Sharing portions
Several dishes are large enough to share, including the garlic cream fettuccine with shrimp.
California Pizza Kitchen Mall of the Emirates
Al Barsha
California Pizza Kitchen is a New American chain restaurant in Al Barsha, serving inventive pizzas alongside pastas and salads. Reviews suggest the pastas, especially lime chicken fettuccine and garlic cream fettuccine with shrimp, can be the stronger reason to visit.
Reputation Score
4.5
★★★★★
1,031 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Pasta standout
Some diners preferred the pasta to the pizza, with lime chicken fettuccine receiving a 5/5 rating.
Tender short ribs
The short ribs were described as a huge portion with very tender meat, making them a strong choice for meat lovers.
Thin crust
If you prefer thin-crust pizza, one review specifically recommends trying CPK.
Quiet setting
The restaurant can suit a relaxed meal or reading break, with one diner describing it as quiet and the service as unobtrusive.
Welcoming service
Reviews repeatedly describe the staff as accommodating, attentive and friendly without making the meal feel rushed.
What to Eat at California Pizza Kitchen Mall of the Emirates 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 California Pizza Kitchen Mall of the Emirates, 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 California Pizza Kitchen Mall of the Emirates, ranked by positive reviews minus negative reviews. Zero-score items have no net positive feedback; their labels distinguish neutral-only from mixed feedback.
Food 6
-
Chicken bbq Net +3
“The chicken BBQ was the best pizza I've tried in the chain, while the chicken garlic was ruined by the overuse of onions.”
Positive 3Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The chicken BBQ was the best pizza I've tried in the chain, while the chicken garlic was ruined by the overuse of onions.”August 2020
“Order many different menus, and they all are good. BBQ chicken pizza, Thai salad, pasta, chicken, all are qood. Portions are big. Service is good. Not too crowded also, you can enjoy the meal well. Really recommended.”March 2023
-
Short rib Net +3
“We ordered short ribs! I was afraid it will be a small portion but it was huge and delicious! Meat was super tender ! Worth having if you’re a meatlover as well.”
Positive 3Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We ordered short ribs! I was afraid it will be a small portion but it was huge and delicious! Meat was super tender ! Worth having if you’re a meatlover as well.”October 2023
“I specifically choose it most of the time because I really love their pastas: Kung Pao Chicken and Carbonara. My most favorite dish is the Sticky Asian Wings - I can eat 2 orders of that. Lol. My husband loves the short rib - it's so soft and flavourful.”May 2023
-
Chocolate fondant Net +2
“Standard mid range franchise fare. Highlight is always the chocolate fondant at the end. This takes ver 15 minutes to be prepared so order accordingly.”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Standard mid range franchise fare. Highlight is always the chocolate fondant at the end. This takes ver 15 minutes to be prepared so order accordingly.”January 2023
“For dessert, the chocolate fondant and Nutella cheesecake is amazing. Great stuff overall.”September 2016
-
Dynamite shrimp Net +2
“Really tasty. The dynamite shrimp is so yummy.”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Really tasty. The dynamite shrimp is so yummy.”March 2022
“Would also recommend their dynamite shrimp, Chipotle Chicken Pizza and their Meat Lovers pizza.”September 2016
-
Ribeye Net +2
“1. We enjoyed the food that we ordered (ribeye) 2. Great portion for reasonable price (it could be for two person but my friend ate the whole portion)”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“1. We enjoyed the food that we ordered (ribeye) 2. Great portion for reasonable price (it could be for two person but my friend ate the whole portion)”July 2020
“The food is amazing, I love the Pennie and the Ribeye. Rose also was so welcoming. Excellent service and warm vibe.”October 2023
-
Sticky asian wings Net +2
“The food is fantastic! I'd recommend trying the sticky Asian Chicken Wings as well as their pasta.”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The food is fantastic! I'd recommend trying the sticky Asian Chicken Wings as well as their pasta.”June 2023
“I specifically choose it most of the time because I really love their pastas: Kung Pao Chicken and Carbonara. My most favorite dish is the Sticky Asian Wings - I can eat 2 orders of that. Lol. My husband loves the short rib - it's so soft and flavourful.”May 2023
Honorable mentions (18)
-
Bbq pizza Net +1
“The recommendation of Cris were both tasty loved the bbq pizza plus her service is excellent and she is very polite . She is alone with 5 tables but trying to manage every geust equally. Thank you!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The recommendation of Cris were both tasty loved the bbq pizza plus her service is excellent and she is very polite . She is alone with 5 tables but trying to manage every geust equally. Thank you!”November 2023
-
Chicken picatta Net +1
“I ordered the Chicken Picatta. The dish came with 3 slices of juicy chicken breast and a side of pasta in lemon caper sauce. It was superb! Their peach iced tea is refillable too.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I ordered the Chicken Picatta. The dish came with 3 slices of juicy chicken breast and a side of pasta in lemon caper sauce. It was superb! Their peach iced tea is refillable too.”August 2021
-
Chipotle chicken pizza Net +1
“Would also recommend their dynamite shrimp, Chipotle Chicken Pizza and their Meat Lovers pizza.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Would also recommend their dynamite shrimp, Chipotle Chicken Pizza and their Meat Lovers pizza.”September 2016
-
Garlic cream fettuccine pasta with shrimp Net +1
“Garlic Cream Fettuccine Pasta with Shrimp was amazing.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Garlic Cream Fettuccine Pasta with Shrimp was amazing.”August 2023
-
Kung pao chicken Net +1
“I specifically choose it most of the time because I really love their pastas: Kung Pao Chicken and Carbonara. My most favorite dish is the Sticky Asian Wings - I can eat 2 orders of that. Lol. My husband loves the short rib - it's so soft and flavourful.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I specifically choose it most of the time because I really love their pastas: Kung Pao Chicken and Carbonara. My most favorite dish is the Sticky Asian Wings - I can eat 2 orders of that. Lol. My husband loves the short rib - it's so soft and flavourful.”May 2023
-
Kung pao spaghetti Net +1
“We ordered the kung pao spaghetti and the bbq chicken pizza both that were recommended by our server Innocent and both recommendations were spot on in terms of taste, presentation and portion size.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We ordered the kung pao spaghetti and the bbq chicken pizza both that were recommended by our server Innocent and both recommendations were spot on in terms of taste, presentation and portion size.”August 2020
-
Lime chicken fettuccine Net +1
“We went there for the pizza but ended up loving their pasta more , we got roasted garlic chicken pizza which was 3/5 , and the lime chicken fettuccine 5/5 ⭐️ i’ll definitely come for it again , and a shrimp fettuccine which my friend really liked 👌🏽”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We went there for the pizza but ended up loving their pasta more , we got roasted garlic chicken pizza which was 3/5 , and the lime chicken fettuccine 5/5 ⭐️ i’ll definitely come for it again , and a shrimp fettuccine which my friend really liked 👌🏽”January 2022
-
Margharita pizza Net +1
“Margharita pizza : 7/10”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Margharita pizza : 7/10”October 2023
-
Meat lovers pizza Net +1
“Would also recommend their dynamite shrimp, Chipotle Chicken Pizza and their Meat Lovers pizza.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Would also recommend their dynamite shrimp, Chipotle Chicken Pizza and their Meat Lovers pizza.”September 2016
-
Mushroom soup Net +1
“The mushroom soup, salad and the ribs are really delicious 😋😋😋 I enjoyed it”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The mushroom soup, salad and the ribs are really delicious 😋😋😋 I enjoyed it”March 2022
-
Nutella cheesecake Net +1
“For dessert, the chocolate fondant and Nutella cheesecake is amazing. Great stuff overall.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“For dessert, the chocolate fondant and Nutella cheesecake is amazing. Great stuff overall.”September 2016
-
Santa fe bowl Net +1
“The food is nice .. I enjoyed the spinach artichoke dip and Santa Fe Bowl .. Our waiter “Raffa” is friendly and helpful in recommending best dishes and getting us what we need in a timely manner”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The food is nice .. I enjoyed the spinach artichoke dip and Santa Fe Bowl .. Our waiter “Raffa” is friendly and helpful in recommending best dishes and getting us what we need in a timely manner”September 2021
-
Shrimp fettuccine Net +1
“We went there for the pizza but ended up loving their pasta more , we got roasted garlic chicken pizza which was 3/5 , and the lime chicken fettuccine 5/5 ⭐️ i’ll definitely come for it again , and a shrimp fettuccine which my friend really liked 👌🏽”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We went there for the pizza but ended up loving their pasta more , we got roasted garlic chicken pizza which was 3/5 , and the lime chicken fettuccine 5/5 ⭐️ i’ll definitely come for it again , and a shrimp fettuccine which my friend really liked 👌🏽”January 2022
-
Sonoma grilled chicken Net +1
“Sonoma Grilled Chicken : 8/10”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Sonoma Grilled Chicken : 8/10”October 2023
-
Spinach artichoke dip Net +1
“The food is nice .. I enjoyed the spinach artichoke dip and Santa Fe Bowl .. Our waiter “Raffa” is friendly and helpful in recommending best dishes and getting us what we need in a timely manner”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The food is nice .. I enjoyed the spinach artichoke dip and Santa Fe Bowl .. Our waiter “Raffa” is friendly and helpful in recommending best dishes and getting us what we need in a timely manner”September 2021
-
Thai salad Net +1
“Order many different menus, and they all are good. BBQ chicken pizza, Thai salad, pasta, chicken, all are qood. Portions are big. Service is good. Not too crowded also, you can enjoy the meal well. Really recommended.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Order many different menus, and they all are good. BBQ chicken pizza, Thai salad, pasta, chicken, all are qood. Portions are big. Service is good. Not too crowded also, you can enjoy the meal well. Really recommended.”March 2023
-
Carbonara Net 0
Mixed feedback
“I specifically choose it most of the time because I really love their pastas: Kung Pao Chicken and Carbonara. My most favorite dish is the Sticky Asian Wings - I can eat 2 orders of that. Lol. My husband loves the short rib - it's so soft and flavourful.”
Positive 1Negative 1
Review excerpts
“I specifically choose it most of the time because I really love their pastas: Kung Pao Chicken and Carbonara. My most favorite dish is the Sticky Asian Wings - I can eat 2 orders of that. Lol. My husband loves the short rib - it's so soft and flavourful.”May 2023
-
Roasted garlic chicken pizza Net 0
Only neutral feedback
“We went there for the pizza but ended up loving their pasta more , we got roasted garlic chicken pizza which was 3/5 , and the lime chicken fettuccine 5/5 ⭐️ i’ll definitely come for it again , and a shrimp fettuccine which my friend really liked 👌🏽”
Positive 0Negative 0Neutral 1
Drinks 2
-
Peach iced tea Net +1
“I ordered the Chicken Picatta. The dish came with 3 slices of juicy chicken breast and a side of pasta in lemon caper sauce. It was superb! Their peach iced tea is refillable too.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I ordered the Chicken Picatta. The dish came with 3 slices of juicy chicken breast and a side of pasta in lemon caper sauce. It was superb! Their peach iced tea is refillable too.”August 2021
-
Watermelon mojito Net +1
“Overall the food was average, specially the pizza was not at all upto the mark. Short ribs were better. Watermelon mojito was also good The staff & their service was good.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Overall the food was average, specially the pizza was not at all upto the mark. Short ribs were better. Watermelon mojito was also good The staff & their service was good.”August 2020
What to Avoid (4)
Food 4
-
Avocado rolls Net −1
“Average Restaurant inside the Emirates Mall for Pizza and Pasta. But the avocado rolls wasn't that good, only one little slice of avocado in each role.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“Average Restaurant inside the Emirates Mall for Pizza and Pasta. But the avocado rolls wasn't that good, only one little slice of avocado in each role.”August 2022
-
Chicken garlic Net −1
“The chicken BBQ was the best pizza I've tried in the chain, while the chicken garlic was ruined by the overuse of onions.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“The chicken BBQ was the best pizza I've tried in the chain, while the chicken garlic was ruined by the overuse of onions.”August 2020
-
Chicken platter for 2 Net −1
“Update : After a week i went to the restaurant again, we got the Chicken platter for 2. But the quality wasn't good. Meat wasn't that tasty, corn not eatable. The vegetables almost black. Was the last time for me.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“Update : After a week i went to the restaurant again, we got the Chicken platter for 2. But the quality wasn't good. Meat wasn't that tasty, corn not eatable. The vegetables almost black. Was the last time for me.”August 2022
-
Mushroom pizza Net −1
“Had a pizza delivered, which arrived a bit cold so the cheese had solidified somewhat. Ordering the mushroom pizza, and comparing against other mushroom pizzas I've had, I expected mushrooms with better varied texture and stronger flavour. The pizza base edges were quite thick and pretty much dry and tasteless dough.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“Had a pizza delivered, which arrived a bit cold so the cheese had solidified somewhat. Ordering the mushroom pizza, and comparing against other mushroom pizzas I've had, I expected mushrooms with better varied texture and stronger flavour. The pizza base edges were quite thick and pretty much dry and tasteless dough.”May 2023
Tips for a Better Visit
Check rewards. If using Blue Rewards, confirm the buy-one-get-one terms before ordering more than two mains; the lowest-priced main may be free.
Order dessert early. Allow more than 15 minutes for the chocolate fondant, which one reviewer says takes that long to prepare.
Use mall parking. For dine-in visits, reviewers reported that Mall of the Emirates free parking covered the first three hours.
Prefer dining in. If pizza quality matters, dining in may be safer than delivery given reports of late, cold or damaged delivered pizzas.
Try lunch deals. Check for lunch offers: one review mentioned an AED39 deal covering a choice of appetizer, salad, pizza, sandwiches or pasta.
Plan the visit
Practical details
Mall of the Emirates Level 1, next to Ski Dubai
Al Barsha - Al Barsha 1, Dubai
Common Concerns
Delivery issues
Two reviews reported pizza arriving late or cold; one also said it arrived badly damaged.
Price concerns
Several diners felt the prices were high for the quality or portion size.
Weak carbonara
One diner rated the Carbonara Pasta only 4/10, despite enjoying the atmosphere and service.
Overdone burgers
The burgers were criticised because they are cooked only one way, reportedly leaving them too well done.
Inconsistent platter
A chicken platter was described as disappointing, with tough-to-eat corn and nearly black vegetables.
DXB
LOCAL
LOCAL
The Bottom Line
California Pizza Kitchen Mall of the Emirates is a New American chain in Al Barsha where you can order thin-crust pizza, pasta, salads and fuller mains. The reviews make the pasta worth a closer look: lime chicken fettuccine scored 5/5 for one diner, while garlic cream fettuccine with shrimp was praised for its generous, shareable portion. The menu also has reliable crowd-pleasers beyond pizza.
Short ribs were described as huge and exceptionally tender, and Sticky Asian Wings have a particularly devoted fan. Other reviews mention BBQ chicken pizza, dynamite shrimp, steak and chocolate fondant, though opinions on pizza and pasta are not completely consistent; one diner rated the carbonara 4/10, while another preferred salads to the pizzas. The dining room is described as clean, spacious, luminous and sometimes wonderfully quiet, with friendly, attentive service.
It can work for a casual group meal or a relaxed date, and the mall’s free parking was reported to cover the first three hours. Prices draw the main caution: several diners considered them expensive for the quality or portion size. If ordering delivery, be aware of reports of pizzas arriving late, cold or damaged.
Blue Rewards users should also confirm the buy-one-get-one terms before ordering multiple mains.