The beachfront destination is home to 13 dining venues.
J1 Beach has recently become Dubai’s most desirable dining destination. Located in Jumeirah, it has transformed the beachfront at La Mer and now boasts 13 licensed venues, from internationally acclaimed restaurants to new concepts.
The beachfront development is home to world-class restaurants from cities such as London, Miami, New York, Paris, and Tulum. At its heart is the FACT award-winning Sirene by GAIA, curated by Dubai’s own Chef Izu Ani, which holds the title of the world’s largest beach club. With so uch to explore, here are all of the places to explore at J1 Beach for some much needed fun in the sun.
African Queen
For those seeking a captivating blend of French and African cuisine, African Queen is sure to become a must-visit destination. This distinctive culinary haven, originally established in the South of France in 1969, has been delighting diners with delectable offerings such as Artichoke with vinaigrette, Filet au Poivre, and Salade Nicoise. Now, African Queen extends its exquisite dining experience to the shores of J1 Beach. It promises a gastronomic voyage centred on the fusion of French and African flavours, accompanied by exotic beverages, all within a casual yet elegantly chic atmosphere.
GO: Follow @africanqueen_dubai on Instagram for more information.
Almayass by the Sea
Hailing from Beirut, Almayass by the Sea introduces an enticing fusion of Lebanese and Armenian cuisines to J1 Beach. Under the skilful guidance of Chefs Mardeg Barsomian and Jad Abou Zeid, you’ll encounter a delightful array of signature dishes, including Kebab Karaz and Manti. This beachfront establishment promises a seafood-centric menu teeming with mezze-style creations, utilising the freshest ingredients.
GO: Follow @almayass_dubai on Instagram for more information.
Bâoli Dubai
If you’re craving contemporary Japanese cuisine infused with innovative Asian influences, Bâoli Dubai is the place to be. With its lush jungle-inspired setting, this establishment has already created a sensation in Miami and Cannes, and now it’s set to mesmerise Dubai. The venue features an array of themed spaces, from the Pool and Beach area and petal-shaped Sun Deck to the Sunset Lounge, indoor-outdoor restaurant, and the exclusive Moon Room speakeasy. Signature items include premium sashimi and nigiri, inventive handrolls, and shareable makis, along with tartares, carpaccio, and a selection of caviar and oysters. The Robata menu is divided into ‘Sea,’ featuring Argentinian red prawns and glazed octopus; ‘Land,’ with options like duck breast and wagyu skewers; and ‘Earth,’ including vegetarian selections such as grilled sweet corn and Italian violet aubergine.
GO: Visit https://baoli-restaurant.com for reservations and more information.
Chouchou
Chouchou, an elite beach house members-only club, is a French paradise nestled along the Dubai coastline. Here, you’ll discover a serene beach and poolside lounge, and an upscale French cuisine restaurant. Complete with a living room, rooftop terrace, and a signature Rose pool, Chouchou provides an inviting ambience that caters to both members and visitors. While the beach house itself is reserved for members, the restaurant is accessible to the general public. The menu showcases upscale French cuisine, which includes influences from the Mediterranean across fresh seafood, salads and artisanal cocktails.
GO: Visit www.chouchoudxb.com for more information.
Gigi Rigolatto
Gigi Rigolatto was the first venue to open at J1 Beach, bringing the charm of the Italian way of life to Dubai’s shores. Covering 5,000 square meters, the restaurant and beach club offers an exquisite Italian menu, served indoors or on two scenic terraces. The interior is designed to evoke timeless charm, featuring lush greenery, a serene Mediterranean garden, a private beach, and a pool. Adding to its allure are a Bellini bar, a pétanque court, and a concept store showcasing a carefully curated selection of items.
GO: Follow @gigi_beach_dubai on Instagram for more information.
Gitano
Born amidst the lush tropical jungles of Mexico and having ventured across the globe with branches in Miami, New York, Tulum, and now Dubai, Gitano offers an elevated fusion of dining and dancing. Here, you can relish signature mezcal cocktails and savour a contemporary Mexican menu. The essence of “gitano,” or gypsy spirit, infuses this venue, rendering it a diverse, eclectic, and imaginative destination for those in search of a captivating beachside experience.
GO: Visit https://www.gitano.com/dubai for more information.
INÁ
Dubai’s dining scene is heating up. INÁ, which means “fire” and “flame” in Nigerian Yoruba, boasts the largest open-fire grill in Dubai and is now open on J1 Beach. The restaurant, which features open-fire cooking, transitions seamlessly from dining to dancing and aims to embody the values of warmth and unity. Under the expert guidance of Chef Glen Ballis, the menu highlights fresh, seasonal ingredients that are sustainably and locally sourced. Diners can indulge in a masterfully crafted selection of flame-grilled fish, meats, and vegetables.
GO: Follow @ina.dubai on Instagram for more information.
Kaimana Beach
Kaimana Beach specialises in Asian and Polynesian cuisine. The new shoreline dining destination offers fusion food, creative cocktails and beachside views, blending the relaxed charm of the Polynesian Islands with an effortlessly sophisticated ambience. At the venue’s heart is a tranquil pool framed by chic loungers and beach furniture,. With seamless indoor-outdoor transitions, Kaimana Beach immerses guests in a harmonious setting where the beauty of the sun, sea, and sky enhances every moment. Highlight dishes include Braised Beef Cheek Loco Moco, Escargots Malasadas (savoury doughnuts filled with snails and black truffle cream), Piña Colada Oysters and Pulpo Anticuchero.
GO: Visit www.j1beach.com for more information.
La Baia by The Beach
Originating from Manhattan, New York, La Baia is an elegant Italian restaurant inspired by the enchanting Amalfi Coast. Offering both indoor and alfresco dining options, along with sweeping sea vistas, La Baia’s culinary offerings celebrate the traditions of coastal Italy. The region’s flavours and traditions are celebrated in dishes, including burrata and pizza, which are opulently enhanced with black caviar and truffle.
GO: Visit www.labaia-dxb.com for more information.
Lúnico
Lúnico is the fusion of Spanish-Mediterranean cuisine and culinary artistry. At this restaurant, accomplished chefs seamlessly blend tradition with innovation to create dishes that captivate the senses. With meticulously crafted cocktails, live entertainment, and a touch of luxury, Lunico offers an unforgettable dining experience at this coastal gem. The menu includes tapas, mains, and desserts, and dishes include Ceviche Gallego, Galician Octopus, Green Apple Oyster, Vieiras with Caviar, and Purple Potato Mille-Feuille. Plus, the dishes showcase biodynamic products that are harvested optimally during the moon’s cycle.
GO: Visit www.lunicodubai.ae for more information.
Ninive Beach
Ninive Beach aims to blend together cultural heritage with contemporary elegance. The concept from RIKAS Hospitality Group can already be found in Dubai at Jumeirah Emirates Towers and Bab Al Shams Desert Resort. The Jumeirah Emirates Towers venue is inspired by a majlis and the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, while the Bab Al Shams Desert Resort venue is located in the depths of the desert. The menu combines flavours from across the Middle East and North Africa. Diners can expect influences from Iran, Iraq, Morocco and Turkey.
GO: Follow @ninivebeachdubai on Instagram for more information.
Sakhalin Dubai
Sakhalin is where local and Far Eastern products combine with Mediterranean and Asian recipes to create MediterrAsian cuisine. Inspired by Sakhalin Island, Russia, the location acts as a crossroads for two cultures. At the heart of the new restaurant is seafood – so much so, there were live tanks with fish, which included crawling crabs. The menu is superb for sharing and spans wagyu; raw bar; appetisers; Japan with sashimi, sushi and signature rolls; main dishes with fish, meat and seafood; and desserts. The restaurant is a creative collaboration between restaurateur Boris Zarkov, chef Alexey Kogay and White Rabbit Family’s brand chef, Vladimir Mukhin.
GO: Visit https://sakhalin.rest for more information.
Sirene by Gaia
Conceived by Evgeny Kuzin and Chef Izu Ani, Sirene Beach by Gaia invites you to indulge in a relaxed coastal experience at J1 Beach. With seating for 400 in the restaurant, a beachfront boasting 300 sunbeds, luxurious private cabanas, and a terraced flow from dining spaces to the beach, Sirene creates a seamless experience where guests can relax and unwind, accompanied by curated beats from the resident DJ throughout the day. Inspired by Chef Izu Ani’s journeys through the Mediterranean, guests can enjoy signature favourites from GAIA, such as Seabream Carpaccio and Frozen Yogurt, alongside exciting new creations like Rooster Pasta, Sirene Dakos, and the indulgent Caviar & Oyster experience.
GO: Visit https://sirenebeach.com for more information.