A lunch at NESTT Dubai that everyone enjoyed. Even me.

I loved NESTT Dubai, and I wasn’t expecting to.

Family restaurants with indoor playgrounds tend to put most of their effort into entertaining children, leaving parents to make do with whatever’s on the menu. At NESTT in Al Quoz, my eight-year-old twins had a brilliant afternoon, but I enjoyed lunch enough to want to go back – even without them.

I was keen to visit NESTT. Because I read they made their pasta in-house, along with the bread, pizza dough and sauces. My twins were keen to go too. Because they saw photos of a very “fun-looking” play area.

As it turned out, we were all rather happy.

Pancakes for lunch? Apparently, yes.

I ordered the chicken gnocchi. The twins each chose the pancake stack. Because pancakes, I was told, are an entirely reasonable lunch when you’re eight.

My gnocchi was delicious. I’m still thinking about that sauce.

The pancake stacks disappeared remarkably quickly. Although I suspect knowing that an enormous playground was waiting for them provided some additional motivation.

NESTT takes its cooking seriously. The European and Mediterranean-inspired menu includes handmade three-cheese agnolotti, beef pappardelle, burgers and pizzas.

Speaking of pizzas, they looked fantastic. I didn’t try one, but they’re at the top of my list for next time. I can’t remember the last time I left a children’s play centre thinking about what I’d order on my next visit.

The best milkshake Amir has ever had

Amir ordered a vanilla milkshake. Misha chose the chocolate marshmallow one. And after a few sips, Amir declared his the best milkshake he’d ever had.

Now, at eight years old, his experience of the world’s great milkshakes is somewhat limited, and I suspect the title of “best ever” has been awarded several times during his relatively short life.

So naturally, I was skeptical.

Then I had a sip. And realized he might actually have a point.

The magic number is fifteen

With lunch finished, the twins were finally free to explore the playground.

NESTT has two indoor play environments catering to children up to eight years old. The ground floor has a forest-inspired setting, while upstairs feels like a playground in the clouds.

There’s plenty of climbing, crawling and exploring.

The unexpected highlight was a particularly long slide running alongside the staircase leading to the first floor. Amir was obsessed. He went up the stairs, down the slide, straight back up and down again I’m guessing 15 times.

Misha loved it too.

For all the effort that has gone into creating the playground, I’m fairly certain that slide alone was enough to convince them we needed to return.

Finally, somewhere that remembers the parents

This is what impressed me most about NESTT.

I’ve visited plenty of “family-friendly” venues in Dubai where the children have a wonderful time while the parents sit around waiting for them to finish. The food is uninspiring, the coffee forgettable, and the surroundings are designed entirely around the children.

At NESTT, someone has remembered that parents like nice things too.

The interiors, designed by H2R and Nakkash Design Studio, are beautiful. Think natural timber, terrazzo, warm colours and comfortable seating. It’s a space I’d happily visit without the twins.

I also spotted a La Marzocco Linea espresso machine behind the counter. I didn’t get close enough to see whether it was a PB or a Classic. Which is awesome for someone who writes about specialty coffee. You’re welcome.

There’s an interesting partnership behind NESTT. It was founded by Haider Madani, co-founder of Mad-Room Group, and Sarah Raslan, a child psychologist and parenting educator. Sarah’s background has helped shape the playground, which considers how children of different ages and personalities explore and interact.

I’m not qualified to assess the psychology behind it, but I can tell you that my two absolutely loved the place.

Would I recommend NESTT Dubai?

Absolutely. I loved it.

The twins had a fantastic afternoon and I enjoyed one of the better lunches I’ve had at a family entertainment venue in Dubai.

NESTT has managed something I wish more places would try. It’s created a playground that children love, with a restaurant that parents would actually choose to visit.

For once, I didn’t feel like I was simply accompanying my children somewhere they’d enjoy. I was enjoying myself too.

As we were leaving, Amir informed me that we’d be coming back next week. Not asked. Informed. I was told as a matter of fact.

I guess he recommends NESTT too.

Visiting NESTT in Al Quoz

NESTT is located at Q East by Alphabeta, Al Quoz Industrial Third, Dubai, and is open daily from 8am to 7pm.

The indoor playground has two areas: Early Explorers for children aged 0 to 3, and Little Adventurers for children aged 3 to 8. Play passes are listed at AED 90 and AED 110 respectively, with one accompanying adult included per child.

NESTT also offers children’s workshops, including pizza-making, cupcake decorating and pottery, alongside birthday celebrations and other activities.

For menus, reservations and current play-area information, visit nestt.ae or follow @nestt.ae on Instagram.

Click here for directions to NESTT.

Disclosure: FLTR Magazine visited NESTT following an invitation from its PR agency. The opinions expressed here are based on our personal experience.

Frequently asked questions

Where is NESTT Dubai located?

NESTT is located at Q East by Alphabeta in Al Quoz Industrial Third, Dubai. The venue combines a European and Mediterranean-inspired restaurant and café with indoor children’s play areas, creative workshops and spaces for events. Parking is available within Q East, along with a nearby drop-off area for families.

Is NESTT worth visiting with children?

Yes. Based on our visit with eight-year-old twins, NESTT is an excellent choice for families looking for somewhere to eat while their children enjoy indoor play. The playground offers climbing areas, tunnels and slides, while the restaurant serves food that is genuinely worth returning for. The milkshakes were particularly good.

What ages is the NESTT indoor playground suitable for?

NESTT has two indoor play areas for children up to eight years old. Early Explorers caters to children aged 0 to 3, with activities suitable from approximately seven months. Little Adventurers is designed for ages 3 to 8, offering climbing, crawling, slides, tunnels and imaginative play.

How much does the NESTT playground cost?

NESTT’s official website lists admission at AED 90 for children aged 0 to 3 and AED 110 for children aged 3 to 8. Each play pass includes one accompanying adult. Check the venue’s website for current prices, session lengths and admission conditions before visiting.

What food does NESTT Dubai serve?

NESTT serves European and Mediterranean-inspired food, including handmade pasta, pizzas, burgers, breakfast dishes and children’s meals. According to the restaurant, its pasta, bread, pizza dough and sauces are prepared in-house. During our visit, the chicken gnocchi, pancake stacks and vanilla and chocolate marshmallow milkshakes were all excellent.

Does NESTT serve specialty coffee?

NESTT has a La Marzocco Linea espresso machine and serves coffee as part of its café offering. We saw the equipment during our visit but didn’t try the coffee, so can’t comment on its quality. The café and restaurant also welcome adults visiting without children.

Does NESTT offer activities besides the playground?

Yes. NESTT offers organised workshops, including pizza-making, cupcake decorating, pottery, sensory activities and other creative sessions. The venue also hosts children’s birthday celebrations. Workshop schedules, age requirements and prices vary, so check the official NESTT website for current availability before planning a visit.