Dubai is a city that offers a taste of the world, and when it comes to seafood, it truly shines. Whether you’re craving a luxurious lobster dinner at a 5-star hotel or a simple grilled fish by the beach, seafood in Dubai delivers freshness, flavor, and variety.
Located by the Arabian Gulf, Dubai has access to an abundance of fresh seafood daily. From local fish markets that have been around for decades to high-end restaurants that serve international seafood delicacies, this city is a paradise for seafood lovers.
In this guide, we’ll take you through:
- Why seafood in Dubai is special
- The best seafood dishes to try
- Where to find the top seafood restaurants
- Budget friendly options
- Fresh fish markets and local experiences
Why Seafood in Dubai is Worth Exploring
Dubai’s seafood scene reflects the city’s multicultural population and rich maritime heritage. The Arabian Gulf provides a rich catch that includes kingfish, hammour (grouper), barracuda, and shrimp. At the same time, Dubai imports premium seafood from around the world including Alaskan crab, Canadian lobster, and Japanese tuna.
There are three key reasons seafood in Dubai stands out
- Freshness – Whether local or imported, restaurants pride themselves on sourcing only the freshest ingredients.
- Diversity – You’ll find Arabic, Indian, Filipino, Chinese, Mediterranean, and European seafood specialties across the city.
- Experience – From luxury fine dining to beachside shacks and bustling fish markets, the seafood experience is as exciting as the food itself.
Top Seafood Dishes You Must Try in Dubai
If you’re new to Dubai’s seafood scene, here are some must try dishes that will leave a lasting impression
Hammour (Grouper)
A local favorite, often grilled or fried and served with rice. It has a mild flavor and soft texture, perfect for those who don’t like overly fishy tastes.
Grilled Jumbo Prawns
Marinated in Arabic spices and grilled over charcoal, jumbo prawns are a staple on almost every seafood menu in Dubai.
Seafood Machboos
A traditional Emirati rice dish cooked with saffron, dried lemon (loomi), and mixed seafood like shrimp and fish.
Calamari Rings
Crispy and lightly battered, calamari is often served with lemon and tartar sauce and is great as a starter.
Lobster Thermidor
Popular in upscale restaurants, this dish features lobster meat cooked in a creamy sauce and baked with cheese.
Fish Biryani
A twist on the classic Indian biryani, made with aromatic rice and seasoned fish. You can find this in both Indian and Arabic restaurants.
Top Seafood Restaurants in Dubai
Here are some of the most popular and highly rated places for seafood in Dubai, ranging from luxury to casual.
Ossiano – Atlantis, The Palm
If you’re looking for a luxury seafood dining experience, Ossiano is unmatched. Set inside the Atlantis hotel, this underwater themed restaurant offers an unforgettable setting with views of the Ambassador Lagoon aquarium.
Specialties include caviar, lobster, and oyster tasting menus.
Price Range: High
Bu Qtair – Umm Suqeim Fishing Harbour
From a humble shack to a world famous destination, Bu Qtair is known for its simple yet flavorful fresh seafood. Diners choose their fish, which is then marinated and grilled.
Specialties include spicy grilled hammour and prawns.
Price Range: Low
Peppercrab – Grand Hyatt Dubai
Singapore style seafood with a focus on bold flavors. Ideal for those who love rich sauces and Asian twists.
Specialties include black pepper crab and chili prawns.
Price Range: High
Seafood Market – Le Meridien Dubai
A Dubai classic for over 20 years, this restaurant lets you pick your fresh seafood and have it cooked to order.
Specialties include lobster, seabass, and squid in Thai or Chinese styles.
Price Range: High
Dampa Seafood Grill – Deira
Filipino style seafood served on banana leaves. Ideal for groups and seafood feasts. Expect big portions and big flavors.
Specialties include seafood buckets and garlic butter shrimp.
Price Range: Medium
Budget Friendly Seafood in Dubai
Seafood doesn’t have to be expensive in Dubai. Here are some affordable yet delicious options
Al Fannah Restaurant – Al Qusais
Simple interiors but great food. Their grilled fish and shrimp biryani are popular among locals.
Sardina Seafood – Jumeirah
Egyptian style seafood at reasonable prices. Don’t miss their grilled sea bass and shrimp tagine.
Ibn Hamido – Al Barsha and Jumeirah
Offers great value for Egyptian and Mediterranean seafood. You can choose your seafood fresh from the counter.
Explore Dubai’s Fresh Fish Markets
Want to experience seafood like a local? Head to one of Dubai’s fish markets for the freshest catch and a taste of the city’s culture.
Deira Fish Market
The original fish market of Dubai, now replaced by the modern Waterfront Market. Still worth a visit for its energy and authentic vibe.
Waterfront Market – Deira
A clean, organized, and massive seafood market with fish from all over the world. You can even have your purchase cleaned, cut, and cooked on site.
- Open daily from 6 AM to midnight
- Popular with restaurant owners, chefs, and local families
- Great spot to try grilled fish or seafood stew on the spot
Jumeirah Fish Market
Smaller than Deira but has a good selection of local fish. Located near the beach, it’s perfect if you want to grab fresh fish and have a BBQ.
Tips for Enjoying Seafood in Dubai
- Go early to markets for the freshest options, ideally before 9 AM
- Ask for the catch of the day at restaurants to get the best taste and value
- Respect local customs, especially in traditional eateries
- Don’t be afraid to get messy, especially in crab or shrimp bucket joints
- Make a reservation for popular seafood restaurants during weekends
Seafood Festivals and Special Events
Dubai also hosts various seafood festivals throughout the year. These include
- Dubai Food Festival (February to March) where many seafood restaurants offer special menus and discounts
- Waterfront Market Seafood Festival featuring cooking demos, live entertainment, and seafood tastings
- Restaurant Week with discounted prices at high end spots, including seafood restaurants
Keep an eye on tourism boards or local event sites for updated schedules.
Final Thoughts
Seafood in Dubai is more than just a meal, it’s an experience. From luxury dining with underwater views to casual beachside grills and bustling fish markets, Dubai offers a world class seafood journey for every type of eater.
Whether you’re a seasoned seafood lover or just exploring, the city’s blend of cultures and fresh ingredients ensures something new and exciting on every plate.
So next time you’re in Dubai, dive into its seafood scene. Your taste buds will thank you.
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