What’s On and The Black Hat Guide bring you the complete rundown of the best seafood restaurants in Dubai. Read snappy reviews, find out how book, and get a real insight with the help of our handy rating system. For a full explanation of how the Black Hat Guide works, click here.

Bu Qtair
Dhs80 for two

This place isn’t easy to find but when you turn up at this shack metres from the sea at the Burj Beach (it’s set back from the road and surrounded by boats), you’ll be able to pick your fish from the kitchen before settling at a plastic table to wait. Expect to be presented with grilled fish, salad, paratha, rice, curry sauce – and a very small bill.

Burj Beach, off Beach Road, Jumeirah, Dubai, daily 7pm to midnight. Taxi: Near Burj Al Arab.

Red Lobster
Dhs200 for two 

The idea behind this popular American chain is to tuck into large portions of shellfish.

What’s On Awards: 2012

Dubai Mall, Downtown, Dubai, daily 11am to midnight. Tel: (04) 3253131. Metro: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall. redlobster.com

Sea Mood
Dhs100 for two

This strip-lit cafeteria-style restaurant in Satwa is not only homegrown but it is also committed to serving sustainable, local fish and seafood. The food is simple but delicious.

Mankhool Road, Satwa, Dubai, Sat to Thur 11am to 1am, Fri 12.30pm to 1am. Tel: (04) 3857977. Taxi: AL Hana Centre. seamoodrestaurant.com

Amwaj
Dhs425 for two

With a menu of fishy favourites, a nautical-inspired interior and regular promotions, Amwaj is a good spot for a seafood meal.

Shangri-La, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Sun to Fri 7pm to midnight. Tel: (04) 4052703. Metro: Financial Centre. shangri-la.com

Aprons & Hammers
Dhs350 for two

Aprons & Hammers is a popular  floating restaurant located aboard a docked dhow, where buckets of prawns, mussels and crab are served up in sauces that you’ll later soak up with large chunks of crusty bread.

What’s On Awards: 2011 

Dubai International Marine Club, Dubai Marina, Dubai, daily 12.30pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 4547097. Taxi: Dubai International Marine Club. apronsandhammers.com

Aquara
Dhs500 for two

Spacious and awash with natural light, this tasty seafood restaurant makes the most of its location with cracking views of the marina, and a good alfresco terrace.

Dubai Marina Yacht Club, Dubai Marina, Dubai, daily 7pm to 10.30pm. Tel: (04) 3627900. Metro: Dubai Marina. dubaimarinayachtclub.com

Beach Bar & Grill
Dhs480 for two

With a seafood menu including grilled scallops, poached lobster and mussels and fries, Beach Bar & Grill is a welcoming seaside spot.

One&Only Royal Mirage, Dubai, daily noon to 3.30pm and 7pm to midnight. Tel: (04) 3999999. Taxi: One&Only Royal Mirage. royalmirage.oneandonlyresorts.com

Bice Mare
Dhs580 for two

Excellent seafood cooked with Italian passion and authenticity. Sit on the balcony for views of The Dubai Fountains and chat to the friendly chefs.

What’s On Awards: 2012, 2013

Souk Al Bahar, Downtown, Dubai, daily noon to 4pm and 6pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 4230982. Metro: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall.  bicemare.com

Flooka
Dhs430

Flooka’s speciality is fish cooked whole encased in salt. Other dishes have an Arabian or Mediterranean influence, with grilled prawns many a diner’s top choice.

Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa, Dubai, daily noon to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 3461111. Taxi: Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa. dxbmarine.com

M’s Seafood Bistro
Dhs550 for two

M’s serves some very fine seafood dishes. The restaurant is usually lively at lunchtime, and there is an outdoor terrace for those who wish to dine alfresco.

Le Méridien Dubai, Airport Road, Sat to Thur 12.30pm to 11pm, Fri 7.30pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 2170000. Metro: Dubai Airport. msseafoodbistro-dubai 

Ossiano
Dhs650 for two

With sharks swimming past your table and subtle live music, this is one of the most exclusive tables in the country. Expect long, extravagant multi-course meals brimming with skill.

Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, daily 7pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 4262626. Taxi: Atlantis The Palm. atlantisthepalm.com

Pierchic
Dhs700 for two

Perched on the edge of a private pier, Pierchic is a contender not only for the best location in Dubai, but also for best seafood restaurant. A must for any romantic occasion.

Al Qasr, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, daily 7pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 3666730. Taxi: Madinat Jumeirah. jumeirah.com

Salmontini
Dhs250 for two

With a Ski Dubai viewing window, this mall-based seafood restaurant specialises in salmon and smokes its own fish.

Mall Of The Emirates, Al Barsha, Dubai, daily noon to midnight. Tel: (04) 3410222. Metro: Mall Of The Emirates

Sammach
Dhs280

Unlicensed but still buzzing, Sammach’s position next to The Dubai Fountains is enough to secure a steady flow of new customers, but most will return for the ‘pick-your-own-fish’ dining concept and wonderfully fresh seafood.

Souk Al Bahar, Downtown, Dubai, daily 12.30pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 4267311. Metro: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall
ALSO: Beach Centre, Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai

Terrace, The
Dhs600 for two

Sitting right beside Dubai Creek and the Park Hyatt Dubai’s marina, The Terrace is a good place to watch the sun set with a platter of fresh seafood from the raw bar and a cold glass of champagne.

Park Hyatt Dubai, Deira, Dubai, daily noon to 2am. Tel: (04) 3172222. Taxi: Park Hyatt Deira. dubai.park.hyatt.com

Wheeler’s Of St James
Dhs800 for two

The Dubai rendering of a London institution with celeb chef-turned- restaurateur Marco Pierre White’s name above the door, Wheeler’s is a seafood brasserie with a pianist and small cocktail bar.

Gate Village 2, Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai, daily noon to 3.30pm and 7pm to 11.30pm, bar noon to midnight. Tel: (04) 3860899. Taxi: DIFC. wheelersdubai.com

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