyond a standard seafood platter. The rooftop setting at Studio One Hotel is a major part of the experience.
It is an open venue with a ceiling, and diners describe DJs, live bands and a lively music-led atmosphere. Free Pacman, Street Fighter and pool have also been mentioned. Brunch gets strong feedback, including a family-friendly Sunday BBQ with children’s entertainment.
Service is one of the most consistent positives. Reviewers describe quick, knowledgeable help and good handling of problems; when one diner’s filet was overcooked, it was replaced promptly. Families have also found the staff welcoming to young children.
There are a few practical cautions. The open setting can be hot when coolers are unavailable, so cooler weather is safer. One guest was charged separately for a band without being told on entry, and another felt portions and the seafood platter did not justify the price.
Ask about event fees before ordering.
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