11 restaurants in Bluewaters to have on your radar
Home to some of the city's best seafood and one of its biggest croissants at the same time, a meal here never disappoints.
If you like this: Your complete guide to Bluewaters from rent to restaurants
So if you need some inspiration on where to tuck in, here are some of the coolest spots to have on your radar.
Restaurants in Bluewaters
Alici
Credit: Alici
This charming spot overlooks the Arabian Gulf and JBR, meaning it's ideal for holidaymakers, while those who live in Dubai will also enjoy the vacation feel.
Focusing on flavours from Southern Italy and the Amalfi Coast, the cute blues and whites give a fresh feeling, while the menu stars Italian seafood dishes.
From raw plates to the specialty ingredient anchovies (Alici means anchovy), there's plenty to try for seafood-lovers. The lobster pasta is artfully presented, served table-side and comes with tender shellfish in an unctuous tomato sauce. Plus, it's officially one of the best restaurants for seafood in Dubai.
Open Mon-Fri noon-4pm, 5pm-11pm, Sat-Sun noon-11pm. Bluewaters Dubai, alici.com (04 275 2577).
Bakerist
If you're visiting for brekkie, there's a giant croissant at Bakerist calling your name (just make sure you order it in advance).
The French bakery and coffee shop also offers up a range of normal-sized desserts and savoury options too, from pistachio and chocolate covered strawberries to a creamy eggs shakshuka.
Open daily 8am-midnight. Bluewaters, taplinkcc.bakerist (050 715 2343).
BrewDog
(Credit: Brewdog)
The fun, quirky and in-your-face brand has drinks inspired by everything from punk rock to Elvis Presley to Willy Wonka and everything in between.
A bar first created in Scotland, the venue recently opened beneath Ain Dubai, filled with dart boards, sports screens and some seriously-stacked burgers and bar bites to get your teeth sunk into.
Open Sun-Thu noon-midnight, Fri-Sat noon-2am. Bluewaters, brewdog.com (052 956 5688).
Clay
Credit: Clay
The Japanese-Peruvian fusion first landed on Bluewaters back in 2022 after first launching in Bahrain.
Serving up a selection of Nikkei-style dishes, you can nibble on dishes from sake taco and katsu sando to ceviches, prawn and tofu tempura. Boasting an Ain Dubai view, the terrace is an ideal spot to enjoy a few dishes, or for free-flowing drinks, head to the weekly Saturday brunch instead.
Open Sun-Thu noon-midnight, Fri noon-1am; Sat 1pm-1am. Bluewaters, claydubai.com (04 422 5600).
Demon Duck
(Credit: Demon Duck)
When there's a celebrity chef involved, expectations are high. Mix in a prime dining spot at Bluewaters Dubai and you know you're in for a treat.
Created by chef Alvin Leung, the Chinese restaurant serves duck in every shape and form think duck gyozas, duck soup, minced duck wraps, the lot.
But there's much more than that to dig into, and in the cooler months, you can enjoy your dinner out on the garden terrace.
Open daily 6pm-noon. Banyan Tree Dubai, banyantree.com (04 556 6466).
Din Tai Fung
Located on Bluewaters Island, it's Din Tai Fung's fifth outpost in the city – with popular venues already delighting diners in The Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Mall, Al Ghurair Centre and Nakheel Mall.
The menu is the same as its other branches with the same no-frill approach to tasty and wallet-friendly food.
A must order dish? Don't miss out on the xiao long bao.
Open daily 11am-1am. Bluewaters, dintaifungae.com (04 288 7786).
Frank
Credit: Instagram @frankmeat_me
This casual spot is a perfect place to kick back with something from the grill. All about the meat, you can try everything from beef ribs to lamb steaks and juicy burgers.
Covered in red neon lights and graffiti creeping up the walls, you can expect hip-hop tunes (and generous portion sizes).
If you fancy something chilled on the side of your grill, there are happy hours running every day of the week.
Open Mon-Fri 1pm-noon, Sat-Sun 1pm-1am. Bluewaters, frankmeat.ae (058 634 8811).
Ribambelle
(Credit: Supplied)
Head over to Bluewaters with the little ones this weekend and get a table at Ribambelle, the restaurant that comes complete with an in-house slide and ball pit.
Designed to give the kiddos a magical experience while you finally get to enjoy that coffee (or glass of grape), the play zones include candle-making and even T-shirt painting.
Plus, the cost of their soft play entry also comes with a kids' meal included.
Dhs95 (kids, weekdays), Dhs150 (kids, weekends).Open daily 9am-10pm. The Wharf, Bluewaters Island, ribambelle.ae (04 581 5555).
The Pods
If you're looking for a spot for the 'gram, or want to feel like you're still outside during those hot summer months, then these are the pods for you.
Offering up a pan-Asian menu, you can also nip in for breakfast and try the restaurant's take on eggs benedict and French toast.
Letting you look over to JBR during the day and a glittering skyline at night, these private dining capsules make the perfect place for a good gossip (or to impress your other half).
Open Mon-Fri 7am-1am, Sat-Sun 7am-2am. Bluewaters, thepods.ae (04 453 8994).
The Spaniel
The British brasserie is serving up everything you would expect from a classic gastropub, from a quality roast dinner to huge slabs of fish and chips.
You can enjoy different deals every night of the week, from beef Wellington Wednesdays to steak frites Saturdays and a weekly business lunch.
Open Mon-Thu noon-midnight, Fri noon-1am, Sat 9.30am-1am; Sun 9.30am-midnight. The Spaniel, thespanieldxb.com (04 554 3728).
VNYL Hi-Fi
Credit: VNYL Hi-Fi
The listening bar is a laid-back record spot during the day, turned electric speakeasy by night.
Pick from a selection of Izakaya-style small plates (think shrimp toast and wagyu katsu sandos), or head straight to the miso-braised short ribs.
While you're there, be sure to browse the shelves of shiny vinyl cases and even listen to a record or two on the in-house players.
Open Mon-Wed 4pm-1am,Thu-Fri 4pm-3am, Sat-Sun 1pm-3am. Bluewaters, vnylhifi.com (052 249 4004),
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