Outdoor space
The large open-air setting gives you room to walk around, with lights and desert views adding to the evening atmosphere.
Carnival Cafe
Dubai Industrial City
Carnival Cafe is an outdoor seasonal coffee shop in Dubai Industrial City, set in a desert-style setting with daily live shows. Visitors come for the open-air atmosphere, horse rides and family entertainment such as fire and dance shows, with coffee, meals and desserts available.
Reputation Score
4.1
★★★★☆
139 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Live shows
Fire, dance and other themed shows are a major part of the visit, especially for families looking for more than a meal.
Horse rides
Horse riding is available as an on-site activity, giving the cafe outing an attraction beyond its food and drinks.
Kids area
Families can use the children’s play area while spending time outdoors and watching the shows.
Online ordering
The online ordering system lets diners add special requests, and one review reported food arriving in about 10 minutes.
Pasta dishes
Pasta received a specific positive mention alongside the drinks, making it one of the clearer food choices in the reviews.
Desserts
Desserts, including cheesecake sticks, are part of the appeal, with some visitors calling them especially enjoyable.
Friendly team
Several reviews describe the waiters and wider team as welcoming, friendly or professional.
Tips for a Better Visit
Visit off-peak. Choose a quieter time if possible; reviews report waits of more than an hour, including for coffee and sweets.
Check your order. If ordering by QR code, confirm that the order reached the system; one table waited 30 minutes before learning it had not arrived.
Ask ingredients. Ask staff to verify dessert ingredients before ordering, since one reviewer said they could not explain the cake flavours or other desserts.
Bring layers. The area can be cold in winter, so bring an extra layer for an outdoor evening visit.
Set expectations. If you are travelling far, weigh the atmosphere and shows against the food: one visitor felt the quality did not justify a 30-minute drive.
Plan the visit
Practical details
Al Qasimia City - Industrial 1 - Dubai
Al Qasimia City - Industrial 1, Dubai
Popular Mentions
Camel riding
Camel riding is mentioned as an additional activity for visitors spending time at the desert-style cafe.
Cheetos fries
Cheetos fries were specifically named as a favourite order by one visitor.
Common Concerns
Long waits
Service can be seriously slow: one table waited over an hour and another waited 90 minutes for coffee.
Food consistency
Food opinions vary sharply, from delicious pasta to complaints that dishes were heavy on mayonnaise and sauces and tasted like junk food.
Allergen handling
A reviewer said allergens were served despite repeated instructions, so this is a serious issue for guests with food allergies.
Uncomfortable seating
One review found the chairs and tables uncomfortable, which may matter if you plan to stay for dinner and a show.
Oil smell
A visitor found the smell of cooking oil noticeably annoying during the visit.
DXB
LOCAL
LOCAL
The Bottom Line
Carnival Cafe is an outdoor seasonal coffee shop in Dubai Industrial City with a desert-style setting, lights and live entertainment. It suits a family evening more than a quick coffee stop: visitors can eat dinner, watch fire or dance shows, ride a horse or camel, and let children use the play area. The open space also gives groups room to walk around rather than staying at the table.
Food feedback is mixed. Pasta, drinks, desserts and the cheesecake stick receive specific praise, while another guest found the food heavy on mayonnaise and sauces. Coffee has also had uneven reviews, including a complaint about cold coffee and another calling the coffee, matcha and hot chocolate below average.
The setting is usually the strongest reason to come, particularly in the cooler season. Service needs a little caution. Some guests describe friendly, professional staff and quick online ordering, but others waited 30 minutes, more than an hour, or even 90 minutes for coffee.
Confirm QR orders have registered, and ask clearly about ingredients if allergies matter; one reviewer said allergens were served despite repeated instructions. Outdoor seating can also feel cold, and a reviewer found the chairs uncomfortable.
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