A new beachfront destination is coming to Dubai after summer.

J1 Beach is set to launch 13 licensed fine-dining concepts in the heart of Jumeirah 1 in September 2024.

A wide array of different cuisines will be available on the 500-metre strip when the shoreline venues open this year.

Want to know what to expect? Here’s everything we know that’s planned for J1 Beach.

African Queen

Opening for the first time outside of Europe, African Queen at J1 Beach will offer fine dining in a casual and relaxed atmosphere. Headed up by Chef Thierry Paludetto, expect traditional Mediterranean cuisine with an exotic twist. We’re told the menu will boast dishes like artichoke with vinaigrette and parmesan, salade niçoise prepared tableside with tuna belly, and filet au poivre.

The name and architecture of the concept will be inspired by the mythical film African Queen, a 1951 British-American adventure film starring Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn. For over 60 years, it has welcomed the world and soon it will land in Dubai.

Almayass by the Sea

Lebanese-Armenian fusion cuisine is what you’ll find at Almayass by the Sea. With branches in Abu Dhabi, Kuwait and Riyadh, fans of the brand will be able to dive into mezze-style dishes like manti, kabab karaz, kibeh karaz, sujuk flambe and warak enab with yoghurt when it opens at J1 Beach. First jumping onto the Beirut foodie scene in 1996, the restaurant is known for serving up generations-old recipes with modern flair that we can’t wait to try.

Bâoli

Bâoli, a destination offering contemporary Japanese cuisine with delicate new Asian flavours, will be part of the new openings at J1 Beach. With outposts in Miami, Cannes, and soon Dubai, jungle-themed Bâoli will be where sanctuary aesthetics meet a bold and grounded ambience.

Chouchou

Launching its first outpost worldwide at J1 Beach at La Mer, Chouchou will offer guests a beach and pool lounge. The club will feature a restaurant that serves upscale family-style French cuisine with a twist, while the beach house will be exclusive to members. The venue will also feature a living room, a rooftop terrace and its very own signature pool.

As for the food, Chouchou will offer signature dishes like the French seafood towers with oysters and caviar, salt-crusted chicken, fish, and romanesco, and sweet chouchou. Chouchou is the first concept and brand for the WithLove Hospitality group. A family group created with love for customers and great service. With four French founders boasting experience in both international hospitality and in Dubai, Chouchou is the first step to a larger vision of WithLove Hospitality group.

Gigi Rigolatto

Gigi Rigolatto is home to a restaurant with two terraces, a garden, a bar, a swimming pool, a kids’ circus and a wellness area. There will also be direct beach access. Gigi Rigolatto first opened in St Tropez in the summer of 2021 and served a menu inspired by Tuscany in a Mediterranean outdoor living space. The licensed venue will also offer sea views.

Gitano

Gitano was born in the tropical jungle of Mexico and has locations in Tulum, Miami, New York and soon Dubai when it opens at J1 Beach. Diners will be able to dive into elevated dinner and dancing experiences with the menu of Mexican cuisine. Spanish for gipsy, Gitano hopes to capture their essence and spirit with bohemian vibes.

INÁ

Described as a multi-sensory journey with African-inspired open-fire cooking in a cool ambience, INÁ is said to showcase the rich history of the content with a modern spin.

Kaimana

Kaimana, meaning ‘spirit of the ocean’ in Polynesian culture, will offer a dining experience inspired by Asian-Polynesian flavours. Think flame-broiled pulehu short ribs, served with fragrant furikake rice and tropical salmon salad, featuring pacific salmon, avocado, tomatoes, scallions and tangerine dressing. The destination will have its own private pool and beach, too.

La Baia

Hailing from Manhattan, La Baia will be an Italian restaurant inspired by the Amalfi Coast and its charming seaside towns. Its second global location, we’re told it will be an understated yet elegant space, with both indoor and al fresco dining featuring panoramic sea views in addition to sunbeds for days by the beach. The menu will celebrate seasonal flavours from both the seaside and the nearby coastal hills, with traces of culinary heritage. It will also demonstrate a dedication to Italian artisans, purveyors, and premium ingredients.

LÚNICO

LÚNICO will be an immersive journey into a world of Spanish-Mediterranean cuisine at J1 Beach. Billing itself as somewhere that will be a memorable night out, LÚNICO hopes to impress diners with its cuisine and live entertainment. Sounds like LÚNICO is planning to cement itself as a lively venue along the beach strip.

Mūn

Mūn, set in an authentic oriental beach garden, will be an ode to Asia and its refinement. Its menu will offer a selection of dishes to share and J1 Beach at La Mer will be home to Mūn’s first outpost in the UAE. It will also be its second one worldwide after Paris, France.

Sakhalin

Sakhalin will aim to showcase gastronomy as a form of art, as local and far Eastern products are combined with Mediterranean and Asian recipes and cooking techniques to create ‘MediterrAsian’ cuisine. The first time the restaurant has come to the region, the menu will be curated by executive chef, Alexey Kogay. It will have a beach view terrace and a fountain will be in the centre, with an illuminated roof installation crafted from shimmering light metal casts.

Along the shoreline, guests will be able to recline on beach chaises, making it a day-to-night venue. Sakhalin’s culinary delights feature signature dishes like the goldfish roll: golden nori, bluefin toro and akami, truffle, black caviar; and Sakhalin tiramisu.

Sirene by Gaia

Sirene by Gaia, developed by chef Izu Ani and Evgeny Kuzin is all set to bring the duo’s Dubai-based Greek-Mediterranean concept to the shore. The restaurant will offer an all-day luxurious beachside experience with a special menu designed by the culinary team. Aesthetics will be modern and there will be live entertainment and an exciting event schedule.

Opening September 2024. J1 Beach.