Dubai does not have the architecture of Italy or the countryside of France. What it does have is a long coastline, sandy beaches and reliable sunshine throughout the year. It is perhaps no surprise, then, that a number of restaurants here draw on French, Spanish and Italian coastal cooking. Below is a selection worth knowing about.
Casa Amor
Casa Amor at Mandarin Oriental Jumeirah has the feel of a beach house. The interior uses natural wood, white curtains, macramé chandeliers and oriental rugs, with plenty of greenery throughout. The menu takes its lead from the South of France, with dishes including black truffle pizzetta, bluefin tuna tartare, fresh seafood and grilled beef. A fully enclosed terrace looks out over the water and is open year-round. Open daily, 9am to 11pm. Mandarin Oriental, @casaamordubai (04 777 2223).
French Riviera Beach at Jumeirah Al Qasr
This restaurant sits on the shoreline at Jumeirah and serves Mediterranean food with sea views. The outdoor patio has a thatched roof, macramé curtains, rope chandeliers and linen upholstery. The menu covers French classics including bouillabaisse with sea bass, langoustine, scallop, clams and lobster bisque, as well as black truffle rigatoni. The Vacherin with marinated strawberries and fresh basil ice cream is worth ordering before you leave. Jumeirah Al Qasr, Umm Suqeim, jumeirah.com (800 323232).
Maison Mer
Maison Mer sits at Pearl Jumeira within Nikki Beach Resort and Spa Dubai. The name translates as House of the Sea, and the location on the Palm Jumeirah supports that. Tables sit close to the water, with olive trees in earthen pots and open sea views. Inside, wrought iron chairs, soft yellow lighting and quiet paintings give the room a French character. The menu draws from Nice and Marseille. It works well for lunch, dinner and aperitivo. Tuesday to Sunday, noon to midnight. Nikki Beach Resort and Spa Dubai, maisonmerrestaurants.com (056 545 6200).
Peaches and Cream
Peaches and Cream on Palm Jumeirah sits at the more accessible end of the price range on this list. Macramé umbrellas, earthy outdoor seating and sand underfoot give it a relaxed coastal feel. The menu covers Greek-Mediterranean seafood, paella and pasta. The oscietra caviar with sour cream and crispy potato chips for Dhs150 is a reasonable option. Open Monday to Thursday 9am to 10pm, Friday 9am to 11pm, Saturday 9am to midnight, Sunday 9am to 11pm. Palm Jumeirah, peachesandcreamdubai.ae (052 947 4552).
Tagomago
Tagomago sits at the base of the Palm and takes its reference points from Ibiza rather than the French Riviera, but the setting still works. Tables overlook the sea with views of the Burj Al Arab. The decor uses rattan, palm trees, olive trees, thatched roofing and wooden chairs. The food is Spanish Mediterranean, covering fresh daily catches, wood-fired steaks and a signature paella. A chiringuito on site is a reasonable spot for a drink at sunset. Boat owners can self-dock for free. Dhs150 minimum spend. Friday to Saturday, 8pm to midnight. Palm Jumeirah, tagomago.ae (04 832 6620).
Gigi Rigolatto
Gigi Rigolatto at J1 Beach is a more recent addition and draws on the Italian Riviera. It has a private beach, a pool, garden dining and a kids’ club. The food is Italian. The truffle arancini is a good place to start, the tuna or lemon octopus work well as a main, and the pistachio gelato or tiramisu are worth sharing at the end. Daily, 10am to 1am. J1 Beach, gigi-restaurant.com (04 498 3900).
Brix
Brix at Jumeirah Fishing Harbour takes its cues from the Monaco harbourside. Guests can eat a croissant or a salad while watching boats from an outdoor seat. The café is popular and often fully booked. The interiors are well put together, with cosy seating inside. It is primarily known for breakfast but also serves lunch and dinner. For the best outdoor views, arriving early in the day helps. Open daily, 7am to 11.30pm. Jumeirah Fishing Harbour, brixdessert.com (054 515 7861).
Pierchic
Pierchic extends over the water on its own pier at Jumeirah Al Qasr hotel. The setting puts guests close to sea level with open water on all sides. The menu is seafood-led. A light seafood salad is a reasonable way to start, followed by tortellini with beef and cappone broth. For something different, the gnudi filled with ricotta cheese and white truffle is worth trying. The open-air deck also works well for pre-dinner drinks or watching the sunset. Open Monday to Thursday, 12.30pm to 2.30pm and 6.30pm to 10pm. Friday to Saturday, 12.30pm to 2.30pm and 6.30pm to 10.30pm. Jumeirah Al Qasr, @pierchicdubai (800 323232).
