Reminder: Due to Covid-19, some restaurants have altered their offerings and may be temporarily closed.
Before dining at any restaurant in Dubai, here are some general rules to take note of:
Make a reservation (Duh!) | Gents, no shorts, flip flops, tank tops and the likes (always best to call and confirm before going) | Confirm that the offer/special you are looking to redeem is still available or applicable on your day of preference.
Below are my favorite Seafood restaurants in the city (that I’ve personally tried):
PIERCHIC ($$$) – Madinat Jumeirah (Al Qasr Hotel)
Vibe: Chic/Romantic
In terms of ambiance, it gets no better than this waterfront restaurant on a private pier set perfectly in the middle of the Arabian sea. Sample some of your favorite Italian & seashore dishes with endless views of the sea. This is definitely one of Dubai’s most romantic nights out.
Specials:
- Chic Brunch: Food + House Beverages | 595 AED | Fridays
- Chic By Day: 3 course lunch or sunset of fresh seafood | 350 AED | Saturdays -Thursdays, 12-3PM
- Ocean Vibes Brunch: Food + Beverages | 575 AED | Saturdays
101 Dining, Lounge & Bar ($$$) – One&Only The Palm
Vibe: High-end/Romantic
Easily one of the most romantic restaurants in Dubai with a fine dining menu to match. 101 Dining, Lounge & Bar is a stylish seafood restaurant overlooking the Arabian Gulf. Try the fresh squid ink pasta – amazing!
Tip: Start with drinks at Jetty Lounge within the One&Only Royal Mirage. From there, board the One&Only boat which will take you on a 15-20 minute journey across the sea to 101 Dining. perfect way to start a date night!
SEAFU ($$-$$$) – Jumeirah (Four Seasons Hotel Jumeirah)
Vibe: Chic/Trendy
Asian-inspired fresh seafood served in a trendy beach front atmosphere.
Specials:
- Happy Hour: 5-7PM, Daily
- Omakasa Brunch: Saturdays – call for details
AL MAHARA ($$$$) – Burj Al Arab
Vibe: High-end/Romantic
Intimate fine dining in a unique atmosphere – gold oyster-shaped entrance way that leads to a massive aquarium style seating. The vibe alone is worth the price tag. Also, go for the cod – delicious!
Specials:
- Various tasting menus available.
OSSIANO ($$$$) – Palm Jumeirah (Atlantis Hotel)
Vibe: High-end/Romantic
Holding the title for Dubai’s most romantic restaurant for several reasons. Consider this immersive experience: Imagine dining as stingrays, sharks and fish swim right past your table… a table spread with caviar and avant-garde creations from acclaimed chef Gregoire Berger. If it’s a date and your partner is worth the splurge, you can have divers appear in the aquarium with a special message.
Specials:
- Gregoire’s Kitchen by Ossiano: Tasting Menu | Starting at 650 AED
The MAINE Oyster Bar & Grill ($$) – JBR & Business Bay
Vibe: Trendy/Chic
A staple in the seafood community. With locations in both JBR and Business Bay, a night out at the MAINE Oyster bar will not disappoint. There’s fresh fish, a raw bar, and seafood towers. The steak frites, fish tacos, lobster rolls and truffle pizza are a hit. In terms of of ambiance, I prefer the Business Bay location – sleek and sexy.
Specials:
- Oh My Grill Brunch: 3 course brunch w/ open bar | 390 AED pp | Fridays & Saturdays, 12-4PM (JBR location only)
- Gin Fever: 2 for 1 | Sundays & Mondays, 5PM-12AM
- Shuck Fest: 10 AED per Oyster | Everyday, 6-8PM
Alici ($$) – Bluewaters Island
Vibe: High-end/Romantic
Oh how I love Alici! Alici has the best flavors from Southern Italy packed into the most beautiful venue – high ceilings, beach blue interior reminiscent of the Amalfi Coast, beautiful craftmanship with amazing seafood the Italian way. Also, Alici is by far one of my favorite places to brunch! While I love a good outdoor seat, the interiors of Alici are too beautiful to miss (book an indoor table if it’s your first time or request an indoor table in front the window).
Specials:
- Brunch: Alcohol packages starts from 495 AED | Fridays & Saturdays, 1-4PM
NOÉPE ($$-$$$) – Dubai Creek (Park Hyatt Dubai Creek)
Vibe: Chic
Escape the bustling heart of the city to spend an afternoon at Dubai’s Cape Cod inspired restaurant, NOÉPE. It’s a charming and relaxed space and the perfect setting for pre (or post) dinner drinks. The menu, although tasty, is quite limited. The slow cooked pork belly, truffle ceviche and the wasabi honey ice cream are a must try.
Specials:
- Happy Hour: Select drinks at 30 AED | Saturdays – Thursdays, 4-7PM
MAREA ($$$) – DIFC (Gate Village)
Vibe: High-end
A New York City classic, right in the heart of Dubai serving coastal Italian seafood cuisine. Plus, it’s a Michelin Star rated resto! The lobster burrata & sea bream are two of my favorite dishes.
Specials:
- Business Lunch: 3 course menu | 120 AED | Sundays – Thursdays
BU QTAIR ($-$$) – Jumeirah
Vibe: Casual
No fancy outfits required at this mom & pop restaurant. Bu Qtair is a local’s favorite set on Jumeirah’s waterfront. Place your order for your favorite fresh seafood and dig-in. Cheap & delicious food with a local touch.
CAST ($$) – Jumeirah
Vibe: Casual
Stylish entrance, minimalist décor and tasty seafood. At Cast, expect a modestly sized menu packed with only the essentials: lobster rolls, lobster mac ‘n’ cheese, mussels, an assortment of fresh fish/shellfish and a host of additional smaller and larger plates.
C RESTAURANT ($$) – Sheikh Zayed Road
Vibe: Trendy
Santorini vibes quietly placed alongside Dubai’s busiest motorway, C Restaurant is serving flavors of the sea along with Mediterranean cuisines. Some dishes even requires you to go “fishing”. The detailed interior is on point (if you’re fond of the Victorian era)!
Specials:
- Unlimited Sushi: 99AED | Saturdays, 2-7PM
No Comments