Dubai is full of striking waterfront dining options that span the beach, marina, harbours and historic fishing areas. There’s something for every budget and mood from the ultra-luxurious to the local. Rounded up across four key categories: Luxurious Waterfront Restaurants, Mid-Range Waterfront Restaurants, Budget-Friendly Waterfront Restaurants, and Unique Waterfront Dining Restaurants Top Spots Dubai shares the best.
Updated: June 2024
Luxurious Waterfront Restaurants
Sal, Burj Al Arab
Sal translates to “salt” in both Portuguese and Spanish and refers to the salt of the sea. This exclusive club is part of the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab hotel which forms the ultimate Instagram backdrop. The 100m infinity pool gazes out towards the sea. This beach club and restaurant features airy white interiors and offers a relaxed and sophisticated environment. Take in striking Burj Al Arab and sea views from the alfresco terrace as you dine from a light Mediterranean menu or enjoy shisha. We recommend making a reservation around golden hour for the most magical views.
La Plage by French Riviera, Al Qasr
La Plage is part of the French Riviera restaurant in the elegant Jumeirah Al Qasr hotel. It’s an ideal spot for long lazy lunches next to the water. Expect a sense of the glamour the Côte D’Azure is famous for and a Mediterranean-influenced. During weekends La Plage’s resident DJs keep the atmosphere energised. Take in Instagrammable views of the Burj Al Arab and the sea as you dine here.
Shimmers on the Beach, Madinat Jumeirah
Shimmers is a Dubai classic and remains popular with tourists and residents alike. The menu features Mediterranean cuisine. Dine at the on-site restaurant under a white canopy or for a more relaxed vibe head to the bean bags on the beach. Shimmers overlooks the Burj Al Arab hotel and offers a sense of chilled-out luxury with a DJ that sets the mood.
Nammos Dubai, Four Seasons Resort Dubai at jumeirah Beach
A Mykonos-favourite among celebrities and jet setters, Nammos Dubai is the second outpost of the Greek restaurant and beach club. It’s one for party-goers that like to see and be seen. Set inside the chic Four Seasons Jumeirah hotel by the sea, the restaurant is fitted out with light natural materials. Expect a menu of Greek and international favourites with a fine dining accent. The DJ and live performers keep the atmosphere energetic. The private beach is a go-to for relaxation on sun loungers, sundowners and shisha.
Summersalt, Jumeirah Al Naseem
Head to restaurant and beach club, Summersalt for impressive sea and Burj Al Arab views. Summersalt’s menu spans international favourites including sushi and ceviche as well as more filling dishes such as Linguini Lobster. Before you dine you can spend your day on the private beach or pool or enjoy a session of shisha. Live beats play out from the resident DJs creating an energetic atmosphere that goes on into the evening.
Pier Chic, Jumeirah Al Qasr
An upscale, romantic Italian restaurant perched on its own private pier. Dine on a menu of sustainably sourced, Mediterranean-influenced seafood as you take in striking sea and Burj Al Arab views. Head to the neighbouring jetty bar, Onda, before sunset. Perched on an elevated platform, Onda offers panoramic sea and Burj Al Arab views while the DJ elevates the atmosphere.
Sea Fu, Four Seasons Resort Dubai at jumeirah Beach
At Sea Fu guests can pick between the bar and lounge area, indoor dining or the outdoor terrace adjacent to the sea and the Jumeirah beach. The menu is focused on Asian seafood dishes. Guests can select from the fresh seafood trolly or indulge in the tasting menu. Tuesday is ladies’ night so female guests can enjoy special offers on food and beverages.
Alici, Bluewaters Dubai
Alici is a chic Southern Italian-style restaurant with elegant decor by the shore. The indoor-outdoor venue offers sea, Ain Dubai, JBR and Dubai Marina views. Cuisine is authentic Italian with a seafood focus and spans fresh seafood, oysters, pizza, al dente pasta and grilled dishes and desserts.
Il Ristorante Niko Romito, Bulgari Resort Hotel, Jumeirah Bay Island
A two Michelin star concept by award-winning Italian chef, Niko Romito. Il Ristorante is an Italian fine-dining restaurant situated inside the elegant Bulgari Resort Hotel. Expect sleek interiors a must-try cocktail bar and sea views. Head to the terrace during the cooler months for impressive views of the surrounding marina.
L’Amo Bistro Del Mare, Dubai Harbour Yacht Club
Located in the Dubai Harbour Yacht Club, L’Amo Bistro Del Mare offers sea and yacht views as well as a menu of seafood-fuelled Italian dishes. There’s indoor and outdoor seating available uplifted by calming and elegant design and windows looking towards the Dubai Marina.
Mid-Range Waterfront Restaurants
3 Fils, Shop 02, Jumeirah Fishing Harbour 1
3Fils is an unlicensed favourite among locals. Situated in the peaceful fishing harbour, this simple eatery serves up an affordable, small yet impressive menu of Asian dishes with a Japanese focus. Indoor and outdoor seating is available. Dishes are prepared in front of guests from the open kitchen.
Ria, Club Vista Mare, Palm Jumeirah
Ría is a concept by the Addmind Hospitality team known for Iris, Bar Du Port, and La Mezcaleria. Set within the beachside Club Vista Mare district Ria is a chic shoreside destination. The Mediterranean-influenced menu features dishes and drinks inspired by the ocean and the earth.
Ibn Al Bahar, Club Vista Mare, Palm Jumeirah
A casual beachside setting that serves up Lebanese-influenced seafood dishes. Guests head to the fish market to select their catch before picking their preferred cooking style and sauce. There’s also a selection of Lebanese mezze and fresh salads to accompany the fish. Enjoy sea views and the feeling of your toes in the sand while you dine.
Fish Beach Taverna, Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Waterpark
A taste of Greece in Dubai. This pretty shoreside spot is decorated in blue and white to resemble a Mykonian taverna. The restaurant serves up Greek favourites including the catch of the day which can be cooked on the spot to suit your taste. Front-row seats offer guests the chance to have their toes in the sand while they dine. Fish Beach Taverna offers a relaxing atmosphere, excellent sunset views and the feeling you’ve escaped the city.
Bussola,The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina
This upscale Italian eatery features a family-friendly pizza terrace on the rooftop. Bussola has something for everyone. The restaurant downstairs focuses on Italian fine dining while the roof terrace is where guests go to relax on cosy wooden tables. Before you dine, enjoy a sundowner on the terrace outside which offers excellent sea views. Bussola offers its visitors a feeling of vacation relaxation.
Budget-Friendly Waterfront Restaurants
Bu Qtair, Umm Suqeim
Established in the 1980s, Bu Qtair is a Dubai classic. The simple restaurant is a beach shack-style setting that places focus on the food. There’s indoor and outdoor seating and a simple menu that focuses on freshly caught seafood. Guests select their fish or prawns and wait while the chef prepares their meal flavoured by Bu Qtair’s famous marinade.
Salt, Kite Beach
Salt started out as a simple food truck before transforming into one of the city’s favourite burger restaurants. Located on Kite Beach, Salt is the ideal option for a late-night burger with a sea view or a spot to refuel after a day with the family on the beach. Expect a relaxed and energetic atmosphere and indoor and outdoor seating options.
L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele JBR
L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele first opened in 1870 in Napoli in Italy and is one of the world’s oldest pizzerias. The eatery is best known for its eight pizza rules and authentic Neapolitan Pizza. Today L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele is present in cities across the world. Head to the JBR location for a famous Neapoli pizza with a sea view.
Iran Zamin, Dubai Marina
Iran Zamin serves up some of the best Persian cuisine in the city and has been around for almost 20 years. This restaurant dedicates an entire section to meat kebab specialities. Iran Zamin’s Dubai Marina location overlooks the surrounding waters, skyscrapers and yachts making it an excellent spot to enjoy a filling and flavourful meal with Instagrammable views.
Unique Waterfront Dining Restaurants
Lounge 101, One&Only The Palm
Ideal for a truly romantic evening or to impress visiting guests. Guests arrive at Lounge 101 by boat from the One and Only the Palm’s sister hotel, One&Only Royal Mirage. Located off-shore, this Maldives-style floating dining destination serves up a menu of light Mediterranean dishes and full sea views. Indoor and outdoor dining is available.
Sal, Burj Al Arab
Sal translates to “salt” in Portuguese and Spanish and pays homage to the salt of the sea. This luxurious and elegant beach club and restaurant is a manmade structure attached to the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab hotel. Sal’s restaurant features Mediterranean-style light interiors while the 100m infinity pool overlooks the sea. Here you can enjoy impressive Burj Al Arab and sea views from the alfresco terrace while you dine from a casual Southern European menu.
Pier Chic, Jumeirah Al Qasr
Ideal for a romantic evening. Pier Chic is perched on its own private pier. Dine on a menu of sustainably sourced, Mediterranean-influenced seafood against a backdrop of sea and Burj Al Arab views. Make your evening truly special with sundowners at the neighbouring jetty bar, Onda, before your dinner. Perched on an elevated platform, Onda offers panoramic sea and Burj Al Arab views while the DJ elevates the atmosphere.
Dinner Cruise
For an unforgettable evening, take to the seas and dine in style. There are a range of dinner cruises available in Dubai from those on mega yachts that depart from Dubai Marina to dinner served on a traditional dhow boat that journeys across Dubai Creek. A dinner on a yacht experience typically lasts for three hours with dinner served from a BBQ and live cooking stations and a selection of beverages available. Voyagers can take in views of key sights including Ain Dubai, JBR, Marina, Bluewaters, and Palm Jumeirah. Some boats even feature their own jacuzzis, DJ decks and entertainment.
Thiptara
Located inside the luxurious Palace Downtown hotel this award-winning Thai restaurant serves up ‘Royal Thai cuisine’ and Bangkok-style seafood. Perched on the Dubai Mall Lake, overlooking Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall, take in the Dubai Fountain show as you dine.
Taverna Greek Kitchen, Souk Madinat Jumeirah
Located on the picturesque waterfront of the Madinat Jumeirah, Taverna Greek Kitchen serves up a menu of Greek and Mediterranean favourites. With indoor/outdoor seating, expect interiors that take influence from modern Greece, think white-washed walls and exposed wood. Live guitar performances keep guests entertained. There’s also an outdoor bar called Aegean located on the Souk Boardwalk where guests can grab a pre or post-dinner beverage.
Pai Thai, Jumeirah Al Qasr
An award-winning Thai eatery, Pai Thai is located in the luxurious Jumeirah Al Qasr hotel between greenery and waterways making it an ideal spot for a romantic date. Thai dishes are freshly prepared by native chefs and guests can arrive by a traditional Abra boat.
Whether it’s a romantic date or a night out with friends, make the most of Dubai’s climate and world-class views as you dine next to the water. Top Spots Dubai has rounded up the ultimate options across four categories – we’re confident you won’t be disappointed! If you are a sunset lover like us, be sure to head out early and catch the golden hour – it’s one of Dubai’s best experiences.
