Restaurants

Taste Seafood In A Bucket Seafood in a Bucket does exactly what the name suggests, serving generous portions of seafood in silver buckets to share with friends over lunch or dinner. Don the provided plastic gloves and dig into your favourite seafood, with options including shrimps, lobster, mussels, clams and hammour in a variety of tempting sauces.

Measured solely by location, Shimmers gets top marks. Add to that a hearty menu of Greek cuisine, and you’ve landed a winner. Sitting in the heart of Madinat Jumeirah’s exclusive private beach, this relaxed eatery offers views of the azure sea, white beach and the spectacular Burj Al Arab. Try their “Real” Greek Salad with Kalamata olives and feta cheese or savour slow-cooked lamb infused with oregano.

Stretching across the Palm’s Crescent foreshore, and with the iconic seashell-pink Atlantis, The Palm looming in the background, the Royal Pool strikes a balance between a family-friendly destination and a relaxing spot for the unaccompanied grown-ups. The oversized five-star pool is perfect for a dip, with or without younger family members. Or take the kids down to the private beach, the nearby jungle gym or the lawn badminton court to totally tire them out before dinner. We recommend the signature grilled tiger prawns. +971 4 426 2626

A must for true romantics with an appetite for seafood, Beach Bar & Grill offers delectable fish platters to share. If seafood isn’t your thing, there’s surf and turf options. You must try the chef’s recommendation though, a cataplana of shellfish clams, mussels, prawns, scallops and crabs with cooked beef chorizo, tomatoes, vegetables and fresh herbs. It’s simply wonderful! There’s indoor and outdoor seating, but al fresco is best for romantic sea views. Telephone +971 [0] 4 399 9999 Email fb.acourt@oneandonlyroyalmirage.ae

Housed on the eighth floor of the Media One Hotel in Dubai Media City, The MED serves up fun, energetic a la carte and brunch options. You’ll get good value out of these classic Mediterranean takes on seafood, roasted meats and desserts. Head here on a Friday for a lively brunch. Add to that a trendy ambience, with a DJ spinning awesome music, and your meal takes on a whole new party edge.

Head to romantic restaurant Ossiano, housed in Atlantis, The Palm, to watch 65,000 marine creatures glide past your table as you tuck into your meal. You’ll be served Catalan-inspired seafood dishes, courtesy of famed Spanish chef Santi Santamaria. Enjoy incredible food beneath glistening chandeliers and floor-to-ceiling views of the Ambassador Lagoon aquarium, amid a formal but romantic setting. Telephone +971 [0] 4 426 2626 Email restaurantreservations@atlantisthepalm.com

Craving for fresh fish? Head to Asmak for a choice of daily catches that have been seasoned and prepared Mediterranean style. Choose your style of cooking from simply grilled, deep-fried or oven-baked. The dishes arrive piping hot with aromas of herbs and spice – the spicy garlic potatoes are a must-order. You can sit indoors or outside on a beautiful wooden deck.

When you’re located as close to the sea as Alto Mar is – right by the Jumeirah Fishing Harbour – you know the seafood is going to be fresh. At this Mediterranean-style restaurant, it is also delicious. The blue and white décor with marine accents is offset by a tranquil view of the bobbing boats at the harbour, transporting diners straight to southern European shores. So too does the menu, with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients and simple home-style cooking. Choose seafood either cooked to your liking or à la carte, with highlights including seabream roasted in a “salt…

The Dubai outpost of a renowned NYC brand, Catch is stylish seafood at its best. Retaining the contemporary American vibe, the space matches industrial-luxe décor with an eclectic menu – ranging from innovative sushi (foie gras eel roll, anyone?) to king fish tacos. Signature dishes include crispy whole snapper with peppers and oyster mushrooms, and the DXB sushi roll – tuna, crab, avocado, wasabi, yuzu and kosho mayo. Meat-lovers are well catered for, and indulgent desserts such as the s’more pizza are worth leaving tummy space for. With a buzzing vibe, Catch ticks all the boxes for a swish night…