Summer vibes in Dubai and Abu Dhabi: Top dining spots, chilled beaches and seasonal menus

Explore seaside sips, curated drinks, Caribbean brunches and icy desserts in the UAE

Last updated: July 16, 2025 | 18:17

Manuel Almario, Senior News Editor

5 MIN READ

Top dining spots this summer in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

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Gulf News

Dubai: As the mercury rises across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the region’s top hotels and restaurants are serving up refreshing escapes—from luxe beverages and chilled mimosas to indulgent desserts and vibrant brunch experiences. Whether you’re lounging by the beach, unwinding midweek, or celebrating the weekend, this curated guide covers all the must-visit summer hotspots.

1. Courtyard, Vida Creek Harbour (Dubai)

Slide into midweek mischief with five signature bubbly, each crafted to match the laid-back vibes of the Courtyard. Expect playful creations like citrus-fresh spritzers, herb-infused concoctions, and bold spirit-forward blends. Light bites such as gourmet sliders and tuna poke bowls keep things easygoing yet elevated.

Available: Mon–Wed, 3–11pm

Call: +971 4 428 8888

2. Black Goose Beachside – Sheraton JBR (Dubai)

Enjoy happy-hour pricing on a curated menu of seaside sippers—think classic mojitos, bubbly drinks and frozen margaritas—paired with casual bar snacks like tempura prawns, nachos, and flatbreads. Ideal for cooling off with friends as the waves lap beside you.

Available: Daily, 12:30–8pm

3. Bliss Lounge Sunset Mimosas – Sheraton JBR (Dubai)

Toast to the sunset with Buy One, Get One mimosas—classic or fruit-flavored—while soaking in panoramic sea views and mellow DJ tracks. Perfect for couples or as an intimate pre-dinner ritual.

Available: Daily (sunset)

Call: +971 50 455 6765

4. Aloft Aloha Beach Saturdays – Aloft Palm Jumeirah (Dubai)

Turn Saturdays into a sun-soaked party: enjoy live bands and resident DJs, beach games like cornhole and volleyball, and water sports like paddleboards and kayaks. Drinks range from frozen daiquiris to craft beverages, and snacks include sliders, fish tacos, and acai bowls—all with free entry.

Available: Saturdays from 4pm

Call: +971 52 609 3371

5. GAIA Summer Table – DIFC, Dubai

Mediterranean summer on a plate with botanical drinks:

Dishes: tomato salad, artichoke-zucchini pasta, lemon chicken with parsley salad with curated drinks.

Available: July and August, daily 12–6.30pm
Call: +971 4 241 4242

6. Arrogante, near Dubai Opera

Step into an elegant midday escape with a curated Italian menu and rosé pairings:

Starters: heirloom tomato and ricotta salad, salmon carpaccio
Mains: lemon-infused tagliatelle, ricotta mushroom ravioloni, seafood dorada
Dessert: semifreddo al caffè or seasonal fruit sorbet
Complimentary mocktail—pure la dolce vita.

Available: Business Lunch
Call: +971 4 570 3653

7. BRIX Café, Jumeirah Fishing Harbour (Dubai)

Escape the heat in a winter-wonderland setting featuring:

Desserts: coconut nitro snow with strawberry-lychee core, “Chocolate On The Rocks,” airy truffle mousse
Drinks: cold brew with date syrup, bottled hibiscus-grapefruit spritz, iced hot chocolate with tropical flair
Experiences menu: a curated trio of drink, savoury bite, and dessert for mid-afternoon indulgence.
Available: Daily, 7am–11.30pm
Call: +971 54 515 7861

8. Third Avenue Summer Menu – Dubai Mall, Fashion Avenue

Street-style meets gourmet comfort with standout dishes and drinks:

Starters: garlic sourdough focaccia, salt-water calamari
Mains: Tokyo rice bowl (truffle and burrata), brisket-based Blaze Brisket, Wagyu Lasagna Royale
Desserts: golden kunafa swirl, dulce de leche French toast
Drinks: Tokyo Banana Bliss (matcha banana shake), Bluegold Colada, Pearl of the Garden (pear-basil refresher), Wasabi Spark.

Open now
Call: +971 4 388 2622

9. Bijou Patisserie, Sofitel The Obelisk

Floral Saffron Croissant from the La Haute Croissanterie Blossoms collection. A seasonal masterpiece of French and Middle Eastern flavors:

Croissant: layered with date sponge, orange marmalade, crowned with saffron crème brûlée

Pairing: boutique coffees and herbal teas—perfect for an elegant afternoon moment.

Available: Until August 31

Call: +971 4 281 4111

10. 24th St. Breakfast Revival – Dusit Thani Dubai

A global, sustainable buffet with live-station cooking:

Stations: Arabic, Indian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Chinese
Highlights: house-infused honey, UAE gravlax cured with loomi, Thai vegetarian corner
Bakery: breads from imported French flour, granola and flavored yogurts.

Available: Mon–Fri 6.30–10.30am; Sat–Sun 6.30–11am
Call: +971 4 317 4515

11. Ting Irie – Mamsha Al Saadiyat (Abu Dhabi)

Caribbean vibes indoors, cool and vibrant

JamRock Brunch (Saturdays, 2–6pm): hearty dishes like jerk chicken, oxtail and beans, ackee and saltfish; complemented by reggae beats and bottomless drinks.
Island Catch Tuesdays (6pm–midnight): Caribbean-style seafood—lobster rolls, seabass rundown, lobster ravioli—paired with selected beverages.

12. Ladurée
The macaron icon goes savory across UAE locations with a refined all-day menu. Think Eggs Florentine with cheddar béchamel, citrusy omelettes, sesame shrimp rolls, and elegant blinis with salmon or caviar. Sandwich stars include the Lobster Roll with lemongrass and a truffle-laced Gourmet Burger. Finish with macaron-inspired milkshakes or Pistachio Crème Brûlée—pure Ladurée luxury.

13. Rosé Reverie at Al Jaddaf Rotana
From now through September, the Team Room hosts Rosé Reverie, a floral-themed afternoon tea created with Elizabeth Arden. Expect rose-infused macarons, berry-glazed tarts, and refined savouries—all in a dreamy pink setting. Available daily from 12pm to 9pm.

Also Read: From unlimited coffee to skyline views: Your guide to Dubai's coolest remote work spots this summer

Make sure you're keeping updated with Summer Vibes in collaboration with Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS), so you don't miss out on any of the incredible fun happening across the UAE in July and August. Schools are closed, temperatures are soaring, but don’t sweat it — we’ve got you covered. Just click here to find out more and keep checking back for more info on events, deals and offers. We're also providing plenty of hints and tips for staying safe and cool as we make this a summer to remember.

Manuel AlmarioSenior News Editor

Manuel has been with Gulf News for 24 years, currently serving as a Senior News Editor and a vital member of the team. From managing social media platforms and crafting viral content to shooting and editing videos on various topics such as weather, gold prices, and traffic updates, Manuel ensures news is not just timely but engaging. He also moderates reader comments and keeps the digital space respectful and impactful. Formerly the Community Editor for the Readers section, Manuel helped residents resolve issues with banks, telecom providers, utilities, and government agencies—giving people a voice and driving accountability. “I’m proud that, with the cooperation of companies, I was able to help people get the answers they needed,” he says. Beyond the newsroom, Manuel is driven by a passion for human interest stories—amplifying voices that often go unheard. “From rags-to-riches journeys to the quiet resilience of people with special needs, I believe these stories restore hope in humanity,” he added. “In every story I tell,” Manuel says, “my goal is simple: to inspire hearts, inform minds, and make a real difference in people’s lives. Whether it’s a viral video, a quiet act of resilience, or a voice that needs to be heard, I believe every story has the power to connect us—and sometimes, even change us.” Manuel’s impact goes far beyond the newsroom—he’s been honored as one of the 300 most influential Filipinos in the Gulf Legacy Edition 2020 by Illustrado. His dedication to telling powerful stories, along with his influence in community, culture, and human interest, has earned him a well-deserved place on this prestigious list.