Best restaurants near Burj Al Arab

The Burj Al Arab hotel is an icon of Dubai, with its 321m-high sail shape instantly recognisable. And while the hotel itself is one of the most luxurious in the world, you don’t have to stay in it to appreciate its elegant form – especially at night, when it's illuminated. The good news is there are plenty of excellent places to get a great view of the Burj Al Arab and enjoy a fantastic meal. We’ve rounded up a favourite few.

Fine dining at Madinat Jumeirah

On one side of the Burj Al Arab sits the Madinat Jumeirah, made up of several luxury hotels and home to the best views of the Burj’s iconic sail. Jumeirah Al Naseem’s Summersalt beach club and restaurant offers one of the closest spots to the Burj Al Arab, complete with a relaxed poolside atmosphere and great food. Try The Palmery’s terrace, where the view comes with a focus on healthy dishes and fresh ingredients, or head to Rockfish for seafood dishes with an Italian twist.

Over at Mina A’Salam, Shimmers sits on the beach, offering Greek cuisine, a relaxed ambience and great views. Hanaaya – meaning “happiness” in Arabic – sits on the waterside of the canal running through the whole of Madinat Jumeirah, and is famous for its Friday brunch.

A different perspective from the water

For a combination of spectacular Burj Al Arab views and the very best seafood, Pierchic is unbeatable.

Part of the Al Qasr hotel in Madinat Jumeirah, Pierchic sits at the end of a long wooden pier, several hundred metres out into the sea. Far from the bustle of the main hotel, and with one of the best views anywhere in the city, it’s no surprise that Pierchic has been consistently recognised as one of the most romantic restaurants in Dubai.

A souk with a view

Souk Madinat Jumeirah is the retail heart of the Madinat Jumeirah complex, and is packed with dozens of delicious restaurants. As with the hotels, some establishments boast admirable panoramas of the Burj Al Arab, particularly in the evening.

Folly by Nick & Scott is the venture of two Gordon Ramsay proteges, with a menu offering all the excitement and innovation their mentorship suggests. Meanwhile, Publique is rated as one of the best French restaurants in Dubai, and aims to bring the atmosphere of an Alpine ski chalet to Dubai’s coast – except towering over the restaurant is the Burj Al Arab, instead of the Mont Blanc. And down by the canal-side, Anar offers excellent Persian cuisine with a view of the iconic hotel peeking over the palm trees.

Relaxed vibes at Jumeirah Beach Hotel

On the other side of the Burj Al Arab is the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, its wave-shaped form itself a familiar symbol of Dubai. Offering a more informal atmosphere than the Madinat Jumeirah hotels, the Jumeirah Beach Hotel has plenty of restaurants and lounges, including many on the beach. Beachcombers is one of these, combining a pan-Asian menu with prime views over the water.

And for a more elevated experience, check out Uptown on the 24th floor of the hotel. This lounge offers light bites, and views not only of the Burj Al Arab, but also the entire Jumeirah district and distant skyline of the city centre.

Great neighbourhood choices

Away from the hotels, there are plenty of independent restaurants – and familiar chains to consider.

Almost directly opposite the hotel is Kaftan Turkish Cuisine & Fine Art restaurant, offering highly-rated Mediterranean food and a close-up view of the Burj Al Arab. And just down the road in The Mall Jumeirah is the Arabian Tea House, the sister venue of the original branch in Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, and a great place to try local snacks and refreshments.

Further down Jumeirah Beach Road is Japanese restaurant Origami, in Al Souq Mall at the Fishing Harbour – head here for great sushi amid peaceful surroundings, while just opposite is Bu Qtair fish restaurant that's famed for its delicious seafood at wallet-friendly prices.