A new beachfront destination is set to make waves in Dubai very soon. J1 Beach Dubai is gearing up to unveil 13 licensed fine-dining concepts right in the heart of Jumeirah 1, with the highly anticipated first venue, Gigi Rigolatto, opening its doors on Monday, October 14, 2024. This vibrant 500-metre strip along the shoreline will offer a diverse array of cuisines when it officially launches this year. Curious about what’s on the horizon? Here’s everything you need to know about J1 Beach.
African Queen
Since its inception in 1969 in Beaulieu-sur-Mer on the glamorous French Riviera, African Queen has epitomized Mediterranean sophistication. Renowned for serving classic Riviera dishes, this restaurant has attracted an elite clientele, including global icons. The Dubai branch at J1 Beach quickly became a favored spot for diners, with notable sightings like Lindsay Lohan enjoying a meal with her husband. The venue boasts African-inspired décor, featuring striking leopard and zebra patterns. Menu highlights include French Riviera classics such as salad Niçoise and pissaladière pizza, alongside popular local favorites like burrata salad, lobster linguine, and indulgent truffle fries.
Hours: Mon-Thu 10am-midnight; Fri-Sun 10am-1am. Location: J1 Beach, Jumeirah 1. Website: africanqueen-restaurant.com/dubai. Phone: (052 778 0760).
Almayass by the Sea
With existing branches in Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, and Riyadh, Almayass now graces Dubai with its mezze-style offerings. Diners can indulge in exquisite dishes like manti, kabab karaz, kibbeh karaz, sujuk flambé, and warak enab with yogurt. Originating in Beirut in 1996, Almayass is celebrated for bringing generations-old recipes to life with a contemporary twist.
Hours: Open daily from 10am-2am. Location: J1 Beach, Jumeirah 1. Phone: (04 214 5999).
Bâoli
Famous for its vibrant atmosphere, the renowned Cannes hotspot Bâoli has landed in Dubai, offering a stunning beachfront location. The restaurant serves modern Japanese cuisine infused with fresh Asian flavors. With a jungle-themed design and “sanctuary aesthetics,” Bâoli is anything but tranquil, featuring upbeat music that keeps diners dancing with sparklers. For those in a festive mood, visiting on a weekend is a must.
Hours: Sun-Wed Noon-2am; Thu-Sat 10am-3am. Location: J1 Beach, Jumeirah 1. Website: baoli-restaurant.com. Phone: (04 558 6381).
Chouchou
Launching its first global location at J1 Beach, Chouchou is a members-only beach house presenting an upscale dining experience with family-style French cuisine. The exclusive beach house includes a cozy living room, a rooftop terrace, and its own signature pool. Chouchou seamlessly integrates into Dubai’s sophisticated French dining scene, featuring signature dishes like seafood towers adorned with oysters and caviar, salt-crusted chicken, and fish romanesco.
Hours: Open daily from 9am-2am. Location: J1 Beach, Jumeirah 1. Website: chouchoudxb.com. Phone: (052 818 3203).
Gigi Rigolatto
Gigi Rigolatto embodies the elegance of Italian culture, promising a lively atmosphere that appeals to both food enthusiasts and party-goers. Inspired by iconic locations such as Paris and Saint-Tropez, Gigi’s menu features classic Italian dishes, spotlighted by their ‘Bellini Bar’ offering traditional and modern variations of the beloved peach cocktail. With a capacity for 240 guests, the venue has 120 indoor seats and generous terrace space. Families are welcomed through the Gigi Circus, a kids’ club filled with engaging activities, and a concept store featuring over 40 international brands of beachwear and accessories.
Hours: Open daily from 10am-1am. Location: J1 Beach, La Mer. Website: gigi-restaurant.com/dubai. Phone: (04 558 2067).
Gitano
Inspired by Tulum, the Mexican-themed restaurant Gitano offers traditional dishes alongside a unique ‘Gypsy Disco’ experience. Founded by British-born chef James Gardner, Gitano showcases a modern jungle aesthetic, complete with vibrant neon signs and an iconic disco ball, reflecting its New York roots. Guests can expect a delightful menu featuring Latin American cuisine with a creative twist, set against the backdrop of the beach and stunning views of the Burj Khalifa.
Hours: Sun-Thu 11am-1am; Fri-Sat 11am-2am. Location: J1 Beach, Jumeirah 1. Website: gitano.com/dubai. Phone: (058 566 2320).
INA (coming soon)
J1 Beach is eagerly anticipating the arrival of INA, which means fire or flame in Nigerian Yoruba. This exciting new venue will feature Dubai’s largest open-flame grill, serving high-quality fish, meat, vegetables, and grains right before guests’ eyes. INA is designed to create an energetic atmosphere where guests can dine, socialize, and dance late into the night, with lighting and floor plans encouraging movement and interaction.
Kaimana Beach
Kaimana Beach offers a Polynesian-inspired escape, brought to life by chef Michael Collantes, who has deep roots in Hawaii. The menu features a delightful blend of Asian-Polynesian flavors with dishes like braised beef cheek loco moco and pulpo anticuchero. While the pool area caters exclusively to adults, families are welcome to enjoy the beach facilities, ensuring a perfect outing for everyone. Additionally, Kaimana Beach is one of the few spots at J1 Beach where sunbed prices are fully redeemable on food and drinks.
Hours: Open daily from 10am-1am. Location: J1 Beach, Jumeirah 1. Phone: (04 243 3555).
La Baia by the Beach
La Baia is a charming restaurant and beach club exuding an enchanting Italian vibe, complete with striped sunbeds and fresh lemons adorning the tables. The menu celebrates the flavors of Southern Italy, offering a range of Mediterranean seafood, artisanal pastas, stuffed zucchini flowers, and irresistible burrata creations. Guests can also indulge in sweet delights at an exclusive dessert room that showcases treats like tiramisu, Sicilian cannoli, and creamy gelato.
Hours: Open daily from 10am-1am. Location: J1 Beach, La Mer South. Website: labaia-dxb.com. Phone: (04 570 2482).
LÚNICO
Lúnico brings Spanish fine dining and a vibrant late-night bar experience to Dubai’s J1 Beach this autumn. Inspired by the moon’s phases and natural elements, Lúnico offers an immersive culinary experience, fusing exceptional Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine with a dynamic bar program and captivating music. Unique dishes like Ceviche Gallego, Galician Octopus, and Vieiras with Caviar showcase biodynamic ingredients influenced by lunar cycles. The venue features both indoor and outdoor seating with stunning sea views, LED visuals, and an atmospheric design that promises a transformative experience blending fine dining, culture, and entertainment.
Hours: Sun-Wed Noon-1am; Thu-Sat Noon-2am. Location: J1 Beach, Jumeirah 1. Website: lunicodubai.ae. Phone: (050 277 6503).
Ninive Beach Dubai
One of the first Middle Eastern-inspired beach clubs in Dubai, Ninive Beach has quickly become a highly sought-after destination at J1 Beach. Designed to reflect a breathtaking Moroccan majlis, this indoor/outdoor space features a turquoise tiled pool, rich earthy tones, and exquisite traditional textiles with a modern twist. In addition to delectable Lebanese, Iraqi, Turkish, and Moroccan cuisine, Ninive Beach offers pool and beach access, stylish sunbeds, and Moroccan-inspired cabanas. The venue also hosts exciting events and monthly DJ sets featuring global artists.
Hours: Open daily from 10am-2am. Location: J1 Beach, Jumeirah 1. Website: ninivebeach.ae. Phone: (04 498 4200).
Sakhalin
Created by the renowned Russian chef Vladimir Mukhin, Sakhalin is a beachfront gem inspired by Sakhalin Island, Russia’s largest island. The menu artfully combines Russian, Mediterranean, and Asian influences. Guests can expect a focus on seafood, with a variety of creative dishes crafted from top-quality ingredients. Located at J1 Beach, Sakhalin features stunning views of the Arabian Gulf, a beautiful terrace, and a captivating centerpiece fountain adorned with an illuminated roof installation made of shimmering light.
Hours: Open daily from 11am-midnight. Location: J1 Beach, Jumeirah 1. Website: sakhalin.rest. Phone: (04 495 1600).
Sirene Beach by GAIA
Sirene Beach, created by culinary talents Evgeny Kuzin and chef Izu Ani, expands from their original DIFC restaurant to this exciting beachfront project. The menu offers a rich selection of fresh seafood, seasonal vegetables, and classic cooking styles reminiscent of top-quality home cooking. For a truly indulgent experience, gather your friends and book a private cabana; the larger options accommodate up to eight guests, with some costs redeemable.
Hours: Sun-Thu 10am-1am; Fri-Sat 10am-2am. Location: J1 Beach, Jumeirah 1. Website: sirenebeach.com. Phone: (052 334 2787).
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