Dubai's coastline stretches 72 kilometres, which makes for impressive real estate when indulging accompanied by an ocean breeze. Whether you're looking for a snack as a sidekick to a party, an escape to the Mediterranean for your tastebuds, or a solid seafood dinner, here are our top beachside eateries to dip your toes in.
Maison de la Plage
One of the latest spots adopted by Dubai's cool crowd, Maison de la Plage is the new culinary venture from master chef Izu Ani – the man behind GAIA and carine. Inspired by the sun-drenched shores of the Côte d'Azur, this beachside destination is one of the best places to whet your appetite – especially after spending the day indulging in the beach club. The basket of over-flowing fresh seasonal garden vegetables with dips sets the scene, followed by more mouth-watering Mediterranean dishes – including creamy burrata with heirloom tomatoes, grilled harissa prawns, thin-crust pizzas straight from the oven, and wagyu meatballs with spaghetti.
Maison de la Plage
But the impressive seafood market, where you can hand-pick your fish before the chef prepares and cooks it in a myriad of different ways to your exact liking, is what sets this place above the rest. Top tip? Save room for chef Izu's signature dessert – Hokkaido cheese ice cream with roasted strawberries. It's just one of the many reasons you'll want to come back time and time again.
Bungalow 34
Bungalow 34 is hard to beat when it comes to its idyllic setting, nestled on the surfy shores of Nikki Beach Club. But competing with the view is its fun and oh-so-chic 1970s-inspired decor of orange striped umbrellas, Missoni-print soft furnishings, and quirky, colourful modern art. The latest venture from Natasha Sideris – the creative genius behind Tashas, Avli by Tashas, and Flamingo Room – it has quickly become one of the city's most stylish spots, not least because of its impressive setting.
Bungalow 34
The blend of excellent French, Greek, and Italian dishes, all with a fun twist, is also hard to beat. Tuna tartare marinated with yuzu, soy, truffle, shallots, and taramasalata; chicken parmigiana served with a dollop of creamy burrata; and fresh seabass with soy, lime, and chilli are all highlights. The crowd is stylish from the morning breakfast until the sun sets, so dress to impress.
Fish Beach Taverna
This beachside eatery does precisely what it says on the tin. Set on the water's edge of Le Meridien Mina Seyahi, you can dig your toes into the cool sand whilst dining on the latest haul of fresh seafood to hit Fish Beach Taverna's kitchen. White picnic tables and cobbled stone conjure the breezy spirit of Santorini (but with a view of the Palm Jumeirah); close your eyes and the tantalising array of Mediterranean delights will have your tastebuds firmly enjoying the sun-kissed shores of the Aegean.
Fish Beach Taverna
Ease in with a host of hot and cold small plates – including octopus marinated in fresh rosemary, garlic, and fresh oregano, flaky seafood burek, and pan-fried feta – before opting for a taverna-style sharing dish, like the mixed grill platter or the salt-baked whole fish of your choice.
French Riviera Beach
The backdrop for your meal at French Riviera Beach is sparkling turquoise waters and an uninterrupted view of the Burj Khalifa – which certainly sets the scene for an impressive meal. Nestled on the shores of the five-star (and A-list-loved) Jumeirah Al Qasr hotel, the restaurant combines Côte D'Azur glamour with delicious French-Mediterranean cuisine, thoughtfully curated by head chef Kim Joinié-Maurin.
French Riviera Beach
Start with a light palette cleanser from the crudo menu – try the yellowtail ceviche or seabass carpaccio – before easing into a mouth-watering menu of classic and modern dishes, including truffle rigatoni, escargot in white garlic butter, or scallops in lemon butter. Whilst a day booking brings vibrant beach club vibes with ambient music upping the energy, the dinner by candlelight series is a truly unforgettable evening, with a set menu of exquisite vegetarian and classical French dishes, including foie gras, veal, and artichoke risotto.
Nammos Dubai
Home to Dubai's stylish crowd and those with a penchant for partying, Nammos combines beachside sunbathing with chilled cocktails and an up-tempo beat. The sister club to the OG in Mykonos, in which the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio, Ariana Grande and Paris Hilton all like to swan in for a bite to eat before their yachts whisk them away again, you can easily imagine you're holidaying in the Greek Islands by indulging in a long, leisurely lunch here.
Nammos Dubai
Set to the side of the Four Seasons Resort Dubai with its own private beach, the restaurant offers Greece's rich flavours with a global twist: mezze platters, creamy hummus, Mediterranean grills, and fresh sushi, all meant for sharing. The shrimp risotto – a Greek take on Italian fish – is exceptionally good, but the glam crowd mostly likes to keep it light as the seaside partying goes on until after dark.
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