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The best of beachside dining in Dubai
Mon, November 6, 2023
Whether you're after a three-course meal or grabbing a quick snack, there are plenty of opportunities to refuel waterside.
Whether you're after a three-course meal or grabbing a quick snack, there are plenty of opportunities to refuel waterside.
Jetty Lounge
Located right by the waterfront near a jetty, this popular lounge at the One&Only Royal Mirage hotel really is beach chic at its best. Relaxed sofa seating and chilled-out tunes set the mood, complemented by an international menu of light bites and refreshing beverages. Settle in for an evening to remember at one of the private cabanas by the water’s edge and nibble on Arabian mezze, Asian teriyaki or European quiches, while watching the sun go down.
Aprons & Hammers
Beautiful beach views, a chilled-out ambience and fresh seafood await at Aprons & Hammers. The name of the restaurant refers to the two things you’ll need once you’re seated – a hammer to break open the crustaceans on offer, and an apron to cover yourself from the delicious ensuing mess. There’s plenty of fresh seafood to choose from, like buckets of shellfish, mussels and jumbo shrimps, so prepare get your hands dirty. But if seafood isn’t your thing, don’t fret, there’s also a tasty range of pasta dishes, juicy burgers and vegetarian fare.
Fish Beach Taverna
With its whitewashed tables and chairs, and paved stone floors, Fish Beach Taverna offers fuss-free dining with brilliant views of the blue. With the Arabian Gulf straight ahead, feast on fabulous seafood on the terrace with the twinkling lights of Dubai Marina around you. The meals here have a home-cooked vibe with ingredients straight from the Aegean region. Try the selection of hot and cold plates including salads, vine leaves, grilled octopus, mussels and calamari, or head straight to the counter and order fresh fish and seafood, prepared just the way you like it.
Shimmers
If you were to judge solely by location, Shimmers always gets top marks. Add to that a tantalising menu of Greek cuisine, and you’ve landed a winner. Sitting in the heart of Madinat Jumeirah’s exclusive private beach, this relaxed eatery offers prime views of the azure sea, golden sands and the spectacular Burj Al Arab. Try their ‘real’ Greek salad with kalamata olives and feta cheese, or savour the slow-cooked lamb speciality by Greek chef extraordinaire Yiannis Katsikas. It's all very, very good, thanks to the exceptional ingredients used.
WHITE Restaurant
Taste the best of the Med at WHITE Restaurant. Located at Atlantis, The Palm, WHITE's laidback beach club area may instantly grab attention, but instead give in to temptation at its restaurant – the perfect spot to enjoy a leisurely lunch in the sun. Think sweeping views of the Dubai skyline, seafresh flavours and a chilled out soundtrack to complete the holiday vibes. Standouts here include the chargrilled lobster, seabass ceviche with citrus, cauliflower arancini with fresh truffle, and the superb Alinazik lamb cutlets.
Barasti Beach
This beach club and restaurant at Le Meridien Mina Seyahi has become a Dubai institution. The sprawling multi-layered open-air venue has a relaxed, friendly vibe, with everything from large screens showing sports, to beach loungers, pool tables and DJ-spun tunes on offer. The fish and chips here are legendary, but there are moreish pies, curries, pizzas and gourmet sandwiches too. Evenings are especially lively as Barasti hosts a packed calendar of events and live music nights all through the year.
KoKo Bay
This Palm Jumeirah lounge blends Far-Eastern and European fare with laidback Balinese-style decor and a calming beachfront ambience. Whether you want to take a dip in the sea in between your alfresco meal or sink your toes in the cooling sand and lean back for a sundown snack, KoKo Bay makes the cut for a new and exotic food-focused Dubai hangout. On the weekends, elevate vacation-vibes with plates of signature grills, fish and chips or vegan maki rolls as the live DJ beats entertain all day long.
Bungalo34
It's secluded setting, looking out on an endless expanse of blue sea, instantly evokes holiday vibes, but that's just one of the reasons to visit this all-day spot at the Nikki Beach Resort & Spa that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Helmed by restauranteur Natasha Sideris, the Mediterranean menu puts the spotlight on seafood specials, and serves them in a casual yet chic space – complete with changing booths for swimmers and an artisanal boutique. Book a prime table located in the soft sand on the beach.
Dibba Bay Oysters
Dibba Bay – the only oyster farm in the Middle East – has both a farm-to-table alfresco outpost at the Sheraton Hotel at JBR with sweeping seaside views, and a farm shop at Jumeirah Fishing Harbour. Secure one of their wooden tables and soon you'll be slurping your choice of raw or grilled sustainable, local oysters, served in three sizes with a variety of their signature sauces and toppings. Not into oysters? Salmontini's smoked salmon, UAE Farms' burrata and Viking Bageri's signature bread are all on the menu at this casual spot too.
Summersalt by Kayto
If you're a fan of Jumeirah Al Naseem's Japanese-Peruvian eatery Kayto, then you're in for a treat as its second location is situated right on the beach. The sophisticated open-air space is the perfect pick for those wanting to sample Nikkei cuisine, with plates combining cultures – think Wagyu beef tacos, yuzu ceviche and platters of sushi. From 2pm the spot ups the ante with a resident DJ and Burj Al Arab views adding to the vibrant, upbeat atmosphere.
Laguna Beach Taverna
You'll feel like you've been whisked to the Cycladic isles when you step into this boho-chic venue that oozes Mediterranean vibes. Perched on the shore at Sofitel Dubai The Palm resort, you'll find plates of Greek classics – try the chicken gyros pita and grilled squid – dished out on a terrace just steps from the Arabian Sea, with rattan furniture, and white and turquoise lounges adding to the Mykonos ambiance.
Tamoka
A beachside dining destination that radiates warmth, Tamoka at Ritz-Carlton Dubai presents enviable views, vibrant fare and laidback island-style vibes inspired by the coasts of Latin America and the Caribbean. The menu sings with highlights such as the sticky tamarind beef ribs, shredded chicken buns, zesty salmon ceviche, baked eggplant and more. The al fresco setting is a definite highlight, complemented by outdoor fire pits and sunken lounges.
Ría Restaurant & Beach Bar
Ría Restaurant & Beach Bar is located at the corner of Club Vista Mare on Palm Jumeirah, offering laidback beachside dining as visitors gaze across the Arabian Gulf and the sweeping Dubai skyline. The menu at Ría focuses on Levantine dishes that also nod to the freshness of Mediterranean cuisine, and there are indoor and outdoor areas to suit your needs.
Lucky Fish
Dine with the sand between your toes at this premium beachside restaurant on Palm Jumeirah. Found on West Beach, Lucky Fish's relaxed bohemian decor and elevated dining menu make it a top spot for those who love to gaze at the seashore while they eat. Fresh seafood options are a highlight on the menu, as are the decadent breakfast items from freshly bakes pastries to eggs Benedict.
Nuska Beach
Located on the scenic front of Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Nuska Beach is a sublime venue for casual lunches, scenic sundowners and late-night dining. Designed as a hub for social sharing, the venue offers guests an atmospheric dining experience along with wow-worthy views. The venue aims to capture the essence of a modern seaside restaurant, with panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf and Burj Al Arab. With a musical soundtrack that ranges from jazz and soul to funk and hip hop, Nuska Beach serves as an ideal setting for daytime relaxation as well as evening leisure.
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