Dubai, a city known for pushing the boundaries of luxury and innovation, offers an extraordinary dining experience that goes beyond imagination—subaquatic restaurants. Nestled within some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, these underwater dining establishments allow you to savor gourmet cuisine while surrounded by the mesmerizing beauty of the ocean.
In this extensive guide, we’ll immerse ourselves in the world of underwater dining in Dubai. From dining in the company of sharks to sipping cocktails beneath the sea, each restaurant offers a unique and surreal culinary adventure.
1. Ossiano: Atlantis, The Palm’s Aquatic Wonder
Location: Atlantis, The Palm, The Palm Jumeirah
Our journey begins at Ossiano, an enchanting underwater restaurant located within the luxurious Atlantis, The Palm resort. The restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling glass windows offer a breathtaking view of the Ambassador Lagoon, a massive aquarium teeming with a kaleidoscope of marine life.
Dish Highlight: Ossiano’s signature “Imperial Caviar” with golden leaves.
2. Al Mahara: A Journey into the Ocean’s Depths
Location: Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, Jumeirah Beach
Al Mahara, translated as “The Oyster Shell,” takes you on a journey to the depths of the ocean. This elegant restaurant, housed within the iconic Burj Al Arab, is renowned for its exquisite seafood menu and immersive dining experience. A stunning aquarium encircles the dining area, creating the illusion of dining beneath the sea.
Dish Highlight: Alaskan King Crab served with saffron risotto.
3. Nathan Outlaw at Al Mahara: Michelin Star Dining Below Sea Level
Location: Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, Jumeirah Beach
Within Al Mahara, you’ll find a Michelin-starred gem—Nathan Outlaw at Al Mahara. Chef Nathan Outlaw’s culinary prowess shines with a menu that celebrates the finest seafood. The immersive underwater setting adds an extra layer of enchantment to this dining experience.
Dish Highlight: Nathan Outlaw’s famous Lobster Risotto.
4. The Cargo Hold: Dining with Sharks at Dubai Aquarium
Location: Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, The Dubai Mall
The Cargo Hold, situated within the Dubai Aquarium, offers a unique twist on underwater dining. While you enjoy your meal, you’ll be surrounded by the wonders of the ocean, including the incredible sight of sharks gracefully gliding by.
Dish Highlight: Signature Seafood Platter with lobster, prawns, and oysters.
5. Aquarium at the Burj Al Arab: An Underwater Oasis
Location: Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, Jumeirah Beach
The Burj Al Arab, often regarded as the world’s most luxurious hotel, is home to another spectacular underwater dining experience. The Aquarium restaurant features floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing a vibrant marine ecosystem, creating a serene underwater oasis.
Dish Highlight: The Chef’s Signature Tasting Menu.
6. Pearl Lounge: A Unique Underwater Lounge Experience
Location: The Atlantis, The Palm, The Palm Jumeirah
Pearl Lounge, an adjacent concept to Ossiano, offers a unique underwater lounge experience. This chic venue allows you to enjoy light bites and cocktails in a relaxed setting with stunning views of the Ambassador Lagoon.
Signature Drink: The “Pearl Martini.”
7. The Future of Subaquatic Dining
Dubai’s fascination with underwater dining is not confined to the present. The city is constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation, with plans for even more ambitious subaquatic dining experiences in the future. Keep an eye out for upcoming underwater projects that promise to take this extraordinary dining concept to new heights—or depths.
8. Beyond Restaurants: Dubai’s Marine Attractions
Dubai’s love for the underwater world extends beyond dining. Explore the city’s other marine attractions, such as The Lost Chambers Aquarium at Atlantis, The Palm, or embark on a scuba diving adventure to discover the rich biodiversity of the Arabian Gulf.
Dubai’s subaquatic restaurants are a testament to the city’s commitment to redefining luxury and creating dining experiences that are nothing short of magical. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in the extraordinary, these underwater establishments offer a culinary journey like no other. As Dubai continues to innovate and explore new frontiers in dining, we can only imagine what wonders await beneath the sea.