What is AROUND THE BLOCK?
AROUND THE BLOCK is a Mediterranean restaurant and cafe split across two sides of the same space in Wasl 51, the relatively new mixed-use dining and retail destination along Al Wasl Road. The cafe side opens early for breakfast and coffee, staying open late for evening drinks and light bites. The restaurant side handles sit-down lunch and dinner service. Everything leans Mediterranean—think healthy breakfasts, fresh vegetables, good proteins, and a menu designed to feel casual but considered.
The space has become popular since opening in late 2019, especially among Jumeirah residents. It's the kind of place that fills up with locals who know it, rather than just tourists passing through, which tells you something about how well it actually works for the neighbourhood.
The Wasl 51 Neighbourhood & What Living Nearby Is Like
Wasl 51 sits along Al Wasl Road in the heart of Jumeirah 1—a neighbourhood that's quiet, leafy, and mixed between villas and modern low-rise apartments. The area feels residential first, which means the dining and retail destination here is designed for locals, not tourists. The whole Wasl 51 project was built to give Jumeirah residents somewhere to walk to for a meal or coffee, without needing to drive across Dubai.
If you're living in Jumeirah 1 proper—which is known for its tree-lined streets, good schools, and family-friendly pace—you'd have AROUND THE BLOCK within easy reach. The area doesn't have the hustle of Downtown or the sprawl of newer communities; it's residential, walkable in parts, and quiet after dark. AROUND THE BLOCK fits that rhythm—it's where you'd meet a friend for breakfast before work, or grab dinner on a Friday night without it being a big production.
What to Know: The Vibe & Who It Suits
AROUND THE BLOCK has a relaxed, understated vibe—not trying too hard, well-run, good service, and music that doesn't shout at you. The menu is straightforward Mediterranean, with emphasis on fresh ingredients and healthy options, which appeals to the health-conscious Jumeirah crowd. A meal for two with a main and a smoothie typically runs around Dh250, which is middle-of-the-road for Dubai—not budget dining, not fine dining.
The place suits people who want good everyday food and coffee without ceremony. It's popular with Emiratis and expat families from the area, office workers meeting for lunch, and locals treating Wasl 51 as their weekend hangout destination. You won't find it jammed with tourists or influencers—it's genuinely a neighbourhood restaurant that happens to do things well.
There's also a drive-thru option, which matters in Dubai where many people are in and out of their cars rather than stopping to sit down.
Getting There & What's Around It
AROUND THE BLOCK is located at Wasl 51, Al Wasl Road, in the Jumeirah area. If you're living in Jumeirah 1, it's walkable or a very short drive. Public transport options in this part of Jumeirah are limited, so most residents drive or use ride-hailing apps. The location is sandwiched between other restaurants, shops, and the newer apartments and townhouses that make up Wasl 51—so you have options if you want to browse before or after eating.
The broader Jumeirah 1 neighbourhood has good access to the main roads and is roughly 15 minutes south of central Dubai or west toward the Marina. It's not on the beach—that's Jumeirah Beach Residence and further south. Jumeirah 1 itself is set back from the water, more about green streets and the quieter residential feel.
Dining in Jumeirah: What This Place Says About the Area
Jumeirah 1 has always been more about family dining and neighbourhood cafes than nightlife or fine dining. AROUND THE BLOCK fits that perfectly—it's a place where someone could genuinely eat three times a week without it feeling like a special trip. The mix of Emirati and expat visitors suggests the area draws people who care about quality but also value simplicity and local knowledge.
The Mediterranean focus is interesting too. It's healthy, familiar to both European and Middle Eastern palates, and doesn't require big night-out budgeting. That's very Jumeirah—understated money and good taste, not flashiness.
Hours & Practical Details
AROUND THE BLOCK is open from 8am to midnight daily, which makes it flexible for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a late-night coffee run. Peak times are likely breakfast (7–10am), lunch (12–2pm), and early evening (5–7pm). If you're thinking about living nearby and using it regularly, morning is probably your quietest option for a peaceful coffee. Friday and weekend lunch can get busy with families from the area.
Contact: 04 342 8000. Website: atbdubai.com. The space has both indoor seating and a drive-thru, and is accessible to most people—though if accessibility details matter to you, call ahead to confirm specifics.
Editorial overview compiled by the ting.ad team from public listing data and web research. Not a verified customer review.
FAQ
Is AROUND THE BLOCK only a cafe, or can I have a full dinner?
It's both. The cafe side serves breakfast, coffee, and light food all day. The restaurant side handles full lunch and dinner service. You can sit on either side depending on what you want—grab a coffee and pastry on one visit, a proper Mediterranean dinner on another.
How expensive is it if I live nearby and want to eat here regularly?
A meal for two with a main course and a drink costs around Dh250, which is middle-range for Dubai. It's not budget dining, but it's not fine dining either—solid everyday restaurant pricing. Coffee would be cheaper, probably Dh15–30 depending on what you order.
What's the parking like at Wasl 51?
Wasl 51 is a mixed-use development with parking available on-site. Most visitors drive, as public transport is limited in this part of Jumeirah. There's also a drive-thru option if you want to grab coffee without parking.
Is it good for families with kids?
Yes. The neighbourhood vibe is very family-oriented, and AROUND THE BLOCK has a relaxed, casual atmosphere that works well for families. The menu includes healthier options that appeal to younger eaters, and it's not loud or chaotic.
What's the best time to come if I want a quiet coffee?
Early morning (8–10am) is your best bet for a peaceful experience. Lunchtime and early evening will be busier with office workers and families. Midday (10am–12pm) is a good sweet spot too.
What kind of cuisine is it exactly?
Mediterranean—fresh vegetables, good proteins, healthy breakfasts, and a focus on clean, simple cooking. Think Middle Eastern and European influences on the same plate. Nothing too adventurous, just well-executed classic Mediterranean food.