Tender chicken
The flame-grilled chicken is repeatedly described as tender and juicy, with lemon-herb basting standing out as a less familiar flavour.
Oporto - Dubai Festival Centre
Dubai Festival City
Oporto in Dubai Festival City serves Portuguese/Australian-style grilled chicken, burgers and wraps in a colourful mall setting. Reviews make the flame-grilled chicken and Bondi burger the clearest reasons to stop, especially if you want something lighter than typical fried chicken.
Reputation Score
4.5
★★★★★
314 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Distinctive burgers
The Bondi burger has a distinctive flavour that several diners preferred over more conventional fast-food burgers.
Fast service
Several reviews mention food arriving quickly, making this useful for a snack or mall meal when you do not want a long wait.
Fresh sides
Freshness is a recurring strength: one family praised the crisp garden salad, hot fries and tender, lightly seasoned chicken.
Large portions
Portions can be generous; one whole-chicken meal with three sides was reported as enough for three adults.
Helpful guidance
Staff commonly explain the menu and recommend best sellers, which helps first-time diners choose between chicken, burgers and spice levels.
What to Eat at Oporto - Dubai Festival Centre 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 Oporto - Dubai Festival Centre, 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 Oporto - Dubai Festival Centre, ranked by positive reviews minus negative reviews. Zero-score items have no net positive feedback; their labels distinguish neutral-only from mixed feedback.
Food 1
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Original sauce Net +2
“Forget fried chickens and burger factories, this is a Must Stop place in Festival Mall. The amazing taste of burgers and grilled chicken blew my socks off, all elevated with the taste of their original sauce.”
Positive 2Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Forget fried chickens and burger factories, this is a Must Stop place in Festival Mall. The amazing taste of burgers and grilled chicken blew my socks off, all elevated with the taste of their original sauce.”July 2022
“We were invited to a tasting that consists of Oporto’s bests and it was DELICIOUs. The original sauce just had the right amount of spice.”March 2021
Honorable mentions (28)
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1/2 Chicken box Net +1
“I ordered the 1/2 chicken box and it was extra special because of the original chili sauce from Australia.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I ordered the 1/2 chicken box and it was extra special because of the original chili sauce from Australia.”December 2021
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Bondi Net +1
“We were told to download their app to get one free burger and damn it was so good and we revisited for that burger called “Bondi”.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We were told to download their app to get one free burger and damn it was so good and we revisited for that burger called “Bondi”.”June 2022
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Bondi chicken burger Net +1
“I ordered bondi chicken burger it was delicious , but the chicken rappa was normal.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I ordered bondi chicken burger it was delicious , but the chicken rappa was normal.”September 2021
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Chargrilled chicken Net +1
“Great place for chargrilled chicken. Quite possibly the best in town! Good quality chicken, coming as chicken pieces or burgers, with different levels of spice.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Great place for chargrilled chicken. Quite possibly the best in town! Good quality chicken, coming as chicken pieces or burgers, with different levels of spice.”May 2022
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Cheesy fries Net +1
“Loved the huge serving of cheesy fries that came as a side with the delicious Portuguese flame grilled chicken.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Loved the huge serving of cheesy fries that came as a side with the delicious Portuguese flame grilled chicken.”October 2021
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Chicken burger Net +1
“I must say they have awsum chicken burger very unique and different taste. It's a must try burger for all chicken lovers.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I must say they have awsum chicken burger very unique and different taste. It's a must try burger for all chicken lovers.”June 2023
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Chicken pieces Net +1
“Great place for chargrilled chicken. Quite possibly the best in town! Good quality chicken, coming as chicken pieces or burgers, with different levels of spice. Go for the former option if you're look for a healthy meal at an acceptable cost.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Great place for chargrilled chicken. Quite possibly the best in town! Good quality chicken, coming as chicken pieces or burgers, with different levels of spice. Go for the former option if you're look for a healthy meal at an acceptable cost.”May 2022
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Chilly cheese chips Net +1
“Chilly cheese chips 10/10 crispy nicely spiced excellent mix of gravy and cheese.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Chilly cheese chips 10/10 crispy nicely spiced excellent mix of gravy and cheese.”November 2021
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Coleslaw Net +1
“Also, their coleslaw was fresh too and fries were chunky and crispy.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Also, their coleslaw was fresh too and fries were chunky and crispy.”December 2022
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Corn Net +1
“The corn was actually amazing and one of the best I've had.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The corn was actually amazing and one of the best I've had.”July 2022
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Double checkin burger Net +1
“I have tried their most selling item the double checkin burger as recommended by their staff, it’s good, but was much better when added the extra spicy 🌶 sauce, the small fried chicken pieces is really nice, unfortunately that famous grilled chicken needed 50 minutes waiting, so I did not try, for sure I will come again to try it, the staff are super polite and welcoming and are very friendly with the kids.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I have tried their most selling item the double checkin burger as recommended by their staff, it’s good, but was much better when added the extra spicy 🌶 sauce, the small fried chicken pieces is really nice, unfortunately that famous grilled chicken needed 50 minutes waiting, so I did not try, for sure I will come again to try it, the staff are super polite and welcoming and are very friendly with the kids.”September 2021
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Flame grilled chicken Net +1
“One of the most delicious flame grilled chicken and that too at an amazing price.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“One of the most delicious flame grilled chicken and that too at an amazing price.”June 2021
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Flame grilled half chicken with original chilli and lemon herb Net +1
“We got the flame grilled half chicken with Original Chilli and Lemon Herb. In addition we got the Bondi burger and a peach mocktail. The chicken was really tasty we enjoyed it so much although at first we thought the size a piece was quite small for the price.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We got the flame grilled half chicken with Original Chilli and Lemon Herb. In addition we got the Bondi burger and a peach mocktail. The chicken was really tasty we enjoyed it so much although at first we thought the size a piece was quite small for the price.”January 2023
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Grilled chicken sandwiches Net +1
“This restaurant has to be where I loved grilled chicken sandwiches for once. The chicken was spectacular with its flavour and the fact that it's breast and not ground chicken. The only downside was that the chicken needed a tad bit more salt but that was already provided on the table so it wasn't much of a hassle. Overall very recommended for anyone into chicken.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“This restaurant has to be where I loved grilled chicken sandwiches for once. The chicken was spectacular with its flavour and the fact that it's breast and not ground chicken. The only downside was that the chicken needed a tad bit more salt but that was already provided on the table so it wasn't much of a hassle. Overall very recommended for anyone into chicken.”April 2022
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Grilled corn Net +1
“The kids loved the grilled corn!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The kids loved the grilled corn!”December 2022
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Lemon and herb 1/2 chicken Net +1
“I decided to opt with a variety meal that consisted of 1 chicken burger, 1 lemon and herb 1/2 chicken and fries. The taste was great and I left being very satisfied. The burger was juicy and had a good amount of sauce and lettuce. As for the chicken...Wow, it was super tender and it was probably one of the best chicken I have had in years.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I decided to opt with a variety meal that consisted of 1 chicken burger, 1 lemon and herb 1/2 chicken and fries. The taste was great and I left being very satisfied. The burger was juicy and had a good amount of sauce and lettuce. As for the chicken...Wow, it was super tender and it was probably one of the best chicken I have had in years.”November 2022
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Lemon and herb chicken Net +1
“Funny but we literally finished the chicken till its bone, it was very tender and flavorful, I personally liked their version of lemon and herb chicken. It was something new to my taste compared to the common grilled chicken around Dubai.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Funny but we literally finished the chicken till its bone, it was very tender and flavorful, I personally liked their version of lemon and herb chicken. It was something new to my taste compared to the common grilled chicken around Dubai.”January 2023
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Oprego sauce Net +1
“My favorite is the Oprego sauce.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“My favorite is the Oprego sauce.”June 2021
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Peta bread Net +1
“The peta bread came straight from the oven and their signature hot sauce was one of the best.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The peta bread came straight from the oven and their signature hot sauce was one of the best.”June 2021
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Portuguese flame grilled chicken Net +1
“Loved the huge serving of cheesy fries that came as a side with the delicious Portuguese flame grilled chicken.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Loved the huge serving of cheesy fries that came as a side with the delicious Portuguese flame grilled chicken.”October 2021
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Quarter chicken Net +1
“Quarter chicken was good, fries good, airy and very relaxed seating, friendly staff, quick service.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“Quarter chicken was good, fries good, airy and very relaxed seating, friendly staff, quick service.”March 2021
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Spicy burger Net +1
“I had one bite of the spicy burger, it was really light and you wouldnt feel its heavy or saucy. Definitely going back there again for their burgers!”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I had one bite of the spicy burger, it was really light and you wouldnt feel its heavy or saucy. Definitely going back there again for their burgers!”July 2022
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Variety meal Net +1
“I decided to opt with a variety meal that consisted of 1 chicken burger, 1 lemon and herb 1/2 chicken and fries. The taste was great and I left being very satisfied.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“I decided to opt with a variety meal that consisted of 1 chicken burger, 1 lemon and herb 1/2 chicken and fries. The taste was great and I left being very satisfied.”November 2022
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Whole chicken feed meal Net +1
“We ordered their ‘’whole chicken feed’’ meal that consisted of 1 whole grilled chicken, 3 share sides, 4 pita breads and 4 sauces worth 125aed. It was enough for 3 adults.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We ordered their ‘’whole chicken feed’’ meal that consisted of 1 whole grilled chicken, 3 share sides, 4 pita breads and 4 sauces worth 125aed. It was enough for 3 adults.”October 2021
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Whole grilled chicken Net +1
“We ordered their ‘’whole chicken feed’’ meal that consisted of 1 whole grilled chicken, 3 share sides, 4 pita breads and 4 sauces worth 125aed. It was enough for 3 adults.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“We ordered their ‘’whole chicken feed’’ meal that consisted of 1 whole grilled chicken, 3 share sides, 4 pita breads and 4 sauces worth 125aed. It was enough for 3 adults.”October 2021
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Wrap Net +1
“The wrap has a lot of chicken inside, unlike in other fast food where there is nothing at the bottom.”
Positive 1Negative 0
Review excerpts
“The wrap has a lot of chicken inside, unlike in other fast food where there is nothing at the bottom.”February 2022
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Chicken meal Net 0
Only neutral feedback
“We also had chicken meal and it was ok.”
Positive 0Negative 0Neutral 1
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Chicken rappa Net 0
Only neutral feedback
“I ordered bondi chicken burger it was delicious , but the chicken rappa was normal.”
Positive 0Negative 0Neutral 1
What to Avoid (5)
Food 4
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Churros Net −1
“We ordered churros but they were hard and burnt, staff were kind enough to make a new batch, but could’ve been better.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“We ordered churros but they were hard and burnt, staff were kind enough to make a new batch, but could’ve been better.”November 2022
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Half chicken boxes Net −1
“I ordered 2 half chicken boxes and requested for 4 breast pieces. One of the pieces was stale / old and falling apart.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“I ordered 2 half chicken boxes and requested for 4 breast pieces. One of the pieces was stale / old and falling apart.”January 2023
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Jalapeño bites Net −1
“Also we ordered the jalapeño bites which was like eating into wood, it was the strangest jalapeño bites I have ever tasted.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“Also we ordered the jalapeño bites which was like eating into wood, it was the strangest jalapeño bites I have ever tasted.”May 2021
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Vegan burger Net −1
“The vegan burger wasn't that good.”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“The vegan burger wasn't that good.”March 2021
Drinks 1
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Lemongrass mo-tea-to Net −1
“Lemongrass Mo-tea-to 0/10 Aed.22 wasted on coloured sugar water with zero lemongrass fully disappointed...just came in a glass no garnish like the photo. Just had it as i was thirsty”
Positive 0Negative 1
Critical review excerpts
“Lemongrass Mo-tea-to 0/10 Aed.22 wasted on coloured sugar water with zero lemongrass fully disappointed...just came in a glass no garnish like the photo. Just had it as i was thirsty”November 2021
Tips for a Better Visit
Try Bondi. First-timers could start with the Bondi burger, which one reviewer revisited after receiving it through the app and found very good.
Request less salt. Ask for less salt on the fries: a customer found them excessively salty even though the portion was large.
Use the app. Download the app if it is your first visit; reviews mention a free burger on registration and points or offers on later purchases.
Share meals. Consider sharing larger meals: one whole-chicken feed with three sides was enough for three adults.
Expect mild spice. If you want real heat, ask about extra spicy sauce; one diner found the medium chicken and Extremo option milder than expected.
Plan the visit
Practical details
Dubai Festival Centre - 1st Floor Crescent Dr
Dubai Festival City, Dubai
Common Concerns
Uneven quality
Food quality is not completely consistent: one customer received a stale half-chicken piece and reported poor follow-up.
Sauce mishap
A burger review found the sauce dumped in one corner, leaving it messy and suggesting rushed preparation.
Mixed extras
Churros were reported hard and burnt, while one review found the jalapeño bites unusually tough.
Occasional waits
A diner reported waiting 50 minutes for the grilled chicken, so timing may vary despite many quick-service reviews.
DXB
LOCAL
LOCAL
The Bottom Line
Oporto is a chicken restaurant in Dubai Festival City built around Portuguese/Australian-style grilling rather than standard fried chicken. You can order a Bondi burger, flame-grilled chicken, wraps or a whole-chicken sharing meal. The strongest reviews focus on tender, juicy chicken and the distinctive original chilli and lemon-herb flavours.
The Bondi burger is a reliable starting point for newcomers, while the flame-grilled half chicken suits anyone looking for a lighter, less oily meal. Portions vary by order, but one whole-chicken feed with three sides was enough for three adults, and several diners found the service quick. The colourful interior and comfortable seating also work well for a casual family meal in the mall.
There are a few things to manage. Fries have been excessively salty, so ask for less salt. Sauces were praised by some diners but criticised by others, and one burger arrived with sauce piled into one corner.
Grilled chicken has occasionally taken as long as 50 minutes, despite many reports of fast service. For value, check the app: reviews mention a free burger after registration and a points or offers system. A reported whole chicken feed with three sides, pita breads and four sauces cost 125 AED, though this is a customer-reported past price rather than a current menu quote.