Malecon

Rowdy Cuban restaurant at Dubai Marine Beach Club 9 Reviews

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Yes, the scrawl on the walls is like that on a school exercise book (or a pub toilet), and the glaringly bright lighting takes you back awful moment in a cheesy nightclub when the lights come on and it’s time to go home. Yet Malecon has a unique charm that offsets these aesthetic challenges. It doesn’t need to be full to feel bustling and lively, especially once the live band begins to play (although head elsewhere for an after-dinner chat ...). The menu is delightfully original and food is reasonably priced and tasty, although dishes can be a little hit-and-miss. Order steak after polishing off the fantastic empanadas and then move to the bar for a drink or to the dance floor for some salsa dancing.

By Time Out Dubai staff
Time Out Dubai, 21 March 2012

• Previous reviews
  • 24 March,2011- reviewed by Time Out Dubai staff
  • 29 March,2010- reviewed by Time Out Dubai staff
  • 17 March,2009- reviewed by Time Out Dubai staff
  • 26 March,2008- reviewed by Jeremy Lawrence
  • 22 August,2007- reviewed by TimeOut Dubai Staff
  • 12 March,2007- reviewed by Time Out Dubai Staff
  • 30 April,2006- reviewed by TimeOut Dubai
  • 01 November,2004- reviewed by Matthew Lee
  • 01 November,2001- reviewed by Time Out Dubai Staff

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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: Juan Estrada on 14 Feb ' 13 at 04:28

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Best for: Romantic
• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

I have been visiting this restaurant for at least 5 years. Unfortunately my last visit on February 2013 was disappointing. I was sold on the idea of buying a seafood platter for 2, at 450 Dhs ($123). The "platter had 1 lobster, 10 calamari rings, 1 prawn and 1 piece of salmon...in addition to maybe $2 worth of french fries. When I complained, AS A FAVOR they gave me one more prawn. I used to love this place, but it is now overrated.

Posted by: jak on 24 Aug ' 12 at 15:09

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

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

the food it was very delicious and the service it was the best very good staff the best bartender in Dubai and the best live band in Dubai
i will com with all my friend next time

Posted by: mustafa haj mohamad on 11 Jul ' 12 at 09:04

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

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

the best bar in Dubai
lovely food and best service
i love malecon

Posted by: chadi on 14 Apr ' 12 at 07:43

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

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

one of the best places you can visit to dine and continue the night with live colombian band and dj playing international music..its one of the rare places in dubai that still doing great and having its repeated guests since 12 years. if you didnt visit i advise you to do and try the food it is really awsome.

Posted by: zack on 19 Nov ' 11 at 04:10

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

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

number 1

Posted by: shabnam imran on 19 Nov ' 11 at 04:03

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

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

beautiful place, best thing!! no show offs.....

Posted by: SHAGUFTA on 19 Nov ' 11 at 03:54

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

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

never seen a place like this before, friendly staff, helpful manager, cuban food never find anywhere in dubai, music and atmosphere 10/10 :-)))

Posted by: Wabbit on 09 Nov ' 11 at 07:52

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

While I'm sure many people have had an enjoyable evening at El Malecon, I certainly was not one of them. As an avid salsa dancer, I decided to take my friends to El Malecon last Thursday night, as I heard that their Thursday nights were great for dancing. Imagine my shock when we were told we were only allowed in if we had a reservation....leaving us standing there, while they let in two blondes, without question.
We made a "reservation" in order to be allowed in, only to be led to a table, and told that we had to spend AED 800 minimum. When we reiterated that we wanted to dance, not eat, we were asked to leave, because we didn't want to spend 800 at a table. The place was not full, and the majority of the people there are people form the salsa scene in Dubai. I'm certain they didn't reserve tables, so why bar us??

I'm quite sure those East European blondes wouldn't have spent 800 AED at a table or away from it! Yup.. El Malecon is not a place I will be going to again.

Posted by: Zaur on 24 Jul ' 11 at 12:15

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

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