J1 Beach Dubai: 13 new restaurants to book immediately
A new beachfront destination has arrived in Dubai.
After months (and months) of waiting, J1 Beach Dubai opened in 2024 and is now home to 13 licensed fine-dining concepts.
From South of France export Bâoli to uber-elegant Italian Gigi Rigolatto, there is plenty of delicious cuisines to discover along the 500-metre shoreline strip.
You might also like: J1 Beach: 9 luxe beach clubs to book next
Have we officially piqued your interest? Good. Here are the best J1 Beach restaurants more than worthy of your next special occasion.
The best J1 Beach restaurants in Dubai
African Queen
J1 Beach Dubai.
Since opening its doors in 1969 in Beaulieu-sur-Mer on the French Riviera, African Queen is all about Med sophistication. Known for serving up Riviera classics, African Queen has attracted a fancy clientele and has drawn in some global icons.
When it opened in Dubai at J1 Beach it instantly became a go-to place for Dubai diners to visit. Time Out Dubai even spotted Lindsay Lohan grabbing a bite to eat with her husband.
The Dubai location features African-inspired décor (there are a lot of leopard and zebra patterns everywhere). The menu features French Riviera classics like salad Nicoise and pissaladiere pizza, as well as popular Dubai dishes a la burrata salad, lobster linguine and, of course, truffle fries.
Open Mon-Thu 10am-midnight. Fri-Sun 10am-1am. J1 Beach, Jumeirah 1, africanqueen-restaurant.com/dubai (052 778 0760).
Almayass by the Sea
New restaurants in Dubai. Credit: Almayass
With branches in Abu Dhabi, Kuwait and Riyadh, fans of Almayass are now able to dive into mezze-style dishes like manti, kabab karaz, kibeh karaz, sujuk flambe and warak enab with yoghurt.
First jumping onto the Beirut foodie scene in 1996, the restaurant is known for serving up generations-old recipes with modern flair.
Open daily noon-1am. J1 Beach, Jumeirah 1, @almayass_dubai (04 214 5999).
Bâoli
Credit: Baoli
Famous Cannes hotspot Bâoli has landed in Dubai and offers up a pretty stunning destination right by the beach. Here, you'll get modern Japanese cuisine with a hint of new Asian flavours. The jungle-themed restaurant can easily be described as having 'sanctuary aesthetics', but the vibes are anything but peaceful.
The vibey and upbeat spot has amazing music blasting and well-dressed diners are on their feet dancing with sparklers in hand. Visit this J1 Beach destination on a weekend if you're in a party party mood and you definitely will not regret it.
Open Sun-Wed noon-1am, Thu-Sat noon-2am. J1 Beach, Jumeirah 1, baoli-restaurant.com (04 558 6381).
Check out our full Bâoli review here
Chouchou
J1 Beach Dubai.
Launching its first outpost worldwide at J1 Beach at La Mer, Chouchou is a members-only beach house with a restaurant that serves upscale family-style French cuisine with a twist, while the beach house remains exclusive to members. The venue also includes a living room, a rooftop terrace, and its very own signature pool.
Chouchou fits right into Dubai's sophisticated French dining scene with signature dishes like seafood towers with oysters and caviar, salt-crusted chicken, fish romanesco and sweet chouchou.
Open daily from 10am-midnight. J1 Beach, Jumeirah 1. chouchoudxb.com (052 818 3203).
Gigi Rigolatto
New restaurants in Dubai. Credit: Gigi Rigolatto
Gigi is all about elegant Italian culture. Promising a lively atmosphere, it appeals to both foodies and party enthusiasts. Inspired by iconic locations like Paris and Saint-Tropez, Gigi features a menu of classic Italian cuisine, highlighted by its 'Bellini Bar' offering both traditional and modern variations of the classic peach drink.
The venue accommodates 240 guests, with 120 indoor seats and spacious terraces. Families are welcomed with the Gigi Circus, a kids' club packed with fun activities. A concept store offers over 40 international brands of beachwear and accessories.
Open daily from 10am-1am. J1 Beach, La Mer gigi-restaurant.com/dubai (04 558 2067).
Check out our full Gigi Rigolatto review here
Gitano
J1 Beach Dubai.
Tulum-inspired eatery GITANO is a Mexican-themed spot that features traditional dishes as well as a 'Gypsy Disco' experience for guests.
Founded by British-born James Gardner, the venue is kitted out with a modern jungle feel, branded with neon signs and of course, the iconic disco ball – a nod to its New York flair. Looking out over the beach and also with views of the Burj Khalifa, you can expect Latin American cuisine with a twist.
Open Sun-Thu 11am-1am; Fri-Sat 11am-2am. J1 Beach, Jumeirah 1, gitano.com/dubai (058 566 2320).
INÁ (coming soon)
J1 Beach Dubai. Credit: Instagram.com/j1beach
J1 Beach in Dubai welcomed its final addition in April 2025 and it's a total vibe.
INA, meaning fire or flame in Nigerian Yoruba, boasts Dubai's largest open-flame grill and serve up fresh-high quality fish, meat, vegetables and grains in view of the guests.
Blending open fire cooking with fine dining, the menu is a collaboration from Evgeny Kuzin and acclaimed chef Glen Ballis.
Nodding to African heritage, the decor is definitely one for the 'gram, while the dishes will all be cooked on Dubai's largest open-fire grill. Open all year round, you can sit under the sun in winter or opt for a table under the climate-controlled canopy in the summer months.
Open Sun-Thu 6.30pm-1am, Fri-Sun 6.30pm-2am. J1 Beach, Jumeirah 1, j1beach.com (04 570 4766).
Kaimana Beach
J1 Beach Dubai.
Kaimana Beach in Dubai offers a Polynesian-inspired space with top dining and a vibey atmosphere. Created by chef Michael Collantes, a chef with deep roots in Hawaii, the menu blends Asian-Polynesian flavours with dishes like braised beef cheek loco moco and pulpo anticuchero. While the pool area is exclusively for adults, families with children can take advantage of the beach facilities, ensuring there is something for everyone.
Oh and if you want to do a pool day, it's one of the few spots at J1 where sunbed prices are fully redeemable on food and drinks.
Open daily from 10am-1am. J1 Beach, Jumeirah 1, kaimanabeach.ae (04 243 3555).
La Baia Dubai
J1 Beach Dubai.
This restaurant and beach club is packed with an air of *that's amore*, from the stripy sunbeds to the fresh lemons on the tables. Serving up dishes from Southern Italy, the menu will include everything from Mediterranean seafood to artisanal pastas, stuffed zucchini flowers and some ultimate burrata creations.
Inside the restaurant, there's even an exclusive dessert room, where you can admire the sweet treats taking centre stage (think tiramisu, Sicilian cannoli and of course, creamy gelato).
Open daily from 10am-midnight. J1 Beach, La Mer South, labaia-dxb.com (04 570 2482).
LÚNICO
J1 Beach Dubai.
Lúnico brings Spanish fine dining and a late-night bar experience to Dubai's J1 Beach this autumn. Inspired by the moon's phases and natural elements, Lúnico offers a sensory journey combining exceptional Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine, a dynamic bar program, and captivating music.
Guests explore unique dishes like ceviche Gallego, Galician octopus, and vieiras with caviar, incorporating biodynamic ingredients inspired by lunar cycles. The bar serves signature drinks tied to the four elements and pre-Columbian traditions. Featuring indoor and outdoor seating with sea views, LED visuals, and an atmospheric design, Lúnico offers a transformative experience blending fine dining, culture, and entertainment.
Open Sun-Wed noon-1am, Thu-Sat noon-2am. J1 Beach, Jumeirah 1, lunicodubai.ae (050 277 6503).
Ninive Beach Dubai
One of the first Middle Eastern-inspired beach clubs in Dubai (and how has it taken this long to launch one?), Ninive Beach is already a very popular destination at J1 Beach.
Designed to look like a stunning Morrocan majlis, the indoor/outdoor space features a turquoise tiled pool, rich earth tones and traditional textiles. All with a cool and modern twist.
In addition to delicious Lebanese, Iraqi, Turkish and Moroccan cuisine, Ninive Beach also offers pool and beach access, chic sunbeds and Moroccan-inspired cabanas.
The venue also hosts cool events and monthly DJ sets from global artists.
Open daily from 10am-2am. J1 Beach, Jumeirah 1, ninivebeach.ae (04 498 4200).
Sakhalin
J1 Beach Dubai.
Created by famous Russian chef Vladimir Mukhinan, the beachfront spot Sakhalin is inspired by Sakhalin Island (Russia's biggest island). Here, you can expect a menu that features Russian, Mediterranean and Asian blends. Sounds complicated, but it works. Located at J1 Beach Sakhalin has views of the Arabian Gulf, a gorgeous terrace and a stunning centrepiece fountain under an illuminated roof installation made from shimmering light.
The menu focuses mostly on seafood and features creative dishes made with top-notch ingredients. Definitely one not to miss.
Open Sun-Thu noon-midnight; Fri-Sat noon-1am. J1 Beach, Jumeirah 1, sakhalin.rest (04 495 1600).
Sirene Beach by GAIA
(Credit: Supplied)
With a menu created by Evgeny Kuzin and chef Izu Ani, the pair have branched out from the original DIFC restaurant for this beachfront project (so get expect something special).
Bringing a range of dishes to the table, expect an extensive selection of fresh seafood, seasonal vegetables and some classic cooking styles that will remind you of some top-quality home cooking.
If you want to go all out on your Greek escape, get the whole gang together and book out a private cabana, the larger of which can accommodate up to eight guests (and some of the cost is redeemable too).
Open Sun-Thu 10am-1am, Fri-Sat 10am-2am. J1 Beach, Jumeriah 1, sirenebeach.com (052 334 2787).
Need a reservation in the meantime?
New restaurants in Dubai that you need to visit right now
From casual eats to fine dining, there's bound to be a new venue you'll want to try
These are Dubai's best restaurants: 85 incredible places to dine in 2024
All the winners of the Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards 2024
25 of the best restaurants in DIFC: Reservations you have to make now
Tried, tested and highly rated restaurants to try in Dubai's financial district
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