Dubai has come a long way from its humble beginnings as a fishing and pearl diving village. Lucky for seafood enthusiasts, even after all these years, it’s still got a solid penchant for all things fish.
Nobu at Atlantis, The Palm
Nobu is more than just a seafood dinner, it’s an experience on a plate. A fusion between Japanese and Middle Eastern culture, chef Nobu Matsuhisa serves up globally-renowned fare alongside masterfully curated sake. With black cod currently enjoying a moment in the sun, don’t leave without sampling a knee-bucklingly delicious bite of Nobu’s black cod with yuzu miso. Nobu is open from 6pm to 11:30pm. Call 04-4262626.
Aprons and Hammers at Mina Seyhai
Bring your hand sanitiser along because things get real messy real quick at Aprons and Hammers. This eatery promises an immersive experience where diners crack into freshly boiled crabs and lobsters using their bare hands (and a trusty hammer). Drench yourself and your dinner in butter while slowly making your way through a mountain of belly-busting seafood and signature sides. Aprons and Hammers is open from 12:30pm to 12:30am. Call 04-4567888.
Bu Tafish at Jumeirah 1
Dishing out traditional Arabic seafood, Bu Tafish opened its doors in 1968. Offering a menu packed with traditional Middle Eastern soul food, the eatery attracted royals from all over the country, including the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The late ruler helped the owner perfect his recipe for Iraqi masgouf - a zesty dish of grilled fish. The restaurant now calls Jumeirah 1 its address, with Jumeirah Beach just a short walk away from its doorstep. Bu Tafish is open from 12pm to 12:30am.
Call 04-3460009.
Boardwalk at Dubai Creek Club
Designed to resemble a Mediterranean market, dining at the Boardwalk comes with a generous side serving of marina views. Opening its doors two decades ago, the restaurant has aged gracefully over time, becoming an instant recommendation when the topic of seafood comes up. Popular for its indulgent fish and chips, Boardwalk also boasts a sumptuous bouillabaisse and eclectic seafood platter. Ideal for sundowners, it’s a rite of passage for seafood enthusiasts. Boardwalk is open from 12pm to 12am. Call 04-2054647.
Bu Qtair at Umm Suqeim 2
In a city heaving with glamorous restaurants, Bu Qtair is a humble little underdog that’s earned its place on this list. Leaving thrills and frills at the door, this outdoor eatery calls the shores of Jumeirah Beach its home. Over here, the most compelling decision you’ll have to make is choosing between the paratha or rice. A standard dinner at Bu Qtair is a heaping tongue-tickling feast of freshly-cooked catch of the day drizzled in a fiery curry sauce cosied up beside a pile of fried shrimp. Bu Qtair is open from 6:30am to 11:40pm. Call 055-7052130.
Geales at Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort and Spa
Got a spare 99 dirhams knocking around? Head down to Geales for a slice of signature British culture alongside a glistening plate of fish and chips. Knock it back with a glass of hop or grape and call it a day! If you’re after something a bit fancier, save your Saturdays for Geales’ oyster and bubbles evening from 6pm to 11:30pm. For seafood that’ll teleport you to the British seaside, Geales is
the place to be! It is open from 7pm to 12am. Call 04-3165550.
Seafood Market at Le Meridien Dubai
Boasting a collection of 18 seawater tanks, diners get to choose their dinner while it’s still swimming. Take your pick from a selection of lobster, crab, or hammour - sourced from all over the globe. For a tamer experience, peruse additional options at the restaurant’s cold counter, a shelf of crushed ice featuring freshly-reeled seafood. Pair your main with a side of exotic vegetables doused in a pool of tantalising sauces. Seafood Market is open from 12:30pm to 5pm and 7:30pm to 12:30am.
Call 04-7022490.
Claw BBQ at Souk Al Bahar
With portions bigger than your head, Claw BBQ dishes out quintessential American barbecue and seafood. While it’s common to pair food with wine, Claw BBQ takes a different route and pairs its grub with banging tunes! Home to all things hedonistic, the restaurant and bar features a mega fridge rammed with icy bottles of hop, buttery buckets overflowing with sinfully delicious seafood, and a private game room decked out with enough kit to bring you to your knees. Claw BBQ is open from 12pm to 2am. Call 04-4322300.
The Maine Oyster Bar and Grill at The Double Tree by Hilton, JBR
Drenched in sunlight and weekend vibes, The Maine Oyster Bar and Grill serves up a mean Bloody Mary alongside some brilliant seafood. The seaside brasserie doesn’t draw the line at seafood - it’s also proud of its steak and chops. But the restaurant’s crown jewel remains its oysters, so crack your knuckles and get to shucking. Be sure to complement your oysters with a loaded cocktail. Perfect for either weeknight dinners or weekend brunches, The Maine Oyster Bar and Grill is best experienced with a gaggle of friends and love for all things seafood. The Maine Oyster Bar and Grill is open from 12pm to 12am. Call 04-4576719.
Asia Asia at Pier 7, Marina Promenade
With many an award under its belt, Asia Asia serves up glamour-infused Pan Asian delicacies. From sashimi and tempura to maki and carpaccio, the restaurant’s lounge menu features an array of seafood gems. Take it to the next level by pairing your meal with a glass of signature sake or a vibrant cocktail. Kick back and savour the flavours alongside Asia Asia’s hot and happening beats. Asia Asia is open from 4pm to 1am. Call 04-2765900.
Flooka at Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa
Flooka blends the best elements of Mediterranean and Lebanese culture into its food. Featuring sumptuous views of the Arabian Gulf. Unwind over proficiently prepared seafood while luxuriating in Flooka’s sun-kissed interiors. Treat yourself to its signature dish - fresh fish gently cooked in rock salt and baked in an oven. Flooka is open from 12pm to 3:30pm and 7pm to 12am. Call 04-3461111.
The Surf Cafe at Jumeirah Beach Road, Umm Suqueim 2
If you’ve got salt in your hair, sand on your feet, and a wicked tan - you’ll fit right in with the cool kids at The Surf Cafe. Swim through a cup of rocket fuel coffee while browsing the menu. Get stuffed with the grilled king prawns and if you’ve got room to spare - chow down on The Surf Cafe’s fish and chips. Wrap up with a loaded monster shake! The Cafe is open from 8am to 12am. Call 04-3466292.
Alto Mar at Jumeirah 1, Fishing Harbor
From Alto Mar’s grand breakfast to its business lunch to its couples’ night out deal - this seaside eatery dishes out scrumptious Portuguese fare around the clock. Throwing freshly-caught seafood into a pan with traditional Mediterranean spices, Alto Mar’s menu is packed with dishes waiting to send you on a flavour trip. If you’re all about the shellfish, stop by for its 75 dirham oyster platter. Alto Mar is open from 12pm to 11:30pm. Call 04-3435225.
Catch Dubai at the Fairmont Dubai
Stunning seafood served with a cinematic twist, Catch Dubai is inspired by Asian and Middle Eastern flavours. If pescatarian fare doesn’t tickle your fancy, try the gourmet carnivorous menu instead. Add a splash of something special to your meal, choosing from Catch Dubai’s expertly compiled list of grape bevvies. Chase your meal with stunning views of the Arabian Gulf. Catch Dubai is open from 7pm to 2am. Call 04-3571755.
Fish Beach Taverna at Le Meridien Mina Seyahi
Round up your friends and huddle around a spread of scrumptious Turkish tapas at this al fresco gem in JBR. Tuck into fresh catches from the Aegean Sea paired with tenderly cooked sides. Kick back and relax under the glowing twinkle lights while watching the palm trees sway and listening to the ocean waves roar. Fish Beach Taverna is open from 6pm to 11:30pm. Call 04-5117373.
Coya at Restaurant Village Four Seasons Resort, Jumeirah 2
A bucket list staple, Coya is a pilgrimage destination for gourmands from all over the UAE. Serving up South American fare tailored to be a sensory explosion, it’s won many an accolade for its food. The meal is incomplete without drinks at its bespoke Pisco lounge. For something different, be sure to sample a dish (or ten) from its signature Nikkei menu. Coya is open from 12:30pm to 1:30am.
Call 04-3169600.
Sushi Art at DIFC
For a protein-packed power lunch that won’t leave you dozing at your desk by 3pm, head down to Sushi Art in DIFC. The menu doesn’t restrict itself to just sushi, it also features poke bowls and ceviche. If you’re in a hurry and want a bite of everything, opt for a lunch box for 59 to 69 dirhams. For a taste of your weekday sushi at the weekend, head down to its sister branch at JBR. Sushi Art is open from 11am to 11pm. Call 800220.
Tent Jumeirah Restaurant at Kite Beach, Umm Suqeim 3
Nestled on the sandy shores of Kite Beach, Tent Jumeirah is a morsel of nostalgic Emirati seaside culture. A mishmash of nautical decor - the restaurant is draped in fishing nets and vintage photographs of Jumeirah from the 30s to the 60s. Snuggle up on a dhow parked on the beach or beside an overly floral stuffed pillow, and indulge in a feast of traditional Emirati seafood. Up the ante with a cup of karak chai or opt for something cooler like a tall glass of Chips Oman and laban. Tent Jumeirah Restaurant is open 24 hours. Call 055-2756091.
Sammach at Souk Al Bahar
Indulge in Middle Eastern seafood while enjoying a front-row seat at Dubai Fountains. Whether you like your seafood fried or baked, Sammach can whip your meal up just the way you like it. While indoor seating is an option (and the only way to survive Dubai summer in its prime), the al fresco terrace is where all the action is at. Right from views of the glistening water to epic sights of the Burj Khalifa, Sammach guarantees a memorable dinner and show. Sammach is open from 12pm to 11:30pm.
Call 04-4267311.
Okku at The H Hotel
Sample a taste of the finer things in life at Okku, a contemporary Japanese restaurant boasting multiple hospitality awards. Plunge into a feast of lusciously prepared seafood and chase it with an equally exquisite batch of skillfully concocted cocktails. Whether it’s date night or an evening out with your nearest and dearest, a meal at Okku will definitely be one to remember. Okku is open from 12pm to 3pm and 7pm to 12:30am. Call 04-5018777.