The Lifestyle

Dubai Marina fine dining guide

Dubai Marina fine dining guide cover

Here's a guide to Dubai Marina's finest restaurants, bars and cafes.

Words by Aneesha Rai in The Lifestyle · Aug 5th, 2018

When it comes to the Dubai Marina area, you'll be simply spoilt with the options in the area. Lots of luxury hotels are smattered in this area and most cuisines are also adequately well represented as well. Let's have a look at our favourites!

Fine Dining Restaurants

1. Ruya

Ruya restaurant, Dubai marina

Serving up delightful Anatolian cuisine, Ruya tops our list for fine dining restaurants in the Dubai Marina area. Let the chef Colin Clague serve you delicious Turkish food, from the pides to the adana kebab.

Location: Grosvenor House, Dubai Marina

Contact: +971 3999123; reservations recommended

Hours: 7pm to 1am

Approximate price: AED 620 for two

2. Marina Social

Marina Social View

Another favourite, especially amongst British expats in Dubai, Marina Social was founded by Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton. Expect a contemporary twist on traditional British cuisine, cooked seasonally. 

Location: Intercontinental Hotel, Dubai Marina 

 Contact: +971 4 44 66 664; reservations recommended  

Hours: 6pm to 10.45 pm 

 Approximate price: AED 400 for two

3. The Observatory Bar & Grill

Views from the observatory

If you're looking for a perfect place for dining with a view of the Marina and Palm Jumeirah, The Observatory is the perfect place. Even though the cuisine may not be the best on this list, it does have a large variety of pork dishes on its menu that appeals to non-halal food eaters.

Location: 52nd Floor, Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites,King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street, Dubai Marina 

Contact: +971 4 31 94 000; reservations recommended 

 Hours: 12pm to 1am 

 Approximate price: AED 660 for two

4. Toro Toro

Taco
Image credit: Toro Toro

This Pan Latin American restaurant is a firm favourite of many thanks to its brunch options. Expect perfectly seared meats served straight to your plate in this design restaurant offering plenty of kitsch. They also do have a lovely selection of cocktails on offer, including cachaça based ones.

Location: Grosvenor House, Dubai Marina

Contact: +971 4 31 76 000; reservations recommended 

Hours: 8pm to 2am 

 Approximate price: AED 650 for two

5. Ruth's Chris Steak House

Ruth Chris Steak house interiors
Image credit: Gulf Business

This restaurant located in The Address Dubai Marina has a vast selection of steaks in an intimate setting. Service is top notch and it has a variety of cuts to enjoy. The Address Dubai Marina overlooks the many boats that pass by.

Location: Address Dubai Marina

Contact: +971 4 45 49 538; reservations recommended 

Hours: 4pm to 12am 

Approximate price: AED 700 for two

6. Fish Dubai

Window lookout fish beach
Image credit: Fish Beach Taverna

This spot has some of the freshest catch in Dubai! Fish Beach Taverna's beachside location adds to its Santorini vibe. Opt for a unique romantic dining experience under a teepee.

Location: Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Al Sufouh Road

 Contact: +971 4 51 17 373; reservations recommended 

 Hours: 12pm to 11pm 

 Approximate price: AED 250 for two

Upscale Bars

1.Shades

Shades pool view, The Address Dubai Marina
Image credit: The Address Dubai Marina

Located in The Address Dubai Marina, Shades overlooks a glorious infinity pool over the Marina. Enjoy some sundowners here along with a shisha and some bar food.

Location: Address Dubai Marina 

 Contact: +971 4 43 67 777; reservations recommended 

 Hours: 9am to 1am 

 Approximate price: AED 485 for two

2. Asia Asia

Asia Asia marina view
Image credit: Asia Asia

A local favourite, Asia Asia has delicious food and really fun ladies nights on Tuesdays. The crispy duck spring rolls are to die for! Located in Pier 7, it also has some lovely views of the marina. 

Location: 6th Floor, Pier 7, Behind Dubai Marina Mall

 Contact: +971 4 43 67 777; reservations recommended 

 Hours: 9am to 1am 

 Approximate price: AED 485 for two

3. Buddha Bar

Buddha Bar interiors
Image courtesy: Buddha Bar

Although looking a bit aged, Buddha Bar still has gravitas because it's still a favourite haunt amongst many. It has several delicious cocktails and bites.

Location: Ground Level, Tower 1, Grosvenor House, Dubai Marina, Dubai

Contact: +971 4 31 76 000

Hours: 7pm to 1am

Approximate price: AED 600 for two

Cafes

1. Cafe Society

Cafe Society interiors
Image credit: Cafe Society

Designed in a quintessential 1920's Gatsby style, this cafe haunt attracts many for breakfast and afternoon tea - but it's an all-day cafe, attracting visitors till dinner time.

Location: Ground Floor, TAMANI Marina Hotel, King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud Street

Contact: +971 4 31 83 755

Hours: 7am to 11pm 

Approximate price: AED 100 for two

2. Counter Culture Cafe

Breakfast spread at Counter culture cafe
Image credit: Reserve Out

Another day-time cafe, Counter Culture is a cafe that provides a lot of space perfect for a change in work atmosphere. Their breakfast buffet is quite ample, making it the perfect place to hit on a relaxing weekend.

Location: Lobby Level, Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites, Al Sufouh Road

Contact: +971 4 31 94 000

Hours: 6am to 11pm

Approximate price: AED 250 for two