Beach Bar & Grill

Arabian décor with European food 12 Reviews

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From Time Out Dubai Eating Out 2008

With its sophisticated Arabian Nights-tinged decor, torch-lit terrace and fabulous ocean views, first impressions at the Beach Bar & Grill bode well for a dining experience to be treasured. Kick off with the black mussels in a marinara sauce and you won’t be disappointed; the meaty tang of the shellfish pairs well with the tomato-rich broth.

Next up, a dish of pan-fried red snapper translates well from the page, its whole-baked fennel and pretty scattering of clams offering a perfect foil to the smoke-infused fish. Elsewhere, a great selection of grilled meats – including the ubiquitous wagyu – and a tasty miscellany of vegetarian options should more than satisfy those of a non-piscine persuasion.

And to finish?

A fine-looking meringue sacrifices the crunch of its outer shell for the sweet, moist density of its iced pistachio cream filling, but in truth it feels like a small price to pay. Likewise, the quality of service – friendly and attentive without ever being overbearing – goes a long way to iron over any minor niggles. File under ‘M’ for memorable.

By Jeremy Lawrence

• Previous reviews
  • 22 March,2012- reviewed by Time Out Dubai staff
  • 23 March,2011- reviewed by Time Out Dubai staff
  • 25 March,2010- reviewed by Time Out Dubai staff
  • 19 March,2009- reviewed by Time Out Dubai staff
  • 12 March,2007- reviewed by Time Out Dubai Staff
  • 30 April,2006- reviewed by Time Out Dubai
  • 11 January,2006- reviewed by Matthew Lee
  • 01 February,2003- reviewed by Rob Orchard
  • 01 February,2002- 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: Mairi Bull on 09 Apr ' 13 at 06:04

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

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

On booking I said it was an anniversary dinner. On arrival our table was decorated with flower petals around our heart shaped napkins. A lovely touch followed by a delicious meal. Thankyou

Posted by: Leila on 19 Mar ' 12 at 03:23

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

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

Posted by: John Cole on 15 May ' 11 at 06:26

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

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

Beach Bar & Grill is always a winner.. Every time I have been Its has been consistently good. Food is excellent and the service is always with a smile. On this occasion I was met by the manager who made a point of coming to the table and getting my feedback. He made us feel very welcome. I highly recommend this restaurant. Excellent food and staff. Try going in the evening as well. Its a different experience and just as good!

Posted by: Lazy cook on 12 May ' 11 at 19:41

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

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

Living in Dubai often means never cooking at home and usually either order in or eat out. Although this seems like a very easy and comfortable way of filling your stomach, it can end up being quite exhausting with the amount of unqualified service staff that we have here in the city.

Thankfully I have found my perfect restaurant that I continue to come back to due to the consistent service and the familiarity of the Beach Bar & Grill. Although the staff change from time to time, just like in any other restaurant, I am always taken good care of and they remember what I like and what I don't like.

On top of the friendly atmosphere of the restaurant, the food is delicious. It is great for a quick meal as well as for a romantic evening. The Royal Mirage is also a great location for me as I stay in the Greens.

If you haven't tried this amazing place, I would definitely recommend to go. But remember to make a reservation, as it is always full,

Posted by: Marion on 12 May ' 11 at 05:46

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

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

I have discovered this amazing beach restaurant recently and I am definitely recommending this unique place to everyone! It is perfect for either a Romantic dinner or Family gathering. Such nice & Peaceful atmosphere! The view is just marvellous.
The restaurant staff was extremely dedicated with a very professional attitude and the food was absolutely delicious!
This is definitely one of my favorite restaurant in Dubai with very very good value for money.
MUST GO!

Posted by: Mark Williams on 02 Mar ' 11 at 17:08

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

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

This is the third time i have been to this restaurant but a long time since my last visit. I have to say I was extremely disappointed by how standards have dropped for such a fabulous hotel. I can not fault the setting, location, and the hotel in general but the staff in this restaurant does not match the hotels standards.

The waiters whilst trying to be friendly you could tell they are not five star quality. For example, the table next to us the lady clearly said not to pour her drink she had had enough but he totally ignored this. The waiter at our table whilst taking the orders was constantly looking around and not paying attention. Also when he served the food he was more interested what was going on around him rather than the job at hand.

The food was also very disappointing; I had the sea bass which was frankly boring and tasteless. Further more as far as I know a fish has two sides, with the prices they charge I expect both sides of the fish, not just to palm me of with a bunch of lentils. My father in law asked for a medium steak no blood, and he got blood. My wife had the mussels and enjoyed them but they were served with chips, not right. To be fair my mother-in law did enjoy her meal.

I don’t very often write these types of complaints, I just do not go there again, but in this case it is such a fabulous setting I felt I had to. I hope you improve this restaurant quickly.

Posted by: Frankie on 27 Jan ' 11 at 04:31

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

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

The loveliness of the setting does not make up for the rudeness of the waiters and the very average, pricey food. We were served red and white by the glass in a thimble, containing the smallest possible quantity. This reflected our overall experience of the restaurant - give the customer as little as possible, whether it's the food, beverage or service.

This restaurant used to be wonderful, and I have recommended it to residents and tourists alike, which I now regret. I won't be going back.

Posted by: Will on 25 Oct ' 10 at 08:51

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

• Would you go back to this restaurant? No

Went here last Saturday night without a booking and nearly everything we ordered was unavailable. I'd had such good reviews from my friends that I was really looking forward to it.

We were told there was no room outside, despite it seeming quiet, and ushered to a table inside, where the atmosphere was stale and slient.

We were served great starters, (clearly prepared earlier, though) but the main course - grilled helawayoo - came out cold, with cold, slimy vegetables on the side.

The fish was ok, but nothing more special than I could have prepared at home, and served without any sauces or flair. Neither of our side orders ever arrived. We were made to feel quite unwelcome. There was bread available with the main course, but we weren't offered any.

To make up for our disappointment with the main course, we were offered a complementary dessert, but as the main course was so bad, we didn't want to eat any more. The waiter then knocked off the price of the cheapeast item on the menu, which I thought was insulting rather than a nice gesture.

Eating at such a well-recommended venue with high prices, I would expect a fair better level of food, of service and a warmer welcome.

Posted by: sahar on 02 Oct ' 10 at 18:23

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

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

everything was great... good food altough the menu is not that big, romantic ambience, very friendly staff
deserves a try for a romantic dinner...

Posted by: Bonita on 08 Mar ' 10 at 18:06

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

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

Loved the restaurant...beautiful at night and good food! Must go !

Posted by: Stefanie on 15 Jun ' 09 at 12:55

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FoodAmbienceValue

We just went last weekend - it was marvellous. View was just great, very romantic. The food was delicious and the service was extraordinary. However, we sat outside and it got really, really hot. You wont be able to enjoy the lovely setting from in a couple of weeks on.

The white wines were a little bit pricey - but that was very minimal on the negative side compared to what we got on the positive side.

Great choice for dinner!

Posted by: ramo on 16 Feb ' 09 at 15:28

OverallDecorService

FoodAmbienceValue

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

Good food...horrible service!