From beachfront lounges to garden hideaways, discover Dubai’s most scenic spots for al-fresco dining this season.
Dubai’s winter months are made for al-fresco dining: cooler evenings, softer light and the kind of outdoor vibes that turn a simple meal into an experience. From chic beach clubs on the Palm to leafy garden escapes in Al Barari and creekside terraces at Dubai Creek Resort, these seven restaurants combine great food with photogenic settings – perfect for a night out, a special occasion, or your next piece of content for the feed.
1. Bungalo34 (@bungalo34)
Set on Pearl Jumeira within Nikki Beach Resort & Spa, Bungalo34 brings a chic Mediterranean Riviera feel to Dubai with striped parasols, pastel tones and uninterrupted sea views. Guests can linger over long lunches or intimate dinners on the terrace while enjoying dishes like fresh seafood, handmade pastas and easygoing sharing plates – all with that “on holiday without leaving Dubai” energy.
Reviews consistently praise Bungalo34 for its stunning beachfront setting and “toes-in-the-sand” vibe, with many diners calling out the location as one of the best spots for al-fresco dining in the city. Service is generally described as warm and professional, and while prices sit on the higher side, most guests feel the overall experience – from the setting to the food and atmosphere – justifies the spend.
2. The Farm Restaurant, Al Barari (@thefarm_dubai)
The Farm in Al Barari is a lush green escape from the city, surrounded by lakes, waterways and dense planting that make it feel more like a resort than a restaurant. Its open decks and glass pavilions spill out into nature, serving a broad menu of international and Asian-inspired dishes, breakfasts, and wholesome lunches – ideal for slow weekend mornings or relaxed midweek catch-ups.
Diners frequently highlight the ambiance as the main reason to return, with many describing it as one of Dubai’s most picturesque outdoor spots thanks to its greenery and tranquil lake views. Reviews note that prices can be slightly premium for the cuisine, and service can get stretched during busy weekends, but the combination of setting, generous portions and family-friendly atmosphere keeps it on many residents’ favourites list.
3. Gitano Dubai (@gitano.dubai)
Gitano Dubai brings modern Mexican cuisine and bohemian beach-club energy to J1 Beach in Jumeirah 1. With jungly landscaping, candlelit pathways, and a beachfront deck that looks straight out of Tulum, it’s designed for long evenings of tacos, ceviche and mezcal cocktails under the stars – ideal for groups, celebrations and content-heavy nights out.
Reviews are overwhelmingly positive about the atmosphere, with guests loving the immersive décor, music and beachfront setting that together create a “mini getaway” feeling. Food and drinks – especially guacamole, tacos and margaritas – get strong praise for flavour and presentation, though some guests mention that service can slow down during peak hours. Overall, it’s widely recommended as a high-energy, photogenic night-spot rather than a quiet dinner venue.
4. Twiggy by La Cantine (@twiggydubai)
Overlooking a 100-metre infinity lagoon at Park Hyatt Dubai, Twiggy by La Cantine channels a Riviera beach-club aesthetic with pale woods, white loungers and a Mediterranean-inspired menu. There’s a strong focus on leisurely outdoor lunches, sundowners and late-afternoon bites, with a mix of Mediterranean dishes and a dedicated sushi selection to keep things light and shareable.
Guests regularly rave about Twiggy’s setting – from the lagoon and Dubai Creek views to the overall design – calling it one of Dubai’s most stylish daytime and sunset spots. Reviews highlight the relaxed-yet-upscale vibe, good cocktail list and poolside ambience; some visitors do note that vegetarian options are more limited and that it’s firmly on the pricier side, but most agree the visuals and atmosphere make it worth it, especially for special days out.
5. SAL at Burj Al Arab (@sal_burjalarab)
SAL is the Burj Al Arab’s chic beach club and restaurant, seemingly floating over the Arabian Gulf with an elevated terrace, shimmering pools and front-row views of Dubai’s most famous hotel. The menu leans Mediterranean, with a focus on fresh seafood, refined pastas and beautifully plated dishes that match the polished, all-white aesthetic of the space.
Reviews highlight SAL as a “special occasion” venue, with many guests praising the dramatic setting, attentive service and high-quality cooking as standout elements. The ambience – particularly at sunset and in the evenings – is described as luxurious but relaxed rather than stiff, and while it’s undeniably pricey, most diners report that the overall experience delivers on the Burj Al Arab’s reputation for indulgence.
6. The Beach House, Anantara The Palm (@thebeachhousedubai)
Sitting right on the shoreline at Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort, The Beach House serves Mediterranean-inspired plates, pizzas and sharing dishes with wide-open views of the water and skyline. Guests can choose a table on the outdoor deck or right at the edge of the sand, making it a strong pick for relaxed sunset dinners, romantic dates or long, lazy lunches by the sea.
Reviews for The Beach House highlight the unbeatable location and chilled atmosphere, with many regulars calling it their go-to sundowner spot on the Palm. Service is generally praised as friendly and accommodating, and while it can get busy – which sometimes slows things down – most diners feel the combination of views, live entertainment elements (like occasional fire shows) and solid food make it a reliable option for a beachy night out.
7. NOÉPE, Park Hyatt Dubai (@noepedxb)
NOÉPE is tucked into the marina-side promenade at Park Hyatt Dubai, offering a breezy open-air terrace with panoramic views over the creek. Inspired by New England coastal style with a Dubai twist, it serves light international and seafood-led dishes alongside creative cocktails, making it an ideal choice for a relaxed evening by the water or a pre-/post-dinner drink stop within the resort.
Feedback on NOÉPE often highlights its ambience as a major plus: guests love the waterfront setting, especially in cooler months when you can sit outside and watch the boats and skyline. Food and drinks receive plenty of compliments, particularly the cocktails, though some reviewers mention that service can occasionally be slow when it’s busy. Overall, it’s regularly recommended as a chilled, romantic spot with “between city and sea” vibes rather than a loud party venue.
Together, these seven restaurants showcase the best of Dubai’s outdoor dining scene this winter, covering everything from barefoot-luxury beach clubs and Riviera-style lagoons to garden hideaways and creekside terraces. Whether your readers are after a high-energy night with music and mezcal, a laid-back family lunch in the greenery, or a special-occasion dinner under the stars, there’s a setting here to match – and plenty of Instagram-worthy moments waiting at every table.
