Villa Beach Restaurant

Occupying one of the most sought after locations in the city, Villa hugs the beach by the bridge to the Burj. 3 Reviews

© ITP Images

Occupying one of the most sought after locations in the city, Villa hugs the beach by the bridge to the Burj. But, be warned, whilst gazing at the seven-star wonder you may have to cast your eyes over a JCB rumbling around cleaning the beach – it’s not going to ruin your evening, but is certainly a bit of a distraction. The menu covers many bases, however, the food is a little unpredictable. While some dishes arrive perfectly presented and thoroughly enjoyable, others are sorry looking and bland tasting concoctions. Starters tend to be a rather mixed bag, and some fare a lot better than others. The ‘tomato experience’ is one of the safe bets. The dish comes with a glass of clear, pungent and ripe tomato essence; a baked cherry tomato on mozzarella; a vinegary, woodsy terrine, and delicious salsa-soaked crostini with cream cheese. The superbly creamy crab soup is a favourite, and the panseared scallops with mango relish and lemony hummos is a light and flavoursome start.

The mains carry on the unpredictable theme. Stay away from the uninteresting seafood combination served in a broth of sundried tomatoes and olives. Instead, try the Chilean sea bass, a huge wedge of flaky fish in a light, creamy mushroom sauce. Or the tender roast lamb, served medium alongside goat’s cheese in a kataifi parcel and a single stuffed pimento pepper. Round off with a deliciously sweet portion of lemon cheesecake with a scoop of candied orange and chocolate ice cream. Although there’s a good chance that you will enjoy a fairly accomplished meal, for the price you’ll pay you could do better. However, for predominantly good quality tourist fare, with one of the city’s visitor’s favourite views the Villa Beach Restaurant fits the bill nicely.

By Time Out Dubai

• Previous reviews
  • 22 March,2012- reviewed by Time Out Dubai staff
  • 26 March,2008- reviewed by Jeremy Lawrence
  • 12 March,2007- reviewed by Time Out Dubai Staff
  • 29 November,2006- reviewed by Time Out Dubai Staff
  • 19 December,2005- reviewed by Matthew Lee

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Time Out reviews restaurants anonymously and pays for meals. Of course, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or independence of user reviews.

User reviews:

Posted by: Kate on 09 Apr ' 13 at 20:51

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

Edited by TimeOutDubai.com

Not as bad value as the article suggests. My friend and I had a starter, main course, dessert, glass of wine and a coffee each and the bill came to less than 700 dhs for both of us. Compare that with what you'd pay for the equivalent in London and it's pretty reasonable, especially considering the unrivalled setting. The service was a bit much-I imagine if you were trying to have a romantic dinner being asked at least once per course how everything was would be a bit of a mood killer, and we were told about the (lengthy) chef's special seafood sharing platter twice (pointless as my friend's vegetarian). Still, staff were friendly and service quick but not rushed. Some lovely extras as well-a taster of beef carpaccio before the starter, sorbet, a mini "pre-pudding" and home made truffles with dessert. The portions were totally adequate-I ordered a side with my main based on the reports of stingy amounts, but really didn't need it. A starter of bouillabaisse was packed with generous chunks of fish and meaty prawns. Only complaint about the food was that for the price the flavours lacked punch-the soup and the sauce with my Dover sole main were almost bland which Is disappointing considering the price. And a shame as the seafood was clearly good quality. Overall worth it for the experience but I'd probably go with a meat option if I went again.

Posted by: mickle pickle on 24 Apr ' 09 at 13:03

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FoodAmbienceValue

too expensive

Posted by: Eugenia on 10 Mar ' 09 at 08:34

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? Yes

We were at the Villa Beach with my husband and totally loved it!! I agree that it may not be the cheapest option, but the service and the quality of the food were brilliant. You have a chance to sit right on the beach just meters away from Burj Al Arab and this adds a nice romantic twist to this quiet, relaxed venue. I would definitely recoomend it for couples who want to forget about all the hustle and bustle and spend a perfect evening together, enjoying great food and good wine!