Villa Beach Restaurant

Expensive European food on Jumeirah Beach Road 3 Reviews

© ITP Images

Boasting one of the best locations in Dubai, sat on the sands of the Gulf and overlooked by the Burj Al Arab, it’s no surprise that Villa Beach is considered one of the city’s most romantic venues. The food, however, doesn’t quite match the spectacular vista. Billed as ‘Signature Mediterranean’, it’s more modern haute cuisine, with small portion sizes and all manner of foams and ‘espumas’ adorning the plate. There’s a small selection of surf, turf and vegetarian options available, and while beautifully presented, the serving size does not match the generous price tag. In short, the venue is guaranteed to impress, but with wallet-busting prices and small portion sizes, you may need to fill up on takeaway on the way home.

By Time Out Dubai staff
Time Out Dubai, 22 March 2012

• Previous reviews
  • 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
  • 30 April,2006- reviewed by Time Out Dubai
  • 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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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!