Food & Drink
34 of Dubai's favourite outdoor restaurants and sun-filled terraces
Fri, September 15, 2023
We've rounded up the top restaurants offering stunning alfresco views from their outdoor terraces.
We've rounded up the top restaurants offering stunning alfresco views from their outdoor terraces.
Fish Beach Taverna

Proving popular every season, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi's Fish Beach Taverna has cemented itself as a go-to venue for dining with a view, thanks in no small part to its shoreside setting. At night, floating fairy-lights illuminate the vibrant white-wash and azure decor, as guests dine on Greek mezze by candlelight. Be sure to get there before nightfall, as the restaurant’s positioning gives you an unobstructed view of the Arabian Gulf's famous sunset.
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.
L'Amo Bistro del Mar

Perched by the waterfront of Dubai Harbour Yacht club, this sleek eatery offers a taste of fresh Italian seafood in a chic setting. Dive into a sea of flavours with dishes like spaghetti with sea urchin and saffron-flavoured lobster risotto. With its upscale ambience, panoramic vistas of the skyline and authentic Italian fare, L'Amo Bistro del Mare is a great choice for a romantic dinner or an all-out celebratory feast.
Akira Back

CLAP

carine

Eden

With a prime position at the summit of Dubai Opera, appropriately named Eden is filled with lush vegetation, pretty wicker chairs, patterned banquettes and has spectacular views of the Burj Khalifa. Connected to Belcanto restaurant, this nightlife spot is open from 7pm till 3am, and hosts a lively weekend brunch with resident DJ Icci on the decks and popular Italian stalwarts on the menu.
Nammos

Sitting at this trendy beachfront venue, at the Four Seasons Resort in Jumeirah, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to Mykonos. With a lush garden, and an expansive terrace that wraps around the eatery, there’s plenty of space for sunshine-fuelled dining. Dishes on the menu range from sushi and shrimp risotto to Mediterranean grills and steaks, and it’s all served sharing-style, so head down with a group of friends to get the full experience.
Summersalt by Kayto

If you're already a fan of Kayto, then you need to check out its new incarnation perched on the beach at Summersalt. Find signature plates showcasing the best of Nikkei cuisine – think Japanese and Peruvian influences – with delicious sushi, zesty ceviche and much more to entice diners. The star of the show however is the setting – sit on the terrace and you'll see uninterrupted seaside scenes with the iconic Burj Al Arab in full view.
Ninive

Ninive's modern menu is inspired by the flavours of Morocco, Iran, Iraq and Turkey with a range of Arabic and North African favourites. Low-level seating serves to further amplify unbelievable views of Dubai's skyscrapers. Set on a terrace between the Emirates Towers' buildings, the outdoor-indoor atmosphere is enchanting – evoking the setting of a Bedouin tent – so you can enjoy the views in sheltered comfort.
The London Project

Twiggy by La Cantine

A sunshine-filled spot that will brighten your day, Twiggy by La Cantine is a refreshing beach club and restaurant at Park Hyatt Dubai. Dine by the 100m infinity pool, which has its own menu complete with small plates such as poke bowls, lobster rolls, sushi and caviar, or swap the sun beds for a table on the terrace because the a la carte menu is more than worth it, filled with celebratory Mediterranean dishes.The atmosphere livens up after sunset, as the DJ turns the music up, with diners lingering well into the night.
FireLake Grill House & Bar
FireLake Grill House & Bar has some of the best Burj Khalifa views around for breezy outdoor vibes. The restaurant, at Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Waterfront, is a must-visit for barbecue fans, with charcoal, wood oven and open-flame cooking techniques infusing smoky flavour into every sizzling cut. The venue is also family-friendly with a lively weekend brunch.
Armani / Hashi

CE LA VI

3Fils

Ginger Moon

Jun's

Two outdoor patios with views of Burj Khalifa give diners prime people-watching positioning on the main Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard in Downtown Dubai. Enjoy the breeze as you tuck into social media star Kelvin Cheung's comfort food classics, that blend North American, Indian and Far Eastern flavours and ingredients. An added draw? The impressive vegan offerings that even the most hardened carnivore will love.
Palm West Beach

Searching for that perfect Instagram shot? You'll be spoilt for choice on this stretch. Palm West Beach has a succession of restaurants and beach clubs, situated so that you can dip your toes in the sand while taking in the vibrant atmosphere. From Balinese-influenced Koko Bay to the eateries at The Club, family-friendly Jones and Grocer to Mexican Senor Pico, you'll find every cuisine and ambience.
ONZE

Folia
folly

This hip spot heats up during the cooler months, with the elevated terrace a top choice. Sunset is the perfect time to order an early dinner, so you can catch sight of the sun sinking into the waters of the Arabian Gulf and the abras sailing along Madinat Jumeirah's canals. The seasonal menu tickles tastebuds with British flavours and fresh ingredients. Book ahead – the terrace is understandably popular with locals and visitors alike.
Treehouse

Soho Garden Palm Jumeirah

Bar du Port
This always lively French-brasserie style eatery is one of the most sought-after spots in Dubai Harbour thanks to its stunning views, Parisian plates and upbeat playlist. The al fresco setting is ideal for catching the sunset, and their weekend brunch is a popular option for groups wanting a vibrant setting. The menu includes fresh oysters, an impressive raw seafood bar plus lots of salads, alongside Mediterranean-accented mains like wagyu beef Rossini, risottos and pastas and Josper-grilled baby squid.
The Beach Bar & Grill by Mauro Colagreco

The Nice Guy

MINA Brasserie

Club Vista Mare

The Boardwalk

Amazonico

Bungalo34

Its 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 dining spot at Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai Residences, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. It's also an excellent place to catch a perfect sunset. Helmed by restaurateur Natasha Sideris – known for tasha's cafe, Avli by tashas and Flamingo Room – Bungalo34's Mediterranean menu puts the spotlight on seafood specials and serves them in a casual yet chic space, with prime tables located in the soft sand on the beach.
Mott 32

Famed fine dining hotspot Mott 32 is welcoming discerning diners to its latest outpost on the 73rd floor of Address Beach Resort in Jumeirah Beach Residence. The restaurant is best known for marrying traditional Chinese cooking and modern culinary innovation. Try the popular applewood roasted Peking duck, which takes 48 hours to prepare and is carved table-side, or savour the jasmine flower smoked black cod and freshly made dim sum. The venue also comes with an exquisite open-air terrace with stunning views across Bluewaters Island, JBR, Palm Jumeirah and Ain Dubai from its sky-high location.
Alici

Forget about making your way to Italy’s Amalfi Coast — simply make your way to Alici instead. From fresh seafood to handmade pasta, a trip across the bridge to Bluewaters Island is all you need for a true taste of southern Italy. With a super setting overlooking the sea and sparkling shores of the lively Jumeirah Beach Residence, this chic restaurant that puts the spotlight on fruits de mer is perfect for a lazy lunch or a classy date night.
The Byron Bathers Club

Chef Tom Arnel's waterside spot on the shores of Palm Jumeirah takes inspiration from Australian beaches, with a surf-style aesthetic and menu. The airy blue and white interiors complement views of the Arabian Gulf, with an easy local neighbourhood vibe. Those keen to be impressed will go straight for the Instagram-friendly, multi-tiered seafood tower. Work your way through oysters, crab, lobster, sushi and more that's part of this huge platter, ideal for sharing. The beach club has a preppy, summery atmosphere that gets further elevated when DJs and live music come to play. And for families, the onsite playground provides a welcome distraction for little ones.