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The Best Beachside Restaurants in the UAE
Posted on May 29, 2014 by Rob Kellaghan
Combine a day out at the beach with delicious food and picturesque surroundings.

An abundance of year-round sunshine and glorious weather makes al-fresco dining in the UAE a typical weekend pastime for many expats. As temperatures rise and more and more people begin to flock to the beach, outdoor dining takes on a whole new twist. With numerous beaches, some of which are open to the public and some which are private, the UAE has plenty of choice when it comes to beachside dining. Here, we look at the top 10 restaurants the UAE has to offer when it comes to dining by the sea.
1. Captain’s, Jebel Ali Hotel, Dubai
Those in search of tranquil sunsets and fine dining can find both at Captain’s. As one of the original beachside restaurants in Dubai, Captain’s has a regular clientele that make it one of the most popular eateries in the Jebel Ali Resort area. With a varied menu that includes barbecue, seafood, local and Asian dishes, in addition to its bar, daily happy hour and occasional live music, Captain’s is worthy of a visit this summer.
2. Majlis Al Bahar, Burj Al Arab, Dubai
Opulence is the order of the day at Majlis Al Bahar. Situated on the beachfront directly behind the iconic Burj Al Arab, this restaurant provides visitors with one of the most spectacular sunset venues in Dubai. The menu is dominated by Middle Eastern dishes, seafood, barbecue, salad and desserts, and visitors are advised to arrive well before sunset as the best tables are snapped up very quickly.
3. Shimmers, Burj Al Arab, Dubai
Those looking for a Burj Al Arab experience but without the extravagant costs can pay a visit to Shimmers restaurant. It is a short stroll in the opposite direction to the Majlis Al Bahar, yet still within striking distance of the Burj. Shimmers is a down-to-earth restaurant that is well known for its grilled meat and seafood dishes.
4. Brauhaus, Beach Rotana, Abu Dhabi
According to its owners, Brauhaus is the only authentic German restaurant in Abu Dhabi. It is located just off the Beach Rotana and as one might expect, the menu is loaded with traditional favourites such as sausages, sauerkraut, beef roulade, cabbage and a wide selection of soups. Portions are large and very filling, perfect for those who have just spent a full day on the sand and in the surf.
5. BBQ Al Qasr, Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi
Despite the name, this is not another average barbecue restaurant. The cuisine is classified as international, and the menu contains popular dishes such as grilled meats, seafood, pasta and a variety of Western-style dishes. With jaw-dropping views of the surrounding sea and the Emirates Palace, this restaurant is busy from lunch right through to the afternoon and evening. One word of warning, however: the restaurant is entirely outdoor so be prepared for high temperatures and occasional gusty sea breezes.
6. Sho Cho, Dubai Marine Beach Resort and Spa, Jumeirah, Dubai
Impress your date with a trip to Sho Cho! Tucked away in a quiet corner of the Dubai Marine Beach Resort and Spa is the Sho Cho Japanese Restaurant. It sits on an elevated platform just off the beach, allowing diners to enjoy the beachside experience without the need to actually walk through or sit on the sand. Sho Cho opens daily from 7 p.m. and offers delicious sushi, sashimi and other Japanese favourites in a serene and idyllic setting. With a number of bars nearby, this section of the Marine Beach resort can get very lively, particularly at weekends.
7. The Anchor, Jebel Ali Resort and Spa, Dubai
Open from midday to 5 p.m. daily, The Anchor is a popular restaurant for lunch or a mid-afternoon meal. The menu is light with many snacks and small meals on offer. The Anchor is located between two large swimming pools and adjacent to the sea, and as a result, it can get very busy. Wonderful views of the beach, the resort and the wider coastline abound.
8. Bravo Tapas Bar and Restaurant, Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort, Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi’s original tapas restaurant, Bravo is located in the Sheraton Hotel Resort, not far from the Corniche. It is in a secluded part of the resort, on the opposite end of the lively Salam Street, providing diners with a quiet dining experience. The menu is typically tapas dominated, with other traditional Spanish favourites such as paella, mixed seafood combinations and delightful grilled meat dishes. As is typical with most Spanish restaurants, Bravo’s doesn’t get busy until late in the evening.
9. Turquoiz, St. Regis Island Resort, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
Perched on the northern part of the island, along the Arabian Gulf, Turquoiz is an extremely popular seafood resort with visitors to Saadiyat Island. Palm trees and tranquil waters set the scene here at Turquoiz, with subtle lighting and traditional music adding to the experience. The menu is strictly seafood, with optional side orders, snacks and desserts. Among its most popular dishes are the mammoth seafood platter, salmon cakes and scallops. Turquoiz is open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 a.m.
10. The Shore, Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
One of the most popular resorts in Dubai is also home to one of the city’s best Tex-Mex restaurants. The Shore epitomises casual dining, with a Dubai flavour. Specialising in fajitas, burritos, quesadillas, ice-cream, desserts and other Tex-Mex favourites, The Shore remains popular with those looking for a quick snack or meal while at the beach. The restaurant is located just off the beach, yet the views of the resort and Dubai Marina are nonetheless very impressive.
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