Atmosphere
The art-filled interior, warm lighting and jazz create a cozy setting that suits date nights and relaxed drinks.
Nola Bijou Bistro & Bar
Al Wasl
Nola Bijou Bistro & Bar is a stylish, New Orleans-inspired bistro and bar in Al Wasl, with a cozy, art-filled setting for dinner, brunch or cocktails. Reviews particularly highlight the steak and beignets, while the lively music and licensed bar make it suited to dates, drinks and evenings with friends.
Reputation Score
4.6
★★★★★
702 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Steak
Several reviews praise the steak, including one diner who called it among the best they had tasted in Dubai and recommended sharing it.
Cocktails
The cocktails are a major draw, with reviewers describing them as well-made and highlighting the Espresso Martini.
Southern Flavours
The menu delivers New Orleans-inspired dishes such as spinach dip, jambalaya and steaks, with the jambalaya noted for its spicy character.
Beignets
The beignets received unusually strong praise for their soft texture and balanced sweetness.
Drink Setting
The lighting, music and curated bar atmosphere make it a strong choice for an evening cocktail before or after dinner.
Seating Choice
Reviews mention both indoor seating and an outdoor area, with the terrace working well for brunch when open.
Tips for a Better Visit
Book Ahead. Reserve in advance for busy nights; one couple found the restaurant fully booked and had to use a terrace table with a time limit.
Try Happy Hour. Weekday happy hour runs from 5pm to 7pm, before the atmosphere becomes busier later in the evening.
Choose Seating. Ask about indoor seating if the weather is hot; one visit found the terrace uncomfortable after an indoor table was unavailable.
Plan Parking. Allow extra budget for City Walk parking; one reviewer reported paying more than 100 on each visit.
Order Sharing. Consider sharing the steak, as one diner specifically found it generous enough to recommend for sharing.
Plan the visit
Practical details
City Walk - C2
Al Wasl, Dubai
| Mon | 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Tue | 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Wed | 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Thu | 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Fri | 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM |
| Sat | 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM |
| Sun | 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
Popular Mentions
Fried Calamari
The Fried Calamari was rated highly for its crisp texture and accompanying dip.
Hot Spinach Cheese Dip
This starter was praised for its flavour and balance, making it a useful sharing option.
seafood jambalaya
The seafood jambalaya is described as particularly flavorful and well prepared.
Common Concerns
Rushed Service
Two recent reviews describe plates being cleared while guests were still eating and drinks being taken before they were finished.
Portion Value
Some diners felt the portions were too small for the prices, particularly for a venue presenting itself as fine dining.
Smoking
One review found the smoke excessive in the compact venue and said the air conditioning did not clear it adequately.
Food Consistency
Individual dishes have missed the mark: one reviewer found the peppercorn sauce too spicy and the profiterole neither creamy nor sweet enough.
Busy Evenings
The room can become crowded, leaving staff overwhelmed and making the evening less comfortable for some groups.
DXB
LOCAL
LOCAL
The Bottom Line
Nola Bijou Bistro & Bar is a polished Al Wasl spot for a proper dinner, an evening cocktail or a long brunch when the terrace is open. The New Orleans-inspired design, art displays, warm lighting and jazz-led soundtrack are central to the appeal. It feels more lively than quiet, especially later in the evening, but still works for dates and catch-ups with friends.
Food highlights from the reviews include the steak, Nola Salad, Hot Spinach Cheese Dip, Fried Calamari and beignets. The spinach dip is described as creamy and well-balanced, while the beignets are praised for melting in the mouth. Jambalaya, prawns and seafood dishes also receive strong mentions, and the licensed bar is a reason to come for cocktails as much as dinner.
There are some practical cautions. Book ahead for busy nights, when walk-ins can be difficult and staff may feel stretched. Weekday happy hour runs from 5pm to 7pm.
Ask about seating before settling in if the terrace is hot, and note that one reviewer reported City Walk parking costing more than 100. A few diners also found portions expensive for their size, while recent reviews raised concerns about rushed service and uneven handling of complaints.