5 Must-Try Seafood Experiences

Looking for the best seafood restaurant in Dubai? From trendy hangouts to DIY foodie experiences, we’ve researched and found the coolest spots around the city.

1. Catch Dubai

Catch Dubai brings a taste of New York City to the Arabian Desert. Chic and trendy in style, the brand originates from the Meatpacking District of NYC, where it serves up fresh, contemporary American seafood with a side of Big Apple hospitality. Delicious dishes on the menu range from crispy whole snapper and sea bass to delicate rice cakes and Wagyu beef. Perfect for some fancy dining, this restaurant has quickly becoming a city favourite.

Price: Around AED 160 for Scallop Gnocchi

Location: Fairmont Dubai, Trade Centre

insydo tip: Ladies, check out Urban Saturdays for 3 free drinks, from 9pm to 1am.

2. Bu Qtair

If you’ve lived in Dubai for a while, you’ve probably heard of Bu Qtair. This hidden gem has become a bustling hotspot thanks to word of mouth, serving the freshest seafood around from a small shack opposite the fishermen’s sleeping quarters in Umm Suqeim. Attracting large groups of friends and families, the cafeteria allows diners to choose their own fish from the day’s catch and get it cooked right there and then.

Price: Around AED 40 to AED 100 per fish, depending on the size and weight

Location: Fishing Harbour 2, Umm Suqeim

insydo tip: Serving the freshest catch-of-the-day for over 20 years, this place tends to get busy real quick. Be sure to come early as once the day’s catch is gone, it’s gone.

3. Aprons & Hammers

Voted by the people, Aprons & Hammers is an award-winning seafood restaurant that allows guests to dine on board or by the beach. Walk the jetty next to Mina Seyahi and enjoy a seafood feast on the waters, or eat along the shoreline at The Beach in JBR. Serving up fresh fish dishes, infused with unique flavours, the diners can do their aprons and pick up their hammers for some DIY foodie fun.

Price: Around AED 48 to AED 78 for fish dishes

Location: Multiple locations but we’re loving JBR

insydo tip: The portions here are huge so bring your appetite! The seafood seaside platter is a great option if you’re dining with a group.

4. Fish Hut Restaurant

Combining a healthy mix of fresh fish and seafood dishes, Fish Hut Restaurant is one of Dubai’s hidden foodie gems. Select your fish and then choose exactly how you’d like it to be cooked – grilled, charcoal, Thava fry, boiled – the choice is yours. From the seasonal King Fish and Hammour to Tiger Prawns and Sherry fish, the options are endless.

Price: Around AED 100 to AED 130 per kg for the Hammour Grouper

Location: Multiple locations but we’re fans of Oud Metha

insydo tip: To really taste their flavours, check out the ‘Fifty-Fifty‘ dish where you can taste your chosen fish in 2 different types of marination.

5. Peppercrab Dubai

A taste of Singapore served right on our doorstep, Peppercrab Dubai is a Pan-Asian seafood restaurant that serves up tasty crustaceans fresh out the tank. Known for their famed Mud Crab and indulgent menu that showcases Malay, Chinese and Indian specialties, it’s a gourmet joint with a distinctively laid-back atmosphere. The eatery features a gorgeous outdoor terrace surrounded by lush vegetation, while wooden pagoda ceilings and bamboo highlights give the space an authentically Asian feel.

Price: Around AED 130 (for four people) for King Prawns

Location: Grand Hyatt Dubai, Umm Hurair

insydo tip: Experience the family-friendly Makan San Brunch on Fridays, featuring a host of seafood options alongside heavenly desserts!