One of life’s pleasures is dining with your nearest and dearest al fresco.

And it’s time to make the most of outdoor restaurants in Dubai before the weather gets too hot to handle.

According to UAE’s National Centre of Meteorology, we should be seeing a shift in weather patterns with temperatures potentially reaching the 40-degree Celsius mark.

This means that the UAE is transitioning from spring to summer.

Luckily for us, many restaurants across the city still have their terraces ready to welcome those stopping by for outdoor dining.

Whether you want to get a dose of vitamin D with your first meal of the day, somewhere sunny for lunch with a view or dinner under the stars, here are 40 restaurants that you can enjoy before it gets too hot to bear.

Looking for stunning outdoor bars in Dubai? Click here.

ALAYA

DIFC restaurant ALAYA, a Mediterranean restaurant with Middle Eastern influences from Chef Izu Ani, has not one, but two outdoor terraces to choose from this winter. Azhar features marble tables, and lush foliage and Saraya Terrace, with its open-air design and art deco furniture, seamlessly connects to the main dining room through elegant bifold doors.

Daily noon-3.45pm, 7pm-11.30pm. Alaya, DIFC. alaya-dubai.com (04 570 6289).

Alizée Restaurant

Overlooking Banyan Tree Dubai’s lawns, Alizée is a modern Mediterranean with a Southern French touch. Alizée’s menu focuses on fresh ingredients and rustic presentations, so expect seafood towers, pasta dishes, grills and bites straight from the wood-fired oven. It’s all about the outdoor vibes here, so pool passes are available from Dhs250 on weekdays with Dhs125 of that redeemable.

Dhs250 (with Dhs125 redeemable on weekdays), Dhs350 (with Dhs175 redeemable on weekends). Daily from 7am-11pm. Banyan Tree Dubai, Bluewaters Dubai (04 556 6466).

Alusia

This charming lakeside restaurant combines all the best elements of Levantine and Andalusian cuisine together. Both regions make use of citrus, tomatoes and garlic in many dishes which makes it a more natural marriage than first thought. Middle Eastern design elements with a Spanish influence can be found in the venue’s décor. The venue comes from the same people behind the popular Canary Club and Brunch & Cake spots in Dubai.

Daily from 10am-1am (during Ramadan), 8am-midnight (after Ramadan). Jumeirah Islands Pavillion, JLT. (04 421 2272). alusia.ae.

Amaseena

Located on the lawns of the Ritz Carlton Dubai al fresco restaurant Amaseena has a brand new look. Offering up superb food in a picturesque setting, this gorgeous beachside restaurant features a more understated design with a desert-inspired colour palette. At the arabesque space, you’ll get a buffet-style dining experience featuring kebabs, hearty stews, rice, and salads that showcase Middle Eastern flavours. There’s also an à la carte menu that complements the experience with a selection of mezze and light bites.

Tue-Sun 6pm-11pm. Ritz Carlton Dubai, JBR (04 318 6150).

Anása

Fancy Greek cuisine? Then you’ll be happy to hear that al fresco restaurant Anása, located on Level 6 at Conrad Dubai, is back open and serving up its Mediterranean menu. Overlooking a beautiful swimming pool surrounded by palm trees, outside dining doesn’t get better than this.

Daily 7pm-1am. Conrad Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road (04 444 7040).

Atrangi

The journey to Atrangi comes with an abra ride through Madinat Jumeirah’s waterways, and while many seasoned Dubai residents have been there and done that, it’ll still manage to make you pull your phone out. The restaurant definitely takes advantage of its waterfront location, with floor-to-ceiling windows and a vast terrace that overlooks the Jumeirah Al Qasr lagoons. The menu draws inspiration from various regions and communities of India, showcasing dishes commonly enjoyed in homes, streets, and those resurrected from age-old practices.

Daily noon-3pm, 7pm-12.30pm. Jumeirah Al Qasr Hotel (800 323 232).

Basko

Boasting a stunning view of the towering Burj Khalifa, a pumping vibe and Instagrammable interiors, Basko is a guaranteed lively night out. The venue, which opened at the start of 2022 is still a hot spot until this day. It offers an eclectic selection of food and cool mixed drinks served at the outdoor bar.

Sun-Thu noon-1am, Fri-Sat noon-2am. The Opus by Omniat, Business Bay (04 582 4242).

Bungalo34

Bungalo34 was the first beachside dining concept from the Tashas Group. Located on Pearl Jumeira Island, below the residences at Nikki Beach, it’s a sophisticated spot that offers a throwback to the effortless glamour of a bygone era. The menu features dishes such as Greek scrambled eggs, roasted peppers, feta and crushed tomatoes. Other classics include a lobster benedict, a three-cheese soufflé omelette and more. The terrace also features wood-fired pizzettes, baked on the spot and topped with truffle, artichokes or stracciatella.

Mon-Fri noon-midnight, Sat-Sun 9am-midnight. Pearl Jumeira Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai (04 238 1780).

Bussola Mare

Bussola Mare at The Westin is where late lunches become early dinners, and where drink meetings continue beyond the sunset. Expect a chilled-out lounge in front of Bussola restaurant’s terrace, so even more space to enjoy the Italian vibes this long-standing venue is known for.
Daily from noon-3pm and 6pm-11pm. The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi, Al Sufouh (04 511 7373).

carine

Dishes such as lobster linguine, harissa prawns and citrusy tuna carpaccio are best when eaten alfresco, and you can now dine on these at Emirates Golf Club’s carine’s outdoor terrace which has reopened for winter. Soak in views of the green as you delve into plates of French cuisine. C’est beau.

Mon – Fri noon-2.45pm, 7-10.30pm, Sat-Sun 9am-3.15pm, 7-11.30pm. Emirates Golf Club, Sheikh Zayed Road. carine.ae (04 417 9999).

CÉ LA VI

One of the most instantly recognisable set-ups in the city, this sky-high restaurant and bar has an amazing terrace. Not only is there that much-snapped swing (perfect for the Gram), there is also a bird’s eye view of Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai, from this bar’s vantage point on the 54th level of Address Sky View. Expect pan-Asian bites, as well as master mixologists and entertainment, plus loads of weekly events and fun. What are you waiting for?
Daily 6pm-3am (night lounge) Address Sky View, Downtown Dubai (056 515 4001).

Chez Wam

One of the first restaurants to open at the St. Regis Gardens, Chez Wam has a terrace that’s absolutely lush. The restaurant helmed by chef Hadrien Villedieu is named after the French slang phrase for “Chez Moi”, which means “At Mine”. The venue is inspired by the idea of being invited to a friend’s house for lunch or dinner. And the atmosphere is just as cool as you’d imagine. The dishes on the menu are inspired by Paris, Tokyo, Morocco and more. It’s less fine-dining and more ‘fun-dining’. Exactly what we need.

Tue-Sun 6pm-2am.The St. Regis Gardens, Nakheel Mall (04 410 6707).

CLAP Dubai

Japanese restaurant CLAP Dubai has reopened its open-air terrace. A space that offers breathtaking views of the city’s skyline and an open kitchen, your eyes are in for a treat. The venue has three spaces – a restaurant, bar, and terrace, plus a hidden speakeasy, Ongaku. You can start off with sundowners, stay for dinner then party into the early hours.

Mon- Wed noon-2am, Thu-Fri noon-3am, Sat-Sun 1pm-3am. Gate Village 11, DIFC, claprestaurant.com (04 569 3820).

Derwandi

Named after an iconic Lebanese character El Derwandi from the 1970s, Derwandi Dubai promises to make you feel like you’re on the streets in Beirut, but you’ll be staring right at the Burj Khalifa if you dine on the rooftop. Take advantage of the great weather with an early brekky, late lunch, or tea and shisha after dinner. Expect dishes like labneh Derwandi, freeket el ezz salad, hummus Derwandi, and shawarma to name a few. There’s also a large communal platter, sayniyet Derwandi, which a group can share. Mains include all our favourites like warak enab with koussa, mixed frills, fatteh and much more.

Sun-Thu 8am-1am, Fri-Sat 8am-2am. Al Wasl Road, Jumeriah 2 (058 853 963).

Eugène Eugène

Located inside Kempinski Mall of the Emirates, this magical garden-inspired venue draws inspiration from greenhouses and market halls in France. Eugène Eugène is a literal sanctuary in the heart of one of the busiest neighbourhoods in Dubai. The modern brasserie offers a cool, but relaxed atmosphere, whether you’re sipping on coffee during the day or having a pre-dinner drink. At the heart of Eugène Eugène’s style is a creative menu that’s been conceived by chef Gilles Bosquet, along with head chef Yannis Sgard, who are behind some of Dubai’s top restaurants. Dishes on the menu include vanilla tomato tartare, truffle artichoke spinach salad, crozets a la truffle, sea bream a la plancha, as well as veal and tuna tartare.

Daily from noon-midnight. Second floor, Kempinski Mall of the Emirates @eugeneeugenedubai (04 379 8963).

Flamingo Room by tashas

Flamingo Room by tashas is one of the prettiest spots on this list and this is your last chance to catch dining on the outdoor terrace that boasts a backdrop of the beautiful turtle lagoon located in Jumeirah Al Naseem. With a menu of South African cum Medditeranean food with a modern twist, you can enjoy a lazy lunch or super special dinner.

Daily from noon-4pm and 7pm-1am. Jumeirah Al Naseem, Umm Suqqeim (04 244 7278).

Garden of Dream

Garden of Dream has reopened its terrace. This outdoor oasis is a good spot for bites and beverages and even shows live sports. Party people will be pleased to hear that the venue’s resident DJ takes to the decks every Tuesday through Saturday, starting at 10.30pm.

Tue-Sun 7pm-3am. Address Beach Resort, JBR (055 123 6695).

Hidemasa

This restaurant created by Chef Hidemasa Yamamoto is back serving alfresco meals as its terrace is back open. Dine on Japanese fare in this outside oasis that is filled with greenery. There are even sunken seats which make for a special dining experience.

Noon-3pm, 7pm-midnight. Al Fattan Currency House, Trade Centre, DIFC (04 250 9459).

Hutong

DIFC’s Hutong’s terrace and bar have some insane views of the Museum of the Future and Jumeirah Emirates Towers. It’s perfect for a pre-drinks rendez-vous and a tasty bite to eat. The best part is, Hutong’s resident DJ will be on deck every night playing deep house music for you to enjoy.

Daily from 12.30pm-3.30pm and 6pm-2.30am. Gate Building 6, DIFC Dubai (04 220 0868).

Ibn AlBahr at the Creek

Sailing straight from its palm-fringed outpost in Club Vista Mare, the ‘fishermen-owned’ restaurant now has s second home featuring a huge alfresco terrace. Go for lunch to enjoy fab daytime views and stay until the sunset for a totally golden experience. You’ll get panoramic views of the Creek, the city skyline, and the surrounding golf course. Pair the views with their Time Out Dubai award-winning seafood and house beverages and it’s the perfect day out.

Daily from noon-3am to. Dubai Creek, Deira (04 553 9575).

Isola Ristorante

Isola Ristorante is a wonderful spot to enjoy an outdoor breakfast, lunch or dinner. With gorgeous views of the Jumeirah Islands lake, this one is definitely high on our list of outdoor spots to visit.
Mon-Thu noon-11pm, Fri-Sun 8am-11pm. Jumeirah Islands Clubhouse, Jumeirah Islands (04 583 3124).

La Maison Ani

Want to see Dubai Mall Fountains dance as you dine? Then La Maison Ani’s reopened terrace is just the ticket. The French-Mediterranean brasserie’s outdoor space filled with lush greenery makes for an idyllic setting. Plus, it serves food all day. Hello, cute breekie spot.

Open daily 9.30am-11.30pm, ground floor Dubai Mall Fashion Avenue (044 561 989).

L’amo Bistro Del Mare

Found in Dubai Harbour Yacht Club, upscale Italian seafood restaurant L’amo Bistro Del Mare has reopened its terrace. This sophisticated venue is a fantastic vantage point for golden hour.

Mon-Thu noon-3pm, 6-11.30pm, Fri-Sun noon-11.30pm. Dubai Harbour, Dubai Marina lamorestaurant.com.

La Cantine du Faubourg

A long-time favourite on the DIFC dining scene, we think La Cantine du Faubourg has one of the sleekest terraces in the city with its very dramatic backdrop of the Dubai Skyline. Serving French food with a twist, its award-winning chef Giles Bosquet has expertly created a menu with mouth-watering dishes.
Mon-Thu noon-2am, Fri noon-3am, Sat noon-5pm, 7pm-3am, Sun noon-5pm, 7pm-2am. Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Sheikh Zayed Road (04 352 7105).

Limonata by Lucia’s

Beachclub dining is literally all the rage these days. Limonata at Club Vista Mare on Palm Jumeirah is inspired by 1960s Italy. The beach restaurant is decorated with sunny yellows and bursts of orange. The lemon trees, inspired by the Amalfi coast, will also look amazing on the Gram. Featuring a full Italian menu, a bar and stunning interiors, Limonata is located right on the beach so expect to dine with your toes in the sand.

Daily from noon-2am. Club Vista Mare, Palm Jumeirah @limonatadubai (058 140 5777).

Ling Ling

Ling Ling Dubai is located on the 22^nd and 23^rd floors of Atlantis The Royal has a beautiful terrace that is back open. With a vantage point that overlooks the resort’s expansive Skypool, Cloud 22 and panoramic views of Dubai’s glittering skyline and Arabian Gulf it’s truly magical.

Daily 6pm-1am. Atlantis The Royal, Palm Jumeirah, linglingdubai.com.

Lucia’s

Capri-inspired restaurant Lucia’s terrace is back. Overlooking Burj Khalifa, this outdoor garden is decked out in foliage and colourful decor. This is a place where you can really embrace the la dolce vita lifestyle.

Sun-Thu 7pm-3am, Sat 1.30-5pm, 7.30pm-3am. Address Sky View, Downtown Dubai (04 422 4321).

Maison de la Plage

Chef Izu Ani, the man behind GAIA and carine has expanded his La Maison Ani brand by launching Maison de la Plage, a beachside destination featuring comfy sun beds, a pool and a cool beachy restaurant. The space is meant to resemble the sun-drenched shores of the Côte d’Azur and at the heart of the venue is the beach house and the market, which is a call-back to Ani’s lucky encounter with his wife in a market in France. The beach-style restaurant serves up artisanal bread, fruits de mer, and fresh produce, paying homage to the Mediterranean and its flavours. Signature dishes of the new restaurant include salade Niçoise, snails with butter and anchovies and (of course) lobster linguine.

Daily 10am-2am. West Beach, Palm Jumeirah. @‌maisondelaplage.

Ninive

The tree-lined terrace and bedouin-inspired seating create a city-centre majlis perfect for an Arabic feast in the shadows of the iconic Sheikh Zayed Road skyline. Mixed drinks inspired by Middle Eastern flavours give you the chance to try something new while sampling dishes from Iraq to Morocco and Turkey.

Sun-Thu 6pm-2am, Fri-Sat 6pm-3am. Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Sheikh Zayed Road (04 266 105).

Nobu Dubai

Situated on the 22^nd floor of Atlantis, The Palm, Nobu Dubai’s outdoor terrace is back. The stunning restaurant and bar boasts breathtaking views of Palm Island and the Arabian Gulf. One that you’ll want to tick off your to-do list this winter in Dubai.

Mon-Thu 6pm-1am, Fri 12.30pm-3.30pm, 6pm-2am. Atlantis The Palm Dubai, Palm Jumeirah (04 426 2626).

Nuska

Looking for somewhere to while away an afternoon over lunch? Pretty beachside restaurant, Nuska Beach is it. Located at Jumeirah Beach Hotel, the alfresco-focused restaurant overlooks the Burj Al Arab. Spans of white sand and sea views give it a real holiday vibe. The chef serves a broad menu spanning Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, all from the grill. Using fresh, seasonal produce, you can order small or large plates to share. Plus, with a stellar mixed drinks menu and extensive grape list, it’s the ideal place to sip sundowners. What else do you need

Daily from 12.30pm to midnight. Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Umm Suqeim 3 (800 323232).

Paraíso Rooftop Club

The Paraíso Rooftop Club terrace at Amazonico is now open daily from 6pm until 3am. It’s a chic and sophisticated place that you can visit before dining at Amazonico, or after, as it gets livelier as the night draws in. There’s also a great view of the Museum of the Future.

Daily 6pm-3am. Gate Village 11, DIFC (04 571 3999).

SAL

Picking up the title of best outdoor restaurant for the second year in a row, this restaurant and beach club can be found at the exclusive Burj Al Arab Jumeirah – making it pure bucket list dining. A more casual, and affordable, option than other restaurants in the hotel, there’s even imported sand to give a beach club feel – even though you’re actually set out to sea on the famous hotel’s terrace. Look up to see the iconic sail-shaped building, and outwards to take in the views of the city and the vast expanse of ocean before you. Meaning ‘salt’ in Portuguese, the menu here has a Mediterranean seafood leaning, with the lobster pasta and prawns in tomato sauce top orders.

Daily 12.30pm-5.30pm and 7pm-10.30pm.. Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, Umm Suqeim, @‌sal_burjalarab (800 323 232).

Sal’s Bistro

Sal’s Bistro boasts the serene backdrop of the picturesque lake at Jumeirah Islands Pavilion and has opened its terrace for diners to enjoy. This French bistro concept offers a charming lakeside setting for you to enjoy fresh and healthy home-style cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Daily 9am-11.30pm. Pavillion, Jumeirah Islands, Jumeirah Heights (050 788 0222).

Tagomago

A newcomer to Dubai’s best beach bar scene, Tagomago is perfectly positioned out into the ocean on the Palm. Housed in what was formerly Il Faro, the lighthouse-shaped building is the ideal place for a Mediterranean meal overlooking the sea, while there’s a beach club with sunloungers, too. The bar serves up creative mixed drinks and a decent range of grape, making it an ideal spot for sunset drinks on a date or with friends. Coming from the team behind Twiggy by La Cantine and La Cantine du Faubourg, you can expect good things from this beautiful beach bar on Palm Jumeirah.

Daily 10am-sunset (beach and pool), midday-1am (restaurant). Azure Residences, Palm Jumeirah, tagomago.ae (04 832 6620).

The Nice Guy

Inspired by the same cosy aesthetic of The Nice Guy Dubai’s interiors that pay homage to the era of Mafia bars and restaurants in LA. The terrace offers a nice backdrop for a sunny lunch, post-work drinks, or a relaxed dinner under DIFC’s skyline

Sun-Tue 5pm-1am, Wed-Fri 5pm-3am, Sat noon-3am. Ground Floor, Emirates Towers Blvd. (04 276 9888).

Time Out Market Dubai

If you ask us, which restaurant has some of the best and most uninterrupted views of Burj Khalifa? We’ll tell you, it’s Time Out Market Dubai. There is a 3,000 sq ft terrace with views of Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Fountain. The terrace is open year-round even during summer. Order from 17 concessions and enjoy some of the best dishes in town with one of the best views in town. There’s also a sweeping outdoor terrace that wraps around the outside of the market serving up top-notch views of The Dubai Fountain and Burj Khalifa.

Dhs100 (1 dish and 1 pint). Mon-Thu noon-midnight, Fri noon-1am, Sat 10am-1am, Sun 10am-midnight, until Oct 31. Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai timeoutmarket.com/dubai.

Verde Beach

Verde Beach occupies some prime real estate, sitting pretty in front of the world-famous Burj Al Arab. Born on the golden sands of Saint Tropez, Verde Beach set up shop in Dubai in 2023, as a sister to late-night restaurant Verde in Jumeirah. Found at Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Verde is a pricey spot if you want to spend the day lazing on a lounger, but if you want to visit for a drink or a bite to eat, it’s worth splashing out to take in that view.
Daily 10am-midnight (beach closes 7pm). Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Umm Suqeim, verdebeach-dubai.com (04 228 5053).

Zeta Seventy Seven

Sit above Bluewaters, Palm Jumeirah and Ain Dubai at this adults-only rooftop restaurant and lounge on the 77^th floor of the Address Beach Resort. By day, take a seat by the stunning infinity pool and tuck into a menu of posh sarnies, snacks and poke bowls. At night, choose a private cabana and enjoy signatures such as oysters, wagyu sirloin and miso lobster. There is a minimum spend of Dhs477 per person for tables on the edge and inside the pool.

Daily from noon-4.30pm and 6pm-2am. Address Beach Resort, JBR (04 879 8866).

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