If you’re in Abu Dhabi and craving a seafood experience that’s vibrant, authentic, and memorable, Dampa Seafood Grill Abu Dhabi is the place to be. Located conveniently in the city, this restaurant brings the flavors of the Philippines to your plate, offering an immersive dining experience that’s both fun and delicious. From fresh seafood catches to communal dining, Dampa Seafood Grill ensures every meal is a celebration of taste, texture, and culture.
Location and Ambience
Dampa Seafood Grill Abu Dhabi is situated in a central location, making it easily accessible for locals, residents, and tourists alike. Upon entering, guests are welcomed into a lively and colorful environment that captures the spirit of Filipino culture. The interiors are designed to be cheerful and family-friendly, with vibrant decor, spacious seating, and a casual, relaxed vibe. Whether you’re visiting for a lunch gathering or a late-night seafood feast, the atmosphere is inviting and energetic.
The seating arrangement caters to both small groups and large parties, with tables designed to encourage conversation and interaction. This makes it a perfect choice for family outings, group dinners, or even solo visits where you want to enjoy a hearty meal. The restaurant also pays attention to comfort, with ample lighting and well-spaced seating, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Menu Highlights
At the heart of Dampa Seafood Grill Abu Dhabi is its extensive menu, which celebrates the diversity and richness of Filipino seafood cuisine. The restaurant emphasizes fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and generous portions. Some standout dishes include:
Cajun Shrimp: Succulent shrimp coated in a special blend of Cajun spices, offering a perfect balance of heat, aroma, and flavor. These shrimp are grilled to perfection, creating a mouthwatering dish that’s both spicy and savory.

Grilled Milkfish (Bangus): A Filipino classic, this dish features tender milkfish marinated in a blend of traditional spices and grilled to perfection. It is typically served with steamed rice and a refreshing mango salsa, providing a balance of flavors that’s both light and satisfying.
Butterfly Squid: This dish presents squid carefully sliced and flattened into a butterfly shape, seasoned with a flavorful marinade, and grilled to a tender finish. The result is a visually appealing and tasty seafood option that delights both the eyes and palate.
Dampa Boodle Feasts: Perhaps the signature experience at Dampa Seafood Grill, the Boodle Feasts are designed for sharing. Seafood, rice, and side accompaniments are spread out on a large platter, inviting diners to dig in together. Options include variations like Cajun, Salted Egg, and Thai Sauce, catering to diverse taste preferences. This communal style of dining reflects the Filipino tradition of sharing meals with friends and family, creating a sense of togetherness and fun.
Special Sauces and Marinades: The restaurant offers an array of sauces to complement its seafood, including garlic butter, chili-garlic, and sweet Thai-inspired sauces. These sauces enhance the flavor of each dish without overpowering the natural taste of the seafood.
Every dish at Dampa Seafood Grill is crafted to highlight the freshness and quality of the ingredients, ensuring that every bite is flavorful and satisfying. From individual servings to group platters, the menu is designed to cater to all appetites.

Unique Dining Experience
What truly sets Dampa Seafood Grill Abu Dhabi apart is its interactive, hands-on dining concept. Guests are provided with disposable gloves and encouraged to eat directly from the table, where the seafood is laid out over a bed of rice. This communal dining style allows diners to engage with the food in a tactile and playful way, creating a more immersive experience than a traditional restaurant setup.
This “eat with your hands” approach is deeply rooted in Filipino culture and enhances the authenticity of the meal. Sharing food in this manner fosters connection among diners, making meals at Dampa Seafood Grill both a culinary and social experience.
For those unfamiliar with this dining style, staff members are on hand to guide and assist, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the feast comfortably and hygienically. This approach encourages a relaxed, informal dining experience that prioritizes enjoyment and interaction.
Pricing and Valu
Dampa Seafood Grill Abu Dhabi provides generous portions at accessible prices. A typical meal for two averages around AED 135, making it an affordable option for seafood lovers seeking quality and quantity.
The Boodle Feasts, specifically designed for groups, offer excellent value for money. These platters are not only abundant but also feature a wide variety of flavors and seafood types, allowing diners to sample multiple dishes in one meal. The pricing structure encourages sharing and communal dining, reinforcing the restaurant’s cultural and social ethos.
Operating Hours
The restaurant is open daily, accommodating both lunch and dinner patrons.
Lunch and Dinner Service: 12:00 PM – 11:30 PM
These extended hours allow guests to plan visits according to their schedule, whether it’s a midday seafood indulgence or a late-night craving. The restaurant experiences a lively atmosphere during peak hours, reflecting its popularity among locals and visitors alike.
Customer Reviews
Dampa Seafood Grill Abu Dhabi has earned praise for its fresh seafood, flavorful dishes, and interactive dining experience. Diners often highlight the Cajun shrimp and Boodle Feasts as crowd favorites, emphasizing the generous portions and communal enjoyment.
Many reviews also commend the restaurant’s friendly staff and attentive service, which contribute to a welcoming and enjoyable environment. The combination of quality food, unique dining style, and cultural authenticity makes it a standout destination for seafood enthusiasts in Abu Dhabi.
Nearby Attractions
Located in a central area of Abu Dhabi, the restaurant is close to several notable attractions that diners can explore before or after their meal:
Al Mariah Mall: A convenient shopping destination across from the restaurant, ideal for combining dining with retail therapy.
Corniche Beach: A scenic waterfront area perfect for a post-meal stroll or casual relaxation, offering beautiful views of Abu Dhabi’s coastline.
Qasr Al Hosn: A historic fort that provides insight into Abu Dhabi’s heritage, adding cultural depth to your dining outing.
The proximity to these attractions makes Dampa Seafood Grill Abu Dhabi an excellent choice for visitors looking to combine culinary experiences with sightseeing.

Why Dampa Seafood Grill Stands Out
Several factors contribute to the restaurant’s distinctive appeal:
- Authentic Filipino Cuisine: The menu showcases traditional Filipino flavors and cooking styles, offering a genuine taste of the Philippines in Abu Dhabi.
- Hands-On Dining: The communal, interactive style encourages diners to connect with the food and each other, creating a memorable experience.
- Fresh Ingredients: The emphasis on fresh seafood ensures that every dish is flavorful and satisfying.
- Family-Friendly Atmosphere: With vibrant decor, spacious seating, and casual vibes, the restaurant caters to diners of all ages.
- Affordable Pricing: Generous portions and reasonably priced meals make the restaurant accessible to a wide range of customers.
Tips for Visiting
Plan for Groups: The Boodle Feasts are ideal for sharing, so consider visiting with family or friends to enjoy the full experience.
Try Multiple Sauces: Experiment with different marinades and sauces to experience the variety of flavors the restaurant offers.
Visit During Off-Peak Hours: For a quieter dining experience, consider visiting during mid-afternoon or early evening hours.
Engage with Staff: Don’t hesitate to ask the staff for recommendations, as they are knowledgeable and can enhance your dining experience.
Final Thoughts
Dampa Seafood Grill Abu Dhabi is more than just a restaurant; it’s a celebration of Filipino culture, seafood, and communal dining. Its unique concept, combined with fresh ingredients, flavorful dishes, and a lively atmosphere, makes it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to enjoy a memorable seafood feast in Abu Dhabi.
Whether you’re a local resident, a tourist, or simply a seafood enthusiast, a visit to Dampa Seafood Grill guarantees an authentic, immersive, and enjoyable dining experience. From Cajun shrimp to the iconic Boodle Feasts, every dish tells a story of flavor, tradition, and fun. Make sure to add it to your culinary itinerary and indulge in a Filipino seafood feast like no other.
Do follow UAE Stories on Instagram
Read Next – Dai Pai Dong Abu Dhabi: A Modern Cantonese Culinary Journey