Exotic Underwater Restaurants in Dubai

Dubai is a city that comes with new and exciting attractions and experiences almost every year. This is the reason this city is home to the world’s tallest building, largest manmade island, biggest indoor theme park, largest natural flower garden, tallest photo frame, and so much more. Dubai also offers some unique experiences like the world’s largest indoor rainforest, biggest indoor ski resort, etc. One of the things to add to this list is the underwater restaurants. Yes, there are some exotic restaurants in Dubai where you can dine while enjoying the underwater world. So, if you are in the city with one of the Dubai vacation packages, these are some of the underwater restaurants that you must checkout.

Al Mahara, Jumeirah Burj Al Arab

One of the amazing underwater restaurants you must try during your Dubai trip is Al Mahara. It is one of the most celebrated restaurants in Burj Al Arab, the sail-shaped seven-star hotel. Al Mahara means oyster shell in Arabic, and the décor brings together the oceanic theme with soft lights, chandeliers that look like art pieces, and plush seatings and interiors. But what takes the show is the floor to ceiling aquarium where you can see all kinds of seawater animals.

Al Mahara is currently run by Chef Andrea Miglicaccio, who has recreated Ristorante L’Olivia, his two Michelin-starred restaurant in Capri, here. Get ready to savor the juiciest seafood, inspired by the flavors and textures of the Amalfi Coast in Italy. A few of the must-taste dishes at this restaurant are saffron-dusted blue lobster with raspberries, tuna tartare Taglioni, red prawn and lemon risotto, etc. You can also try the tasting menu, where you will be served a 5-course menu, including all the signature dishes of the restaurant.

Image Credit: https://www.atlantis.com/dubai/dining/ossiano?

Ossiano, Hotel Atlantis the Palm

Another underwater restaurant loved by both residents and tourists of Dubai is Ossiano. This stylish and unique restaurant is a part of Hotel Atlantis the Palm, the crowning glory of Palm Jumeirah. Ossiano is a part of the Ambassador Lagoon, one of the most important zones of the Lost Chambers Aquarium of Hotel Atlantis the Palm. The décor of the restaurant is designed to resemble the ocean bed, complete with soft blue lights, aquamarine tones, and furniture and accessories resembling ocean-themed motifs. The décor and the ambience make Ossiano one of the most romantic restaurants in Dubai.  The tables of the restaurant are arranged near the floor-to-ceiling glass aquarium that is home to more than 65,000 marine animals like stingrays, sharks, clown fish, etc.

Image Credit: https://www.atlantis.com/dubai/dining/ossiano?

However, Ossiano is not just about its décor. The food here also makes it a must-visit place. Ossiano serves some of the most delectable seafood dishes. Be it oysters, scallops, lobsters, or prawns, you will get to relish some amazing dishes here. One of the best culinary experiences you can have in Ossiano is the 10-course Metanoia or Culinary Voyage, where you can enjoy the best dishes over 10 courses. Apart from this, Caramalized Black Cod, Langoustine, Bouillabaisse, Seafood Platter, etc., are some of the other amazing dishes you must try at this restaurant. You must also try the delectable desserts here that will complete your meal. The sorbets, chocolate-spheres, and sea-inspired sweets would make your dining experience more memorable.

Dubai Dhow Cruise

Although the Dubai dhow cruise is not exactly an underwater restaurant, it offers a unique dining experience with the view of gleaming Dubai waters. The Dubai dhow cruise happens at two places: Dubai Creek and Dubai Marina and is one of the most popular things to do in Dubai.  The dhow is a traditional wooden boat that was used for transportation in the past. Today, these have been turned into sophisticated and charming floating restaurants where you can enjoy a lavish dinner. Typically, a dhow has two decks, an air-conditioned lower deck and an open upper deck. The dhow is decorated with shining lights, and the décor of the floating restaurant comprises wooden panels and flooring and soft lights, adding to its cozy ambience.

The dhow cruise in Dubai usually involves a 3-course dinner. Comprising appetizers, main course, and dessert, you will get to enjoy a combination of local and international dishes here. Welcome drinks and unlimited non-alcoholic drinks are also usually included in the dhow cruise dinner package. Along with dinner, there is also entertainment programs available on both the decks. Live music is something you will get to enjoy here, along with the mesmerizing Tanoura dance performance. One of the highlights of the dhow cruise is that you get to witness the beautiful sights of the city as you sail around in the dhow.

Karma Kafe, Souk Al Bahar

Karma Kafe at Souk Al Bahar is a waterfront restaurant that gives you uninterrupted views of Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain. The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor settings. The interiors of Karma Kafe are decorated with dark wood furnishing, deep red walls, and velvet stools, making it one of the swankiest restaurants that you -will find in Downtown Dubai. But most people are attracted to its open-air seating area, mostly because of the view of the Dubai Fountain Show in the evening. Karma Kafe also has a lounge, which turns into a nightclub after 10 PM with music, DJ, and dance.

Apart from the ambience, décor, and view of this waterfront restaurant, Karma Kafe is also popular for its delicious food. Karma Kafe offers Pan Asian and Asian fusion cuisine. Here you will get the chance to try a variety of popular Asian dishes like dim sum, sushi, nigiri, sashimi, etc. Some of the most renowned dishes to try at Karma Kafe are Lobster Thai Curry, Seared Tenderloin Tataki, Seared Salmon Miso Aburi Roll, Miso Black Cod, Peruvian-style Tenderloin Steak, and more. The dessert menu of Karma Kafe also offers delectable sweet dishes.

The Fish House, Dubai Festival City

Another restaurant that is not underwater but gives underwater vibes is the Fish House. A part of the Dubai Festival City, the Fish House is located on the edges of Dubai Creek. The interior of the restaurant has a nautical theme. The décor is made of white, light blue, and turquoise-colored accents. The restaurant has large bay windows and floor to ceiling glass-fronts, that gives the vibe of being underwater. The Fish House is a restaurant where you can enjoy a casual meal with family and friends.

As the name suggests, the Fish House is a place where you can relish fresh seafood dishes. Charcoal-Grilled Octopus with Hummus & Smoked Almonds, Seafood Peaella, Lobster Linguine, etc., are some of its signature dishes. You can also savor seafood platters or seafood towers that include a combination of prawns, king crab, and more. For a casual meal, you can choose fish and chips. You can also pick the catch of the day and get it grilled, fried, or baked, depending on your preference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

There are two major underwater restaurants in Dubai and several other waterfront restaurants that offer you the underwater and seafood experience. Do make it a point to visit a few of them to add some thrill and excitement to your Dubai vacation.